Day 8: Our Last Full Day in Tokyo

Leaving Kyoto felt heavier than I expected. Somewhere between the quiet mornings, temple walks, and slow evenings, the city had become familiar. It was calm in a way that settles into you. Still, the plan was always to return to Tokyo before flying home, so we packed our bags early and got ready for the last stretch of our trip. We asked the hotel concierge to call a taxi for us at 8:00 a.m., which instantly made the morning easier. By 8:15, we were already on our way to Kyoto Station, watching the streets slowly wake up outside the window. There was something peaceful about seeing the city in motion without being part of the rush.

Kyoto Station can feel overwhelming at first, but it is also incredibly efficient. Signs are clear, staff are helpful, and everything runs on time. We followed the signs toward the Shinkansen gates, grabbed a quick coffee, and found our platform without any stress.

By 9:00 a.m., we were boarding the bullet train to Tokyo. The seats were wide and comfortable, and the car was quiet. We made sure to sit on the left side of the train, which gives you the best chance of seeing Mount Fuji if the weather cooperates.

Even before the train started moving, I felt that familiar sense of calm that comes with train travel in Japan. Everything just works the way it should.

Once the train left the station, Kyoto slowly faded into the background. Traditional rooftops gave way to open spaces, smaller cities, and eventually dense urban scenery. I spent most of the ride looking out the window and thinking about how quickly the trip had gone by.

We arrived in Tokyo around 11:45 a.m., and the energy was instantly different. Kyoto feels soft and slow. Tokyo feels alive and nonstop. After days of quieter streets, the noise and movement felt intense but familiar.

We headed straight to The Gate Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon by Hulic. We only stayed here for one night, and it was a practical choice rather than a luxury one. The room was comfortable enough, and the biggest highlight was the view. From our window, we could see Tokyo Skytree rising above the city, especially striking once the sun went down.

Staying in Asakusa made sense for our last night. It was easy to get around, close to the airport train, and full of things to see without needing to travel far.

One of the best surprises in this area was the Asakusa Culture and Tourism Center, located right across the street from the hotel. We took the elevator up to the observation deck on the top floor, and the view was worth it.

From above, you can see Kaminarimon Gate and the grounds of Sensō-ji Temple laid out below. Watching people move through the temple from this angle felt calming. It gave us a chance to take everything in before stepping back into the crowds.

Best of all, the observation deck is free, making it an easy stop to add to your day.

After enjoying the view, we headed back down and walked through Kaminarimon Gate. The massive red lantern hanging in the center always makes the entrance feel dramatic, no matter how many times you have seen it in photos.

From there, we wandered down Nakamise Street, the oldest shopping street in Japan. The street was busy, lined with stalls selling traditional sweets, snacks, and souvenirs. It was loud, crowded, and full of energy, but in a way that felt fun rather than overwhelming.

We took our time walking through, stopping whenever something caught our attention. This part of the day was less about seeing specific sights and more about wandering and enjoying the atmosphere.

Not far from the temple, we found a few food stalls that were impossible to pass up.

First was Asakusa Kagetsudō, known for its giant melon bread. Warm, fluffy, and lightly sweet, it made for the perfect afternoon snack.

We also stopped at a stall selling freshly pressed flattened shrimp crackers. Thin, crispy, and salty, they were incredibly addictive. I recommend getting more than one because they disappear fast.

These simple food stops ended up being some of the most memorable parts of the afternoon.

One place I really wanted to visit was Bar Centifolia, a cocktail bar known for its creative drinks and unique bartending style. Unfortunately, it requires reservations, and we did not plan far enough ahead.

Even though we missed it, it is worth mentioning if you are planning a similar trip. It looks like a fun and memorable experience and would make a great stop on a Tokyo night.

After wandering around Asakusa, we decided to lean into something a little random and very on brand for Tokyo. We went to Cat Cafe MONTA, because honestly, why not. Most of the cats were completely passed out, living their best sleepy lives, but a few were surprisingly playful. And yes, they had a munchkin cat, which I became immediately obsessed with. Short legs, big personality. Worth the stop alone.

From there, we headed to GIGO Akihabara Building 3c, a massive six-floor arcade that felt like pure sensory overload in the best way. Every floor had something different, but my favorites were the music and dance games and the retro floor. Lights, sounds, flashing screens, and people fully locked in on their games. It was chaotic and fun and very Tokyo.

We ended the night in Shinjuku City, wandering with no real plan. We saw the famous 3D cat billboard, the giant Godzilla head, and even popped into a pet store where some cats were priced at 1,000,000 yen, which is about $6,400 USD. Absolutely wild.

 As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Angie xoxo