Our first full day in Japan began bright and early at 7 a.m. with a walk to a nearby 7-Eleven for a quick breakfast. There's something so fun about starting your day with a quick stop at one of Japan's many convenience stores, and this morning was no exception. We couldn’t resist trying the famous pancakes with maple syrup and margarine, as recommended by a friend. Let me tell you, they did not disappoint! The pancakes were soft and fluffy, and the combination of syrup and margarine was absolutely heavenly.
Next, we headed over to Ueno Park to check out the cherry blossoms, which were in full bloom. The park was absolutely breathtaking with pink and white blossoms filling the air. Walking through the park, we also came across a few shrines, adding to the serene atmosphere. There’s something so peaceful about the way the park blends nature with tradition.
As we strolled through the park, we spotted a Starbucks and decided to pop in, since we had some time to kill. It’s not every day you get to visit a Starbucks in Japan, so we couldn’t resist checking out the exclusive merchandise that’s only available here. Of course, we had to get a drink, too, and the whole experience felt uniquely Japanese, with a familiar twist.
After enjoying our beverages, we made our way to the Tokyo National Museum, which opens at 9:30 a.m. The museum was a short walk from the park, and the admission was very reasonable — children under 18 get in for free, and adults only pay 1000 yen (roughly $6.64 USD). The museum was a treasure trove of cultural history, but the star of the show for us was the incredible collection of samurai swords and armor. The level of craftsmanship and the history behind each piece was truly impressive. We spent about an hour looking at all the exhibits.
By this time, our stomachs were growling, so we decided to check out the Cherry Blossom Festival, which was conveniently located right outside the museum, next to the beautiful Shinobazu Pond. The festival was buzzing with energy, and there were over 100 food stalls selling a variety of street foods that made it impossible to choose just one! The tempting aromas filled the air, making it hard to resist sampling everything. We settled on a few favorites: wagyu beef skewers, yakisoba, shioyaki, croquette, and gyoza. Let me tell you, the flavors were out of this world. The wagyu beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender, the yakisoba had the perfect balance of savory and tangy, and the gyoza was crispy on the outside with a flavorful filling on the inside. Every bite was just amazing.
After the street fair, we decided to rent boats at the Boat Pond in Ueno Park. The boys had seen this on YouTube before we left and were so excited to try it out themselves. The boats were surprisingly fun but also a great workout — it ended up being a good 30-minute leg workout, with a lot of paddling to get us around the pond! It was a nice, peaceful way to end the day with a bit of laughter and teamwork.
After getting our workout in, we stopped at Taito Station to play a few video games.
We made our way back at the hotel, and took a short nap to recharge before heading out for dinner. After a quick search on Google Maps, we found Akihabara Menya Musashi Bufin, a noodle shop that promised to deliver the authentic Japanese noodle experience. And wow, were we in heaven! We indulged in our first bowls of tsukemen (dipping noodles) and ramen in Japan. The tsukemen was incredibly flavorful, with a rich, savory broth that paired perfectly with the chewy noodles. The ramen was just as incredible, and the toppings were fresh and generous.
After dinner, we stumbled upon Cow Cow Kitchen, a spot that had been on the hubby’s list of places to try. The milk pie was as amazing as everyone had said — creamy, slightly sweet, and just the right amount of richness in every bite. It was the perfect way to wrap up our day of indulgence.
Our first day in Japan was packed with incredible sights and delicious food. We couldn't have asked for a better introduction to this beautiful country, and we’re already looking forward to more adventures in the days ahead!
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