First Post-Pandemic Japan Trip: A Relaxed, Light-Travel Guide to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka

In 2019 I last visited Japan just before the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped travel worldwide. By 2022 I returned for a longer, more relaxed trip, aiming to soak in the weather, the atmosphere, and the familiar as well as newly discovered corners of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. This journey was designed to be easygoing—no heavy itineraries, just time to enjoy Japan again. This narrative focuses on the Tokyo portion of that trip, which is part 1 of a broader video series. I travelled light and relied on a simple setup: Google Pixel 7 Pro, Insta360 ONE X2, and the DJI Osmo Mobile 6. The video is segmented into chapters to make it easier to digest, and you’ll find a structured itinerary below. The plan emphasized a gentle pace, allowing moments to unfold rather than forcing a rushed schedule. I explored how the city felt in the post-pandemic era, and I sought to capture both the iconic sights and the quieter, characterful spots that reveal Tokyo’s enduring charm. This article reimagines that experience in expanded form, preserving every essential point and enriching the details for readers and travelers planning a similar journey.

Trip Overview and Itinerary

The trip covered three major Japanese urban hubs—Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka—with Tokyo serving as the starting point and the primary focus of this first, Tokyo-only installment. The intent was to savor the season, the climate, and the rhythm of city life, rather than to power through a strict checklist of attractions. The traveler’s mindset was centered on ease: a relaxed tempo, unhurried meals, and enough time to absorb the sensory texture of neighborhoods that are often photographed but not always experienced fully. Tokyo, a city that blends neon-lit modernity with intimate traditional corners, offered ample room for careful observation and gentle exploration.

From the outset, the plan acknowledged that not every location would be revisited in the same way on subsequent legs of the journey. The itinerary included a mix of widely recognized districts and lesser-visited venues that could surprise even seasoned travelers. The traveler aimed to discover places that remain memorable not just for their name recognition but for what they feel like in the moment—the mood, the service, the textures of food, and the cadence of daily life. In this Tokyo-focused segment, notable themes emerged: efficient yet unobtrusive transit and logistics, the use of a light, digital-native gear setup, and a balance between iconic landmarks and Instagrammable, offbeat venues.

The video’s content was organized into a clear sequence that could be navigated by viewers through chaptered segments. A breakdown of the Tokyo chapters included practical travel details (flight experiences, hotel stay, Wi-Fi routing, and JR Pass arrangements), practical advice about immigration procedures at Haneda, and a curated tour through a blend of eateries, cultural spots, and photographically interesting locales. The aim was not solely to document places but also to convey practical insights—how to move efficiently through busy city spaces, where to sit down for a restorative break, and how to document scenes with a compact, flexible gear kit. The segmentation was designed to be a practical guide for travelers who prefer a thoughtful, immersive approach over a high-speed, checklist-driven itinerary.

In addition to the itinerary details, this narrative integrates reflections on travel gear and technique, including how the Pixel 7 Pro handles diverse lighting conditions, the stabilization strengths of the DJI OM6, and the flexible coverage offered by the Insta360 ONE X2. While the video invites viewers to guess which gear was used for each scene, the broader purpose is to illustrate how different tools can complement each other to capture a cohesive travel diary. The Tokyo section also foregrounds the evolving entry process for international travelers to Japan, acknowledging transitions that were in flux during the post-pandemic reopening. Taken together, the Tokyo portion provides a comprehensive, textured, and practical look at navigating a city that remains relentlessly alive, welcoming, and endlessly fascinating.

Chapter Highlights and Content Layout

To make the Tokyo content digestible, the video divides into chapters that correspond to concrete experiences and locations, from the moment of arrival to the first meals and the route through key neighborhoods. Each chapter presents a blend of practical logistics, personal observations, and sensory details that help convey what it feels like to be in Tokyo at this particular time. The chapters cover:

