We finally made it to Tokyo after 26 hours without sleep—and let me tell you, we didn’t waste a second of it! Chanda and I couldn’t check into our hotel for three more hours, so we grabbed our second wind and hit the streets of Shinjuku. From the Disney Store decked out for Valentine’s Day to aisles of unique drinks and snacks, we roamed the city while running on adrenaline, Coke Zero, and a couple of Pringles cans.
Our foodie adventure started early with some surprising breakfast picks on the Narita Express, but the highlight was definitely our stop at Takano. We indulged in some unbelievably fancy muskmelon desserts—$25 a plate, but worth every yen. I couldn’t believe how different it tasted from anything we’d had at home.
Later, we explored the Golden Gai area, a maze of tiny, unique bars and alleys, before ending our day with a phenomenal okonomiyaki dinner at Osaka Ya. We devoured both a cheesy version and the Hiroshima-style with pork and cabbage. The flavors were like nothing back home, and the whole dining experience was authentically Japanese—from the griddle tables to the polite service and even how we paid using a small tray.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s to not be afraid to explore beyond the first floor. Everything in Japan is stacked—up or down. What might look sketchy could actually hold the best meal of your life. Don’t miss out!
Website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinjuku
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DinkLife 