Traveling with my kid and without my husband felt like stepping into uncharted territory. It was just the five of us—me, my mom, my sister, my energetic niece, and my ever-curious son—embarking on an ambitious summer adventure through one of the busiest cities in the world. Tokyo welcomed us with open arms and a blanket of unforgiving humidity.
We stayed in Asakusa, a charming neighborhood rich with tradition and temples. But in hindsight, it may not have been the most strategic location for a group with young children—especially during one of the hottest months of the year. Our hotel was a fair walk from the nearest station, and the summer heat made every step feel like a marathon.
On our first full day, we made our way (yes, we walked) to the iconic Sensoji Temple around midday. The temple’s beauty and history were unmistakable, but so were the crowds and the punishing sun. From there, we made the bold decision to stroll along the Sumida River toward Tokyo Skytree. The view was beautiful, but the heat was unforgiving. We finally found sanctuary on the Skytree observation deck—cool air, sweeping city views, and a chance to catch our breath (and shop for souvenirs to lift our spirits).
That evening, our quest for shoes at ABC Mart led us to a bit of wandering, eventually landing us at Don Quijote (a chaotic blessing). Unfortunately, as we left Donki, the skies opened up. With no taxis in sight, we waited out the rain before trekking back to the hotel, soaked and worn out. And this was only the beginning of our journey.
The next day, we set out to explore Ginza to go shopping. We did a lot of walking since all the shops were within walking distance. However, in the extremely hot weather, it wasn’t the ideal situation. Ultimately, we found the shoes we wanted, which felt like a rewarding end to a day of endless walking.
The following day, we did what any tired group of travelers would do—we took a collective sigh of relief and decided to slow down, opting to recuperate from our whirlwind adventure.
Then came the much-anticipated day at Tokyo Disneyland. We were excited, hopeful, and… still very hot. It was magical—but in a “we’ll just admire it from the sidelines” kind of way. The queues were long, and the summer heat made everything feel heavier. None of us was in the mood to wait in line, especially with children in tow. We didn’t ride a single attraction, but we did watch a show and spent most of the day resting at a restaurant, waiting for the sun to dip. We skipped the fireworks that night, choosing comfort over spectacle—and honestly, it felt like the right call.
One of the highlights of the trip came the next day: a visit to teamLab Borderless. The immersive art installations were mesmerizing, tranquil, and entirely indoors (praise be). It felt like stepping into a dream—a world of light and sound that gave our senses a break from the chaos of our earlier escapades.
To end our trip, we traveled to Shibuya for one final evening. We sipped cool drinks at Starbucks, then made our way up to Shibuya Sky (my first time visiting, even though I’d stayed in the area before). After the nonstop movement and unexpected detours of our trip, the panoramic view of Tokyo glowing in golden light gave me pause, and a profound stillness washed over me—the kind of stillness that only travel can offer, allowing me to reflect on the whirlwind of experiences we had just shared, to remember why we do this despite the heat, the stress, and the sore feet.
The next morning, we boarded our flight home—tired, sun-kissed, and filled with stories we’d be laughing about for years.
Some trips aren’t about flawless moments; they’re about shared challenges, resilience, and the joy that comes from embracing the unexpected.
Tokyo in the summer? It was touch, no doubt. Yet, it transformed into a journey forever etched in our hearts, filled with laughter, unique experiences, and a warmth that we’ll never forget. These are the moments that make traveling so special—the ones we’ll be reminiscing and laughing about for years to come.
