Girls’ Trip to Asia: Seoul, Hong Kong, Hanoi, & Tokyo

We usually plan well in advance for a big trip … but this trip came together within a matter of weeks after another trip to Jordan and Egypt was postponed due to political unrest in the area. We made a quick pivot, and three of us moved from a couple’s trip in the Middle East to a girls’ trip to Asia. We all had been to these cities before (one of us had lived in Hong Kong, and another had lived in Hong Kong and Tokyo), but we hadn’t been back to some of these spots in a long time!

Our strategy was not to stress about “checking the box” to see the traditional sights, but rather to be very flexible, see friends, do some shopping, see where the days spent wandering took us, and see only the sights that really interested us. And it worked out perfectly! We spent 2.5 – 3 days in each city and covered a lot of ground!

Below, we provide a general overview of each city we visited, followed by a detailed day-by-day description for anyone who wants to “get into the weeds” about where we ate, shopped, stayed, visited, etc. Buckle up – this is a long one!

The cities are listed in the following order: Seoul, Hong Kong, Hanoi, and Tokyo.

Seoul

Overview:

Our focus in Seoul was beauty treatments and some sightseeing. We stayed in the Myeondong area of town, which is known for its massive concentration of K-Beauty skincare brands, fashion retail, and an extensive street food scene. Just outside the door of our hotel were tons of shops, restaurants, and activity, as well as the subway. The area comes alive during the weekend and at night in particular, with lots of street vendors and young people out and about – fun energy!

Things to Note:

• Currency: South Korean Won. Order some Korean cash in advance from your bank so you don’t have to search for an ATM upon arrival. You will need some cash, and it’s easier to arrive with some, so you don’t stress about finding an ATM.
• Airport Transit: Bus, train, or cab. All are easy from the airport to town.
• Download the NAVAR app for maps, as Google Maps does not work well! This is a MUST.
• Download the KLOOK app for booking appointments, tours, etc. Sign up for an account ahead of time, and book treatments, etc., before you leave for your trip. It can also be used in Vietnam and elsewhere.
• Download the Smart Pass app: Get this app for a faster departure in the (huge) Seoul airport. Leave lots of time for departure.
• Uber: Yes, but the subway is easy and efficient.
• Make sure you have a WhatsApp account set up. We booked some of our treatments ahead via WhatsApp, and all communication in Asia is done via WhatsApp, not Apple chat.
• You can get a T card at the airport or at convenience stores and load it with money (YOU NEED TO LOAD IT WITH CASH), and use it for subway/transportation, and you can use it at 7-11 or other small convenience stores. You don’t get unused funds back when you leave, though, so don’t put too much on it – maybe $20 to start.
• When making a purchase, ask for the tax refund info. At some stores, like Olive Young, you show your passport, they don’t charge you tax, AND you get a percentage taken off the total purchase (must have your actual passport with you – not a copy/photo). Other places give you a tax receipt that you have to present at the airport for a refund. This is not easy and involves stops before AND after security, so leave extra time and do your research before embarking on the airport refund option.
• Don’t put toilet paper in the toilet. Throw it into the can provided.
• There are no trash cans! You need to carry your trash back to your hotel, as there’s nowhere to dispose of it.
• There is no tipping.
• People mainly wear black/white/gray, and very little color. They are super stylish, but not colorful!

Hotel:
Hotel28 Myeongdong: We loved our hotel as it was in a terrific location, we could walk there from the airport bus, the staff were super helpful, and the rooms were nice. However, don’t get stuck in the room that looks out on a stairwell and has no light (other rooms are great though).

