We began our Tokyo adventure by checking into the Yuen Hotel in Shinjuku, as we didn’t arrive til after 9.30pm. The room was as beautiful as it was compact—a perfect example of how space is artfully used in Japan.
Stepping outside the next morning, we were greeted by the full force of Tokyo's summer. It was a sweltering 31 degrees, and the humidity was palpable. The weather didn’t deter us, though—as we knocked out 28,582 steps discovering only a spec of the sprawling city.
We stopped by a small café called Eight for coffee. The café had a minimalist vibe, with an emphasis on quality brews. We then went in search of a bakery, strangely many of the cafes and bakeries don’t open til after 11am. Our search led us to a small place very similar to Bread Top in Australia where we discovered the delightful Japanese curry doughnut. Imagine a soft, fluffy doughnut with a crispy, fried exterior that is filled with savoury, spiced curry—a definite favourite!
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Fed and caffeinated, we then made our way to the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. The expansive park, with its blend of traditional Japanese, English, and French gardens, provided a peaceful escape from the city's hustle. Walking through the meticulously maintained paths, we felt a world away from the urban sprawl just outside the gates.
Imperial Palace Gardens
Our next stop was the Imperial Palace Gardens. These historic grounds, with their lush greenery and ancient stone walls, offered a glimpse into Japan's regal past.
As we left the Imperial Palace Gardens, the sky darkened, and the first drops of rain began to fall—Typhoon Shanshan had arrived. The typhoon would give us a bit of anxiety over the next couple of days as bus and trains were suspended due to flooding and mudslides.
Team Labs Borderless
As the drizzle began we headed to Team Labs Borderless at the MORI Building. This digital art museum is like nothing we had seen before. We wandered through a maze of vibrant, ever-changing light installations, each more captivating than the last. One of the highlights was the Tea Experience, where we sipped tea surrounded by a mesmerising display of floating flowers that seemed to bloom and fade in sync with our movements. Would hope to go and see their other immersive exhibition, Planets, when we return to Tokyo at the end of our trip.
Izakaya dinner at Fukumimi Shinjuku
Our day ended on a high note with a visit to Fukumimi in Shinjuku for dinner. This traditional izakaya served up a fantastic selection of Japanese dishes, from edamame and pickled vegetables to skewered waygu and chicken karaage. The buzzing atmosphere and delicious food made for a perfect end to our first day in Tokyo.
