Recent trip to Japan Day 4 - From Pork Bowls , Glimpse of Tokyo's Ancient Spirit to Nightclubs

Thursday was quite an adventure in Tokyo, packed with new experiences and a blend of excitement and reflection. The day began with a much-anticipated trip to Shinbashi, where I finally got to try Buta-Daigaku, a pork bowl dish that had been on my list since I saw it on YouTube. Despite a line, the wait wasn't bad, and I was soon seated and served a medium bowl that was generously portioned. While delicious, I found myself wishing for a side of pickles to balance out the richness of the pork. It's definitely a place I’d return to if I’m ever in the area again.

Shinbashi is a charming spot, but my next destination was the shopping mecca of Ginza. Known for its upscale stores and bustling streets, Ginza didn’t disappoint. I made my way through the sprawling 12-floor Ginza Uniqlo, the largest Uniqlo in Japan, though I left empty-handed. My shopping journey continued through Ginza Six, Matsuya Ginza, and Ginza Komatsu—each offering a unique glimpse into Tokyo’s retail scene. It wasn’t until I reached GU, Uniqlo’s sister brand, that I found something worth purchasing. The clothes were stylish, affordable, and of good quality, making it a successful shopping trip.

With shopping out of the way, I treated myself to a pricey but cute fruit mochi for dessert. At 800 yen, it was a bit steep, and while it was tasty, it’s more of an experience I’m glad I tried rather than something I’d go for again.

Afterward, I headed back to the hotel for a quick nap—a necessity after walking about 30,000 steps every day. Refreshed, I wandered around Shinjuku as the night began to unfold

As night fell, I made my way to Senso-ji in Taito City, an ancient Buddhist temple nestled in the heart of Asakusa. As Tokyo's oldest established temple, Senso-ji is a significant cultural landmark, drawing in both tourists and locals alike. The temple grounds were bustling, with many visitors dressed in traditional kimono, adding to the atmosphere of timeless tradition.

Arriving later in the evening, I found that many of the surrounding shops were closing up around 5 to 6 PM. For anyone planning to visit, I’d recommend coming earlier to fully explore the various shops and stalls that line the approach to the temple. Despite the evening crowds and the closing shops, the area still had a lively energy. Night food vendors were busy catering to hungry visitors, but after a brief walk around, I decided to head back, soaking in the serene yet vibrant ambiance of this historic site.

Senso-ji offers a beautiful blend of history, culture, and the ever-present hum of Tokyo's life, making it a must-visit spot, especially if you appreciate a mix of ancient and modern experiences.

I ended up at Saizeriya for dinner, where a 40-minute wait didn’t faze me. I enjoyed my usual favorite dishes and indulged in a sweet flan for dessert, which was well worth the price.

As the night deepened, I found myself people-watching on the streets of Shinjuku, a fascinating pastime in itself. I eventually made my way to a bar, but it turned out to be a bit of a tourist trap, so I quickly moved on after one drink. Still determined to experience Tokyo’s nightlife, I decided to check out Warp Shinjuku Night Club. The entry fee was steep at 3,200 yen, including a drink, and the club was packed, though it was more of a "sausage fest" than a balanced crowd. The dancers were impressive, and the DJ kept the energy high, but my anxiety got the best of me, making it hard to enjoy the dance floor. Despite this, I managed to strike up a few conversations, and the night ended on a positive note, even though I felt a bit out of my element.

As the club scene wound down, I made my exit early to avoid the mass exodus. A quick stop at 7-11 for a drink and some ice cream, and I was back at the hotel, ready to crash. With only two days left in my trip, I’m looking forward to whatever new adventures Tokyo has in store.