Treatments:
Seoul is known for its beauty industry, with many traveling there specifically for procedures and treatments, as well as for the latest K-beauty products. We booked treatments in advance (nothing invasive that needed more time or recovery) and had so much fun doing them. Many of them can be booked via Facebook, WhatsApp, or via the Klook app. These were all in Myeongdong (more invasive treatments done in other parts of town, though it seems at dermatologist/doctors’ offices), and the treatments we did included (full details on locations further down in the write-up):

• Massage, a block from the hotel at Korea Spa Myeongdang ($98 for 2 hours)
• 15-Step Scalp Treatment at Eco Jardin ($142 for 2 hours)
• Korean Full Body Scrub at A3 Spa ($94 for 2 hours)
• Facial at Line Aesthetic. Had HIFU, LDM Ultrasonic, Aqua Peel, and Thermage. (2 hours for $185)

They were all great, but the scalp massage and full body scrub in particular were amazing experiences!

The head treatment consisted of two hours of scalp washing, scrubbing, steaming, massaging, and rinsing (for a prolonged time!), followed by hair drying and styling. They photograph your scalp at the start (it’s very red!) and at the end (it’s pristine white!). Joanne also got a $17 hair cut, which was a great deal and a good cut. We all had soft, styled hair for days, and very clean scalps. It was awesome!

For the body scrub, you strip down and sit in a warm tub for 15 minutes to soften up your skin. Then the scrubber comes in, strips to her bra and underwear (unexpected!), and ties a towel around her head ‘karate kid’ style (so you know she means business!), and tells you to hop on the table covered in plastic that makes you think of TV show autopsy rooms. She then starts scrubbing every inch of your body to remove every last dead skin cell. Then she dumps warm water on you. Then she scrubs some more. This continues until you are as smooth as a baby’s bottom, and then she shows you all the skin she’s scrubbed off. Then you go into another room for an hour massage. Fully tenderized and rubbed, you apply the provided skin products and leave feeling very happy and soft!

We did not book any lasers, injections, or invasive treatments, but many people go to Korea just for these, given the lower prices and the latest technology available. Do your research and be sure to book ahead with reputable dermatologists/doctors.

The other “experience” we didn’t book ahead for was a color analysis, and it was sold out when we got there. We also considered teeth whitening, which is very affordable.

K-Beauty:

Korea is known for its advanced skin care technology and brands. Many of their products are not sold in the US because they’re not approved for sale here, or similar products from the same brands are sold, but the ingredients differ from those in Korean products. There are K-Beauty stores on every corner, especially in Myeongdong, which can be overwhelming.

We tried to do research ahead of time, and while we were there, before we did the “big shop” at the K-beauty mega store Olive Young. There are Olive Youngs everywhere, but luckily for us, the brand-new, huge flagship store, Olive Young Town, was near our hotel and opened its doors for the first time ever an HOUR before we walked in! A wonderful customer advocate greeted us (they didn’t have these people at other Olive Young locations, and it may have just been because it was their grand opening day), asked if we needed help, and then spent the next two hours guiding us through their myriad product offerings and helping us fill up our huge shopping bags. We will do a separate post on what products we bought, and which we like. Olive Young is apparently opening a store in LA this year or next, which is big news.

Sights:

• Sightseeing wasn’t our main goal in Seoul, and we didn’t have time (with all the treatments and K-beauty shopping!) to go to the DMZ (the border with North Korea, a day trip). We did take the hop-on hop-off bus that goes to all the major sites in Seoul, with an audio guide, and it’s a great way to see the city, hopping on and off at the sights that interest you.
• We spent a morning visiting the Leeum Museum of Art, which we really enjoyed, and then had a great lunch nearby.

Shopping:

K-Beauty:

It’s EVERYWHERE in Seoul. Do your research ahead of time, be prepared to be overwhelmed, and buy more than you think you’ll need! It’s cheaper than at home, and the ingredients are better than those available in the US. See above.

