Adventures during my Japan layover

20 Jun, 2025

Posts from this Trip Report:

I never considered myself to be a super "adventurous" person. I don't need to go skydiving or seek out the latest thrills. However, if I'm already going to be travelling and doing things, I'd always be open to a bit of a side quest!

So Side Quest #1 was buying an international plug convertor from the Target near LAX (an adventure in and of itself).

But Side Question #2 was a totally different story. While my layovers in Tokyo and Bangkok were same-day, six hours gives you a lot of time to leave the airport!

The last time I was in Tokyo was for one day back in 2023. I always try to find an excuse to go back, but between work and school there wasn't really a great time to take two solid weeks just to explore.

For my layover, I chose an Izakaya spot for some drinks and some good food. No idea how I didn't gain 20 pounds on this trip...

Shibuya Crossing

The JR station was an absolute madhouse, something you don't see everyday on RTD or the MBTA. I was genuinely shocked how many expats lived in Tokyo and just how many visitors were visiting - much to the ire of the locals, I believe. Everyone tries to take the perfect photo by running into the middle of the street right as the light turns green. Ick.

There's just something different about the roads and the layout of neighborhoods in Japan. You could be walking on the busiest street, on the narrowest sidewalk, with buildings towering all around, but you still feel so small. I flew on a weekend, so it was even worse than normal.

The Izakaya restaurant I chose was located in a small building on the upper floors, within an unmarked door. I literally walked by it three times before I finally found the entrance.

SG Low - An izakaya for foreigners

The venue was small but they catered specifically to foreign tourists and locals. It's possible to make reservations, but you need to pay a small deposit just in case you don't show up. Everyone working there spoke fluent English and was just SO KIND.

I was welcomed warmly with a small lemon drop shot, which of course, you can't say no to.

Here's some pictures of the food and drinks I ordered. And yes, I finished it all (well, aside from the Shochu).

Sidequest complete!

#tripreport