My First Tokyo Adventure: A Countryside Girl in the Big City
So, picture this: I’m a countryside girl who’s never been to Tokyo before, and I’m heading there with my friends for a live event. I was equal parts excited
and nervous—like, what if I got lost in the maze of Tokyo Station? Or worse, what if I accidentally bowed to a vending machine? (Hey, it could happen!) But let me tell you, Tokyo did not disappoint. Here are some spots that totally fit your criteria and made my trip unforgettable. —
1. Tokyo Station: More Than Just Trains
Okay, first things first—Tokyo Station is HUGE. Like, “I got lost three times before finding the exit” huge. But once I got my bearings, I discovered this gem called Tokyo Character Street. It’s a shopping area under the station, and it’s basically a paradise for anyone who loves anime, manga, or cute things. My friends and I spent way too much time (and money) at the Ghibli store, and I may or may not have bought a Totoro plushie that’s now taking up half my suitcase. There’s also KITTE Mall, which is right next to the station. It’s got this cool rooftop garden with an amazing view of the city. We grabbed some matcha soft serve (because, priorities) and just chilled there for a while. It’s the perfect spot to relax after navigating the chaos of the station. —
2. Haneda Airport: Not Just for Flying
I know what you’re thinking—why would I hang out at an airport if I’m not flying? But hear me out. Haneda Airport’s Edo Koji is this super cool area that recreates old Tokyo streets. It’s like stepping into a time machine, but with better food. We tried some street food like yakitori and taiyaki, and I swear, the taiyaki was so good I almost cried. (Yes, I’m emotional about fish-shaped pastries. Don’t judge me.) There’s also a observation deck where you can watch planes take off and land. It’s surprisingly relaxing, and we ended up staying way longer than planned because my friend insisted on naming every plane. (Spoiler: They were all named “Steve.”) —
3. Narita Airport: A Hidden Gem
Okay, I’ll admit, I didn’t expect much from Narita Airport besides duty-free shopping. But then we stumbled upon Narita Omotesando, this charming street lined with traditional shops and temples. We visited Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, and it was so peaceful—a nice contrast to the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. Plus, there’s this little shop that sells the most amazing unagi (eel). I’m not usually an eel person, but this? This changed me. We also found a cute café where we tried matcha parfaits. They were so Instagram-worthy that we spent, like, 20 minutes taking photos before actually eating them. (No regrets.) —
Final Thoughts: Tokyo, You’ve Stolen My Heart
Tokyo was everything I dreamed of and more. Sure, I got lost a few times, and yes, I probably ate my weight in snacks, but that’s all part of the adventure, right? If you’re heading to Tokyo for the first time, don’t stress too much about planning every detail. Sometimes the best moments happen when you just go with the flow. And hey, if you’ve been to Tokyo before, I’d love to hear your favorite spots or tips! Did you find a hidden gem I missed? Or maybe you have a funny story about getting lost in Tokyo Station? Share it in the comments—I’m always looking for excuses to plan my next trip! 🌸
