SK Travel Guide
The Matterhorn Bobsleds - Disneyland California 4K POV Front Row
updated
When torrential rain ruined our plans in Tokyo, we found ourselves looking for a Plan B. That led us to Cat Cafe MOCHA in Shinjuku, one of Japan's most popular cat cafes.
In this video, we take an honest look at the experience, discuss the ethical questions surrounding animal cafes, and decide whether a Tokyo Cat Cafe deserves a place on your Japan itinerary.
Is it a must-do attraction... or just an expensive way to spend a rainy afternoon?
Join us as we find out.
More Japan Videos
Travel Day : youtu.be/TtW2wM8x7J4
Tokyo Day 1 : youtu.be/Cm2yEdpbJ4I
Tokyo Day 2 : youtu.be/PqGUMBjs54M
Tokyo Day 3 : youtu.be/faW-W236E4g
Tokyo Day 4 : youtu.be/ra9GH3xDCuk
Kyoto Day 1 :
Kyoto Day 2 :
Kyoto Day 3 :
Nara :
Osaka :
Chasing Mount Fuji :
Skylines in a GR Yaris :
Day 1 - Tokyo Disneyland :
Day 2 - Tokyo DisneySea :
Day 3 - Tokyo DisneySea :
00:00 Are Tokyo Cat Cafes Worth It?
00:39 Rain Changed Our Plans
01:08 The Ethical Question
02:56 Arrival and How It Works
03:56 Inside Cat Cafe MOCHA
04:36 Meeting the Cats
06:00 Is It Different From Home?
06:53 Value & Final Verdict
Unfortunately, it's something most visitors will experience at some point, with 100- 115 rainy days a year—and on our final full day before heading to Kyoto, we got caught in another of Tokyo's heavy spring storms.
Instead of letting the weather ruin our plans, we adapted.
In this video, we race the clouds to the top of Tokyo Skytree, explore the incredible Tsukiji Outer Market in the pouring rain, escape to a relaxing Cat Café, enjoy one last evening in Shinjuku, discover why shopping is one of the best rainy-day activities in Tokyo, and even try Japan's famous luggage forwarding service before boarding the Shinkansen to Kyoto.
If you're planning a trip to Japan and wondering what to do in Tokyo when the weather turns bad, hopefully our experience will give you a few ideas—and maybe even convince you that Tokyo is still an amazing city to explore in the rain.
📍 Featured in this video:
• Tokyo Skytree - BOOK NOW - Klook - affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=116770&aff_adid=1338738&k_site=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F41352-tokyo-skytree%2F @TOKYOSKYTREEofficial
• Solamachi Shopping
• Tower Knives Tokyo - towerknives.com/en/store/product-categories/yanagiba
• Tsukiji Outer Market
• Cat Café MOCHA Shinjuku - catmocha.jp/en @catcafemocha
• Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane)
• Golden Gai
• Japan Luggage Forwarding (Takkyubin)
Book Teamlabs HERE: affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=116770&aff_adid=1338738&k_site=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F41352-tokyo-skytree%2F
This video forms part of our complete Japan travel series covering Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Mount Fuji and Tokyo Disney Resort.
Travel Day : youtu.be/TtW2wM8x7J4
Tokyo Day 1 : youtu.be/Cm2yEdpbJ4I
Tokyo Day 2 : youtu.be/PqGUMBjs54M
Tokyo Day 3 : youtu.be/faW-W236E4g
Tokyo Day 4 : youtu.be/ra9GH3xDCuk
Kyoto Day 1 :
Kyoto Day 2 :
Kyoto Day 3 :
Nara :
Osaka :
Chasing Mount Fuji :
Skylines in a GR Yaris :
Day 1 - Tokyo Disneyland :
Day 2 - Tokyo DisneySea :
Day 3 - Tokyo DisneySea :
If you enjoy honest travel guides, real travel experiences and practical advice to help plan your own adventures, we'd love to have you subscribe.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Tokyo Had Other Plans
00:45 One Last Day in Tokyo
01:40 Racing the Weather at Tokyo Skytree
03:10 Shopping While the Storm Rolls In
03:55 Tsukiji Outer Market in the Rain
06:05 Rainy Day Escape - Cat Café
7:00 Sending Our Luggage to Kyoto
07:30 One Last Night in Shinjuku
09:56 What To Do When It Rains in Tokyo
10:50 Goodbye Tokyo
Known as Tokyo's Electric Town, Akihabara is famous for its huge arcades, claw machines, anime, manga, gaming stores, electronics shops and incredible pop culture. It's one of the most famous districts in Tokyo—but it also turned out to be one of the most confusing places we've ever visited.
