Japan Day 3: Tokyo, Otter Café, Arcade, and Temple

Breakfast at Sakura Hotel Nippori was pretty simple—just toast you could grill yourself, with butter and jam. I ate there once before realizing the egg sandwich from 7/11 tasted way better.

(Small tip: If you need more food to start your day, convenience stores in Japan always have great options.)

We gathered on the terrace to start the day, introducing ourselves—name, where we were from, and why we chose Japan. I still didn't know anyone in the group well yet. Having traveled alone, I wasn't sure how it would go, but I was already finding it easier to talk to people than I'd feared. Afterward, we played a fun Kahoot quiz about Japan and received our bus passes for the day.

🏙 Tokyo and Harajuku

We wandered around Tokyo first. On a rooftop, we saw a massive 3D billboard—it looked almost alive up there. Then we headed to Harajuku, famous for Japanese teen pop culture and its many quirky shops.

👉 Tip if you get easily overwhelmed: Harajuku is full of crowds, noise, and bright colors. Have a small plan for breaks or a quiet corner to retreat to if it becomes too much.

🦦 Otter Café, Seriously, They Were So Cute!

Two group members and I decided to visit an otter café, not your typical café, but a place to meet otters. We were given pink sweaters and skirts, tied up our hair, and were led into a small room with sofas. The otters jumped right onto our laps, eager to play. We gave them water and small treats while an employee supervised to ensure everyone's safety and comfort. It cost 600 yen (about 43 NOK) for 30 minutes, worth every penny.

👉 Tip: Always wash your hands thoroughly after visits like this, and consider potential allergies. If you're nervous around animals or new situations, it can help to just sit and observe at first.

⛩ Meiji Shrine—Peaceful in the Heart of the City

Next, we met up with the group again and went to Meiji Jingu in Yoyogi Park. The shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. We offered a 5-yen coin to pray, and I was amazed at how quiet and peaceful it felt in the middle of bustling Tokyo. We were even lucky enough to see a wedding procession, it felt like a glimpse into a private, beautiful ceremony.

👉 Tip: If you have knee or back issues or tire easily, Meiji Shrine involves a fair amount of walking. Go at your own pace, take breaks on benches, and bring water.

🛍 More Shopping and a Strange Hotdog

After the shrine, we were free to go where we wanted. A group member and I returned to Harajuku, we weren't done there yet. I bought earrings and a new phone charger plug (my travel adapter didn't work, typical!). We took a break at a restaurant, ate a "hotdog" that was basically potato and cheese, and had an overly sweet soda.

🎮 Akihabara: Electric Chaos in the Best Way

In the evening, we went to Akihabara, Tokyo's electric town. The arcades there are another world: racing games, card games, and of course, claw machines. I actually managed to win a stuffed toy (a proud moment!) but gave it away because I had no room in my backpack. We also peeked into a manga store with shelves full of comics before heading back to the hotel.

👉 Tip: Arcades are amazing but can be loud and full of flashing lights. If you're sensitive to noise, earplugs can make the experience much more comfortable.

🌸 Reflection

This day reminded me why I love traveling, and why I started this blog. I traveled alone with a group of strangers, and yet it already felt like I had friends around me. We laughed, shared little moments, and explored new places together.

Travel isn't always perfect. There are lines, strange menus, and small mishaps, like the wrong train or a faulty travel adapter. But there's also magic in a stranger's smile, an unexpected meeting with an otter, or the evening light on a shrine.

👉 Inclusive tip: You don't have to be super social or fearless to travel. Small steps are enough. You can travel alone and still find community along the way, and there are always kind people willing to help if you ask.