It’s Show Time…. Day 2
That’s right. This was dad’s moment he’s been waiting all trip for… sushi and seafood!
Tsukiji Market | 築地場外市場
Kent looked like he was on a mission. He was leading us this time!
It’s not everyday you get to see this in the U.S.!
Kid’s favorite: Tanghulu
It is sugar-coated frozen fruit candy. It’s crunchy and has a fun texture as you bite.
After walking around to see what interests them, the kids wanted to start off with something sweet and tarty!
Grace had her eyes on the crab legs
“Honey, would you like to share?”
Can you tell Kent loves maguro and uni?
“This is the shirt!”
Kent had another mission. He and Grace visited the Old Tsukiji Market 16 years ago and bought this shirt. It is his favorite shirt. He loves it so much that the color has faded. Now with the kids, it’s time to get a new shirt to mark his 16th anniversary with Japan. It was a full circle moment for him.
It’s so special when guests have these stories that they can pass down to the next generation. Maybe Z or X can carry on the T-shirt buying tradition? LOL
Coffee Break at John Lennon’s fav
One of the best coffee I’ve ever had, I tried their Kuromitsu (Black sugar) Iced Latte. Amazing! They even do dairy substitutes and has a wide selection of tea, coffee hot foods and ice cream.
Across from the T-shirt shop
Isn’t she so kawaii?
Z told me her favorite color was lavender. So that morning, I told her she needed to add these ears to her outfit today :)
TeamLab PLANETS | チームラボプラネッツ
Time to burn off the sushi…
Dreams do come true
Grace had a dream 15 years ago, where she was a in a dark room surrounded by walls of mirrors. One glass wall that looked like an aquarium broke and the fish started to spill and surround Grace. This room at TeamLab reminded her of that dream, and I suddenly got chills.
It was literally a dream come true! This was the start of Grace’s full circle moment. How special!
Gyoza for Lunch!
As requested, we went to eat the best gyoza shop in Tokyo. This chain restaurant is very famous for their cheap but delicious dumplings. Choose from boiled, pan friend and deep fried.
Google Map: Gyoza no Fukuhou | 餃子の福包 豊洲店
Which one is your favorite?
My personal favorite is the boiled dumplings
Pan fried
Deep fried
Pro tip: Locations like Shinjuku in the city are crowded and you’d have to queue for a long time. Try to avoid if you don’t want to wait.
Since time is precious and we were nearby, I chose this location at LaLaport Toyosu. We got sat right away even with the lunch rush! The family also got to see a huge Japanese shopping mall.
Hamarikyu Garden | 浜離宮恩賜庭園
What’s so special about this garden?
This park is laid out in the Edo-period style (1603–1867). It is the only Edo garden to incorporate seawater into the garden's pond.
“The Hama-rikyu Gardens were opened to the public in April 1946, but served as a feudal and imperial retreat for several centuries before that. The gardens, almost as they are now, were completed during the time of the 11th Tokugawa shogun, Tokugawa Ienari. After the Meiji Restoration of 1868, they became a villa belonging to the imperial household, before being given to the city of Tokyo in 1945.” (gotokyo)
A nice contrast of modern buildings and traditional garden. What a view.
Ginza Art Aquarium Museum | アートアクアリウム美術館 GINZA
Another one of Grace’s full circle moment. But this time, the fish that was swimming in the water at TeamLab came… alive.
Ginza Shopping
Tour is done! Kent and Grace wanted to check out some brands. They let me tag along.
It was time for Grace to complete HER mission.
“This is a gift to myself for working hard this year.”
Grace rarely gets herself anything, so she deserves it!
Bunny Power
Normally, you need a reservation at these high brand stores. Initially, we were declined entry but with Bunny Power, we somehow magically were able to stay for at least an hour, thanks to Grace’s loyalty to the brand.
We were served the most amazing coffee and chocolate while we accompanied Grace.
Due to the language barrier, Japan is not so accommodating nor capable at speaking Business English compared to Europe or South Korea. Grace was relieved to have me as her assistant and translator. I am here for support!
They even showed her a few exclusive pieces! This was a BIG MOMENT for Grace.
Ginza Itoya | 銀座伊東屋
Japan takes stationery very seriously as you can see…
This stationery shop was on the list recommended by Faith (past tour guest and friend of the Zimmermann’s).
There are 8 floors of stationery! Grace and I were shocked at their inventory. It was like an endless museum.
Google Map: Ginza Itoya | 銀座伊東屋
You’ve been warned…
Iconic photo of post-shopping spree in Ginza in front of the Chanel headquarters.
It’s a Full-Circle
There were so many full circle moments that day… it gave me the goose bumps!
We sent the gang back early to the hotel, so Grace and I had an opportunity to talk about her story, her business, the challenges during COVID, and how it all came together on the ride back to the hotel. It was truly inspiring hearing these stories, and encouraged me to work hard while balancing womanhood and entrepreneurship.
You can hear all about it on her podcast. We will be collaborating this summer, so stay tuned!