• Arrival logistics and pre-arrival preparations (flights, hotel check-in options, and internet access).
• Immigration experiences at Haneda Airport and the expectations around arrival procedures.
• Ground transportation: how the Limousine Bus service operates from Haneda Terminal 3 to central Tokyo.
• The first-day arrival and lodging at a central hub, with notes on accessibility and convenience.
• Culinary experiences in Shinjuku, including a famous ramen spot, and other neighborhood eateries.
• The logistics of converting JR Pass vouchers, booking Shinkansen tickets, and topping up Suica cards—how to streamline these processes.
• Getting around Tokyo: practical guidance on moving between Meguro River, the central business districts, and scenic city pockets.
• Iconic coffee houses and Instagrammable venues—the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo, Onibus Cafe, and The Traveler’s Factory—plus a visit to a spice-forward restaurant.
• Seasonal and decorative landmarks, including a Christmas-themed experience atop a shopping complex.
• A travel path to Gotemba Premium Outlet for a day trip, and a survey of notable brands around the Cosme store.
• Food-focused stops for udon and sushi, such as Shin Udon and Sushizanmai near Tsukiji Market, culminating with a visit to Kaminarimon Gate and Senso-ji Temple.
• A closing note on “things to do” to maximize enjoyment in Tokyo and Japan in general.

This structure ensures a balanced lens: practical logistics, authentic local experiences, and visual storytelling that highlights a relaxed travel tempo while still delivering the essential travel intelligence.

Journey Details: Arrival, Immigration, and First Night in Tokyo

Arriving in Tokyo after years apart from the city presents a charged moment. The trip began with careful planning around flight times, airport procedures, and the arrival experience in a city that had recently updated its entry protocols for visitors. The Haneda Airport immigration process was a central reference point, described in detail to help future travelers anticipate what to expect. The experience was shaped by the evolving checkpoints, the length of queues, and the general flow through immigration halls, all of which can vary with seasonality and traveler volume. The aim was to convey practical tips that can reduce stress and speed up the process so that travelers can settle into Tokyo life more quickly.

From Haneda, the traveler used the Limousine Bus service, a comfortable and efficient option to reach central Tokyo. The bus route from Haneda Terminal 3 to Shinjuku offered a calm, low-stress transfer, with ample space for luggage and straightforward boarding procedures. The ride provided a first glimpse of the city’s contrasts—glowing storefronts transitioning to quieter neighborhoods, the hum of traffic, and the peculiar blend of modern architecture with traditional street life. The journey emphasized punctuality and reliability, characteristics that defined the early leg of this Tokyo stay.

The first-night arrival was anchored by a stay at Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku, a hotel that offered convenient access to transit hubs, dining, and a wide range of city amenities. The check-in process, typically smooth in this area, was described with enough detail to give readers a sense of what to expect. The logistics around domestic and international connectivity—particularly the process of securing a reliable Wi-Fi router for the stay and the steps involved in booking the Japan Rail Pass—were laid out to help travelers plan in advance. The emphasis was on practicalities that can ease day-to-day travel in a dense urban environment.

A key logistical thread in this section is the evolution of Japan’s entry procedures during the post-pandemic period. The narrative notes that the travel period was a transitional moment in which Japan was refining how travelers would log their details before arrival. Specifically, there was a shift from the earlier MySOS application to the Visit Japan Web system, a change that has practical implications for travelers planning future trips. The aim is to offer a clear, actionable path for visitors who may be facing similar policy transitions, emphasizing the importance of keeping updated with official guidance before departure.

In sum, the arrival sequence—Haneda immigration expectations, the Limousine Bus transfer to Shinjuku, and the first-night accommodations—set the tone for a relaxed, organized Tokyo experience. The gear choices supported this approach, with the Pixel 7 Pro used for in-camera capture, the Insta360 ONE X2 employed for dynamic or unusual perspectives, and the DJI OM6 used to stabilize motion in tighter indoor environments. This setup enabled a flexible, lightweight kit that could respond to changing scenes without demanding heavy gear management.

Tokyo Highlights: Food, Cafés, and Cultural Landmarks

The Tokyo segment highlighted a curated set of experiences that blend iconic locations with visually compelling venues that are particularly popular for social media and travel photography. Each stop offered a distinct atmosphere and a unique way to engage with Tokyo’s diverse neighborhoods. The experiences included:

• Ichiran Ramen in Shinjuku: A renowned ramen institution noted for its individualized dining booths, a focused dining concept, and a flavor profile that stands out in the crowded ramen scene. The environment, service style, and flavor balance were described in detail, with attention to how the experience fits into a Western traveler’s expectations while remaining authentically Japanese. The dish’s broth, noodle texture, and toppings were discussed to provide a vivid sense of what to expect when ordering, including any seasonal variations that might appear.

