Tokyo, Japan – March 26 – April 2, 2025

Japan, Tokyo in particular, is my favorite place in the world to visit. I don’t typically go back to visit a place after I’ve been there once — I’m all about new travel experiences and being places I haven’t before. But so many things about Tokyo keep bringing me back. Prior to COVID I’d go back every year, but this was the first chance I’ve had since. Japan’s borders were closed for a good bit, and then flights were incredibly expensive. But then a friend of a friend had a wedding and I got to go as their plus one, and oh no, it happened to be in Tokyo.

When I do go to Japan I don’t typically go during sakura season. It’s undoubtably the most picturesque time to be there, but that also makes it one of the more expensive. This wedding was during prime sakura season, so it was my first time in Japan during the spring months.

I said I keep going back to Japan for many reasons, right? One of them is food. Specifically konbini and vending machine food. It’s cheap, it’s plentiful, it’s delicious and it’s everywhere. I have dreams about my favorite onigiri, pictured above. If you’ve ever had a seasoned, soft boiled egg added to your ramen at a Japanese restaurant it’s basically that with rice for 170yen (about $1 USD). There are plenty of articles espousing the glory of Japanese convenience store food so I won’t waste your time, but needless to say it’s an essential stop for any Japanese tourist.

Vending machines are also everywhere, and while most contain a variety of delicious drinks (I’m not talking to you, corn drinks. Why are you there?), some get a bit more creative. This trip I spotted one dedicated entirely to bottles of siracha.

Day 1 shopping blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah