Day 2 in Japan: Shrines, Street Food, and a Very Random Karaoke Night

Okay, so it’s officially our second day in Japan, and the pregnant lady is still exhausted. 😅 But honestly, the day couldn’t go to waste. We woke up early for breakfast and decided that instead of pushing ourselves all the way to Kyoto (which would’ve been a whole production with our schedule), we’d visit Nezu Shrine instead.

Nezu Shrine is like a little Kyoto tucked inside Tokyo. Quiet, traditional, and surrounded by those iconic red torii gates. It’s one of the oldest shrines in the city, and it’s dedicated to Inari, the deity of prosperity and good harvest. Japan has shrines everywhere because Shintoism is deeply woven into everyday life. People visit to give thanks, pray for good fortune, or simply reconnect with nature. At the offering box, you usually toss a coin, bow twice, clap twice, say a quiet prayer, then bow once again. Simple, but surprisingly grounding.

The weather though… I still can’t understand it. It’s hot but not humid. Sometimes I’m cold, sometimes I’m burning up. I don’t know if it’s Tokyo or the pregnancy, but wow. 😅

After Nezu Shrine, we headed to Yanaka Ginza, that old-school shopping street that everyone visits for souvenirs. It has this nostalgic, more “local Japan” vibe. Tiny shops, cats everywhere, and vendors selling everything from handcrafted trinkets to cute kitchenware. We bought a bunch of small gifts for friends and coworkers, plus some pieces for the house. Also, vending machines?? They are literally everywhere. 😱 Cold drinks, hot drinks, random drinks… Japan really spoils you with choices.

Next stop: Ueno, which has slowly become our favorite shopping area. It’s a mix of everything! Affordable clothes, cosmetics, Japanese snacks, fresh fruits, and little stores that locals and tourists both love. Ueno is also known for Ameyoko Market, a post-WWII black market area that turned into a massive shopping street over time. We grabbed some street food, and my personal favorite was the pineapple on a stick. It’s so simple but so refreshing.

Somewhere in the middle of the market there’s also a temple perched above the area, which makes the whole place feel like old Tokyo and modern Tokyo are happening at the same time.

By this time, you’d think we would’ve been done for the day, especially considering I’m pregnant and we’re with four senior citizens. But nope! We continued the adventure and headed to Kaitenzushi for dinner somewhere in Adachi. We wanted to try one of those places where food comes out on a conveyor belt or slides in on a rotating lane. These types of restaurants are common in Japan because of how efficient and fun they are. You just order from the screen and whoosh ~~ your dish arrives right in front of you! My husband wasn’t used to the flavors, especially the wasabi, so he didn’t enjoy it as much as we hoped… but honestly, the experience itself was still worth it!

After dinner, we went home to rest for a bit. I took a 30-minute nap because my body was done. Then we all got ready again and went to the Izakaya my cousin owns. If you’re not familiar, an izakaya is basically a Japanese pub. It’s casual, cozy, and the go-to spot for after-work drinks. You’ll find them everywhere in Tokyo near stations and office areas. People go there to unwind, catch up with coworkers, or eat small plates while drinking beer or sake.

Of course, the night wouldn’t be complete without karaoke. We all took turns singing, and honestly, my husband had the most fun. He even made a few Japanese friends who were curious about him and where he’s from! 🤭 Japan is still a very homogenous society, so see someone visibly foreign naturally sparks curiosity, but they were all nice and genuinely interested.

It was such a long day, but so worth it. Japan has a way of surprising you at every corner.

What about you? Which part of Tokyo would you look forward to the most? shrines, shopping streets, or food? Let me know in the comments!