top of page

C

M

JAPAN

TOKYO

Tokyo, Japan's bustling capital, is a vibrant metropolis where cutting-edge technology meets centuries-old tradition. From the dazzling lights of Shibuya and the historic temples of Asakusa to world-class cuisine and tranquil gardens, Tokyo offers a dynamic blend of culture, innovation, and unforgettable experiences.

Tokyo, Japan’s vibrant capital, seamlessly blends tradition with cutting-edge modernity. As the world’s most populous metropolis, it offers a dynamic cityscape filled with soaring skyscrapers, neon-lit districts, and tranquil historic temples. Visitors are captivated by neighborhoods like Shibuya, famous for its bustling crossing and trendy fashion, and Asakusa, home to the iconic Senso-ji Temple. Tokyo’s culinary scene is world-renowned, from high-end sushi bars to lively street food stalls serving local delicacies. Efficient public transportation makes exploring easy, connecting colorful neighborhoods, lush parks, and cultural landmarks such as the Meiji Shrine and the Imperial Palace. Despite its fast pace, Tokyo provides pockets of serenity in gardens like Shinjuku Gyoen and along the cherry blossom-lined Sumida River. The city pulses with unique pop culture, tech innovation, and timeless craftsmanship, making it a fascinating destination for travelers seeking both excitement and tradition.

LEARN MORE BY EXPLORING MY BLOG:
CHECKING IN WITH CHUCK

TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM

We hired a guide to take us through the Tokyo National Museum with a goal to learn something about Japanese art. People from the West (which means me) are familiar with western art from the renaissance to impressionism and abstract expressionism, but learning about Asian art is not something one gets taught much in an arts humanities class in college. At the gallery, we had the pleasure of being guided by Rafa, the most organized and exceptional guide we've ever encountered. Rafa, a Sephardic...

TOKYO: AESTHETICS & ARCHITECTURE

Contemporary Japan has its own unique aesthetics and architecture; this was the focus of our last tour in Tokyo with Context. Our guide was Jay, who holds a master’s degree in urban planning from the University of Tokyo and is an ex-pat from the US. Before settling in Japan 25 years ago, Jay spent time in Syria, Russia, and the UK. The quality of the Context guides continues to impress me. We met up with Jay in the Harajuku district , famous for its cutting-edge fashion retail. As an urban...

In Tokyo, we chose Context to book our tours. We appreciate both ToursByLocals and Context, and our choice usually depends on what each company offers for the destination we're visiting. Additionally, I find it optimal to stick with one company per location, though there is room for flexibility. Context typically features guides with a slightly higher academic background. We spent the entire day with Angel, an aspiring PhD candidate from Spain, who is studying the impact of Shintoism and...

Our first exposure to the Ginza area of Tokyo was to have dinner at a bustling Italian restaurant called The Kitchen Salvatore Cuomo Ginza . The food was decent, but the service left much to be desired. We experienced a long wait for our meal, and they played loud heavy metal rock music. Eventually, Scott's dinner came out but we still had to wait another ten minutes for mine to arrive. As a former New Yorker, I have no problem expressing myself and in this case, I pulled out Google...

TOKYO: THE OKURA TOKYO

We took a bullet train to Tokyo from Hiroshima for the last four days of our Japan tour. We stayed at The Okura Tokyo , which is a beautiful hotel that was rebuilt in 2019 and is located opposite the US Embassy. After what I considered to be mediocre accommodations with National Geographic, we were delighted to have a lovely, spacious, and elegant corner room on the 29th floor with a big view of Tokyo. I was very pleased and didn't feel the need to ask for a third room, as I occasionally do....

TOKYO: The 4-day tour

We then traveled to Tokyo via bullet train for the final four days of our Intro to Asia tour. We checked into The Okura Tokyo , a stunning hotel rebuilt in 2019, situated across from the US Embassy. After experiencing subpar accommodations (in my opinion) with National Geographic, we finally enjoyed a lovely, spacious, and elegant corner room on the 29th floor with a view of Tokyo. I was quite satisfied and didn't feel the need to request a third room, as I sometimes do. In Tokyo, we chose...

Blank Paper Setup

Let’s
Connect

123-456-7890

chuck@chuckmeltzer.com

500 Terry Francois St. San Francisco, CA 94158

bottom of page