MATOKA

Shibuya is a must see for anyone visiting Japan for the first time and yet it still pulls me back everytime I'm in the area. It's hard not too with great shopping and entertainment. My favorite karaoke place, my favorite sushi restaurant, my favorite Don Quijote, Shibuya has it all!

Shinjuku has a special place in my heart and is probably one of the most exciting areas in Tokyo. It has it all; from entertainment like movie theaters and arcades to great restaurants and bars as well as a great nightlife, there is so much to do. And travel east of the station to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy some quiet time in the neighborhood bordering Shinjuku Gyoen Park.

Known as the central hub of fashion and shopping, Harajuku and Omotesando appeal to the budget shopper and the high-end connoisseur alike. From thrifting to name-brand clothing, this area has it all. And when you're not shopping, you can visit one of the many aesthetic cafes to fill up on coffee and continue that shopping spree. Don't forget to take in the sites like Meiji Jingue Shrine and Yoyogi Park as well!

There is so much to do in Tokyo, but it can get overwhelming. A change of scenery can make your trip that much better. Why not visit Yokohama, an hour south of Tokyo, where the architecture is more western but the Japanese culture is still thriving. Or check out Kamakura to see the Daibutsu and have some authentic street food. There's many other places to go so check out the list below!

If you're overwhelmed with the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and need a chance to catch your breath, head a bit south of Shibuya to the (dare I say) hipster area of Daikanyama and Nakameguro. With amazing restaurant, cafe and shopping culture, this area is a great place to relax without missing the beauty of Tokyo. Spend some time at the Starbucks Roastery trying out new and innovative drinks, take a stroll down the river during cherry blossom season to see a unique view, or hang out at one of the many cafes or dessert spots, which all display unique and minimalistic architecture.

If Asakusa isn't on your bucket list, you better put it on there. Home to Tokyo's oldest temple and featuring an outdoor market that leads to the temple grounds, this is an amazing place to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and try different Japanese confectionaries and foods, such as monjayaki! It's a popular area and gets even more crowded during festival season during the spring and summer, so plan accordingly! And visit Kitchen town while you're in the area!

The worst thing that could happen is getting sick in a foreign country and not know which medicines will help you recover. While Japan's medicine may not be as strong unless prescribed by a doctor, their over the counter remedies still work wonders! So if you're looking for medication or herbal remedies for your ailments but can't read all the Japanese, here's a quick list to make sure you're taking what you need!

While some American skincare is harsh and not ideal for sensitive skin, Japanese skincare is great for dry, sensitive skin types! These are my favorite products that I would live and thrive off of when I was living in Japan! And yes, they're pretty affordable too cause I wasn't living life as an お金持ち!