Join us as two first-time visitors try to make sense of one of Tokyo's most unique neighbourhoods. From giant SEGA and TAITO arcades, UFO catcher crane games and Japanese claw machines, to Bic Camera, anime shops, gaming culture and the incredible atmosphere, this became one of the most memorable afternoons of our entire Japan trip.
If you're planning a Tokyo itinerary and wondering whether Akihabara is worth visiting, hopefully this honest experience helps. You certainly don't need to be an anime fan or manga collector to enjoy it—we weren't!
🎮 In this video:
• What Akihabara is really like for first-time visitors
• Japanese arcades and rhythm games
• Why claw machines (UFO Catchers) are so popular
• Exploring Bic Camera and Tokyo's famous electronics stores
• Gaming, anime, and Japanese pop culture
• Our honest thoughts on whether Akihabara is worth your time
If you're planning a trip to Japan, don't miss the rest of our Tokyo series, including:
🍣 Our incredible 21-course Omakase sushi experience - youtu.be/TL4peoAsS-s
🌃 Tokyo's FREE Observation Deck - youtu.be/HD6SOmIDrys
🏨 A Japanese Capsule Hotel - youtu.be/QaH-fXM-ej8
🍔 Is McDonald's Better in Japan? - youtu.be/i0LITWR_9GM
🌸 Cherry Blossom in Tokyo - youtu.be/KOzY3ppKxAk
Thanks for watching!
00:00 The Tokyo We Imagined
00:40 What Even Is Akihabara?
01:24 First Impressions
02:30 Japanese Claw Machines
03:50 Inside the Arcades
05:05 Shopping in Electric Town
06:20 Bic Camera Surprise
06:45 Is Akihabara Worth Visiting?
07:50 Final Thoughts
Normally we avoid familiar chains when travelling, but McDonalds Japan has developed quite a reputation for unique menu items and local twists.
Shrimp Burgers, Teriyaki Burgers, Melon Soda, Edamame and Strawberry Pie...
So was it actually better than the McDonald's we know back home?
Or is this one Japanese experience you can happily skip?
Join us as we put it to the test during our first trip to Tokyo.
🎥 More Japan videos:
Sushi Shino Akasaka Omakase - youtu.be/TL4peoAsS-s
Our Most EPIC Day in Tokyo - youtu.be/faW-W236E4g
• Our Best Day in Tokyo: Shibuya Sky, Sakura & Shibuya Crossing - youtu.be/KOzY3ppKxAk
• A FREE Observation Deck in Tokyo? What's The Catch? - youtu.be/HD6SOmIDrys
• We Nearly Got Shibuya Sky Completely Wrong - youtu.be/3uwRPEnsJUM
• I Tried a Japanese Capsule Hotel - youtu.be/Cm2yEdpbJ4I
• Our First Night in Tokyo - youtu.be/TtW2wM8x7J4
00:00 Intro
00:28 Why We Ended Up at McDonald's
01:45 Breaking Our Own Travel Rule
02:50 What's Different in Japan?
03:10 Ordering Everything
03:28 Soy Sauce Burger
04:00 Teriyaki Burger
04:20 Shrimp Burger Review
04:45 HiroMac Mistake
05:08 Sides & Drinks
05:30 Strawberry Pie
05:45 Final Verdict
06:30 Is it Better than the USA?
We booked a 21-course omakase at Sushi Shino in Akasaka, Tokyo. With just a handful of guests, a chef preparing every course right in front of us, and free-flow premium drinks included, this high-end sushi became far more than just dinner.
At ¥61,600 (around £300 / $400) for two people, it wasn't cheap—but was this sushi dining experience in Tokyo actually worth it? - The Free Flow Drinks certainly helped!
In this video, we share the full experience, explain what omakase really is, show many of the incredible dishes we were served, and answer the question every traveller asks before booking a special meal in Japan.
If you're planning a trip to Tokyo and wondering whether a high-end omakase is worth the splurge, hopefully this helps.
