By Christina Kawamoto-Butler | CKB Travel
Some days on vacation feel chaotic. Others feel too slow. But once in a while, you get a day that just clicks. That was this day—our journey through Odaiba, TeamLabs Planets, Toyosu Fish Market, a peaceful boat cruise up the Sumida River, and a golden hour arrival in Asakusa that felt straight out of a movie.
We hit our rhythm this day—as travelers, as a family, and as humans experiencing beauty together.
Smooth Start: TeamLabs Planets
We caught the train around 7:30 AM, heading to Shimbashi Station to board the Yurikamome Line—a driverless train that glides across the Tokyo skyline like something out of the future. For about $3 a person, we scored front-row views of the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Bay. Absolute steal.
We arrived at TeamLabs Planets almost an hour early for our 10 AM reservation, but I didn’t mind. We were first in line and had space to just take it all in.
Inside? Pure magic.
From walking barefoot through water, to mirrored floors, to floating orchids and glowing galaxies—it was immersive, emotional, and unlike anything we’d ever seen. The Diamond Room and waterfall hallway were family favorites. Even Keao, our sensory-sensitive explorer, embraced the experience.
Pro Tip: Book your tickets in advance, wear easy-on shoes (you’ll be barefoot), and bring patience. It’s worth every second.
Toyosu Fish Market: Sushi Heaven (But Not for Mele)
After TeamLabs, we strolled to the Toyosu Fish Market, the sleek, modern successor to Tsukiji. Clean, well-organized, and packed with fresh seafood options, it was everything I’d hoped for.
I was in foodie heaven:
• Tamagoyaki (sweet rolled egg)
• A kaisendon bowl with uni, toro, and salmon roe
• Cone sushi stuffed with crab, uni, and salmon
Pat went all in with wagyu skewers, bao buns, and a full sushi platter.
And then there was Mele—our sweet girl with a shellfish allergy, quietly vibing with her frozen strawberries while the rest of us devoured ocean creatures left and right.
We joked that she was the only person at Toyosu Market eating fruit, but hey—better safe than anaphylactic. And to her credit, she didn’t even complain. Just happily snacked like a strawberry connoisseur and avoided eye contact with the uni.
Aloha Moment in Odaiba
After sushi, we walked to Aqua City in Odaiba and found KuaʻAina—a burger place straight from Hawaii. Keao looked at the sign and said, “Mom, I think this place is from Hawaiʻi!” That little moment of recognition made me smile so big.
We filled up again (yes, second lunch) and walked down to the waterfront to catch our Sumida River boat cruise to Asakusa. And that’s where the real magic hit.
Cruising the Sumida River: Slowing Down Together
We boarded this futuristic-looking glass boat, and the girls headed to the upper deck. I stayed below to hold our seats—until I remembered, this is Japan. You can leave your backpack and trust it’ll still be there.
From the deck, we saw Tokyo drift by: canals, joggers, playgrounds, floodgates, and everyday life. For 15 minutes, I held my phone tighter than I’ve ever held anything (please, no drop!), and just took it all in.
I watched my girls be still. Be wide-eyed. Be connected.
Those are the moments I’ll remember forever.
Asakusa: Old World Meets New Life
As we stepped off the boat, I spotted the golden Asahi building and the towering Tokyo Skytree in the distance. I had watched countless videos of Asakusa, but seeing it in person—with the sounds, the smells, the movement—was something else entirely.
We walked toward Nakamise Street, with its rows of traditional vendors and the stunning Senso-ji Temple at the end. The street was alive. Not just with tourists, but with generations of tradition.
The girls grabbed more tanghulu, strawberry daifuku, and soft serve. Keao spotted someone with rainbow ice cream and sprinted into action.
Then it happened. Pat yelled, “Champ!”
I thought, who is he yelling to?
Turns out it was Champ from OC-16 back home—a surreal, small-world moment that reminded us that even in Japan, Hawaiʻi is never far away.
Champ shook Pat’s hand, gave our family props for traveling with kids, and we got this wild, comforting validation from a local celebrity on the other side of the world.
Senso-ji Temple: A Deep, Sacred Pause
We reached the temple and followed the traditional rituals:
• Wash hands and mouth at the fountain
• Cleanse in the incense smoke
• Bow, make our offering, and say our prayers
Mele asked how and when they built it. “628 AD,” I said.
“But why is it in the middle of the city?”
“They built the city around it.”
That moment stuck with me. My kids were seeing history—not just in a book, but under their feet and in the air around them.
Final Thoughts: The Day That Got Everything Right
This was the day.
Perfect pacing.
Zero meltdowns.
Enough snacks, enough seats, enough space to breathe.
It showed me how much we’ve grown—not just as travelers, but as a family. From TeamLabs to temple steps, we were fully present. Not rushing, not stressing, just experiencing.
And in a trip full of magic, this day was my favorite spell.
If you want help planning a Tokyo day like this—with food, culture, art, and space to just be—let me help. Follow @CKBTravel or reach out to build your dream day in Japan.
Discover more from CKB Travel
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
