Tokyo [2016]

The land of vending machines. A concrete jungle blending the modern and the traditional. Tokyo, and Japan in general has long been on the top of my travel list. Something about the culture and how I grew up consuming massive amounts of Japanese media drew me in like a moth to a flame. Now, having finally visited, I am hooked for life.

Mar 2016

© Kevin Yao, 2026

Biking is a common mode of transportation in Japan. No bike thieves here!

Biking is a common mode of transportation in Japan. No bike thieves here! (1 of 11)

The restaurant counter at Unagi Irokawa in Asakusa. The restaurant has a homey feel, as it is literally a residential building.

The restaurant counter at Unagi Irokawa in Asakusa. The restaurant has a homey feel, as it is literally a residential building. (2 of 11)

The iconic Hachiko statue and the less iconic cat-of-the-day.

The iconic Hachiko statue and the less iconic cat-of-the-day. (3 of 11)

My first ramen in Japan at Ichiran. Still partially delirious from jetlag, but the unctuous broth brought me back to life.

My first ramen in Japan at Ichiran. Still partially delirious from jetlag, but the unctuous broth brought me back to life. (4 of 11)

A random side street off of the main shopping area of Omotesando. I love how all the buildings have distinct designs.

A random side street off of the main shopping area of Omotesando. I love how all the buildings have distinct designs. (5 of 11)

The main entrance to the Meiji shrine featuring a massive torii gate. Amidst the hustle and the bustle of Tokyo, this area is surprisingly peaceful.

The main entrance to the Meiji shrine featuring a massive torii gate. Amidst the hustle and the bustle of Tokyo, this area is surprisingly peaceful. (6 of 11)

Neatly stacked sake display at the Meiji shrine.

Neatly stacked sake display at the Meiji shrine. (7 of 11)

I wish we had more mixed-use zoning back at home.

I wish we had more mixed-use zoning back at home. (8 of 11)

Shibuya 109

Shibuya 109 (9 of 11)

Kabukicho, where the nightlife never stops.

Kabukicho, where the nightlife never stops. (10 of 11)

Goodnight Tokyo. Shot from a window in our hotel hallway.

Goodnight Tokyo. Shot from a window in our hotel hallway. (11 of 11)

Biking is a common mode of transportation in Japan. No bike thieves here!
The restaurant counter at Unagi Irokawa in Asakusa. The restaurant has a homey feel, as it is literally a residential building.
The iconic Hachiko statue and the less iconic cat-of-the-day.
My first ramen in Japan at Ichiran. Still partially delirious from jetlag, but the unctuous broth brought me back to life.
A random side street off of the main shopping area of Omotesando. I love how all the buildings have distinct designs.
The main entrance to the Meiji shrine featuring a massive torii gate. Amidst the hustle and the bustle of Tokyo, this area is surprisingly peaceful.
Neatly stacked sake display at the Meiji shrine.
I wish we had more mixed-use zoning back at home.
Shibuya 109
Kabukicho, where the nightlife never stops.
Goodnight Tokyo. Shot from a window in our hotel hallway.