First Full Day in Japan:

Our first full day in Japan started off right with an incredible breakfast buffet at the Hyatt. Japan knows how to do breakfast, and the Hyatt didn’t disappoint—everything from traditional Japanese dishes to familiar favorites. After fueling up, we left the hotel at 10 AM, ready to dive into all the amazing sights Tokyo has to offer.

Our first stop was the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. We took advantage of the free observation deck, and the ride up to the 45th floor offered stunning views of the city. It’s incredible to see just how vast Tokyo really is from that height. We spent some time taking in the panorama, trying to spot landmarks and soaking in the sheer size of the metropolis.

Next, we hopped into an Uber and headed over to the Meiji Shrine, one of Tokyo’s most famous and serene Shinto shrines. The walk through the forested path leading up to the shrine was a peaceful contrast to the bustling city outside. The shrine itself was beautiful and offered a moment of tranquility in the midst of our busy day.

After our visit to Meiji Shrine, we made our way to Omotesando for lunch. We found a Kua ’Aina, which was a fun surprise because we’d eaten at one of their original locations on the North Shore of Hawaii. The burgers were just as good as we remembered, and it was a perfect spot to refuel.

We then took a stroll down Omotesando, often referred to as Tokyo’s Champs-Élysées. The European-style boulevard was lined with upscale shops, and we even stumbled upon the most random discovery of the day—an otter petting store. Yes, you read that right, otters! It was one of those wonderfully quirky things you only find in Japan.

As the evening approached, we headed to Shibuya, one of Tokyo’s most iconic districts. We couldn’t resist checking out Shibuya Crossing, famously known as the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. To get the full experience, we grabbed a spot at the Starbucks overlooking the crossing and watched the organized chaos unfold below us.

After a full day of exploring, we made our way back to the hotel for a quiet evening. We had dinner in our rooms and took the opportunity to do some laundry—yes, even on vacation, sometimes the practical things need to be done.

All in all, it was a fantastic start to our Japanese adventure, full of memorable moments and unique experiences. Tomorrow, we’ll be diving even deeper into all that this incredible country has to offer.