A Peaceful Morning at Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo

Walk with me, friends, and I’ll show you one of Tokyo’s most picture-perfect photo spots that’s just as peaceful as it is photogenic. If you love Instagram-worthy red staircases, peaceful vibes, and hidden gems tucked into Tokyo neighborhoods, you’re in for a treat. ✨ The Thousand Toriis & Hie Shrine ✨ Just a 25-minute walk from our hotel, through quiet residential streets and charming city corners, we arrived at the first staircase adorned by iconic red lanterns. It’s already a beautiful spot for photos—so don’t forget to stop and snap a few shots here! But just ahead, you’ll find the real showstopper: The Thousand Toriis, a mesmerizing staircase lined with vibrant red torii gates that lead you up to the Hie Shrine. It’s like stepping into a postcard—or the ultimate aesthetic background for your next reel or Instagram post. 📸⛩️ 💡 Pro Tip: Get here early! The shrine opens at 6:00 A.M., and if you want those solo shots on the stairs without photobombers, early is the way to go. We arrived around 10:00 A.M., and it was still pretty quiet. Definitely not the crowd chaos you might expect at some of Tokyo’s more popular spots. 🧭 Quick Info: 📍 Located in: Sannoinari Shrine Address: 2 Chome-10 Nagatachō, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0014, Japan ⛩️ Free entry 🕕 Open daily from 6 A.M. to 5 P.M. 📸 Known for: The Thousand Toriis, love blessings, business prosperity, peaceful vibes, and stunning photo opportunities Aside from being ultra photogenic, Hie Shrine is also a spiritual and cultural spot known for blessings in love fulfillment, business success, and prosperity. Whether you’re snapping selfies or just soaking in the calm, the shrine is peaceful and approachable—even if you're not familiar with Shinto traditions. When in doubt, just observe what others are doing and be respectful. We spent about 30 minutes here, and it was the perfect quick stop to start our day in Tokyo on a serene and inspiring note. Highly recommend adding this to your Tokyo travel itinerary, especially if you're building a list of quiet, beautiful, and culturally rich places to explore. Next up, we’re heading to the Meiji-Jingu Temple, which is just a short 17-minute Uber ride away—so stay tuned! Thanks for joining me on today’s adventure. I’m Siva McAteer, your travel-loving guide, sharing hidden gems, photo spots, and must-see moments around the world. Don’t forget to subscribe and follow along for more Tokyo travel tips and dreamy destinations!

Good morning from Tokyo, Japan! ☀️ Today’s adventure kicks off with a little surprise from an unexpected place—7-Eleven Japan! Now, I know what you're thinking: 7-Eleven? For breakfast? But trust me, convenience stores in Japan are on a whole different level. As someone who usually starts her mornings with a green smoothie back home, I was thrilled to discover that 7-Eleven in Japan actually offers fresh, make-it-yourself smoothies! 🍓🥬🍌 Here’s how it works (and yes, it’s as fun as it sounds!): Pick your smoothie cup from the freezer section (they have different flavors!). Pay for it at the register and scan the barcode at the smoothie machine. Pop the cup into the blender machine, press start, and voila! It blends your smoothie fresh right there on the spot. Watching it in action was oddly satisfying—and the smoothie? Delicious. Cold, refreshing, and a great way to get a healthy start in Tokyo. It honestly made me wish U.S. convenience stores had something like this. I love that Japan makes it so easy to stay healthy while traveling. Between all the walking in Tokyo, smaller portion sizes, and grab-and-go options like this smoothie, it's no wonder Japan has one of the lowest obesity rates in the world. ✨ This was just the beginning of our first official day exploring Tokyo, and what a great way to start! If you’re planning a trip to Japan and are looking for healthy food in Tokyo, don’t skip the 7-Eleven smoothie machine—it’s a fun experience and a healthy win. 💬 Have you ever tried a smoothie from a convenience store abroad? Let me know in the comments! I’m Siva McAteer, a travel lover and content creator sharing my adventures around the globe—one sip, bite, and step at a time. Join me next time as we head out to explore Tokyo and see what amazing things we find next! 🗺️🍱🎌

Hey fellow travelers and snack lovers! It’s our very first night in Tokyo, and jet lag hit hard. So instead of heading out to a restaurant, we did what every savvy traveler in Japan knows to do—we walked one block from our hotel (Hotel Monterey Hanzomon) to a 7-Eleven and did a full-on taste test haul. And let me tell you—it did not disappoint! From matcha desserts to onigiri, soba noodles, and a very questionable whisky soda, this 7-Eleven adventure is one for the books. 🛍️ Here’s What We Got from 7-Eleven Japan: Sapporo Beer – Because beer is always a good idea. Matcha Pudding in Sauce – Dessert #1 and absolutely heavenly. Milk Crepe – Melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Whisky Fuji San and Soda – Bought it for the pretty can... regret followed. Matcha Cheesecake with Red Bean – Dessert #2 and absolutely stunning. Grilled Salmon Onigiri – Wrapped rice triangle packed with flavor. Rice Ball with Egg Inside – A mystery pick that turned out to be so good. Cold Soba with Green Onions and Wasabi – Refreshing and surprisingly flavorful. 🍙 First Bites: Onigiri & Egg Rice Ball We kicked things off with the Grilled Salmon Onigiri. Super fresh, perfectly seasoned, and the seaweed had that just-right crisp. Then we opened up the rice ball with the egg inside (seriously, I just picked it based on curiosity), and oh wow—so good. The yolk was creamy and added such a nice richness. Definitely a 7-Eleven Japan win! 🍜 Cold Soba? Yes, Please. Next up was the cold soba noodles with green onions and wasabi. For a convenience store dish, this was really impressive. Light, cool, and the wasabi added a great little kick. Perfect for summer in Tokyo. 🍵 Let’s Talk Matcha Desserts Japan is the land of matcha dreams, and we did not hold back. Matcha Pudding in Sauce: It came with its own adorable little spoon (thanks to the super nice cashier who gave us two spoons, a fork, chopsticks, AND two tiny clear dessert spoons—how cute is that?). The pudding was smooth, slightly sweet, and had that deep earthy matcha flavor. 10/10. Matcha Cheesecake with Red Bean: Gorgeous to look at and even better to eat. The red bean added a nice traditional twist to a classic treat. 🥃 Whisky Fuji San & Soda: A Pretty Letdown I bought this one because the can looked gorgeous. But looks can be deceiving. Not a fan. Maybe it’s an acquired taste? Either way, one sip was enough for me. 🍰 Ending on a High Note: Milk Crepe Oh. My. Goodness. This milk crepe was the star of the show. Light layers, creamy center, and it literally melted in my mouth. This is the dessert I’ll be dreaming about forever. Every time we went into a 7-Eleven we looked for this Milk Crepe and NEVER found it again. So sad. 💬 Final Thoughts If you ever find yourself in Japan and you’re hungry, tired, or just want to snack like a local—go to 7-Eleven. Japanese convenience stores are on another level and packed with delicious, high-quality food at affordable prices. This quick 7-Eleven Tokyo haul was the perfect start to our Japan trip. Stay tuned for more foodie finds, hotel reviews, and travel tips as we continue exploring 🎌. #7ElevenJapan #TokyoFoodHaul #MatchaLovers #ConvenienceStoreJapan #TokyoEats #JapanTravelTips #SapporoBeer #Onigiri #ColdSoba #JapaneseSnacks #HotelMontereyHanzomon #JapanVlog #JapanDesserts #TravelJapan #TasteTestTokyo Let me know in the comments: What would YOU try from this haul? Or do you have a favorite 7-Eleven treat from Japan? Til next snack, Siva 🍵✈️

