Japan Diaries: last few days in Tokyo + food tour in Kyoto!

Christine Le · Summary by Tubewise · Watch on YouTube

TL;DR

This vlog documents a trip to Japan, exploring the vibrant city life of Tokyo and the cultural richness of Kyoto, featuring diverse culinary experiences, shopping excursions, and scenic sightseeing.

Key insights

A Culinary Journey Through Tokyo and Kyoto

The vlog showcases a variety of Japanese food experiences, from ramen and udon to sushi and street food like candied strawberries.
Specific food locations mentioned include 'Orenyu Shio-Ramen' in Shibuya, 'Akomeya Shokudo Tokyu Plaza Shibuya', 'Bakuzanbou', 'Kyoto Udon Kitsunean', 'ARINCO' for matcha crepes, and 'Men-ya Inoichi Hanare' for ramen.
The vlog highlights the convenience of convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Lawson for quick snacks and meals, with specific mentions of their sandwiches, omusubi, and frozen fruit.
A notable dining experience was at 'Tsuru Ton Tan' in Shibuya, where the food was enjoyed for comparison.

Exploring Japanese Culture and Shopping

The vlog captures iconic Japanese landmarks and cultural experiences, including a visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha with its thousands of torii gates and a scenic view of Kyoto.
Shopping experiences are featured, such as browsing at a stationery store ('Loft'), a vintage clothing shop, and a pet store ('Snobbish Babies', 'Mercury Dog').
The vlog also touches upon traditional Japanese crafts with a visit to a pottery shop and a tea ceremony demonstration.
Transportation methods like the Shinkansen (bullet train) and local trains/subways are shown, along with the use of the Pasmo card for easy travel.

Practical Travel Tips and Observations

The vlog provides practical advice, such as booking train tickets in advance, especially with large luggage, and the ease of using eSIM apps for connectivity.
Observations about Japan include the prevalence of vending machines, the politeness of service (e.g., overfilled sake glasses), and the contrast between the bustling city life of Tokyo and the quieter atmosphere of Kyoto.
The vlog also notes the convenience of luggage delivery services at the airport.

Personal Reflections and Experiences

The vloggers share personal moments, including enjoying food, experiencing the weather (rainy days), and interacting with locals.
There's a sense of adventure and discovery as they explore new places and try different foods.
The vlog concludes with a reflection on their trip and a promise to return to Japan.

