Tokyo, Japan
Where to even begin with Tokyo. This city was everything I never knew I had always wanted in a travel destination. Before visiting I didn't know much about Tokyo. Actually, the only thing I knew about Tokyo was that it was a fashion capital and Pokemon originated there. But after my visit, I quickly learned that Tokyo was so much more. Shibuya and Shinjuku are probably two of the more famous neighborhoods in Tokyo, and for good reason. Harijuku street, fantastic ramen spots, amazing shopping district, and so much more...it's basically Times Square on steroids.
My favorite spot was a ramen shopped in Shibuya, Ichiran. WOW. You walk into the narrow restaurant and are seated facing a wall, in your own private booth. In Japanese culture slurping your ramen while eating it is a good sign, so they face you towards a wall so you can eat without feeling messy or rude and truly enjoy your meal. Genius. I was able to choose exactly how I wanted my ramen done, and it came and went so fast it was all a blur. No ramen has yet to live up to Ichiran standards.
Of course Japan is heavily routed in culture as well. I wanted to experience as much as I could so seeing temples, attending a traditional tea ceremony, and learning about Japans history was a big priority for me.
Another notable moment in Tokyo was experiencing a traditional tea ceremony. The ceremony was about an hour long, and set back in a small garden cottage away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There, a women dressed as in traditional attire welcomed my friend and I and taught us the proper way to drink authentic matcha. She whisked the matcha in such an artful way that if felt more like an interactive art show rather than a tea tasting. Once she prepared the tea, she taught us how to accept the tea and admire the vessel from which we were drinking it from. Experiencing the culture and traditions of a country through ceremonies such as that, mean everything to me.
I I left Japan feeling so wonderful I want to visit as many times as I can.