Hey travel friends! It’s Siva McAteer here—your travel-loving, snack-obsessed travel agent and blogger—reporting from Tokyo, Japan! ✈️🍱 We just landed, and while jet lag hit us hard, adventure still called… from just one block away. That’s right—a 7-Eleven sat perfectly positioned near our hotel (Hotel Monterey Hanzomon), and I had been dying to see what all the hype was about. Spoiler alert: Japan’s 7-Eleven is NOT like the ones back home in America. Let’s just say… I may never look at a U.S. convenience store the same way again. Why 7-Eleven in Japan is the Ultimate Jet Lag Meal Stop 🍙 After a long flight and zero motivation to sit down at a restaurant, we made our way to the magical land of konbini (convenience stores)—specifically, 7-Eleven Japan style. I had heard from fellow travelers (and TikTok!) that this is the place to grab local food, snacks, AND even yen (yes, it’s one of the best places to get cash in Japan if you’re a tourist). Inside? HEAVEN. They have: Hot and cold freshly prepared meals (I’m talking bento boxes, onigiri, and more) Microwaves to heat up your meals A massive snack section Incredible Japanese desserts (Pudding! Matcha everything!) Drinks galore—including coffee, teas, and yes, alcohol 🍶 And guess what? I wasn’t alone. Pretty much every tourist staying at our hotel seemed to have the same idea because they were all hanging out here too. Who needs fine dining when you’ve got 7-Eleven Tokyo edition? My Konbini Haul: A Foodie’s Dream 🧁🍢🍶 Tonight, I loaded up with tons of tasty treats to take back to the room. The Asian in me was LOVING every second of this. The convenience, the flavor, the freshness—it was everything. If I had more time, I swear I would have sampled every single item in that store. Now that I’m back in the U.S., passing by a regular 7-Eleven just hits different. Like… where’s the gourmet egg salad sandwich? Where’s the fluffy cheesecake? Where’s the love?! 😩 Join Me for the Next Episode 🎥 So that wraps up Day 1 of our Japan trip! But don’t worry—we’re just getting started. We’ve got 15 more days of adventure, food, fun, and culture ahead. Be sure to subscribe, follow, and stick around for the next video, where I’ll be taste-testing my full 7-Eleven haul. (Spoiler: it’s going to be delicious.) If you’ve ever wondered whether the hype around Japanese convenience stores is real—it is. Go. Explore. Eat. Repeat. Until next time, 🌏 Siva McAteer – Travel Blogger & Travel Agent Extraordinaire Bringing you bite-by-bite through Japan 🇯🇵🍜✨ Hashtags & Keywords for SEO: #7ElevenJapan #ConvenienceStoreFood #JapanTravelTips #TokyoTravel #HotelMontereyHanzomon #JapaneseSnacks #KonbiniLove #SivaTravels #Tokyo7Eleven #WhatToEatInJapan #JetLagSnacks #FoodieTravel #UGCCreator #TravelBlog #AsianTravelBlogger

Konnichiwa from Tokyo! If you’re planning a trip to Japan and looking for a comfy, convenient hotel in central Tokyo, you have to check out Hotel Monterey Hanzomon. We just spent four days there, and I have a full walk-through to share — plus a few funny stories (hello, lost keys 😂). Whether you're a first-time traveler or seasoned globetrotter, I hope this helps you decide where to stay in Tokyo! 🏨 Why We Chose Hotel Monterey Hanzomon I actually booked Hotel Monterey Hanzomon based on a recommendation from my daughter — she stayed there before heading off on her cruise and raved about how cozy and well-located it was. Spoiler alert: she was right. 🔑 First Impressions: Fancy Wooden Keys & Comfy Vibes One of the first things that caught our eye? These super fancy wooden room keys! Pro tip: Don’t lose them or you’ll get charged (looking at you, hubby… 😅). Though funny enough, I don’t think we ever got billed. Lucky us? Also — how cool is this — the room key activates all the power in the room. Just slide it into the slot, and boom, everything comes alive! 