The summer of 2023 was one for the books. My friends and I mapped out an unforgettable trip to Japan, and we were especially excited to bring the kids along for the journey. Our adventure began in the vibrant city of Tokyo, filled with energy, culture, and nonstop exploration.
The plan was for me to break off later and travel south to Kyoto and Osaka—but as travel often teaches us, flexibility is key. Just as I was preparing to head that way, news of an approaching typhoon threw a wrench into the itinerary. Rather than risk the storm, we made a spontaneous (and ultimately perfect) decision to reroute to Okinawa.
That detour turned into a beautiful blessing. Not only did we escape the bad weather, but we also had the joy of reconnecting with family and catching up with a dear friend. Sometimes, the best parts of a trip are the ones you don’t plan for.
I made a quick music video of our trip. I’m a big fan of Baby Metal and was able to incorporate their music into this fun video.
Flying from San Diego to Tokyo
We flew nonstop from San Diego to Tokyo, touching down at Narita Airport after a smooth journey. From there, we hopped on the long but scenic train ride into the heart of the city, eventually arriving in bustling Shinjuku. After checking into our cozy Airbnb, the kids were completely wiped out. It was the perfect time to unwind, reconnect with our group, and settle in for a well-deserved night’s rest.
We stayed at this AirBnB near the Hyatt. It was walking distance to everything we needed.
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/894515591868501333
Each morning, while the rest of the group was still sleeping, Orion and I would set out on our own little adventures. These quiet early walks quickly became some of my most cherished memories. Together, we discovered the charm of Tokyo’s convenience stores—7-Elevens and Lawson’s seemed to be on nearly every corner, offering everything from snacks to unexpected treasures.
We averaged about 4 to 5 miles a day, strolling through neighborhoods that impressed us with their cleanliness and order. Along the way, we talked about the city, its structure, and how different it felt from home. But as we wandered closer to the nightlife districts, the atmosphere shifted. We began to notice signs of homelessness and scattered trash—something that genuinely surprised Orion. It became a powerful moment for him to realize that even a place as polished as Japan has its own set of challenges.
We had access to a local playground and this allowed all the children to play.
We spent one warm afternoon wandering through the tranquil grounds of Meiji Shrine, a peaceful escape tucked away in the heart of Tokyo. As we walked beneath the towering torii gates and among the ancient trees, we shared stories with the kids about Japan’s rich history and traditions. It was a beautiful moment of connection with the past—but with the sun beating down, the heat eventually caught up with all of us. Naturally, it was the perfect excuse to cool off with some well-earned ice cream!
After exploring the serene grounds of Meiji Shrine, we made our way on foot toward the lively energy of Shibuya Crossing. Along the way, we stopped at the famous Hachikō statue, where we shared the heartwarming story of Japan’s most loyal dog with the kids—a touching moment that added a layer of meaning to our visit.
Hunger eventually set in (as it always does when traveling with children), so we opted for a quick and familiar meal at McDonald’s—simple, satisfying, and kid-approved. With everyone recharged, we headed to the nearby mall, where the Nintendo Store quickly became a highlight. From beloved game characters to rare collectibles, it was a treasure trove of nostalgia and excitement. And of course, we couldn’t resist exploring the many other unique shops tucked inside.
Of course, Hetal and I couldn’t resist taking a break to sit down and enjoy a cold pint of beer—much needed after all the walking. While the kids and others wandered off to explore the shops, we took a moment to relax and soak in the atmosphere. As I wandered through the mall afterward, I made a mental note of a concert hall tucked within—something to remember for a future trip. Interestingly, the cozy little restaurant that served us the beer would eventually close down, making that moment feel even more special in retrospect.
We splurged on baseball tickets along the first base line for what would be our very first Japanese baseball experience—and it did not disappoint. From the moment the game started, the energy in the stadium was electric. The fans never stopped cheering, singing, and waving flags. It was pure, contagious excitement, and we loved every second of it.
One of my favorite parts? The legendary beer girls. Dressed in colorful uniforms, they moved swiftly through the stands with mini-kegs strapped to their backs, serving up ice-cold beers for just five bucks—all without you ever needing to leave your seat. I jokingly told my wife that for my birthday, she should dress up in a Yuengling Lager baseball jersey and hat, and follow me around the house with a mini-keg, pouring beers on request. She just laughed… but I’m still holding out hope!
To top it off, the Tokyo Giants won the game, and we left with amazing memories that we’ll be talking about for years.
After settling the kids in for the night, Hetal and I slipped back out to explore Tokyo’s nightlife. We made our way to the iconic New York Bar, perched high atop the Park Hyatt Hotel—a spot made famous by the film Lost in Translation. And yes, we managed to grab seats right where Bill Murray sat in the movie, which made the experience all the more surreal.
Drinks were around $15 each—quite reasonable by U.S. standards—but the real value was in the ambiance. The skyline view of Tokyo at night was absolutely breathtaking, and the live jazz performance set the perfect mood. It was a truly special evening for both of us, one of those rare moments that feels like it belongs in a movie of your own life.
If you’re ever in Tokyo, I highly recommend making the trip to the New York Bar. It had been closed during my last visit, so I was glad to finally experience it. Next time, I plan to check out the bar at the Ritz-Carlton for a new perspective on the city.
On our final day in Tokyo, we made our way to the electric district of Akihabara. The kids had an absolute blast exploring the iconic arcades, quirky vending machines, and aisles of collectibles. They were especially excited to recognize the beloved Book-Off store—an unexpected favorite that quickly became a highlight of the trip.
But as we soaked in the last bits of Tokyo’s energy, word of an approaching typhoon changed our plans. Without wasting time, we said our goodbyes to the group a little early and made a swift move to Haneda Airport. Our next adventure was already calling—we were off to sunny Okinawa!
When we arrived in Okinawa, one of our first stops was dinner with Cassie, Joe, Jaxon, and Eve at a favorite local sushi spot—Kuru! The atmosphere was relaxed, the sushi was fresh and delicious, and to our surprise, the prices were about a quarter of what we’d pay back home in San Diego. Everyone ate well, laughed plenty, and we spent the evening catching up with family. It was the perfect start to our time on the island.
Between wandering through the mall and exploring the streets of downtown Naha, the kids had an unforgettable time soaking up the local culture and making memories. We sampled a variety of unique Japanese sodas and sports drinks—each one a fun surprise. And of course, the Okinawan heat and humidity were no joke! It took some time for the kids to adjust, but they handled it like champs. Among the highlights were our visit to the Pokémon Store and the stunning views of Naha that made every sweaty step worth it.
The mall was full of surprises and left us with so many great memories. Tyler managed to win a figurine from one of the prize machines, while Orion and Jaxon logged plenty of game time in the arcades. One of the more unexpected finds? A Sriracha vending machine—only in Japan!
As with our time in Tokyo, Orion and I continued our early morning walks, exploring the quieter side of the city before the day began. One morning, we stumbled upon something truly special—an old temple nestled right next to the beach. It felt like a hidden gem, blending the spiritual calm of tradition with the natural beauty of Okinawa’s coast. A perfect reminder of how magical these quiet adventures can be.
On one of our day adventures, we set out by train and on foot to visit Shuri Castle. I had last seen it in 2018, before the devastating fire—but even in its current state of reconstruction, it still held a quiet majesty. Walking through the historic grounds offered a powerful glimpse into Okinawa’s rich heritage.
The heat and humidity, however, were relentless. The kids weren’t exactly thrilled, and to be honest, we were all feeling a bit worn down. Still, despite the sweat and sun, it’s one of those experiences that sticks with you—moments of challenge that turn into lasting memories.
After visiting Shuri Castle, we continued our journey to the historic site of Hacksaw Ridge. Having seen the movie, I was struck by how different the real location felt—less dramatic, yet deeply powerful in its own quiet way. Nature had reclaimed much of the area, with thick greenery covering the ridge and an abundance of large spiders catching the kids’ attention more than the military history ever could.
While the significance of the site may have gone over their heads for now, I like to think it planted a seed—something they might return to and appreciate more deeply in the future. From there, we walked down to a nearby playground and eventually made our way back home. Surrounded by Okinawa’s natural beauty, this day turned out to be one of our most meaningful. The kids still talk about it, spinning stories of giant spiders and jungle adventures—it’s become one of those cherished family moments we’ll never forget.
And we just ate, ate, and ate.
While Orion spent the night with Jaxon, Tyler and I took the opportunity to explore the local thrift stores on foot. What stood out most to Tyler wasn’t just the shopping—it was the simple joy of walking through quiet neighborhoods, soaking in the everyday rhythm of life in Okinawa. Along the way, we passed a major sports venue, and we’re already planning to return in 2025 to catch a soccer match there.
But the real adventure was the treasure hunt at the thrift stores. For collectors like us, it’s a goldmine. I scored a Famicom for just $7—a steal compared to the $120 it would cost back home in San Diego or online. Retro games were as little as $3 each, a far cry from the $20 price tags we’re used to. Even better, I found rare titles that have long been picked over at home or in more popular spots.
Thrift store hunting has become a beloved activity for Tyler and me. Personally, I’m always on the lookout for Japanese music CDs and DVDs from the late ’90s—pieces of media that are slowly disappearing. It’s a quiet mission to preserve something special before it’s gone forever, and moments like these are what make these trips so meaningful.
During our time in Okinawa, we squeezed in a quick adventure to the local zoo. It had its own unique charm, and I’m really glad the kids got to experience it—it offered a different perspective from the zoos back home and added another layer to their cultural experience.
What made the day even more special was a quick meetup with an old friend I hadn’t seen in years. We first met back in 1999, when she was visiting Penn State on a trip. My friend Chris and I had the chance to connect with some amazing people during that time, including another friend—now living in Niigata. It meant a lot that she was able to meet my children after all these years.
We only had a short window to reconnect, but it was enough to bring back great memories. I’m already thinking about inviting her and her husband out again soon so we can catch up properly—this time over some cold beers. Very cool moment, and one I’ll always appreciate.
Cassie and I took the kids to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, and it was nothing short of incredible. Often called the best aquarium in the world, it lived up to the hype with its massive tanks and stunning marine life—including the awe-inspiring whale shark, which left us all speechless.
After soaking in the underwater wonders, we made our way down to the nearby beach to explore the tide pools. The kids were fascinated by the tiny creatures and shifting sands, turning the afternoon into a hands-on marine adventure. These moments clearly left a mark—Tyler still talks about it and is already asking to go back this year. It’s amazing how powerful these experiences become in shaping their love for the world.
On the way home, we stopped by a brewery named after Orion or maybe, was Orion named after the Brewery? It’s Orion’s Happy Park! Of course, I’m always happy to have a cold pint of Orion beer. Sadly, we didn’t get any beer on this stop but we did pick up some t-shirts for Orion to wear when he’s home.
Then, it was all over! Time to go home! The children will never forgot how cool it was when dad took them to Japan!