Glasses:

Besides our K-Beauty products haul, we also had prescription glasses made. Some of the stores we’d researched just sold frames (Gentle Monster is a big chain ) and didn’t do prescription lenses. Others did both (plus an on-the-spot eye exam!), but were still fairly pricey, we thought (Davich Optical and GANA Optical). But we met a Korean friend for tea one day who told us to get lenses done by Mr. Park at Love Optical, located in the Myeongdong Underground Shopping Center next to Lotte Department Store. Some of us bought frames from him and had him put in progressive lenses (we brought our prescriptions from the US, but he also does eye exams on the spot), which he sent home to us free of charge (they turned out great). Others gave him frames, and he just did the lenses. All in for new frames with progressives, they were about $150 – so not dirt cheap but less than the US. If you want to take them with you, order your glasses on day one so they’re ready before you leave.

“Designer” Bags:

In the same underground station, we bought a knock-off “Prada” bag – they are also available in the Namdaemun Market. Once you buy your “designer” bag (they had Chanel, Hermes, Prada, etc.), they will attach the correct logo – it is displayed with another logo, so they don’t get in trouble. A “Prada” nylon crossbody bag was about $18.

Lotte Department Store:

This is similar to the Bon Marche in Paris. The bottom floor/basement is all food, and so fun to see. The upper floors are all designer goods, and with tax-free and the strong dollar, the deals were good!

Food and Drinks:

The Korean food was great and inexpensive! We had some wonderful meals, detailed below, including Michelin-starred dumplings for about $8. Yum. We also had the best margarita of our lives at a somewhat random rooftop bar. Details below. Best meals included:

In Meyongdang:

• Bbandak Bbandak for spicy stir-fried chicken (dakgalbi) with cheese.
• Myeongdong Kyoja: super casual Michelin restaurant which only features a couple of noodle and dumpling dishes on the menu. Cheap, fast, and good. A line forms, so get there early. Good for lunch!
• Din Tai Fung: one of our favorite Chinese restaurants (located in the same building as our hotel) with a different menu than in the US.
• Yeji Sikdang: This HIDDEN little gem is in a back alley just a block from our hotel; it’s a mom-and-pop run spot that is literally a hole in the wall, but it serves great traditional Korean food. Bimbimbop and dumplings. Was great!
• Sunshine Charcoal Grilling: good Korean bbq!
• The Roof: It’s not easy to find a cocktail in Seoul (they love beer), but we found a great spot in Myeongdong. The roof had a great view of the city, and the cocktails were the BEST.
• Cafe Coin: An old-fashioned feeling cafe in Myeongdong with coffee and pastries where you can sit on a couch, boot up your laptop, and stay for hours if you want.

SEOUL DETAILS:

Tuesday, March 24:
Fly US to Seoul.

Wednesday, March 25

• Arrive in Seoul.
• Bus to Myeongdong.
• Hotel: Hotel28 Myeongdong.
• Dinner in Meyongdang: Bbandak bbandak for spicy stir-fried chicken (dakgalbi) with cheese and Cass, local beer 🍺 .

Thursday, March 26

• Shopped for eyeglasses in Myeongdong. Davich and Gentle Monster.
• Coffee at Cafe Coin: old-fashioned cafe with coffee and pastries where you can sit on a couch, boot up your laptop, and stay for hours if you want.
• Lunch at Myeongdong Kyoja: Michelin factory-type restaurant with noodles and dumplings. Multi-floors depending on group size, and only a few items on the menu.
• Olive Young Town opening – did a quick spin to get oriented before the big shop!
• A3 Spa for a 2-hour Korean scrub, facial, and massage. $94.
• Lotte: a big department store with a food floor and so many brands. Kind of like the Bon Marche in Paris.
• Eco Jardin for a 15-step scalp clean and hair cut. $142 + $17 hair cut.
• Dinner: Din Tai Fung în the same building as our hotel.