Restaurant: Sushi Shino, Akasaka, Tokyo - akasaka-shino.com
🎥 More Japan videos:
Our Most EPIC Day in Tokyo - youtu.be/faW-W236E4g
• Our Best Day in Tokyo: Shibuya Sky, Sakura & Shibuya Crossing - youtu.be/KOzY3ppKxAk
• A FREE Observation Deck in Tokyo? What's The Catch? - youtu.be/HD6SOmIDrys
• We Nearly Got Shibuya Sky Completely Wrong - youtu.be/3uwRPEnsJUM
• I Tried a Japanese Capsule Hotel - youtu.be/Cm2yEdpbJ4I
• Our First Night in Tokyo - youtu.be/TtW2wM8x7J4
Subscribe for honest travel guides, real experiences, and practical advice from around the world.
Useful Links:
pocket-concierge.jp/en
tabelog.com/en/tokyo
guide.michelin.com/gb/en/tokyo-region/tokyo/restaurants
00:00 Intro
00:55 Why We Booked an Omakase
01:50 Sushi Shino, Akasaka
02:15 What is Omakase?
03:35 The First Courses
04:18 The Nigiri Begins
05:20 The Bluefin Tuna
06:45 Free-Flow Drinks
08:20 Was It Worth $400?
11:45 Final Verdict
13:30 Thanks for Watching
We love a good skyline view, but usually observation decks come with a price — either a ticket, a drink, or some kind of hidden cost. But the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku offers a completely free observation deck high above the city, letting you get Free Tokyo Views
So what’s the catch?
After visiting Shibuya Sky earlier in the trip, we wanted to see how Tokyo’s free viewpoint compared. No paid ticket, no timed booking, no required purchase — just turn up, head upstairs, and look out over Tokyo.
At least, that’s the idea.
In this video, we visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck at night after an already exhausting day exploring Tokyo, and find out whether this free skyline view is actually worth adding to your Tokyo itinerary.
We cover what you get for free, the view from the 45th floor, the queue, how it compares with Shibuya Sky, and whether we’d recommend it for first-time visitors.
If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo and looking for free things to do, skyline views, Shibuya Sky alternatives, or budget-friendly observation decks, this should help you decide whether the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is worth your time.
Thanks for watching, and if you enjoy honest travel vlogs and real first-time Japan experiences, we’d love to have you along for the rest of our Japan series.
Shibuya Sky - Sky Deck Closed - youtu.be/3uwRPEnsJUM
Tokyo Sky Tree -
00:00 A Free Observation Deck in Tokyo?
00:32 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
01:15 So What’s The Catch?
02:05 Tokyo From Above At Night
03:05 Shibuya Sky vs Metropolitan Building
03:57 Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
After a few days of neon lights, crowds, skyscrapers and sensory overload, we thought we were starting to understand the city. Then this day happened.
We started in Yanaka, one of Tokyo’s oldest and most atmospheric neighbourhoods, with quiet streets, temples, cherry blossoms, pastries and coffee in the sunshine.
Then we jumped straight into Akihabara, Tokyo’s Electric Town, where arcades, claw machines, anime, manga, Bic Camera and full-on culture shock completely changed the tone of the day.
From there, Tokyo shifted again as we explored Tokyo Station, the Imperial Palace area and Chidorigafuchi during cherry blossom season, before heading to Akasaka for one of the best meals we have ever had: a 21-course omakase dinner at Sushi Shino.
And somehow, we still weren’t done.
We ended the day with the free Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck, a walk through Omoide Yokocho, and Friday night Shinjuku at full volume.
This was easily one of our most varied, exhausting and unforgettable days in Tokyo — and it made us realise Tokyo isn’t really one city at all. It’s dozens of completely different worlds packed into one place.
Coming up next: our final full day in Tokyo before the journey continues across Japan to Kyoto, Osaka, Mount Fuji and Tokyo Disney Resort.
Thanks for watching, and if you enjoy honest travel vlogs, Japan travel guides and real first-time experiences, we’d love to have you along.
Travel Day : youtu.be/TtW2wM8x7J4
Tokyo Day 1 : youtu.be/Cm2yEdpbJ4I
Tokyo Day 2 : youtu.be/PqGUMBjs54M
Tokyo Day 3 : youtu.be/faW-W236E4g
Tokyo Day 4 : youtu.be/ra9GH3xDCuk
Kyoto Day 1 :
Kyoto Day 2 :
Kyoto Day 3 :
Nara :
Osaka :
Chasing Mount Fuji :
Skylines in a GR Yaris :
Day 1 - Tokyo Disneyland :
Day 2 - Tokyo DisneySea :
Day 3 - Tokyo DisneySea :
00:00 We Thought We Knew Tokyo
00:42 Yanaka: Tokyo Frozen in Time
03:10 Akihabara: Culture Shock
05:20 Trying Japanese McDonald’s
05:55 Tokyo Station & Imperial Palace
7:20 Chidorigafuchi Cherry Blossoms
08:10 Sushi Shino Omakase
09:35 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
10:35 Omoide Yokocho & Friday Night Shinjuku
11:28 Tokyo Isn’t One City
Like many visitors, we wanted the perfect sunset slot for this amazing Tokyo City View. The problem? Tickets were selling out fast, Tokyo's spring weather was unpredictable, and by the time we were ready to book, most of the best times had already gone.