🛏️ The Room: Small But Mighty Okay, I expected Tokyo hotel rooms to be tiny, but this space was really well designed. It felt cozy without feeling cramped, and it had more amenities than I expected. The headboard had built-in power outlets (a lifesaver for charging all our devices!) We had a quiet neighborhood view — perfect for relaxing after long sightseeing days Cute hotel-provided jammies and slippers A shoehorn and brush (it’s the little things!) And a space-saving dehumidifier that I mistook for AC at first 😂 🚿 The Bathroom: Toiletry Heaven If you're the kind of traveler who forgets a toothbrush, don't worry — Hotel Monterey Hanzomon has you covered. I did my research, and yep, they stock plenty of toiletries: ✔️ Toothbrushes ✔️ Razors ✔️ Cotton sets ✔️ Combs ✔️ Tiny cups ✔️ And that super cool Japanese toilet we love (just like the one we have at home!) Also, can we talk about the bath mat? I’m weirdly obsessed with it. Functional and aesthetic. ☕ Bonus Features: Tea, Fridge & a Clever Alarm Clock There’s a cute little tea station with coffee, tea, and a mini fridge — perfect for late-night snacks or chilling a bottle of sake. Plus, a sleek alarm clock by the bed made it easy to adjust to the time zone (Jet lag? Who?). Also, shoutout to my space-saving suitcase that made unpacking and organizing a breeze in this cozy room. Packing smart in Japan is a must. Final Thoughts: Would We Stay Again? Absolutely YES. 🙌 Hotel Monterey Hanzomon is clean, quiet, centrally located, and filled with thoughtful touches that made our stay easy and enjoyable. Whether you’re visiting Tokyo for sightseeing, shopping, or heading out on a cruise like us and my daughter, this hotel is a solid win. Have questions about the hotel or planning your Tokyo trip? Drop a comment — I'd love to help! Until next time, Siva McAteer – Travel Enthusiast, Content Creator & Hotel-Hunting Ninja

Guess what? We’ve officially landed in Japan! After a long (but comfy!) flight, we touched down at Haneda Airport (HND) and were ready to kick off our Tokyo adventure in style. First impressions? This city never fails to amaze me—modern, clean, nature-filled, and full of futuristic vibes. But before we talk Tokyo skyscrapers and the magic of Japanese 7-Elevens, let’s chat about something that made our arrival so much smoother—booking a private airport transfer from Haneda to our hotel. 🙌 ✨ Why You Should Book a Private Transfer from Haneda Airport We booked our private airport transfer through Viator, and honestly? Best. Decision. Ever. 🚗 Our driver was incredibly prompt and professional. 🧳 He immediately took my luggage like a total pro (major travel bonus points). 📱 The company stayed in touch with us throughout our journey using WhatsApp. 📸 They even had us send a photo of ourselves so the driver could easily spot us at arrivals. Genius, right? When he pulled up in a sleek, clean car with leather seats, I knew we were in for a relaxing ride. After a long-haul flight, this kind of service is worth every penny—especially if it’s your first time in Japan or you’re navigating a new language and transit system. Travel tip: We loved the transfer so much that we booked them again to take us to our cruise terminal a few days later. Reliable, easy, and zero stress. 🌆 First Impressions of Tokyo (Even the Second Time Around!) Even though this is my second trip to Japan, everything still feels exciting and brand new. Tokyo is just one of those cities that makes your jaw drop—whether it's your first visit or your fifth. Here’s what immediately stood out: Skyscrapers galore—some straight out of a sci-fi movie Bikes. Everywhere. Tokyo is a cyclist’s dream Parks, trees, and greenery tucked between buildings 7-Elevens on every corner (and yes, they are EVERYTHING in Japan—more on that later!) If you're planning a cruise from Tokyo, I highly recommend arriving at least a few days early. You’ll want time to shake off the jet lag and explore this vibrant city before boarding the ship. We’re staying for four days, and I can’t wait to share every moment with you. 📍Next up: A tour of our room at the Hotel Monterey Hanzomon—a beautiful hotel in a perfect location for exploring Tokyo on foot. Stay tuned for more Japan travel tips, hotel reviews, local eats, and cruise prep adventures. This is just the beginning! Thanks for coming along for the ride! 💕 #HanedaAirport #TokyoTravel #JapanTrip #PrivateAirportTransfer #ViatorReview #HotelMontereyHanzomon #TravelToJapan #TokyoCruisePort #TokyoVacation #Japan2025 #AirportToHotel #TravelBlogger #UGCCreator #SivaMcAteer #JapanVlog

