We recently published an article in Food, Wine, and Travel Magazine about our Tokyo experiences during our visit to Japan. While we can’t share the entire article due to publication guidelines, we’re excited to offer a glimpse. Click the link below the small excerpt to read the full article and discover all the details.
Tokyo Adventures: 4 Unique and Fun Things to Do
Published on FWT Magazine January 24, 2025 Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough
One of the great rewards of travel is to experience a culture in its entirety: the serious and the silly, the sacred and the lighthearted. As we discovered during a recent visit to Tokyo, these contrasts don’t just coexist; they complement each other. It’s a city that balances joy and creativity with a deep respect for history and tradition, showing us that there’s much more to the place than we ever imagined.
By diving into Tokyo’s playful side, we got to see how humor, whimsy, and imagination are just as deeply embedded in Japanese culture as discipline and reverence. From ninja escapades to go-karting through Shibuya, each experience added a new dimension to how we understood the city and its people. Here’s a look at how Tokyo showed us its unexpected, fun-loving spirit.
Ninja Tokyo Dinner: Where Dining Becomes an Adventure
We started our Tokyo journey with a visit to the ninja-themed restaurant Ninja Tokyo. As soon as we arrived, we were whisked into a dimly lit world of mystery. Flickering lanterns lined narrow hallways, and staff dressed in stealthy ninja attire guided us to our private dining room with silent hand gestures and dramatic flair.
And the food? Each dish was a masterpiece of creativity, combining traditional Japanese flavors with theatrical presentations. Imagine sushi rolls served on miniature battlefields or desserts hidden inside wooden boxes that you had to “unlock” before eating. Every bite was as fun to look at as it was to eat.
The real showstopper, though, was the entertainment. Between courses, our ninja host wowed us with illusions, stunts, and tricks that had us laughing and applauding like kids at a magic show. But the highlight? His go-to line, ‘That ninja joke,’ whenever he did something silly. The whole dinner was a blast, but when he delivered that line, the timing was so perfect it had us both cracking up.
As we wrapped up the evening, our ninja host taught us a few moves. Unfortunately, our attempts were more comical than stealthy, leaving us laughing so hard we couldn’t stop—and the photos that followed were priceless.
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To read the full article on FWT Magazine, click here.
Some of Our Images from our Tokyo Experiences
Flights, Accommodations, and Everything You Need to Book in One Place
Are you planning a vacation this year to Japan to have your own Tokyo Experiences? Start your research early to explore your options and find what fits your budget. By booking your own travel, you’ll uncover great deals and have complete control over your itinerary. The links below can be used for all elements of your trip, not just accommodations.
It is essential to price out accommodations on various sites. Expedia is a US-based company, whereas Booking.com is Europe-based. Not all properties appear on both, so it is ideal to check both out. Our personal first choice is Booking.com. If the establishment has a website, check the price there as well. Click the link below to check out hotels and vacation homes in the area. It may be just the motivation you need to start planning that next grand adventure.
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