Key moments

00:00Introduction with a scenic view of Mount Fuji from a train.
00:01Vloggers filming themselves, hinting at the start of their journey.
00:02Showcasing a beautifully presented matcha dessert.
00:03Enjoying a bowl of udon noodles.
00:05A chef preparing a dish with thinly sliced meat.
00:07A toast between the vloggers at a restaurant.
00:09A group toasting with shots.
00:10Interior view of a train, with passengers and luggage.
00:12Standing outside a 7-Eleven convenience store.
00:14Walking through the iconic red torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine.
00:16A scenic view of a Japanese city at dusk, with a traditional temple structure.
00:17A beautifully arranged Japanese meal with multiple small dishes.
00:21Using a Pasmo card to go through a train gate.
00:25Using a ticket vending machine at a ramen shop.
00:30Brandon picking up a new shirt for Brooklyn.
00:34A server brings a steaming bowl of ramen to the table.
00:41Browsing the aisles of a convenience store.
00:44A long queue outside a store on a rainy day.
00:48Entering a store with a unique architectural design.
00:50Interior of a store filled with various eyewear displays.
00:52A bustling city street scene with modern buildings.
00:54Browsing through shelves of colorful items in a store.
00:56A person walking up a modern staircase.
00:58A couple enjoying drinks in a cozy setting.
01:00A sign indicating 'Archive Store' with opening hours.
01:02A stylishly arranged clothing store interior.
01:03Exterior of a 'Loft' store, a popular Japanese variety shop.
01:05A directory board showing different floors and their offerings at Loft.
01:07A digital display showing a video of the vloggers inside Loft.
01:09Browsing through aisles of stationery and art supplies.
01:10Close-up of cute dog-themed stickers.
01:13A low-angle shot of the vloggers looking up at the store's offerings.
01:16A vibrant night scene of a busy Tokyo street with neon signs.
01:19Shibuya Crossing at night, with traffic and pedestrians.
01:22A person holding an umbrella and a snack from 7-Eleven on a rainy night.
01:25Enjoying a sweet pancake from 7-Eleven.
01:33A close-up of a delicious-looking rice bowl with egg and toppings.
01:37A menu for 'Kyoto-Uji Premium Matcha'.
01:40Showcasing various matcha-based desserts and drinks.
01:46A fork digging into a visually stunning matcha mont blanc dessert.
01:50A person tasting a spoonful of green matcha dessert.
01:53A store interior with shelves displaying various matcha products.
01:57A cityscape view with a train passing by.
02:00Interior of a train carriage with empty seats.
02:02Walking down a street with shops and buildings.
02:03Exterior of 'Onibus Coffee', a popular coffee shop.
02:05Coffee and water on a table by the window, with a train passing outside.
02:12A street scene in Japan with traditional houses and trees.
02:13A person walking down a street, talking to the camera.
02:16Exterior of 'Snobbish Babies', a dog goods shop.
02:18Interior of the dog shop, showcasing various dog apparel.
02:20Cute dog outfits displayed in the shop.
02:21A person interacting with dogs in the store.
02:24A person walking down a street.
02:26Interior of a clothing boutique with a minimalist aesthetic.
02:28A person emerging from a fitting room.
02:35Exterior of 'COVERCHORD', a store with a modern design.
02:36Browsing through racks of clothing in a stylish store.
02:39A display of colorful sweaters and jeans.
02:40A collection of sneakers arranged on a rug.
02:42A display of artisanal pottery and ceramics.
02:44A close-up of a soba noodle dish with tempura.
02:47The vloggers enjoying their soba meal.
02:57A person sharing their thoughts on the food.
03:08A residential building with balconies and windows.
03:10Exterior of a store with the name 'Visvim'.
03:13Interior of Visvim, showcasing a collection of clothing.
03:14Another view of the Visvim store entrance.
03:16A person interacting with a vending machine.
03:21A person on a bicycle passes by.
03:23A denim apron with the text 'BIB BE IN THE BAG'.
03:25Exterior of 'Mercury Dog', a pet store.
03:29A cute pink dog outfit is shown.
03:31A wide shot of a busy city street.
03:33Close-up of a train window with blurred scenery.
03:35Vloggers taking a selfie on an escalator.
03:37A striking modern building with a glass facade.
03:39Exterior of a dumpling restaurant.
03:43A plate of gyoza and a bowl of soup dumplings.
03:45A 'SOLD OUT' sign on a store window.
03:48A lively street scene with a 'Happy Winter' archway.
03:50A crowded street with various shops and signs.
03:52People walking past 'Pet Paradise Harajuku'.
03:55A person inside a pet store, surrounded by pet accessories.
03:56Shelves filled with cute pet clothing and bedding.
03:58A wall display of dog harnesses and leashes.
03:59A spread of snacks and food items from 7-Eleven.
04:05A close-up of a sushi platter.
04:08Showing various omusubi (rice balls) from 7-Eleven.
04:11Mentioning the hot bar with fried chicken at 7-Eleven.
04:15Highlighting the sandwiches available at 7-Eleven.
04:16Pancakes with maple syrup and margarine, a favorite item.
04:26A person talking about the sweetness of the apple mango frozen fruit.
04:30The vloggers are in a hotel room, surrounded by food.
04:39The vlogger is getting ready, talking about their last day in Tokyo.
04:57A person in an elevator, taking a selfie.
