Tokyo Travel Diary – Day 1

Our Tokyo adventure officially began today, and it was a whirlwind of iconic sights, delicious food, and neon-lit streets. From the moment we landed to watching the city from above, Tokyo greeted us with its vibrant energy.

Arrival in Tokyo: Haneda (or Narita) Airport

Our flight brought us into Haneda Airport, Tokyo’s more central hub (though many international flights also land at Narita Airport). After immigration, the first thing we did was sort out transportation.

At the airport’s metro station, we purchased a Suica card, a rechargeable smart card that makes traveling around Tokyo’s extensive metro system seamless. You can buy it directly from an ATM-style machine, and it quickly became our best friend for getting around.

From there, we grabbed a taxi to our hotel.

Border Entry: Travel Japan Web Application

Before arriving in Tokyo, we completed the Travel Japan Website application, a free online system that streamlines entry procedures.

The application needed Passport details, flight information, hotel address, and customs forms. By filling out everything online in advance, we received a QR code that we simply scanned at immigration and customs. It saved us time at the border, no need to manually fill out the paper disembarkation or customs cards.

Thanks to this step, our arrival at Haneda felt smooth and efficient, letting us start our Tokyo adventure without long delays.

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku – Godzilla Awaits

We checked into Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, located in the heart of Kabukicho. This hotel is famous for its Godzilla head statue perched on the rooftop terrace, a playful nod to Japanese pop culture. Staying here felt like being right in the middle of Tokyo’s electric nightlife district.

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, Godzilla Statue

Lunch: Ichiran Ramen

No first day in Tokyo is complete without ramen. We headed to Ichiran Ramen, one of Japan’s most famous ramen chains, known for its individual booths and focus on tonkotsu broth. Rich, flavorful, and customizable, it was the perfect welcome meal.

Meiji Jingu Shrine

In the afternoon, we visited Meiji Jingu, one of Tokyo’s most important Shinto shrines. Nestled within a tranquil forested area near Harajuku, the shrine offered a peaceful contrast to the city’s constant buzz. Walking through the towering torii gates and tree-lined paths felt serene, almost like stepping into another world within Tokyo.

Getting Around: Tokyo Metro System

Navigating Tokyo means mastering the metro system, one of the most efficient (and complex) networks in the world. With our Suica card, hopping between lines and exploring different districts was surprisingly smooth, once you get the hang of reading the signs.

Carbonara Udon and Shrimp Udon

Dinner: Menchirashi

For dinner, we headed to Menchirashi, a restaurant that has gone viral for its signature Carbonara Udon. Creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced, the dish lived up to the hype. The cozy atmosphere and modern twist on Japanese noodles made this dinner unforgettable. To get inside, we first went to the location and got into the online queue and then when the time came we waited the physical queue.

Shibuya Scramble Crossing

As evening approached, we made our way to Shibuya Scramble Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world. Watching the crowds pour across from every direction was mesmerizing, chaotic yet perfectly synchronized. You should also look into the Mega Don Quijote store near there, if it isn't that crowded.

Shibuya Sky – A View to Remember

Right nearby, we visited Shibuya Sky, an open-air observation deck offering stunning panoramic views of Tokyo. From above, the endless sprawl of the city glittered under the night sky, a highlight of the day and a must-do in Tokyo. Unfortunately, It was rainy so the open-air part was closed adn they offered money back since we werent going to have the full experience but we entered any way. We bought our tickets through Klook application, which is a third party platform for buying tiickets to attractions. It is better to check in advance for tickets such as 1 month before because sunset time sells out pretty much in an hour.

Omeida

Next stop was Omeida, one of Tokyo’s colorful entertainment centers. From arcade games to claw machines, it was buzzing with energy. The playful side of Tokyo really shines in these game arcades.

Night in Kabukicho

Back in Kabukicho, Tokyo’s famous entertainment and red-light district, the neon lights and bustling streets felt straight out of a movie scene. With its bars, restaurants, and quirky attractions, it’s the perfect place to soak in Tokyo’s nightlife.

Late-Night Stop: 7-Eleven

We ended the night with a quick stop at a 7-Eleven, a quintessential Japanese experience. Far from just a convenience store, 7-Eleven in Japan is packed with surprisingly delicious snacks, onigiri, sandwiches, and even full meals. Don't forget to try the egg sando, creme brulee ice cream, anything matcha and grape flavored candies.

Reflections on Day 1: Tokyo’s first day was everything we imagined: food that warms the soul, city views that take your breath away, and neighborhoods that never sleep. From Godzilla to Shibuya Sky, every moment was a mix of tradition, pop culture, and pure Tokyo energy.