Trip Overview
This trip was a whirlwind two weeks split between the familiar, electric energy of Tokyo and the new, exciting discoveries of Seoul.
It was primarily a work trip, but one packed with exploration, incredible food, and wonderful moments with friends, old and new. From the controlled chaos of Shibuya Crossing to the historic hills of a Seoul moon village, it was a journey of incredible contrasts—a perfect blend of business, adventure, and discovery.
Most Memorable Moments
4 a.m. Jet-Lag Ramen
There’s nothing quite like waking up at 4 a.m. with jet lag in Tokyo. My solution? A visit to Ichiran for a world-class bowl of ramen. It was a surreal experience to be slurping noodles, wide awake, while the rest of Shibuya’s nightlife crowd was just heading home. It was the perfect, savory start to my Tokyo adventure.
The Sushi Belt Experience
At Uobei Shibuya, your sushi doesn’t just arrive on a conveyor belt—it shoots out on a high-speed track and stops perfectly in front of you. Ordering on an iPad and watching your food zip to your seat is a hilarious, fun, and delicious experience that feels uniquely Japanese.
Greeting Friends at the Airport
When my friends Jake and Andrea arrived, I met them at the airport with a homemade “Welcome to Japan” sign and two Japanese flags. Getting funny looks from strangers was a small price to pay for their fantastic reaction. It was the perfect start to their trip.
A Heartwarming Tonkatsu Reunion
A few years ago, my parents and I stumbled upon a small Tonkatsu restaurant in Asakusa with a wonderfully kind owner. I couldn’t remember the name but wanted to take my friends there. After a fruitless search, we gave up and went to the nearest spot—which turned out to be the exact same place! When I told the owner the story, she was so touched she brought us free food. It was a beautiful, unexpected moment.
The Secret Izakaya
One of my favorite finds this trip was a tiny izakaya (bar) tucked away in a basement. It felt incredibly local and authentic, and it became our go-to spot for a final beer to end the evenings.
An Adventurous Food Tour in Seoul
The culinary highlight in Korea was a food tour through a bustling market where we tried 14 different things. The grand finale? Thinly sliced raw beef and freshly prepared octopus that was still wiggling on the plate. It was an unforgettable—and slightly nerve-wracking—taste of local delicacies.
Logistics & Practical Information
Accommodation
- Tokyo: Hotel Indigo Shibuya. Great location and very comfortable.
- Seoul: Novotel Ambassador Seoul Gangnam. Avoid like the plague.
Transportation
- As with many places NOT the US, public transit was great! The train system in Tokyo is extensive and efficient.
- Seoul’s subway is also great, but Google Maps does not work for transit directions. I had to use a different local app (Naver Maps), which had a bit of a learning curve.
Notable Food
- Ichiran Ramen (Shibuya): Perfect for a 24/7 ramen fix.
- Uobei (Shibuya): The “sushi belt” restaurant.
- Momo Paradise (Shinjuku): Excellent all-you-can-eat Shabu Shabu and Sukiyaki.
- Katsukichi (Asakusa): The lost and found Tonkatsu place!
- Gwangjang Market Food Tour (Seoul): The best way to sample a huge variety of Korean street food.
Activities
- teamLab Planets (Tokyo): An incredible immersive digital art museum.
- Meiji Jingu Shrine (Tokyo): A beautiful, peaceful park and shrine complex.
- Asakusa (Tokyo): Explore Senso-ji Temple and the surrounding kitchenware/knife shops.
- Shibuya Crossing (Tokyo): The world’s busiest intersection is a sight to behold.
- Korean Seal-Making Class (Seoul): A unique, hands-on cultural experience.
- “Moon Village” Walk (Seoul): A historic hillside neighborhood offering great city views.
- Olive Young (Seoul): A must-visit store for Korean skincare and beauty products.
Tips for Travelers
- Embrace the 7-Eleven: In Japan, convenience stores like 7-Eleven have surprisingly delicious and fresh food. The egg salad sandwich is a cult classic for a reason.
- Plan for Early Closures: We learned in Asakusa that many shops close around 5 p.m., even on weekends. Plan to visit earlier in the day.
- Download the Right Apps for Seoul: Don’t rely on Google Maps for navigation in South Korea. Download Naver Maps or a similar local app before you go.
- Visit an Izakaya: For an authentic local experience in Japan, find a small, local izakaya (a type of informal Japanese bar) for drinks and small plates.
Reflections & Final Thoughts
After two weeks, I was definitely ready to come home to a place where I don’t stick out quite so much as a tall white guy. But I already miss the energy, the kindness, and the endless adventure of Asia. It was a whirlwind of productive meetings, incredible meals, and wonderful moments with new and old friends. Now, I can’t wait to plan a trip to bring Katie back to experience it all, especially Japan.
Expedition Hamilton 