04:59A street view with buildings and traffic.
05:01A close-up of the vlogger, looking up at the sky.
05:05A row of vending machines on a street.
05:07Exterior of 'Latte Art Mania Tokyo'.
05:09A beautifully presented matcha dessert with ice cream and espresso.
05:11A close-up of someone enjoying the matcha dessert.
05:16A display of alcoholic beverages in a vending machine.
05:23People passing through train gates.
05:25A phone screen showing the Pasmo card in Apple Wallet.
05:35Selecting an amount to add to the Pasmo card.
05:38A close-up of the vlogger's face.
05:45Using a phone to tap at a train gate.
05:48A person walking down a subway platform.
05:49A yellow train arriving at the station.
05:51A person walking down a street.
05:55A long queue outside a restaurant.
05:59Entering a restaurant called 'Kyoto Udon Kitsunean'.
06:01A close-up of a bowl of udon noodles with meat and a poached egg.
06:03The vloggers' table with empty bowls and drinks.
06:05A menu displayed outside a restaurant.
06:07Exterior of 'Ginza Itoya', a multi-story stationery store.
06:11A glimpse inside the store, showing shelves of products.
06:12A wide display of colorful pens and art supplies.
06:14A table with various lifestyle and home goods, including wine and beer coolers.
06:15A detailed display of small decorative items, possibly for crafts or jewelry.
06:17An interior view of a store with extensive shelves of art supplies.
06:19A transaction at a store counter, with a phone being used for payment.
06:20Exterior of 'Ogura Clock Shop'.
06:23A display case filled with watches and jewelry.
06:24A view of a city street through a building's glass facade.
06:26A person sitting at a table in a restaurant, looking at a tablet.
06:28A close-up of a bowl of curry udon with tempura.
06:29A person talking to the camera, with a bowl of noodles in front of them.
06:31A person eating tempura and noodles.
06:37People passing through train gates at a station.
06:39A street scene at dusk, with traffic lights and trees.
06:41A person entering a building.
06:43A person getting ready in a hotel room.
06:45A person showing a picture of a dog on their phone.
06:57A person in an elevator, holding a phone.
06:59A street view with buildings and traffic.
07:01A close-up of a person's face, looking up.
07:05A busy street scene with a 'MEGA Don Quijote' store.
07:07A person browsing cosmetic products in a store.
07:10A busy supermarket interior with many shoppers.
07:16A person's hand holding a plastic bag with purchases.
07:19A person using a phone while walking.
07:23A person on an escalator, looking at their phone.
07:31A person using a phone to add a transit card to Apple Wallet.
07:38A close-up of the vlogger's face.
07:43A person on an escalator, smiling.
07:49A person on an escalator, laughing.
07:51A person on an escalator, holding a drink.
07:57A person on an escalator, looking around.
08:00A person on an escalator, looking up.
08:02A person on an escalator, talking to the camera.
08:05A person on an escalator, looking to the side.
08:08A person on an escalator, looking at the camera.
08:10A person on an escalator, smiling.
08:12A person on an escalator, looking at the camera.
08:14A person on an escalator, looking around.
08:16A person on an escalator, looking at the camera.
08:19A person using a ticket machine.
08:24People walking towards a train station entrance.
08:26Exterior of a shopping area with various food spots.
08:28A display of food items at a restaurant.
08:30A person enjoying a meal with a spoon.
08:32Bento boxes for the train.
08:34A person boarding a train.
08:36Vloggers interacting inside a train.
08:38A person looking out the train window.
08:41A view from the train window showing scenery.
08:46A bento box is placed on a tray table.
08:54Interior of a train carriage.
08:56A train passing by a station.
08:58A sign indicating 'Kyoto' at a train station.
09:00Exterior of a building with a sign 'Maana Kiyomizu'.
09:01A person entering a building.
09:03Interior of a room with a dining table and chairs.
09:05A hallway with a door and decorative lighting.
09:07A room with a dining area and a view of a bathroom.
09:10A view of a bathroom with a bathtub and shower.
09:13A closer look at the bathroom, showing a bathtub and shower area.
09:16A bathroom with a sink, shower, and toiletries.
09:19A reflection in a mirror showing a person with a camera.
09:23A bedroom with a bed and woven wall decor.
09:25A bathroom vanity area.
09:27Exterior of a Lawson convenience store.
09:28A street scene with a train crossing.
09:30A traditional Japanese temple structure with people around.
09:32A person standing in an archway, looking at a cityscape.
09:34A panoramic view of a city at sunset.
09:38A temple complex with people walking around.
09:40A street lined with traditional Japanese buildings.
09:42A display case filled with Japanese sweets and fruits.
09:45Candied strawberries and grapes on skewers.
09:46A person receiving a skewer of fruit from a vendor.
09:48A person eating a candied strawberry.
09:54A small shop at night with people working inside.
09:56A quiet street at night with traditional buildings.
09:58A dimly lit street corner with a building and a bicycle.
10:00A display of Japanese pottery and ceramics.
10:02A person browsing in an antique shop.
10:05A person talking about exploring a temple before sunset.
10:10A person on an escalator, looking at their phone.