Then things got worse.
When we arrived at Shibuya Sky, the famous rooftop observation deck was closed due to weather conditions.
Thankfully, that wasn't the end of the story.
In this video, we share our complete Shibuya Sky experience, including:
✅ What happens when the rooftop closes
✅ The refund policy and rebooking options
✅ Whether the indoor deck alone is worth visiting
✅ How the weather affects the experience
✅ Our advice for future visitors
If you're planning a trip to Tokyo and wondering whether Shibuya Sky is worth the hype, hopefully our experience can help you avoid some of the mistakes we nearly made.
📍 Location: Shibuya Sky, Tokyo, Japan
🎥 Filmed during our 2026 Cherry Blossom trip to Japan :
Travel Day : youtu.be/TtW2wM8x7J4
Day 1 : youtu.be/Cm2yEdpbJ4I
Day 2 : youtu.be/PqGUMBjs54M
Day 3 : youtu.be/KOzY3ppKxAk
Shibuya Sky : youtu.be/3uwRPEnsJUM
Tokyo Metropolitan Building : youtu.be/HD6SOmIDrys
Tokyo Sky Tree :
00:21 The View We Almost Missed
01:29 Roof Closed
02:25 Is It Worth Visiting Without The Rooftop?
04:05 Everything Changed
05:17 Why People Get Shibuya Sky Wrong
06:30 What We'd Do Differently
For one night during our Cherry Blossom trip to Japan, I checked into a capsule hotel in the heart of Shinjuku to find out for myself.
At first glance, it felt futuristic, clean, and surprisingly comfortable...
But as the night went on, I started noticing something interesting.
The more time I spent there, the more it reminded me of something many travellers already know very well.
In this video, I'll show you exactly what a Tokyo capsule hotel is really like, what facilities you can expect, how much space you actually get, and whether I'd recommend the experience.
📍 Location:
Shinjuku Kuyakusho-mae Capsule Hotel
Tokyo, Japan
🎥 Filmed during our 2026 Cherry Blossom trip to Japan.
Travel Day : youtu.be/TtW2wM8x7J4
Day 1 : youtu.be/Cm2yEdpbJ4I
Day 2 : youtu.be/PqGUMBjs54M
Day 3 : youtu.be/KOzY3ppKxAk
Chapters
00:00 I Finally Tried a Capsule Hotel
00:17 Why I Booked It
01:17 Checking In
02:50 Inside My Capsule
03:45 More Hostel Than Hotel?
04:35 The Reality of Sleeping Here
05:30 Would I Do It Again?
06:25 Coming Up
Our Tokyo Travel Vlog takes us from Harajuku and Meiji Jingu to Shibuya Sky, the famous crossing, and our first capsule hotel. This was the Tokyo we'd travelled all the way to Japan to experience, and hadn't found on our Tokyo Trip until now!
This is where our trip CAME ALIVE!
Join us for another day exploring Tokyo during cherry blossoms season as we discover some of the city's most famous sights, hidden surprises, Tokyo Food, and unforgettable experiences.
In this episode:
🌸 Harajuku & Takeshita Street
⛩️ Meiji Jingu Shrine
🏙️ Shibuya Sky
🚶 Shibuya Crossing
🛏️ Capsule Hotel Experience
After battling rain, crowds and some early travel fatigue, this was the moment our Japan trip really came alive.
If you're planning a trip on Visiting Tokyo, or simply dreaming about visiting Japan, we hope this gives you a realistic look at what one day in Tokyo can actually be like.