Friday, March 27

• Coffee at Ediya – a Korean Starbucks.
• Hop-on, hop-off bus: about a 1-1/2-hour tour of the city – great.
• North Face: great higher design styles than in the US. Also a location to cash in your tax-free purchases – but the machine was broken.
• Lunch spot: Yeji Sikdang. Bimbimbop and dumplings. Hidden gem!
• Went to Love Optical for glasses – Mr. Park – in Myeongdong Underground Shopping Center, right in front of Lotte Department Store. Eye test and glasses made and sent to US. Tel: +82-2-776-4778. Open 11-7.
• Went to the Adidas store next to Olive Young Town. So many different designs and personalization options.
• Olive Young Town for the big haul. Had an amazing helper who walked us around. We were there for 2 hours, and the time flew by.
• McDonald’s for Coke and French fries to revive after a shopping haul.
• Walked to Namdaemun Market – it was closing up. It has lots of fake branded items.
• Dinner @ Le Meridian Hotel (we needed a break from Korean food! Cue the club sandwich and French fries!)

Saturday, March 28

• Took the subway to Leeum Museum. Wonderful.
• Walk around stores near the museum – just down the hill.
• Lunch at Root for healthy food. Delicious!
• Facials at Line Aesthetic. 2 hours. $185. Had HIFU, LDM Ultrasonic, Aqua Peel, and Thermage.
• Innesfree for more beauty products.
• The Roof for drinks – amazing margarita with a great view from the rooftop! (Another nearby bar we wanted to try, a speakeasy called MyeongDong SookHee, was not open yet.)
• BBQ Dinner at Sunshine Charcoal Grilling – pork and beef.

Sunday, March 29

• Cab to Seoul Airport
• Fly Seoul to Hong Kong

HONG KONG

Overview:

Two of the three of us had lived in Hong Kong earlier in our lives, so this was not a “see the sights” type of visit, but rather one where we revisited old haunts, saw friends, explored a few new spots, hiked our favorite hikes, and walked and walked and walked!

Lodgings:

We all stayed on Hong Kong Island rather than on the Kowloon side. Two of us stayed with friends in their apartment, and the third, due to space limitations, stayed at The Fleming Hotel in Wan Chai. The Fleming was well located and had stylish rooms, a super-comfortable bed, and a good restaurant for breakfast and other meals.

Things to Know:

• Currency: Hong Kong Dollar. You can get this from your US bank before you leave or at an ATM when you arrive.
• Download an Octopus card, link it to your credit card, and add funds to it. You can return any unused funds to your credit card when you leave. Can be used for MTR (subway), Airport Express, Ding Ding Tram, Peak Tram, and convenience stores.
• Be sure to take the Airport Express Train to and from the airport. It’s really convenient and fast. Use your Octopus card. When you are departing, you can check your bags in Central before you get on the train – you don’t need to schlep your bags to the airport!
• Navigation: Download/use Citymapper. This is the best for mapping out your day, especially when using public transit.
• Cabs are cash only! You can also use Uber and book traditional taxis through the app.
• MTR subway is a fast and efficient way to get around.

Things to Do:

• Tour the Victoria Prison in Central. This old prison has been converted into a museum and has gallery spaces, restaurants, and more. It’s been done beautifully.
• Next to Victoria Prison, wander all around the “escalator” area above Central. This area has grown so much, with many new restaurants and shops.
• In this same area, wander down Hollywood Road, including Man Mo Temple Compound.
• Hike up to the Peak and take the tram down. Alternatively, take the tram up and hike down. Lots of other great hikes as well.
• Foot Massages: Gao’s Foot Massage Spa in Central. 90 minutes for $35. These were amazing! They expected a tip, which is unusual for Asia.
• Visit the new museum in West Kowloon – the M+ museum. It is an amazing museum and definitely worth a visit. It’s part of a whole new arts complex that’s in development.
• Nightly light show on Hong Kong Island that can be viewed from the Kowloon side at 8 pm. It’s short but fun if you’re on that side of the harbor.
• Star Ferry. Boat from Kowloon to Hong Kong, and vice versa. It’s a classic.

