When traveling with kids, we always prioritize rest. Since we landed in Japan in the evening, we kept things simple by checked into our hotel and had an easy night, and made sure everyone got a good sleep before the adventure truly began. For us, Day 1 officially started the next morning.
Our first destination was Asakusa, we were there at late morning. We were amazed by the sight of the giant red lantern with kanji words at the Kaminarimon gate. It is a must-have photo spot but can be quite crowded.
Before we reach Sensoji Temple, we strolled through the approximately 250 meters stretch of Nakamise Shopping Street filled with cute souvenirs, handmade crafts, local snacks and more. The street was crowded, it wasn't the easiest to navigate with kids and stroller but the vibrant atmosphoere made it worthwhile.
Sensoji Temple, the Tokyo's most famous and popular temple was packed with visitors, so instead of going inside, we tried something fun, we went on to experience Omikuji fortune-telling.
We followed the instructions displayed there, made the require small offering, picked up the metal box and shake until a stick drop out. With that stick, we looked for the drawers to get the fortune slip and decipher. If it is a good fortune, you can keep it symbolizes bringing the good luck home. If it is a bad fortune, you may tie it to the designated racks nearby, symbolizing leaving the fortune behind in the hope of better luck ahead.
This gave us a special cultural memory and experience.
Lunch at Ichiran Ramen Asakusa
Our Tokyo trip would not feel complete witout tasting RAMEN in its homeland. The queue at Ichiran was no joke as it stretched all the way down the staircase to the basement level but the wait was worth it.
When our stemaing bowls of ramen finally arrived, it was everything we expected. It was rich, flavourful broth, perfectly cooked noodles and that satisfying warmth you can only get from a truly authentic bowl. It was a perfect meal for us to continue our day.
Dining Tips in Tokyo: Restaurants in Japan are generally quiet spaces. It is best to keep conversations soft, and if you are traveling with kids, try to keep them calm to not disturbing other diners.
Shibuya Crossing
It is one of the Japan's iconic spot, often called the busiest pedestrian intersection in the world. With seven crossroads and thousand of pedestrians crossing the huge interestions at once when the light turn green, it is the most beautiful form of organized chaos.
I had seen this scene countless times in blogs, vlogs and films, but actually standing there and crossing it myself was surreal. This place is incredible both day and night so you really cannot go wrong with your timing. You may also do your research on where to get the views from high too.
Just outside Shibuya Station, we also stopped by the Hachiko Statue, the bronze tribute to the loyal Akita dog whose heartbreaking story continues to move people worldwide.
Disney Store Shibuya Koen-dori
Since we are at Shibuya so we popped into the Disney Store Shibuya Koen-dori, one of the cutest Disney shops in Tokyo.
This store front looks like a fairytale castle, and inside, three floors that spirals upward like a castle tower are filled with plush toys, collectibles, and Tokyo exclusive Disney merchandise.
A quick tip for parents: it is not stroller-friendly with all the stairs, so be prepared to carry little ones and fold up your stroller.
If you are a Disney Fans, make sure you visits the city stores and the theme park shops for different treasures.
Eating at Shake Shack Shibuya
We wrapped up the day with a stop at Shake Shack Shibuya, the famous American burger chain. We ordered their signature Shake Burger and the much-raved-about milkshakes that is thick, creamy and absolutely delicious. Verdict? Totally worth the hype! What a nice way to end our fun day of exploring Tokyo with kids.
Our first day gave us a perfect balance of traditional culture in Asakusa and modern city vibes in Shibuya. The kids had a blast! We were just getting started with our Tokyo adventure and we were excited for our Day 2 in Tokyo, Day 3 with Mount Fuji and Day 4 with Tokyo Disneyland.
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