Jess and I (Dave) kicked off our full-time travel journey with a whirlwind 72 hours of flights and exploring Tokyo. Here’s a breakdown of our first vlog, covering our emotional departure, the 14-hour flight, and our adventures in Japan’s bustling capital.
The Journey Begins: Toronto to Tokyo
Emotional Farewell
- Departure day started with a tearful goodbye to Jess’s family at the Toronto airport.
- Despite the emotions, check-in and security were surprisingly fast, getting us off to a smooth start.
The Flight
- Duration: 14 hours from Toronto to Tokyo.
- Upgrade: We splurged on extra legroom seats for $250 CAD, which made all the difference on such a long flight.
- Highlights:
- The extra space was worth every penny.
- Though seated in a “window seat,” there was no actual window—thankfully, not a big deal.
Touchdown in Tokyo: Exploring the City
Hotel Stay
- Room Details:
- Compact but functional, featuring under-bed luggage storage and a private bathroom.
- Modern amenities like the famous Japanese high-tech toilet added to the experience.
- First Impressions: Despite its size, the room was perfect for a quick stay.
Shibuya Crossing
- Known as the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world, with up to 3,000 people crossing at any time.
- We crossed it a couple of times—once for fun and later to explore nearby attractions.
Culinary Adventure: First Meal in Tokyo
Ramen Experience
- Plan A: Visit the renowned Ichiran Ramen, but wait times were over two hours.
- Plan B: A smaller ramen shop with quick service and delicious food.
- Meal Breakdown:
- Ramen, gyoza, and rice for two.
- Total cost: $25 CAD.
- Quick ordering via a ticket machine outside the restaurant made the experience seamless.
Cultural Moment: Hachiko Statue
- The statue honors Hachiko, the loyal dog who waited for his owner at Shibuya station daily—even after the owner passed away.
- Visiting the statue was a touching moment, especially for us as dog lovers.
Travel Tips and Tools
- Suica Pass: A reloadable transit card we added to our phones, making it easy to navigate Tokyo’s public transport system.
- Planning Ahead: Upgrading seats on long-haul flights and downloading helpful travel apps made the journey smoother.
Next Steps
After an incredible first day in Tokyo, we’re heading to Seoul before flying to Cebu City in the Philippines. The adventure has just begun, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.
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