Tokyo

Tokyo is a city of contrasts—peaceful shrines tucked between neon skylines, centuries-old tradition living alongside cutting-edge fashion. We explored its many faces by jumping into everything from martial arts training to street fashion, finding that the best way to see the city is to embrace its energy and hop on the train. The Tokyo Metro and JR Yamanote Line made getting around easy and efficient. With a Suica or Pasmo card, we could zip between neighborhoods without fuss, making even spontaneous detours simple and fun.

We started our journey with something a little different: a class at Tri-Force Jiu-Jitsu, where we trained with passionate locals and got a glimpse into the discipline and respect woven into Japanese martial arts culture. Next, we dove into Tokyo’s modern style scene. Omotesando felt like Tokyo’s Champs-Élysées—sleek, upscale, and design-savvy—while just around the corner, Harajuku’s Takeshita Street was bursting with color, quirky fashion, and sweet crepes. We paused for quiet reflection at the nearby Meiji Shrine, hidden in a tranquil forest right in the middle of the city. At night, we admired the glow of Shibuya Crossing, watched from above at the Shibuya Sky observation deck, and soaked up the buzz of Shinjuku’s neon-lit cityscape, which felt straight out of a sci-fi film.