10:13A person on an escalator, smiling.
10:16A person on an escalator, talking.
10:19A person using a ticket machine.
10:23A bottle of sake and glasses on a counter.
10:24A chef slicing meat.
10:27A chef pouring sauce over a dish.
10:29A person pouring sauce onto a plate of sliced meat.
10:32Sake being poured into glasses.
10:35A group toasting with sake.
10:38A view from inside a car at night, showing city lights.
10:41A person eating mochi in a car.
10:47A person entering a room.
10:54A person walking down a hallway.
10:57A street scene with houses and a fence.
11:01A person talking to the camera.
11:03Vloggers walking together.
11:07A person talking to the camera, with another person behind.
11:17A person using a ticket machine.
11:20A person sitting on a bench at a subway platform.
11:23A subway platform with people waiting for a train.
11:26Interior of a train carriage with purple seats.
11:29A person handing a pancake snack to another person.
11:31Exterior of a 7-Eleven store.
11:35A train passing through a railway crossing.
11:38People crossing a railway track.
11:40A grand Japanese shrine entrance.
11:43People performing a purification ritual at a shrine.
11:45Walking through the torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine.
11:48A serene scene of smaller shrines and torii gates in a forest.
11:50A beautiful natural landscape with a pond and trees.
11:52A person walking through a forest path.
11:55A person holding a phone, showing a dog on the lock screen.
11:59A person walking on a path in a forest.
12:04A person looking at the camera.
12:09A group of children in yellow hats walking on a path.
12:11People sitting on benches on a covered porch.
12:13A large red torii gate with people walking through.
12:15A person sitting on a platform at a train station.
12:17A display of bento boxes in a store.
12:20A train door opening at a station.
12:22Scenery viewed from a train window.
12:24A person taking off their shoes at an entrance.
12:27Exterior of a matcha shop.
12:29Close-up of matcha grinding stones.
12:31A person preparing matcha.
12:33A menu with different sake options.
12:36A toast with sake between the vloggers.
12:40A Japanese meal with multiple small dishes.
12:42The vloggers enjoying their meal.
12:49A display of mochi and other sweets.
12:54A rickshaw ride through a scenic area.
12:56A view of a river with a small waterfall.
12:59A popular coffee location in Kyoto with a view.
13:06Exterior of 'ARINCO', a crepe shop.
13:09A chef preparing matcha crepes.
13:11A close-up of a crepe being made.
13:18A person receiving a matcha ice cream cone.
13:20A person tasting the matcha ice cream.
13:24Walking through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
13:27People in kimonos walking through the bamboo forest.
13:31A street scene with a strawberry truck.
13:34A display of strawberries and strawberry daifuku.
13:36A vendor handing a strawberry treat to a customer.
13:38A couple standing under an umbrella, looking at their phones.
13:43People walking with umbrellas on a street.
13:45Vloggers sharing an umbrella and talking.
14:00A close-up of the vloggers under an umbrella.
14:15Using a ticket vending machine to book train tickets.
14:18Inserting money into a ticket machine.
14:23A digital display at a bus stop showing route information.
14:26View from the driver's seat of a bus.
14:29A street scene in Kyoto with a pagoda in the background.
14:31A busy street with traditional Japanese architecture and umbrellas.
14:33A person walking with an umbrella on a rainy street.
14:35A long queue outside a ramen restaurant on a rainy night.
14:38A person putting on a jacket inside a restaurant.
14:41A close-up of shumai being picked up with chopsticks.
14:43A meal spread with ramen, rice bowls, and beer.
14:46A person talking to the camera in a room with ambient lighting.
14:54A person holding a bag of purchases.
14:57A person showing tea products.
15:01A fun fact about Kyoto's tea region is shared.
15:16A person applying makeup.
15:40A conversation between the vloggers.
15:54A couple interacting in a room with soft lighting.
16:04Exterior of a shop with a white banner.
16:06Interior of a cafe with stylish decor and seating.
16:09Pouring milk into coffee.
16:14A view from a car, showing city streets.
16:16A shopping arcade with people walking around.
16:20A display of bento boxes in a store.
16:22Exterior of a cafe with a display of food items.
16:24A display of onigiri (rice balls) in a store.
16:26A busy train station concourse with signage.
16:29A Shinkansen (bullet train) arriving at a platform.
16:31A view from a train window showing clouds and landscape.
16:37People waiting on a train platform as a train arrives.
16:40A person boarding a train.
16:42A person eating something from a cup while looking out the train window.
16:45A person holding snacks inside a Lawson convenience store.
16:48A baggage delivery counter at an airport.
16:51A person at the baggage counter, with luggage.
16:53The person has successfully dropped off their luggage.
16:55The vloggers are sitting in an airport waiting area.
17:03The vloggers are talking and eating snacks.
17:10The vloggers are taking a selfie.
17:22Discussing the use of an eSIM app for travel.
18:16A person applying makeup, with a 'REC' overlay.
18:40End screen with social media handles and a thank you message.