Favorite Drinks/Dining Spots:

• Drinks in the Captain’s Bar at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. We went daily. It’s a great place to relax and refresh.
• Thai lunch at Samsen, Central. Delicious!
• Dinner at Madam Fu in the Victoria Prison development. Get the Salt & Pepper Crispy Tofu!
• Dim Sum in Causeway Bay at Wealthy Garden in Windsor Building, 6th Floor. Very local spot – not one of the touristy/famous dim sum places. No other Westerners there.
• “Fancy” dinner at Hutong restaurant on the 18th floor of H Zentre on Kowloon. Amazing view of Hong Kong Island, and you can see the nightly light show if you’re there for dinner.
• Bahn Mi sandwiches at Le Petit Saigon in Wan Chi. So good!
• Tons of coffee shops everywhere!

Shopping:

Hong Kong seems to be one giant mall these days – it’s a bit overwhelming! There are so many luxury brands – Chanel alone has over 35 storefronts! You need to just wander (walk or take the Ding Ding Tram) from Causeway Bay, to Wan Chai, to Central, and down to the Western District. Poke your head in wherever looks interesting. There are also many smaller stores we were told about, which we had fun exploring. Some of the smaller spots we recommend, all of which are in Central, are:

• Merci852 – Paris designed, made in China
• Le Bac (Cashmere). 44 Hollywood Road, Central.
• Button Hole (high-end knockoff clothing like Zimmerman, Dior, etc.) G/F, 58-60 Peel Street, Soho, Central, Hong Kong.

Detailed Hong Kong Itinerary:

Sunday, March 29

• Fly Seoul to Hong Kong
• Airport Express to Hong Kong Station
• Hotel: The Fleming
• Drink: Captain’s Bar at The Mandarin Hotel
• Escalator area in Central
• Toured Victoria Prison
• Dinner: Madam Fu in the Victoria Prison compound

Monday, March 30

• Explore Causeway Bay
• Take the ‘Ding Ding’ Cablecar/Tram to Central
• Wander Hollywood Road, including Man Mo Temple Compound
• Fanda Pharmacy for antibiotics (for which you need a prescription in the US) and other pharmaceuticals.
• Lunch: Wealthy Garden for Dim Sum in Windsor Building, 6th Floor.
• Japanese Home Store for odds and ends. Ziplocks, phone cords, reading glasses, and more.
• Central for foot reflexology at Gaos Foot Massage Spa. $36 for 90 minutes.|
• Cocktails: Captain’s Bar at The Mandarin Hotel.
• MTR to Kowloon
• Dinner: Hutong restaurant on 18th floor of H Zentre on Kowloon. Amazing food and view.

Tuesday, March 31

• Hike Blacks Link Trail and then up to the Peak
• Coffee: Social Goods in Central
• Shopping: Central. Merci852, Le Bac (Cashmere), and Button Hole (high-end knockoff clothing like Zimmerman, Dior, Simkhai, etc.),
• Lunch: Samsen – Thai food, Central. So good!
• MTR to West Kowloon to M+ museum. Lee Bul exhibit. Rauschenberg in Asia exhibit.
• Cocktails: The Peninsula Hotel.
• Dinner: The Fleming Hotel.

Wednesday, April 1

• Airport Express to Hong Kong Airport
• Fly from Hong Kong to Hanoi

HANOI

We had two additional friends join us for the Hanoi portion of the trip – a friend from Hong Kong, and Audrey’s sister from the US (who also joined for Tokyo), so the travel team was now 5 people.

Overview:

Hanoi is busy and chaotic and hot and awesome! It still feels very much like the Asia we lived in back in the ‘90s, and doesn’t have the tall buildings or malls like the other big Asian cities we visited. There is a constant hustle and bustle; it feels like a million things are going on on every street you walk down. Old and new Asia collide here. Crossing the street is an Olympic sport!

