"The Reluctant Traveler" Experience
Jeff slipped into my DMs 5 months before the tour.
“Hello Cyber Bunny, my wife and I loved watching you on Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy. We’re coming to Japan in September to celebrate our anniversary.”
It was the couple’s first time in Tokyo, so they left it entirely up to me to plan the day- as long as they tried some delicious food, happy hour was involved at some point and Cyber Bunny as the guide.
Strawberry Tequila Shots
I give my tour guests a menu of my recommended street foods that I’ve scouted beforehand. Time is precious when you’re traveling, and the crowds don’t make it easy to navigate around.
The couple selected Asakusa Ichigoza, 浅草苺座 . They have strawberry… everything! The couple said the magical phrase “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere” and ordered strawberry tequila shots while I got my favorite strawberry milk smoothie. We said “kanpai” (cheers) and started the tour with some liquid courage. It’s time to let loose!
That soaked sliced strawberry is dangerous
Good luck charms for good luck, success and protection
Manifestation
After we prayed at Sensoji Temple, the spot where we shot the omikuji (fortune oracle) scene in the travel show was temporarily closed, so we went here instead. I personally think this spot is more visually aesthetic since the red walls and colorful fabric make it a great photo backdrop.
Jeff manifested “Best Luck”… and it worked!
On the other hand, Allison, wasn’t resonating with her fortune so she tied it on the rack. It happens!
I love this photo so much!!!!
The Best Melon Bread Ice Cream Sandwich: Kagetsudō
There is always a line for this. While I waited in line for 15 minutes, the couple wandered around the indoor shopping street and was able to find some souvenirs for people back home.
The melon bread comes freshly baked and that is ice cream in the middle. It melts fast, so best to eat it quickly!
They have a huge variety of ice cream flavors like cookies n’ cream, matcha, strawberry, vanilla etc.
FYI: Perfect cute backdrop photo spot on the side wall.
On our way to the convenience store to grab some drinks for the happy hour joy ride.
Perks of visiting Japan: you can drink alcohol anytime, anywhere :)
The legal drinking age in Japan is 20 years old. That is the coming-of-age.
In Japan, some people drink on the sidewalk, some people drink on the train. You are also allowed to eat and drink during the rickshaw ride! They will also throw your trash for you!
Yebisu Large Beer. Good choice!
This toy he got from gacha-gacha matches his eyes.
She wanted a kimono, He wanted a chef knife
Allison was on a mission to find a cute yukata (summer kimono) and geta (kimono sandals) she can wear in Kyoto, which is their next stop after Tokyo. She found an adorable cat-printed design paired with nice shiny geta.
Where to find the best chef knife?
Kappabashi is famous for their kitchenware. They have everything you can imagine from beautiful ceramic dishes to cutting boards to chef uniforms. There is a street that is lined up with shops that are dedicated to knives.
Jeff watched a Tiktok and was inspired to get his own “made in Japan” chef knife. We just so happen to pull up in front of the exact store he saw on Tiktok, and was overjoyed! (Ok… I know I’m a capable tour guide, but I didn’t know I was THAT good! Lol jk).
So many branded knives, but he said it wasn’t “the one”
He found “the one”
It makes me so happy when my guests find one special item that they can look back to that day. Some shops can engrave your name in kanji characters for you on the blade.
Omakase Sushi in Ginza tonight!
I dropped them off at their hotel. Yes, they stayed at THE luxury hotel, Hoshinoya that was featured in “The Reluctant Traveler.” They truly got the ultimate Eugene Levy experience. I’m so jealous!
They finished the day with sushi and sake
I booked them a dinner reservation at my hidden gem and highly-rated Omakase sushi spot in Ginza. We take our guests there and every single person has loved it!
The couple enjoyed a romantic evening celebrating their love. Happy anniversary!
Upon entering, they ask you to take your shoes off. The concept is like entering a Japanese style house.
