Tokyo FTW
Location of our Vow Renewal
We are still in the process of planning our vow renewal and will share the venue and time of the event as soon as possible with our guests. Understanding that our guests are all from North America, we wanted to share the information that we currently have to facilitate travel planning as best that we can.
As of this moment, we can tell you for certain that the event will be in, or around Tokyo and the date is March 26, 2026.
Hotels
Here are some recommendations on where to stay in the Tokyo area.
Budget Friendly
Sotetsu Fresa Inn | Centurion Hotel
Pros: Still in the heart of the city or conveniently located near metro stations, many have free or very low cost breakfasts.
Cons: A smaller room (and bed) than you’re probably used to.
Tip: Bring over-the-door hooks to maximize space.
Middle of the Road
Pros: Pretty much guaranteed English-speaking service, concierge to help you book tours and restaurants.
Cons: Concierge at this tier cannot get you into the most sought-after experiences.
Tip: There is no tipping (here, and in Japan in general).
Lap of Luxury
Mandarin Oriental | Aman Hotel
Pros: Concierege has some clout to help secure reservations at top-tier experiences. Mandarin Oriental Nihonbashi has sakura trees surrounding the property, in bloom, during this trip.
Cons: The pricetag.
Tip: You may find these properties for a lower cost on third party hotel booking sites if you’re willing to move rooms or move hotels during your stay.
Explore Tokyo’s Neighborhoods
From quiet Nihonbashi to the hustle and bustle of Shibuya, there’s a vibe for everyone in close proximity. Here’s a brief overview of areas within Tokyo.
Arguably Tokyo’s most iconic hub, Shibuya is home to the Hachiko statue and Shibuya scramble, packed with endless shopping and dining. It’s also a good place to catch a few street performances. Perhaps the most “Tokyo” part of Tokyo.
Shibuya
The Anime and Electronics district. Where anime, gachapons, claw machines and pachinko take over the streets. Find stores catering to various niche interests here.
AKIHABARA
Financial and Luxury Shopping District. Marvel at the high-end fashion house architecture and branding.
GINZA
This fun, western-styled tourist
island is a place to escape busy city streets. Full of westernized malls, it’s a good way for tourists to ease into Tokyo. Explore several properties, each with its own mini attractions.
ODAiba
Full of historical finds like the Nihonbashi bridge, this quiet and quaint neighborhood is also Tokyo’s business district and home to the “salary men” of whom you might see having some drinks and BBQ late at night.
NIHONBASHI
Adorable, kitchy, and cute, Harajuku (and Ometsando next door) is where to go for girly goods and cutting edge cosmetics. Don’t be surprised to see people in goth, lolita, or other costumes here. Eccentric or avant-garde? You decide.
HARAJUKU / OMETSANDO
Restaurants
We scoff at those who say it’s expensive to eat in Tokyo. Here’s some recommendations for places to dine, from fun to fancy. Just remember, unless specified, taking out leftovers or ordering take-out from a restaurant is not common in Japan.
Budget Friendly
Torikizoku | Jonathan’s | Coco Ichibanya
Yoshinoya | Sushiro | Gansozushi
Pomu no Ki | Shinsen
Middle of the Road
Nabezo | Tonkatsu Mai-Sen | Bills
Kaikaya by the Sea | Mo Mo Paradise Shabu Shabu
Things to Do and See
A vibrant, world-class city, we’re sure that you’ll run out of time in Tokyo before being bored on this trip.
Shopping
For that empty suitcase you’re bringing.
> Yodabashi Camera, so you can marvel at the 16K TV (versus our 4K) and contemplate whether you need a $1000 rice cooker. This store has everything, from electronics to beauty products and cheap souvenirs. Bic Camera is similar.
> Daiso! Arguably Lisa’s favourite store. See the amazing things that you can get for just 100 yen (around $1 CAD / $0.70 USD). The flagship store also features items from its other brands as well.
> Mitsukoshi, Japan’s first department store (or “departo”). It’s Nihonbashi location is the main store.
> Wako, for those who like (literal) white gloved service and the finer things in life. This iconic departo from 1947 is also home to Seiko’s flagship store for hard-to-find watches.