• Meguro River: An appealing riverside route known for its seasonal flora and photogenic scenery. The experience here emphasized the quiet moments along the bank, the reflective water, and the interplay of urban life with a natural edge. The section explains how the riverbank serves as a calm counterpoint to the urban energy that dominates much of Tokyo’s core.

• Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo: A large, multi-level space famous for its coffee rituals, roasteries, and immersive design elements. The visit explained the layout, the range of beverages, and the sensory experience of tasting coffee in such a venue. The Roastery’s scale and style contributed to a sense of place, offering a contrasting experience to fast-service cafés while still fitting into a busy urban itinerary.

• Onibus Café: A popular, highly photographed café known for its unique interior design and photo-worthy aesthetics. The discussion centers on how to maximize a visit—where to stand for the best light, how to order, and how to integrate the café into a broader walking itinerary through the neighborhood.

• Traveler’s Factory: A space that merges travel culture with retail, offering a curated selection of items that appeal to modern travelers. The narrative includes impressions of product displays, the atmosphere of the shop, and the potential for captures that tell a story beyond the usual travel snapshots.

• MagicSpice Restaurant in Shimokitazawa: An eating venue that represents a fusion of flavors and a magnetic interior. The review covers the ambiance, the menu highlights, and the overall dining experience, including service style, dish presentation, and how the food complements a stroll through Shimokitazawa.

• Christmassy Starbucks atop Tokyu Plaza: A seasonal highlight that integrates holiday décor with a city-center coffee stop. The description focuses on the décor, the views, and the way the elevated location enhances a daytime walk through the surrounding shopping area.

• Gotemba Premium Outlet: A day-trip destination outside central Tokyo that offers a broad array of brands in a spacious, well-organized setting. The review covers layout, accessibility, and the variety of shopping options, with observations about how a day here complements a Tokyo hotel stay and a broader travel plan.

• All the brands inside Cosme: A note about the cosmetics store experience—its breadth, the breadth of brands, and the sensory experiences of testing and sampling products within a curated environment. The narrative emphasizes how beauty and skincare shopping can be an appealing counterpoint to more traditional sightseeing.

• Shin Udon: A popular udon spot, described with attention to the flavor, the broth, and the overall ambiance. The section provides practical tips such as ordering suggestions, estimated wait times, and how this venue fits into a ramen- and udon-forward culinary itinerary.

• Tsukiji Market and Sushizanmai: A combination of seafood market exploration and a recommended dining institution. The guide covers the market atmosphere, the competitive energy of the stalls, and the specific character of Sushizanmai as a reliable choice for visitors seeking a reliable sushi experience in a bustling market setting.

• Kaminarimon Gate and Senso-ji Temple: A classic Tokyo shrine complex with iconic architecture and a sense of ancient atmosphere within a modern city. The discussion highlights the sensory experience of the approach, the main gate’s visual impact, and the surrounding streetscape that blends shopping, snack stalls, and temple bells.

• Practical advice and actionable recommendations: The section closes with practical tips on how to maximize enjoyment in Japan—timely reservations, pacing, and a few “don’t miss” moments that help ensure a balanced experience.

This comprehensive set of experiences demonstrates Tokyo’s breadth—from the widely recognized landmarks to the more intimate, seasonally infused spaces—while preserving a relaxed traveler narrative that prioritizes comfort, pace, and genuine discovery.

Segment-by-Segment Logistics and Practicalities

Beyond the experiences, the content places emphasis on the practicalities of moving between venues. The traveler’s approach prioritized efficient routing to minimize fatigue while preserving the ability to capture evocative moments. The sequence of locations was designed to minimize backtracking, enabling a smoother day-to-day rhythm. Photographic opportunities were considered in relation to lighting, crowd density, and the typical flow of pedestrians and commuters in each neighborhood. The story highlights the interplay between busy commercial corridors and quieter lanes, showing how a single day in Tokyo can reveal both extremes in mood and pace.