Hey travel fam! It’s Siva McAteer here, and yes—we're still on our way to Japan (long-haul flights, am I right?). Now that we’re officially up in the air somewhere over Canada and Alaska, it’s time for one of my favorite parts of international travel—airplane food! 🍴 Yep, I said it. I love seeing what kind of meals are served on long flights, especially when I’m flying internationally. And since I know I’m not the only one who’s curious, here’s a full airplane food review from my Delta Airlines flight from Florida to Tokyo Haneda (RSW → DTW → HND). ✨ Dinner at 30,000 Feet Our first in-flight meal came not long after takeoff. And oh my goodness, it totally brought back elementary school lunch nostalgia—the hot entrée in foil, cold sides in plastic, the whole setup. It was kind of charming! 🍴 Main dish: Pork with rice – surprisingly decent! Warm, flavorful, and hit the spot. 🥕 Veggie side: Meh. A little bland but edible. 🥖 Bread (which I totally thought was an apple at first): Not the freshest, but we’re not in a Parisian bakery, so I let it slide. 🍪 Cookie: Just okay, but gave that tiny sugar rush I needed before nodding off. 🌍 Fun Fact: Did You Know? I always assumed we’d fly east to get to Japan from Florida, but nope—we flew west! Over Canada and Alaska, with the sun shining the whole way. Gotta love a bright 13-hour day in the sky. 🧀 Snack Time: Fancy Hot Pocket Vibes A few hours later, it was snack time. And guess what? We got the exact same snack we had on our flight back from Scotland—a Mediterranean pizza twist. Think of it like a grown-up hot pocket with a bougie name. Warm, filling, and oddly comforting. 🍕 All meals and snacks came with complimentary beverages—soda, juice, coffee, tea, or yes, wine. I got the wine… but it was for my husband, okay? 😅 🍎 Breakfast Before Landing Right before landing in Tokyo, we were served breakfast. I passed on the yogurt (gave it to Brian), nibbled on some fresh fruit, and yes—again had a bite of the Mediterranean pizza twist. Apparently, Delta said, “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” But honestly, the only thing keeping me going at this point was the thought of real Japanese food waiting for me the moment we landed. 🍜🍣 This was just one leg of our travel adventure, and there’s so much more to come! From sushi to temples, vending machines to hidden gems—you do not want to miss what’s next. Thanks for flying with me today, and don’t forget to follow along! 🧳✈️💺 #RSWtoHND #DeltaAirlinesReview #AirplaneFoodReview #TravelToJapan #AirplaneMeals #WhatIAteOnAPlane #LongHaulFlight #JapanTrip #TravelVlog #SivaMcAteer #TravelBlogger #TokyoBound #UGCCreator #FlightToJapan

You guys! The day has finally come—we’re heading to JAPAN! 🎉 After months of planning, dreaming, and yes…a little overpacking, we are officially en route to one of our all-time bucket list destinations! We kicked off the day at the crack of dawn—hello, 4 AM energy. Our trusty Uber whisked us away from sunny Southwest Florida, and let me tell you, the Florida sunrise did not disappoint. Picture red, white and royal blue skies, palm trees swaying, and that quiet morning calm before the airport hustle hits. Of course, we had to start the day with a solid breakfast—our fridge was cleaned out, so it was a sit down and savor kind of morning. Pro tip: always eat before you fly, especially if you're hopping time zones. ✈️ We waved goodbye to our little home (literally saw it from the air!) and are leaving RSW (Southwest Florida International Airport) to catch our first flight to Detroit (DTW). We had a three-hour layover there, which gave us plenty of time to stretch our legs, explore the airport, grab lunch, and—bonus!