Lodging:

We stayed at the beautiful Metropole Hotel. Because one of our group members knew the manager’s wife, we got an amazing upgrade (pillow menu?! who knew? Butler 24/7?) that also included breakfast (amazing buffet), afternoon tea (drinks and sandwiches/pastries), and evening 5-7 pm drinks and snacks (which could serve as our dinner). We were very spoiled, and it was amazing. They have a lovely pool, bar, and restaurants, and after a long day out in the heat and bustle of Hanoi, it’s a joy to walk in the beautiful front doors! There is also a daily tour of the historic hotel and its bunker, which was used during the Vietnam War.

Things to Know:

• Currency: Vietnamese Dong. You will need cash for the night market and shopping in the stalls, and you can’t get it ahead of time from US banks, so grab some at an ATM at the airport or in town.
• No tipping.
• Google Maps works well for navigation.
• Crossing the street filled with motorbikes, bicycles, cars, food carts, and flower carts is an art. The key is confidence and no hesitation. Just start walking and don’t stop, and bikes and cars will magically swerve around you. For the first day, you can stand beside someone else and use them as a “block” when they cross! By the end, you’ll be an expert.
• We walked everywhere, or took a tuk-tuk if something was too far to walk.
• Uber: Yes. Tuk-Tuks available (cash only). You can also download the GRAB app for local transportation (or food delivery), and even order a motorbike to pick you up!

Things to Do:

• Hanoi Hilton/ Hoa Lo Prison is a must-visit. We were told there are fewer crowds later in the day, but if it’s hot, then just get there first thing. You can’t buy tickets ahead of time.
• St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
• Wander the Old Quarter and get lost in the busy streets and small shops.
• If you’re an early riser, go to the area around Hoan Kiem Lake to observe morning tai chi and other exercisers.
• Get foot massages, body massages, manicures, eyelash tints, pedicures, etc. Inexpensive and good. We booked ahead at the Orient Spa, which was really nice, and has a few locations. 90-minute massage for $35. If you don’t book ahead, you’ll have a hard time getting a spur-of-the-moment treatment.
• Hanoi Train Street: Grab a seat and have a smoothie or coffee at one of the cafes situated within feet of the train and wait for it to go by. Yes, this is one of the big things to do in Hanoi! Be sure to check the train times and get there a bit early to ensure you have a seat before the train arrives. And get your shoes cleaned while you wait for fifty cents!
• Night Market on Friday/Saturday nights in the Old Town.
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
• Eat all the great food and visit the great cafes!

Drinking/Dining:

We ended up having a few meals at the hotel, so we didn’t eat out as much as planned.

• Mr. Bay Mien Tay: Michelin-noted restaurant that’s super casual and super cheap. Savory pancakes and spring rolls. So good. Quick walk from the lake. Great for lunch.
• Bahn Mi 25 for sandwiches. Note: This is a to-go spot that can have a long line, but across the street is their sit-down restaurant that has exactly the same food. You can also get something from the to-go side of the street and eat here.
• Cau Go Rooftop for dinner. Great view of the lake. A bit tricky to find as you enter through another restaurant and then take the elevator up.

Shopping:

• If you are in the market for fake purses, outdoor wear, athletic shoes, wallets, etc., Hanoi is your place. There are endless little shops in the Old Quarter. Be sure to haggle. Bring cash. Compare prices if you have time to wander.
• Anna Wang – High-end designer clothing knock-offs. Gucci, Valentino, etc.
• Lo’s Corner – Linen, some of which is hand-embroidered.
• Tan May Design -4-story shop – very nice for clothing and homewares. The nicest shop with the most variety that we visited.
• Silky Vietnam & Airashi Silk – Custom silk clothing. You can get clothes made, but it may take a few days, so do it first thing if you are interested.
• Huong’s Jewelry – Pearls
• Hanoia House – High-end lacquer (but not tons of inventory/choices)
• Ginkgo Concept Store – Variety of nicely made home and fashion items. Good for gifts.
• Dong Xuan – the city’s largest and oldest covered market – an indoor market that has a bit of everything. A few of us bought fake Longchamp and Goyard purses here.
• Night Market on Friday and Saturday night in the Old Quarter by the end of the lake. All the shops are open, and food vendors take over the street.