The gear used across these segments—Pixel 7 Pro for versatile stills and mobile video, Insta360 ONE X2 for dynamic, 360-degree shots, and the DJI OM6 for stabilized mobile filming—enabled flexible coverage without heavy equipment. This combination aimed to illustrate how modern creators can assemble a compelling travel narrative with compact, capable tools, adapting to the city’s shifting light and movement.

Gear Reflections: Pixel 7 Pro, Insta360 ONE X2, and DJI OM6

A central thread in this Tokyo portion concerns how the chosen gear performed in diverse, real-world conditions. The Google Pixel 7 Pro was praised for its computational photography capabilities, which supported rapid adjustments to complex lighting across indoor and outdoor scenes. The ability to handle high-contrast scenes—such as interior ramen shops with bright signage and dark dining booths—was a recurring point of discussion. However, there was a notable limitation: the cinematic mode did not deliver footage that met the author’s standards for this project, and there was an unexpected constraint regarding external microphones. The Pixel 7 Pro does not support certain external mics, including popular models such as those from Saramonic, which affected the planning around audio capture for some scenes. This limitation was acknowledged openly, with the understanding that future work would either optimize audio capture through alternative methods or adapt shooting strategies to leverage the camera’s strengths.

The Insta360 ONE X2 served as a complementary tool for capturing scenes where a traditional still or standard video setup might struggle. Its wide-angle capabilities and post-production flexibility allowed for creative angles and perspectives that would be difficult to achieve with a single-camera workflow. The device’s ability to capture interesting or unusual environments—like the Onibus Café or other visually distinctive spaces—was highlighted as a key advantage, enabling post-production edits that can enhance storytelling without requiring complex rigs.

The DJI Osmo Mobile 6 (DJI OM6) contributed notable stabilization benefits, particularly for night scenes or when moving through crowded or variable environments. The device helped maintain smooth footage in dynamic sequences, reducing the need for reshoots or excessive stabilization corrections in post-production. The combination of these tools created a workflow that could cover a wide range of scenes, from quiet temple precincts to bustling city streets, while maintaining a coherent aesthetic.

The narrative also invites viewers to guess which gear was used in each scene, a playful element that underscores the idea that multiple devices can contribute to a single travel story. The expectation is that a thoughtful mix of hardware paired with careful shooting practices can yield a robust, engaging travel video even when working with a compact kit. A future review is planned to assess more comprehensively how the Pixel 7 Pro and DJI OM6 perform in a broader set of conditions, with a focus on audio capture, stabilization, color rendition, and overall workflow integration.

Travel Policy Transitions: MySOS to Visit Japan Web

A noteworthy backdrop to the Tokyo segment is Japan’s evolving traveler entry process during the late 2022 period. The narrative notes that this was a transition window when the country began refining its approach to international visitors. Specifically, the period around November 14, 2022 marked a shift in entry methods—from the MySOS app toward the Visit Japan Web platform—which aimed to streamline pre-travel and arrival details. For travelers planning a visit during or after this transition, the guidance is to familiarize themselves with the current procedure, verify whether pre-registration is required, and ensure that any digital documentation is accessible at the right stage of travel. While the original content described the change in practical terms for that era, the present guidance emphasizes staying up-to-date with official government or tourism portals to avoid last-minute surprises. The underlying message remains valuable: understanding entry requirements and preparing the necessary documentation in advance can significantly improve the arrival experience, particularly in a city with dense international traffic.

How to Enjoy Japan: Practical Tips and Takeaways

The content offers a concise summary of actions travelers should take to enjoy Japan effectively, especially for first-time visitors or those returning after a gap years. The key takeaway is the importance of planning for both movement and pace. Practical recommendations include reserving seats on popular transit routes, planning meals at iconic eateries, and balancing “must-see” landmarks with more intimate experiences to capture the city’s mood without exhaustion. The discussion emphasizes staying flexible and open to serendipity—the small moments that create lasting memories—such as an unexpected cafe discovery, a quiet temple corner, or a photogenic alley that tells a story about a neighborhood. The narrative also encourages travelers to consider the rhythm of their days: allowing time for a late lunch, a slow coffee break, or a late afternoon stroll along a riverbank to appreciate the city’s shift in light.