—get a little work done. Being your own boss definitely has its perks (hello, laptop life and airport wine 🍷). Next stop: Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan! This long-haul flight is the real deal. Thankfully, Delta Airlines had us feeling cozy. Slippers? Check. Blanket and pillow? Check. Earbuds ready for movie marathons? Double check. I slipped on my new travel slippers, got comfy, and settled in for the ride. Brian did too—total couple travel goals, right? This is just the beginning of our Japan adventure, and I’m so excited to take you along for every sushi bite, temple stroll, and vending machine surprise. Whether you’re planning your own trip to Japan, dreaming of visiting Tokyo, or just love a good airport-to-abroad story, stick around—the travel content is just getting started! Trip Highlights So Far: RSW to DTW to Haneda Airport Packing smart with my new carry-on (no heavy backpack this time!) Embracing the perks of being a content creator on the go Japan jitters and joy - It's my husband's first time and we are going to meet my daughter, who's working on this Celebrity Cruise. Follow along for more travel tips, Japan itinerary ideas, airport guides, foodie finds, and cultural discoveries. Catch you on the other side of the world! 🌏 #JapanTravel #DeltaAirlines #TravelDayVlog #RSWtoDTW #HanedaAirport #TokyoBound #CarryOnTravel #ContentCreatorLife #TravelVlog #AirportStyle #UGCCreator #TravelBlogger #JapanAdventure

Hi friends! Siva McAteer here, and I’m so excited to share one of the cutest, most unexpected discoveries from my recent trip to Japan: the Eki Stamp Book! Whether you're a travel lover, a souvenir collector, or just looking for a unique way to document your journey, this little book is a must-have for your adventure. So, what is an Eki Stamp Book? "Eki" means train station in Japanese, and across Japan, many stations have their own special rubber stamps you can collect. These aren’t your average stamps, either. They’re super detailed, themed to the location, and honestly—adorable. Think of it as a passport to your travels across the country. Before my trip, I snagged my Eki Stamp Book on Amazon for just about $7.99 ( you can grab one here ). There are tons of designs available, so find one that fits your vibe. Mine was simple but cute, and compact enough to toss in my bag every day. My Honest Experience with the Eki Stamp Hunt Now, full transparency: I thought I’d be hopping on and off trains all over Japan collecting dozens of stamps. But when you're 50+, sometimes your travel plans get a little... adjusted. Let’s just say, my husband and I fell in love with the convenience of Ubers and cabs. 😂 So, I didn’t hit all the train stations I originally planned to, BUT I still managed to grab some amazing stamps! One of my favorite stamp stops was the Osaka Aquarium—they had so many cute designs! And I got three at Hiroshima that I absolutely adore. But the star of my stamp collection? A beautifully detailed one from the Reclining Buddha at Nanzo-in Temple in Sasaguri, Fukuoka. This temple is part of the Shingon Buddhist tradition and it was such a peaceful, inspiring place to visit. Pro Tips for Collecting Eki Stamps Start Early: Grab your Eki Stamp Book before your trip so you're ready the moment you see your first stamp station. Look Beyond Train Stations: While Eki stamps are commonly found at train stations, you can also find them at major tourist attractions, museums, and sometimes even on the street! Ask Locals or Station Staff: Not every stamp is in plain sight. Don’t be afraid to ask! Make It Personal: Each page in the book has space for notes. I wrote down where I got the stamp and a little memory from that stop. Why You'll Love It Eki Stamp Books are more than just a travel gimmick. They’re a meaningful, hands-on way to capture your experiences. Plus, it becomes a conversation starter. You might even meet fellow travelers hunting for the same stamps! Mine has turned into one of my favorite keepsakes from Japan. Even though I didn’t fill it up as much as I planned, each stamp holds a memory, a laugh, a moment of awe. Final Thoughts If you're planning a trip to Japan, do yourself a favor and grab an Eki Stamp Book. It's budget-friendly, lightweight, and filled with potential. You’ll come home with something more than just photos—you’ll have a handmade, heartfelt collection of your journey. Happy stamping, friends! #EkiStampBook #JapanTravelTips #TravelJapan #SivaMcAteer #TravelSouvenirs #CollectMemories #NanzoInTemple #OsakaAquarium #Hiroshima #UniqueTravelIdeas #TravelKeepsake #AmazonFinds #StationStamps