>Don Quixote. This is Lisa’s second home in Japan and it will be yours, too. Buy EVERYTHING in this giant store, from housewares and clothing, to costumes, make up, snacks and more. The best place for souvenir shopping. Also an easy foray into the Japanese market of gently used luxury handbags and watches. Some locations open past midnight or 24/7.
Experiences
Can’t say you didn’t try new things!
> Tokyo Edo Museum provides a nice overview of Japan without being boring. Lots of interactive displays and photo ops. You might enjoy this more than you think.
>Super Potato, old school video game consoles for your inner geek. A cultural blast from the past.
>TeamLab Borderless, a digital art experience for all the senses.
>Ozu Washi. This hands-on workshop teaches you how to make Japanese washi paper. Group and privately booked workshops available.
>Meiji Jingu, one of Tokyo’s most popular Shinto shrines.
> Hotaluna. Relax on a short cruise around Tokyo Bay, connecting Asakusa to Odaiba. Sure, you can take the metro as well, but where’s the fun in that?
> Art Aquarium. If you need a breather from the busy streets, check out this “aquarium” where fish is presented as art.
> Sunshine City Aquarium. This is an actual aquarium, full of penguins, giant octopus, pencil eels and other fun fish!
Sights
Insta-worthy moments.
> Gundam statue in Odaiba. Bonus points if you take a day trip to see the other one in Yokohama.
> Senso-Ji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo dating back to 645AD, is a great place to dress up in a kimono and take pictures.
> Hanami. March is the perfect time to see cherry blossoms. Take them in at: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Ueno park, or even as you pass most rivers banks and beautifully lined streets!
>Godzilla! (use your browsers translate if checking the site) Looming above Kabukicho in Shinjuku you’ll be greated by the lifesize head of Godzilla overlooking Toho Cinemas.
>Take in the view of the city at one of the many skyscraper viewpoints. If you want one of the newest try Shibuya Sky. Tickets range from $27-$34, or opt for a free option at Tokyo Metropolitan Governmant Building.
> You could also opt to experience the world famous Shibuya scramble, the busiest cross walk in the world! If you’d like to see it instead of experience it. Jump into the Shibuya scramble Starbucks for a coffee and a upfront seat! Bonus note, Starbucks Japan has drinks and food found sometimes nowhere else in the world!
For Kids
Or the kid inside of you.
> Tokyo Dome, just enough excitement to keep you busy, but you won’t go home exhausted.
> Kidzania allows kids to “work” many different types of jobs, from firefighting to grocery store clerk…and earn “money” to trade for prizes in doing so.
> Little Planet, an interactive indoor play space that uses technology, projection, and more to keep the kids entertained!
> Asobono! Probably our favourite indoor play place, this playground features a massive ball pit, pirate ship for climbing, jumping inflatable, creative play spaces and more. Also conveniently located across from a food court for easy lunch.
> Kids Museums for education and fun! There are so many to explore, like the: National Science Museum, Railway Museum, Mirakan Emerging technology Museum, even a Police Museum or Fire Museum.
>Tokyo Disney land and Tokyo Disney Sea. These parks not only are cheaper than Disney World, but they are the only Disney Parks that are owned by a separate company under licensing. You’ll see attractions that you won’t see anywhere else!
First Time Heading to Tokyo?
Know Before You Go – Here’s a Checklist.
Get local data on your phone
We like Ubigi – ESim for Japan.
Install Uber/Uber Eats
Be sure to set your hotel’s location or use it to quickly find types of restaurants while you’re on the street.
Set up your Metro pass
Use this to pay at subway stations, conbinis and vending machines. Add the Suica card in your phone’s wallet: Instructions Here!
Get familiar with the Translator app
Apple and Android phones have built-in translation. Type
“translate” into the search bar on your phone.
Get (some but not too much) yen
Cash is needed at small food stalls, shops and markets, or reloading physical metro cards at the subway station. All others accept credit cards and Suica. Canadians: VBCE has some of the best rates. Americans: Check your local currency exchange to get better rates than from your bank. If you need more, 7-11’s in Japan have international ATMs.