Tasty Tokyo Detour

Welcome back, travel fam! It’s Siva McAteer here—travel blogger, explorer of all things awesome, and your guide to unforgettable adventures. Today, we’re taking you sky-high above Tokyo, where I had the most epic bird’s-eye view at none other than Shibuya Sky. 🌆✨ 🚀 From Ground to Sky—An Experience to Remember We made it to Shibuya Sky, and let me tell you—it’s not just an observation deck, it’s a whole experience! From the second you step into that elevator, you’re transported into another world. They really know how to build the suspense! Lights, sound, and anticipation—it's all part of the fun. 🎢 Before you head outside to the open-air deck, you can store your loose items in the free lockers. That’s right—no wind blowing away your hat or sunglasses while you're trying to soak in the view. Thoughtful, right? 🏙️ Panoramic Views Like You’ve Never Seen We took the escalator up—yes, even the escalator has clear views of the city—and were welcomed with breathtaking 360-degree views of Tokyo. While some people recommend visiting at sunset, I loved that we came during the daytime. The city felt alive, and I could see every teeny-tiny detail from up high—rooftop gardens, trains weaving between buildings, and of course, the legendary Shibuya Scramble Crossing down below (as promised)! 🌍 A Global Gathering Spot Up there, you’ll hear languages from all over the world as travelers gather to take it all in. It’s one of those rare places where you just feel how big the world is—and how small we all are in the best possible way. 🌐 Honestly, Shibuya Sky is a must-do for anyone visiting Tokyo. Whether you're into photography, sightseeing, or just soaking in some peace with a view, this is the spot. 🧘‍♀️📸 💡 Travel Tips: 🎟️ Book online ahead of time—tickets can sell out fast! ⏰ Daytime visits = all the details. Sunset = all the romance. 📍 Located at Shibuya Scramble Square—just a short walk from the Hachiko Statue. 🛍️ Stop by the nearby souvenir shops—yes, I grabbed a magnet…again. 😉 🌇 Final Thoughts Being up there reminded me how important it is to just pause and appreciate the moment. Life is busy. Tokyo is busier. But Shibuya Sky? That’s where you stop, breathe, and take it all in. Thanks for coming along! Hit that subscribe button and join me next time—because there’s still so much more of Japan to explore. Until then, Siva 🌏💛

Isn’t it wild how much the scenery can change with just a 20-minute walk in Tokyo? One minute you’re standing in a peaceful shrine surrounded by trees, and the next—you’re smack in the middle of neon lights, arcade sounds, and a sea of people. Welcome to Shibuya , baby! 🎉 🚦 Shibuya Scramble Crossing: Organized Chaos at Its Best First up, we arrived at the Shibuya Scramble Crossing—aka the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection. If you’ve ever seen videos of thousands of people crossing the street all at once like a perfectly choreographed dance, this is the place. The crosswalk goes in every direction and when the light turns green, it's like a human tidal wave! Definitely a must-see Tokyo experience. 😍 💡 Travel Tip: Don’t forget to look up! Shibuya is famous for its 3D billboards, and they are absolutely mind-blowing. These futuristic advertisements pop right out of the screen—no glasses required. The Japanese really know how to level up the art of advertising. 🐶 Next Stop: Hachiko Statue – The Goodest Boy in Japan No trip to Shibuya would be complete without paying a visit to the Hachiko Statue. This statue honors the famously loyal Akita dog who waited at the train station for his owner every day—even after he passed away. 🥺 It’s a heartwarming story and a super popular tourist stop, so be prepared to wait in line if you want a photo with Hachiko. But I'm not sure it's worth it. 🐾 Shibuya Akita Store – Cuteness Overload! While waiting for our Shibuya Sky entrance time, we popped into the adorable Shibuya Akita Store located just down the hall. If you’re an Akita fan—or just love quirky souvenirs—this place is a must. From plushies to keychains to themed snacks, they have everything Akita-themed you can imagine. My go-to souvenir? Magnets, of course! 🧲 And don’t skip the life-sized Akita statue—perfect for a quick and cuddly photo op. 🌆 Shibuya Sky – Book Ahead! We wrapped up our visit with a reservation for Shibuya Sky, the city’s famous rooftop observation deck. It offers jaw-dropping panoramic views of Tokyo—including a bird’s-eye view of the Scramble Crossing in all its chaotic glory. ⚠️ Heads-up: If you show up too early for your ticket time, you won’t be allowed in, so make sure to book your tickets online in advance and time your visit just right. Final Thoughts Shibuya is one of those places that captures the energy, technology, and heart of modern Tokyo all in one place. Whether you're here to people-watch, snap a selfie with Hachiko, or shop till you drop, there’s no shortage of things to do in Shibuya. Thanks for exploring with me! I’m Siva McAteer, travel lover, content creator, and your go-to guide for uncovering the coolest places in Japan and beyond. Stay tuned as we head to even more unforgettable Tokyo spots!