Hanoi Detailed Itinerary:

Wednesday, April 1

• Fly from Hong Kong to Hanoi
• Metropole Car from the airport to the hotel
• Lunch: Mr. Bay Mien Tay. Savory pancakes, spring rolls, and Tiger beer.
• Shopping: Anna Wang – high-end designer clothing knock-offs. Gucci, Valentino, etc. Lo’s Corner for Linen
• Shopping: Fake designer bags and outdoor clothing.
• Dinner: Hotel

Thursday, April 2

• Breakfast: Hotel.
• St. Joseph Cathedral.
• Shopping: Tan May Design (4-story shop – very nice), Silky Vietnam & Airashi Silk (custom silk clothing), Huong’s Jewelry (pearls), Hanoia House (high-end lacquer), Gingko Concept Store.
• Manicure, Pedicure, and Eyelash Tint: Fedi Nail & Lash. $20 for all.
• Shopping: Indoor Market/Dong Xuan. Everything
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Check hours – the hours are 7:30 – 11:30am, and it is closed on Mondays and Fridays.
• Tour of the Metropole Hotel and Bunker
• Cocktails & Dinner: Hotel

Friday, April 3

• Breakfast: Hotel
• Hoa Lo Prison/Hanoi Hilton
• Train Cafe along train tracks. Had our shoes cleaned while we sat and waited for the train.
• Coffee: Drop In Cafe for egg coffee
• Massages: Orient Spa. 90 minutes for $35.
• Lunch: Bahn Mi 25 for sandwiches.
• Cocktails: Hotel
• Dinner: Cau Go Rooftop
• Shopping: Night Market

Saturday, April 4

• Metropole Car to Airport
• Fly Hanoi to Haneda (Tokyo)

TOKYO

Overview:

There were 4 of us during the Tokyo visit, one of whom had previously lived in Tokyo. Tokyo is one of the largest cities in the world, but it has lots of smaller neighborhoods that keep it from feeling overwhelming. Again, our goal was not to see all the sights, but rather to pick and choose a few sights, see friends, and explore as our mood took us. We also happened to be there during cherry blossom time, which was a bonus!

Lodging:

3 of us stayed at a friend’s home, and the fourth stayed at the small, hip Mustard Hotel in Shimokitazawa, a great location, especially if you like vintage clothing shopping. It was very cute, with an attached coffee bar and a regular bar.

Things to Know:

• Before arrival at Tokyo airports, download QR codes to speed through immigration and depart customs (each needs a QR code). Do it ahead of time. Visit Japan Web Site.
• Currency: Japanese Yen. You can get yen from your US bank. Bring cash or get cash at an ATM upon arrival.
• Haneda Airport is closer to town, and Narita is further away.
• To get to/from the airport, you can take the train, but airport buses that leave from major hotels are easier if you have bags and don’t want to schlep them through the subway and via connections. Buy your ticket online in advance.
• Download the Suica App and add it to your Apple Wallet, and load it with yen. Can be used for trains, Starbucks, and convenience stores. CANNOT get unused money back though, so don’t download too much.
• Navigation: Google Maps
• People in Japan do not drink or eat while walking! Consume your food or drinks where you purchase them.
• There are few garbage cans in Tokyo, so be prepared to carry your trash.
• Don’t speak loudly or on your phone when on the subway.
• No tipping.
• Walk on the left side when going up or down stairs.
• Uber: Yes, and you can book traditional taxis through Uber
• Don’t open or close your own doors in the taxis – the driver will do it. They are all dressed up and so kind!
• Heated toilets….ahhhhh….everywhere!
• When shopping, take off your shoes before trying things on and step on the little ‘clean pad’ in the dressing room. And use a makeup shield provided.

