Day 5


Today started off rainy, so I decided to take it slow and visited a local coffee shop that Ladd recommended. One thing I’ve come to really appreciate in Japan is the small warm hand towels, or oshibori, that are given at restaurants. It’s a simple touch, but it makes a big difference—it feels thoughtful and adds a sense of comfort to the experience.

After breakfast, I headed to Don Quijote to pick up some souvenirs. The store was massive—like many others in Tokyo, with multiple floors packed full of everything you could think of. It’s a little overwhelming at first, but also fun to explore and see how much variety is offered in one place.

Later, I met up with a friend and we got fluffy matcha pancakes. They were light, airy, and delicious—definitely one of the more unique desserts I’ve had so far on this trip.

I also explored Kappabashi (Kitchen) Street and picked out some customized chopsticks. It was interesting to see how many stores catered to both locals and tourists, especially those shopping for high-quality kitchenware like Japanese knives.

To finish the day, I went shopping at Loft, which had a great mix of stationery, home goods, and quirky items. It was easy to lose track of time just browsing everything.

 

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