In this section, practical steps are laid out for readers, including how to approach JR Pass usage, how to navigate major shopping districts, and how to compile a personal itinerary that balances food, culture, and photography. The overall goal is to help readers translate the Tokyo experience into actionable planning for their own trips—especially those who aim to keep travel light, flexible, and focused on authentic experiences rather than exhaustive ticking of boxes.

Food, Markets, and Seasonal Highlights

A distinctive emphasis of the Tokyo trip was the robust food and market scene, presented as a series of experiences that highlight flavor, texture, and cultural context. Ichiran Ramen in Shinjuku offered a focused dining concept and a flavorful broth that stands out in Tokyo’s ramen culture. The Meguro River area provided a contrasting setting—a riverside ambiance that invites slow wandering, reflective photography, and seasonal bloom opportunities, depending on the time of year. The Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo was framed as a landmark coffee experience, where the architecture and service rituals offer a different kind of sensory immersion than a standard coffee shop visit. The Onibus Café and Traveler’s Factory were presented as Instagram-friendly venues that also deliver a sense of neighborhood character, making them enjoyable stops during a day of exploring.

MagicSpice Restaurant in Shimokitazawa added a worldly spice-forward dimension to the culinary mix, offering a broader sense of Tokyo’s cosmopolitan tastes. The Christmassy Starbucks perched atop Tokyu Plaza added a seasonal decorative angle to a daytime walk, illustrating how holiday decorations can transform a cityscape into a festive backdrop for photography and social media storytelling. The Gotemba Premium Outlet presented a day-trip dimension, offering a different pace of shopping and a chance to see a broader spectrum of brands outside Tokyo’s central districts. In the Cosme store, the experience focused on beauty brands and product experiences, illustrating a consumer-centric dimension to urban shopping. Shin Udon provided a practical and satisfying udon experience, while Tsukiji Market and Sushizanmai offered a blend of market energy, fresh seafood, and a reliable sushi counter experience. Kaminarimon Gate and Senso-ji Temple provided a window into traditional Tokyo alongside modern life, with atmospheric gates, temple bells, and surrounding streets offering photo opportunities and cultural context.

The narrative’s emphasis on these venues reinforces a broader theme: Tokyo’s ability to simultaneously satisfy iconic expectations and deliver authentic, offbeat moments. The travel storytelling thread is reinforced with detailed, sensory writing that invites readers to imagine the scents, textures, and sounds that define each place. The overall effect is to convey a sense of place that feels comprehensive and inviting, encouraging readers to consider how they might plan a similarly rich, paced, and enjoyable Tokyo itinerary that aligns with their own interests and travel style.

Conclusion

This expanded rewritten account preserves the essential details of the original travel narrative while enriching the description with structured sections, expanded context, and practical guidance for future travelers. It reflects a relaxed, enjoyable approach to visiting Tokyo as part of a broader Japan trip, emphasizing pacing, diverse experiences, and the practicalities of modern travel—from immigration procedures and transit choices to dinING experiences, shopping stops, and seasonal highlights. It also provides a thoughtful gear perspective, balancing the strengths and limitations of a compact, modern setup across varied scenes. The narrative remains faithful to the author’s intention: to share a calm, insightful, and informative travel experience that inspires readers to explore Tokyo with curiosity, patience, and a readiness to discover everyday moments that make a city memorable.

Conclusion

In sum, the Tokyo portion of this journey offers a detailed, practical, and immersive portrait of a city that is both timeless and continually reinventing itself. The blend of iconic sights, intimate venues, and well-considered logistics demonstrates how a relaxed traveler can maximize enjoyment while capturing a vivid video diary with a lightweight gear kit. The insights into entry procedures, transit, dining, shopping, and cultural landmarks provide a robust guide for readers planning a similar itinerary, as well as a compelling narrative for those who simply wish to experience Tokyo through a thoughtful, human-centered lens. This approach—combining smooth logistics, sensory-rich storytelling, and dependable technology—serves as a blueprint for future explorations of Japan’s vibrant capital and beyond.