Welcome back, fellow adventurers! I’m Siva McAteer, a travel blogger currently exploring the magic of Tokyo, Japan, before setting sail on a 12-day cruise aboard the Celebrity Millennium. 🚢✨ Today, I’m taking you along as we visit one of Tokyo’s most peaceful and spiritual destinations—the Meiji Jingu Shrine in Shibuya. 🚕 First Stop: Meiji Jingu Shrine – Tokyo's Tranquil Hidden Gem We hopped in an Uber in Tokyo, and just like that, we were whisked away to this incredible place. As soon as we arrived, we followed the steady stream of people toward the shrine entrance and were instantly greeted by the towering Torii gates—massive wooden structures that symbolize the boundary between the secular world and the sacred space of the shrine. Even though you’re in the heart of Shibuya, one of Tokyo’s busiest districts, it all melts away once you step into this Shinto sanctuary. It’s calm, green, and surprisingly quiet—a perfect retreat from the city noise. ⛩ What is the Meiji Jingu Shrine? Meiji Jingu Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken, located right in Shibuya, Tokyo. It’s one of Japan’s most important spiritual sites and offers a unique blend of nature, history, and tradition. The grounds include a peaceful forest, a beautiful garden, and even a small museum. 💒 A Once-in-a-Lifetime Wedding Moment While walking through the shrine, we were incredibly lucky to witness a traditional Japanese wedding procession. Talk about timing! The bride looked absolutely stunning in her white kimono, and it was so moving to see a real cultural ceremony unfold right before our eyes. This is just one of the many rites of life performed at Meiji Jingu Shrine—families gather here to pray for blessings, celebrate milestones, and give thanks. It’s moments like these that make travel so rewarding. 🍶 Colorful Sake Barrels – What Are They? On our way out, we spotted rows of beautiful colorful barrels—no, they’re not decorations, they’re filled with sake, Japan’s traditional rice wine. These barrels are offerings made to the shrine and are known as kazaridaru. They run along the south side and continue on the opposite path, making for a vibrant photo op and a meaningful cultural display. 🗺 Next Stop: Shibuya! Although we could’ve easily spent hours here, we’re now off to explore Shibuya, just a 20-minute walk from Meiji Jingu. I’m so excited to dive back into the city vibe and see what Tokyo has in store for us next! Thanks for joining me on today’s adventure! I’m Siva McAteer, and I’ll be sharing all my stops, surprises, and must-see moments across Japan and on our upcoming cruise. Don’t forget to subscribe, follow along, and tag me if you end up visiting this sacred gem yourself! 💫 🧳 Key Tips for Visiting Meiji Jingu Shrine: 📍 Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan ⛩ Entry: Free 🕕 Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset 🎎 Look out for: Torii gates, traditional weddings, sake barrels, and forest trails 🚶‍♀️ Best paired with: A walk to Shibuya Crossing or Harajuku

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