Japan Day 2 – Tokyo (Nihonbashi)
What an incredible and eventful second day in Tokyo! We anticipated a light day, but ended up covering around 7 miles on foot. Needless to say, our legs are feeling the fatigue.
We kicked off the day with a delightful breakfast at a nearby café. Alex and I both opted for egg dishes, but this was no ordinary Western-style breakfast. The eggs were cooked with tomatoes and cucumbers, and came with a side of Caesar salad. It was a delicious twist on the traditional morning fare, adding a unique touch to our culinary adventure.
Our first stop was Tokyo Station, where we hopped on a train to explore Character Street. This underground shopping mall is a haven for character enthusiasts, offering an extensive range of merchandise related to beloved franchises such as Hello Kitty, Studio Ghibli, Harry Potter, and of course, Pokemon. Although we were tempted to visit the Pokemon store, the line wrapped around the building, stretching for what seemed like an eternity—about a two-hour wait! Not wanting to spend our precious time in queues, we decided to continue our shopping spree elsewhere, but not before acquiring a few trinkets as souvenirs.
Our journey then led us to another Pokemon haven, the colossal Pokemon Center DX. Located in a skyscraper alongside the Pokemon Cafe, this center left us in awe. Surprisingly, there was no line upon our arrival. Instead, we were handed a ticket with a designated return time, similar to Disney’s fast pass system, but with a longer wait ahead. We utilized this time to explore the center and most importantly, familiarize ourselves with the route to the Pokemon Cafe. Time is of the essence for cafe reservations, as arriving late would result in forfeiture. Tokyo’s unique business locations have been quite a challenge to locate, unlike the straightforward addresses we are accustomed to in the US. However, we managed to navigate the labyrinthine alleys and flights of stairs, ensuring we were prepared for our cafe experience.
With three hours to spare, we ventured out of the building and wandered around the charming neighborhood of Nihonbashi. Across the street, we discovered a cafe offering the renowned “Number 1 Banana Smoothie,” a temptation we couldn’t resist. However, the language barrier caused a slight moment of embarrassment for me. Ordering the smoothie was relatively easy, just pointing at the enticing picture and inserting the credit card into the slot. However, when the server began speaking rapidly and gesturing, I faltered. I mistakenly inserted the credit card too soon, then removed it prematurely. The server kindly took over the payment process, setting up a tray with all the necessary utensils and a buzzer indicating that our order was ready. Misinterpreting her instructions, I initially picked up the tray to take it to our table, only to be redirected back to the counter. Feeling flustered, I decided to remain beside the counter, refraining from touching anything further. Despite this minor hiccup, we eventually settled down and savored our delectable meal.
Consulting Google for nearby attractions, we stumbled upon the iconic Nihonbashi bridge. Intrigued by its allure, we set off on foot. The bridge, which spans a picturesque river, captivated us with its beauty. Adorned with statues of a lion and a Kirin—a mythical creature resembling a deer with dragon-like scales—the Nihonbashi bridge has a rich history. Originally constructed with wood in 1603, it suffered multiple fires before being reconstructed with stone in 1911, resolving the recurring issue.
Our exploration continued as we entered a tourist center and obtained a free Tokyo guidebook. Finding respite by the riverside, we indulged in our energy jelly (a grape flavored goo consisting of as many carbs as a ball of rice) while admiring the surroundings. Adjacent to the area, the Fukutoku Shrine piqued our curiosity. Built in 859 AD, this shrine held an intriguing aspect—the authorization to sell lottery tickets during the Edo period, making it a recognized “hot spot” for lottery winners. What truly astonished us was its location, enveloped by towering skyscrapers. Amidst these modern giants stood a shrine dating back to the early Middle Ages. Sitting beneath the shade of a magnificent tree, we observed the daily prayers of locals and the participation of tourists. Rituals involved tossing coins into a slot, ringing a bell, and clapping a few times—an immensely powerful sight that left a lasting impression.
