Tokyo Travel Diary – Day 2

Day 2 in Tokyo was a delicious mix of tradition, sweet indulgences, pop culture, and dazzling city lights. From ancient temples in Asakusa to futuristic digital art at TeamLab, it was a day full of contrasts that only Tokyo can deliver.

Breakfast at Benitsuru

We started the day with breakfast at Benitsuru, a popular spot known for its fluffy Japanese-style pancakes and hearty breakfast sets. It was the perfect fuel for a busy day ahead.

Asakusa Shrine & Sensō-ji Temple

Our morning began in Asakusa, Tokyo’s most traditional district. We visited the Asakusa Shrine before making our way to the iconic Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple. Passing through the giant Kaminarimon Gate with its massive red lantern and strolling along Nakamise Street lined with souvenir stalls was like stepping into history. The incense smoke, temple rituals, and colorful architecture made the atmosphere unforgettable.

Matcha Break at Hatoya Asakusa

After exploring, we stopped at Hatoya Asakusa, a cozy café perfect for a traditional matcha break. The rich, earthy flavor of Japanese green tea balanced out the morning’s excitement.

Sweet Treats – Chacha Futatsume or Imo Pippi

For dessert, we couldn’t resist the local specialties. You can stop at either Chacha Futatsume for their famous matcha Mont Blanc ice cream or at Imo Pippi for a decadent sweet potato Mont Blanc or sweet potato crème brûlée. We preferred Imo Pippi. Each bite was indulgent and picture-perfect.

Suzukien Asakusa – Matcha Heaven

Our sweet adventure continued at Suzukien Asakusa, home to some of the richest matcha ice creams in the world. With multiple intensity levels to choose from, it was the ultimate treat for matcha lovers.

Lunch at Unatoto Asakusa

For lunch, we went to Unatoto Asakusa, a casual restaurant specializing in unagi (grilled eel). The smoky flavor, paired with fluffy rice, was a comforting and satisfying meal that gave us energy for the afternoon.

Tokyo Character Street & Dean & DeLuca

In the afternoon, we explored Tokyo Character Street in Tokyo Station, a wonderland of themed shops dedicated to beloved Japanese characters like Pokémon, Hello Kitty, and Studio Ghibli. It’s a must-visit for fans and for picking up unique souvenirs.

We also stopped by Dean & DeLuca, a sleek food hall where you can browse international gourmet treats alongside beautifully packaged Japanese goods.

Evening: TeamLab Borderless

As night fell, we headed to the futuristic TeamLab Borderless, one of Tokyo’s most mesmerizing digital art museums. At our entry time, we stepped into a world of immersive light installations, interactive projections, and ever-changing digital landscapes. It was an otherworldly experience that blurred the line between art and technology.

Tokyo Tower by Night

Afterwards, we made our way to the iconic Tokyo Tower, glowing brightly against the night sky. Whether admired from afar or from its observation decks, the tower was a dazzling reminder of Tokyo’s mix of nostalgia and modernity.

Bar Centifolia – Nightcap in Style

We ended the day at Bar Centifolia, an intimate Tokyo bar known for its creative cocktails and elegant vibe. It was the perfect place to unwind and reflect on a day filled with both timeless traditions and futuristic wonders.

Reflections on Day 2: From the spiritual calm of Asakusa to the playful sweets of matcha cafés, from shopping for character goods to being immersed in digital art, Day 2 showed us Tokyo’s incredible ability to surprise at every corner. It was a day of contrasts, quiet temples in the morning, neon art and cocktails at night, that made us fall even deeper in love with this city.