Things to Do:

Again, we had only a couple of days and didn’t choose to do a lot of touristy sights. Those we did included:

• Maguro River for Cherry Blossoms.
• Wandered Ginza district.
• Wandered through Yoyogi Park to see Cherry Blossoms.
• Meiji Jingu Shrine. Beautiful. Located next to Yoyogi Park.
• Wandered through Harajuku to see crazy, fun, dressed-up people.
• 2121 Design Site Museum (Midtown Area).
• National Art Center (Midtown area).

Drinking/Dining:

• Dinner in a small neighborhood spot in Shibuya at Yakatory Iyaska. Small, not much English spoken. So good!
• Dinner at Harajuku Gyoza Lou for Gyoza Bento Sets. So good! They only serve Gyoza.
• Dinner at Yoru no Yamato, Shibuya.
• We grabbed lunches wherever we were.

Shopping:

• Onitsuka Tiger shoes are very hot right now, and we visited many Tiger stores to find what we were looking for!
• Don Quixote Mega Store in Shibuya. This HUGE cheap mega store is a horrible shopping experience – 7 floors stuffed full of anything cheap thing in the world you might need, with loud awful music blaring. It’s an experience. Good place to pick up an overflow bag if you need one! Or Matcha flavored Kit Kats. Or pretty much anything cheap.
• Department Store/Mitsukoshi (Ginza)
• Muji Flagship (Ginza)
• Uniqlo Flagship (Ginza)
• Itoya, 12-story beautiful stationery/art store (Ginza)
• Tokyo Midtown Galleria, which houses 45R (good Japanese denim), Issay Miyake (visit the men’s store as well as the women’s! We ended up buying men’s pants for less $!), a grocery store in the basement, and a food court, amongst many other stores and restaurants.
• Omontesando. High-end shopping area with brands like Herno, Sacai, Aspesi, etc. Tiger Shoes too.

Tokyo Detailed Itinerary:

Saturday, April 4

• Fly to Tokyo/Haneda. Make sure to have QR code for arrival beforehand.
• Hotel: Mustard Hotel, Shimokitazawa. Walked around the area, lots of vintage stores and cute restaurants.
• Dinner: Yakatory Iyaska. Tiny place with one table and a small bar area. Only had two items on the menu – small or large yakatory assortment.

Sunday, April 5

• Coffee: Streamer Coffee Company
• Cab to Maguro River for Cherry Blossoms.
• Train to Ginza.
• Shopping: Department Store/Mitsukoshi. Food floor in basement, clothing upstairs. Can get tax off right in store on the 7th floor (until November 2026 when this will change and you’ll have to do it at the airport). Tiger Store, Muji Flagship, Uniqlo Flagship.
• Lunch: 12th Floor or Mitsukoshi for Tempura at Ten-Ichi.
• Shopping: Itoya, 12-story stationery/art store,
• Shopping: Tiger store in Ikebukuro/Parco Mall
• Train to Takeshita Street in Harajuku to see crazy, dressed-up people
• Cab to Don Quixote Mega Store – “donkee” – in Shibuya.
• Dinner: Harajuku Gyoza Lou for Gyoza Bento Sets.

Monday, April 6

• Walk to Yoyogi Park
• Breakfast: Alishan for avocado toast, bagel sandwiches, PJ and banana toast.
• Yoyogi Park for Cherry Blossoms
• Meiji Jingu Shrine
• Took train to Midtown Area.
• Museum: 2121 Design Site Museum.
• Shopping: Tokyo Midtown Galleria for 45r, Issay Miyake, Grocery Store in basement.
• Lunch: Tokyo Midtown Galleria.
• National Art Center
• Shopping: Roppongi Hills Mall: Tiger Shoes
• Shopping: Omontesando. Herno, Sacai, Aspesi, etc. Tiger Shoes
• Dinner: Yoru no Yamato, Shibuya.

Tuesday, April 7

• Breakfast: Yoyogi-Uehara train station
• Airport Bus from Washington Hotel to Narita.
• Fly Tokyo to US