As our appointment time for the Pokemon Center approached, we made our way back to the building in Nihonbashi. Alex had a few items in mind from the gacha machine—a capsule vending machine known for its collectible surprises. However, an unfortunate mishap occurred—the machine devoured our money! Alerting a staff member with a polite “sumimasen” (excuse me), we utilized Google Translate to communicate the issue. The staff promptly resolved the matter, offering our refund and guiding us to another machine with the same prizes. The extraordinary politeness and willingness to assist, which we encountered at the Pokemon Center, were characteristic of the exceptional hospitality we experienced throughout our journey in Japan.
With gacha ball in hand, we joined the line for the highly anticipated Pokemon Cafe. Our reservation time was honored promptly, and we were seated in a cozy spot. To our delight, some of the pre-ordered items we had selected—rubber coasters—were already waiting for us on the table. Soft Pokemon melodies played in the background as we interacted with an iPad to place our initial order. I decided on a Snorlax-themed teriyaki rice dish, an Eevee milk tea, and a Quaxly ramune ice cream soda. Alex, on the other hand, chose an Eevee clam chowder plate, a strawberry “moo moo” drink (more on that in a moment), and a melon-flavored Sprigatito drink. The “moo moo” drink was a delightful experience, requiring us to assemble it ourselves. The staff provided a jug of milk, a side of berries and sauce, and a shaker. Pouring all the ingredients into the shaker, we shook it vigorously while receiving enthusiastic encouragement from the staff. Though the food was not particularly extraordinary, the presentation and attention to detail made it a visually appealing dining affair. The photos below will undoubtedly do justice to the whimsical ambiance. Still feeling a tad hungry, I ordered a Pikachu egg and rice dish with a hamburger patty (a rather random choice) and a Torchic latte. The most remarkable aspect was the latte art—it could feature any of the 600+ Pokemon available. For his meal, Alex opted for a Pikachu pancake dish and a Gengar grape smoothie. Additionally, we were able to keep the cups from our delightful beverages as souvenirs. However, the most unexpected highlight of the evening was the dancing Pikachu show. Out of nowhere, a voice boomed through the speakers, and a giant Pikachu emerged from the corner, waving its arms and dancing. The entire room erupted in excitement! Come to find out, this was the moment everyone had eagerly anticipated—the grand dancing Pikachu spectacle. For the next 15 minutes, it felt as if we had stepped into a vivid dream. The staff led us in various dance moves with Pikachu, urging us to stomp our feet, clap, wave our arms, and exclaim “pika pika.” Surprisingly, the adults, particularly the older individuals, wholeheartedly embraced the experience, surpassing the enthusiasm even the children displayed. It was a joy to witness, especially seeing the giant Pikachu attempt to clap its hands together. The song he danced to, strangely, was “if you’re happy and you know it clap your hands”. I was expecting something Pokemon themed, but, it was a joy nonetheless. As I glanced around the room, I noticed a peculiar sight—each table, except ours, had a favorite Pokemon plush accompanying the diners, as if they were partaking in the meal themselves. It was an eccentric yet endearing detail. The person with the most plush toys was an older Japanese woman, perhaps in her 60s, a testament to the fact that one is never too old to be a Pokemon fan. That, my friends, is what truly made this experience unforgettable. It was not merely about the food—it was the enchanting atmosphere that evoked a sense of childlike wonder and nostalgia.
Thus concluded day 2 of our adventure. Although our itinerary did not involve a plethora of planned activities, we still managed to immerse ourselves in a variety of captivating experiences. Many of our fondest memories from these two short days were the result of spontaneous discoveries, which we would have never encountered if we had strictly adhered to a meticulously scheduled itinerary. So, whether you are embarking on an adventure anywhere or specifically in Japan, I implore you not to plan every minute of your journey. Embrace the spirit of exploration and allow yourself to stumble upon hidden gems while meandering through alleys and getting delightfully lost.
Tomorrow marks the beginning of day 3, where our adventure takes us to Shibuya—home to the world’s busiest crosswalk, towering skyscrapers, and an art museum where visitors are required to remove their shoes and walk through water. But, that tale shall unfold in tomorrow’s chapter. Until then, my friends…
-t
