Summer Family Vacation in Asakusa Day 1
Spent three fun days with the Zimmermann’s! School’s out for the summer and the kids are excited to be traveling to Japan for their first time!
I had the pleasure of guiding the family from the U.S. for their first family trip in Japan.
Kent (dad) is the top law firm consultant in the Law World, and Grace (mom) is a pediatric dentist/community leader for her “Mommy Dentists” in the Dental World.
Everyday in their offices, they have to make executive choices. During their time in Japan, they said it felt nice to turn their brains off and be in the moment with their kids.
Leave it to this bunny!
The Asakusa Experience as seen on “The Reluctant Traveler”
“We saw you on the show! We want to know more about Japan from your perspective.”
Sensoji Temple
Our first stop was to make our prayers to the Buddhist Temple while we strolled through Nakamise Shopping Street. Asakusa was known as the entertainment and merchant district during the Edo period. Still a popular tourist spot for both locals and visitors to enjoy Japanese traditional culture.
The family learned how to do the purification ritual and made their prayers to the “Goddess of Mercy,” Kanon.
Also got everyone got some lucky charms (Omamori) to protect the home and bring success in school and business!
Picking your fortune oracle
The actual spot where we filmed the fortune oracle scene was closed that day. So we went to a different spot.
Note: The number doesn’t mean anything, the message is more important!
Sensoji Temple has a low number of “Bad” Fortune so it’s actually rare to draw it!
Everyone but X got “Good or Best” Fortune. He kept drawing until he got “Best” Fortune, which is how some people do it anyway!
I love that he doesn’t give up!
What to do when you don’t resonate with your fortunate:
1) Fold it in half (long way) until it’s about 1/2 in thick
2) Tie it to the rack
3) Say “Sayonara!”
4) Draw again (optional)
Asakusa’s Best Street Food
Here are my best recommendations. I’ve tried them all, so you can save on time and money.
My complete Asakusa list on Google Maps
Mitarashi Dango
This is what Eugene Levy tried in the show. The thick syrup is a “miso soy sauce glaze.” A combination of sweet and salty.
Unagi Musubi
This was a winner! Usually there is a long line, but since we went in the morning, we were able to pay and get it without waiting an hour. How lucky! I recommend trying it with the spice. It gives your tongue a tingling feeling.
Matcha Creme Brûlée
Grace’s request since she loves matcha. Everyone took a bite and was mesmerized by the authentic matcha flavor!
Wagyu Grilled Rice Burger
It was time for something savory. While the kids started their painting activity, the parents got a quick rest while I fetched some more food items.
Menchi Katsu
One of my favorite guilty pleasures to get in Asakusa, Menchi Katsu is a pork cutlet croquette with panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried. It’s crispy on the outside and juicy inside.
Walking and eating or standing near the shop and blocking other customers is strictly prohibited in Japan. There are no fines, but the local shop owners in this area get really irritated and things can get ugly. To avoid our guests from having a bad experience on their trip, it was time for Cyber Bunny to play UBER EATS lol.
All Things Matcha
Our final food stop. It was almost time to head back to the hotel, so I wanted the family to save their appetite for dinner. A little pick-me-up before dinner!
Since Z was already set on getting the ice cream and X wanted to have something matcha, but he didn’t know what… I suggested the matcha cream puff to add variety. X loved it! Another new taste to add to his library.
I might have to come back and try it myself!
“Signature Dad Pic with matcha beer in hand”
Mask Painting
The kids did a great job with the masks!
Your creativity is different when you’re back home versus when you’re in a different country. You’re more likely to try new things and explore new possibilities in a new environment.
Perhaps a new original Halloween costume for this year?
Select from a drama figure, cat mask, fox mask, folding fan, uchiwa fan
While the kids were focused on their artwork, the parents snuck out and had some alone time. Even after having kids, marriage counselors say it’s important for married couples to have occasional dates to keep the fire going :) Kent and Grace took advantage of this time LOL. The staff and I kept a good eye on the kids at Pink Asakusa.
X’s mask
Z’s mask
*To book reservations, please email me and I can get you in on your preferred time slot!
Fishing Activity
The kids love animals. There are a few pet cafes in the Asakusa area, but since we are already going to a pet cafe on day 3, I figured the kids would like this activity that you can only get in traditional shops like Asakusa.
This is a classic Japanese traditional game during the summer. The challenge is to see how much fish you can collect in your box before the net breaks. We did two rounds. The staff even taught them the trick.
The parents were smiling as they watched from afar.
Back to the hotel to freshen up for dinner… Sushi!
I recommended our secret hidden gem spot for sushi “that’s not on a conveyor belt.” It is Omakase style and is kid-friendly if you book the private room in the back. Kent loved the entire dining experience and he could not wait to try more sushi on this trip!
