Our first day exploring Tokyo!

Our first day in Tokyo started off with a bang! Thanks to the jet lag, we both woke up bright and early at around 6am, but honestly it didn’t feel too bad as we were excited to get out the door and start exploring Tokyo as soon as possible.

Once we were ready, we headed straight out, with our first stop of the day being the iconic Shibuya Crossing. The quick train ride there only added to the anticipation. When we arrived, the crossing was already buzzing. Standing in the middle of it felt like being in the heart of organized chaos with waves of people flowing in every direction, all perfectly choreographed without anyone colliding. We crossed with the crowd, then stood off to the side for a moment just to watch the sea of people move. It was mesmerising.

Needing a quick breakfast, we ducked into a 7-Eleven. Jayde picked out a mandarin and cream sandwich something we both agreed was a little unusual, but Tokyo convenience stores are full of surprises. After eating, we made our way back to Shibuya Crossing and headed up to the Starbucks perched high in a nearby skyscraper. From the window, the crossing transformed into a miniature world. People looked like tiny ants scattering across the intersection. We watched for a while, soaking in the view from above, before heading back down and strolling through the streets.

Despite our eagerness to start early, we quickly learned that nothing really opens until 11am. So we kept wandering and eventually made our way toward a viral cafe known for its famously fluffy soufflé pancakes. These pancakes are huge, jiggly towers of airy batter so light they almost wobble off the plate, with a texture somewhere between a cloud and a marshmallow. Since they’re so popular, we had to get a spot in line before the cafe opened. While waiting, we ended up chatting with a few other travellers, which made the time pass quickly. Soon enough, we were ushered inside and seated. We ordered two different flavours of soufflé pancakes, and while they were absolutely delicious and incredibly soft, they were also very sweet. We both agreed they were a must try once, but probably not something we’d get again.

By the time we finished brunch, the shops had finally opened, so we browsed through a few. After doing some shopping, we made our way to our first temple in Japan, Meiji Jingu. The walk to the shrine takes you through a peaceful forest of towering trees, offering a quiet escape from the busy city just outside. When we reached the temple, it felt serene and sacred. People were worshipping, writing wishes on wooden plaques, and moving through the grounds with such calmness it was beautiful to watch.

After exploring the temple, we continued on toward Yoyogi Park to catch the last of the afternoon sun. The park was spacious and relaxed, with open lawns, tall trees, and people enjoying the warm glow of the late day. It was the perfect place to slow down and unwind after a long day of walking.

Eventually, we headed back to our accommodation to rest our legs before dinner. Later in the evening, we set out again because Jayde was craving ramen. We found a spot nearby, and the bowls we ordered were delicious rich, warm, and exactly what we needed.

To finish off the day, we stopped by the famous Godzilla head, just in time to see it light up and puff out smoke. It was so dramatic and fun, like watching a tiny movie scene unfold above the street. We also passed the 3D cat billboard, where a giant, hyper realistic cat appears to jump out of the screen. It was quirky and very Tokyo.

We finally headed back, had showers, and crawled into bed, ready for another huge day tomorrow. What an incredible first day in Japan!Read more