Travel Day : youtu.be/TtW2wM8x7J4
Tokyo Day 1 : youtu.be/Cm2yEdpbJ4I
Tokyo Day 2 : youtu.be/PqGUMBjs54M
Tokyo Day 3 : youtu.be/faW-W236E4g
Tokyo Day 4 : youtu.be/ra9GH3xDCuk
Chapters
00:00 Tokyo Finally Delivers
00:30 Harajuku Reality Check
02:15 Meiji Jingu
04:45 Shibuya Sky
07:30 Shibuya Crossing
09:00 Capsule Hotel Experience
10:15 Final Thoughts
Fluidscape by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100393
Artist: http://incompetech.com
Tokyo’s food scene completely overwhelmed us… and this buffet might have been the wildest dining experience of our entire Japan trip.
From unlimited Wagyu beef and giant crab legs to fresh sushi, sashimi and all-you-can-drink sake, Ginza Happo felt less like a buffet and more like a full-blown Japanese food overload.
We booked this for one of our very first nights in Tokyo as a way to experience as much Japanese food culture as possible in one sitting… and honestly, it was slightly insane.
In this video, we try:
Wagyu beef
Giant king crab legs
Sushi & sashimi
Japanese seafood
Sake & lemon sours
Tokyo buffet dining
Japanese BBQ grilling
…and maybe a few things we probably shouldn’t have.
Japan’s food scene can feel overwhelming at first, especially when you’re trying completely unfamiliar dishes, but this ended up being one of the most fun and memorable food experiences of the trip.
📍Location:
Ginza Happo – Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo Day 0 - Travel Day: youtu.be/TtW2wM8x7J4
Tokyo Day 1 - Soggy Blossoms: youtu.be/PqGUMBjs54M
Tokyo Day 2 - Madness:
Tokyo Day 3 - Contrasts:
Tokyo Day 4 - Washout:
🎥 This video is part of our full Japan series, including:
Tokyo • Kyoto • Osaka • Mount Fuji • Tokyo Disney • Japanese food • hidden gems • travel guides • cherry blossom season
If you enjoy real travel experiences, cinematic travel vlogs and honest food adventures, we’d love to have you along for the journey.
#Japan #Tokyo #JapaneseFood #TokyoBuffet #Wagyu #JapanTravel
Music by bensound.com/free-music-for-videos
License code: V1P1PC3XNC57J2W1
Artist: : Benjamin Tissot
00:00 Tokyo Food Overload
00:24 Why We Booked This Buffet
01:39 First Look Around Ginza Happo
02:30 Unlimited Crab Legs & Seafood
03:40 Wagyu Beef Time
04:25 Trying Japan’s More Exotic Seafood
05:09 All You Can Drink in Tokyo
06:08 Final Thoughts – Is It Worth It?
We arrived in Japan dreaming of perfect cherry blossoms, blue skies, and those postcard Sakura scenes you see all over social media — but instead we were met with cold rain, grey skies, and crowds absolutely everywhere.
But somehow… Tokyo still delivered.
From the peaceful rainy Sakura paths of Ueno Park to the chaos of Senso-ji Temple, incredible food, Golden Gai nightlife, and some unforgettable moments hidden amongst the bad weather, this turned into one of the most memorable days of our Japan trip.
In this episode, we explore:
🌸 Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo
⛩️ Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise Street
🍡 Japanese Street Food
🍺 Golden Gai Nightlife
🍜 Tokyo Food & Izakaya Culture
☔ The reality of Japan during Sakura Season
If you're planning a Japan trip during Cherry Blossom Season, hopefully, this gives a more honest look at what Tokyo in spring is really like.
More Japan episodes coming very soon...
Travel Day : youtu.be/TtW2wM8x7J4
Tokyo Day 1 : youtu.be/Cm2yEdpbJ4I
Tokyo Day 2 : youtu.be/PqGUMBjs54M
Tokyo Day 3 : youtu.be/faW-W236E4g
Tokyo Day 4 : youtu.be/ra9GH3xDCuk
Music by bensound.com/free-music-for-videos
License code: P3EIDDH1AFRR1DBB
Artist: : Benjamin Lazzarus
After arriving in Tokyo exhausted from nearly 32 hours of travel, we headed out into the rain to experience one of the city’s most famous Sakura spots for the very first time.
No travel guide.
No loud commentary.
Just the atmosphere of Tokyo at night.
Filmed at Meguro River during Cherry Blossom season in Japan.
🎧 Best experienced with headphones.
📍 Location:
Meguro River, Tokyo, Japan
🌸 Cherry Blossom Season 2026
First Night in Tokyo - youtu.be/TtW2wM8x7J4
This video is part of our Japan travel series exploring Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Mount Fuji and more across Japan.
#Tokyo #Japan #CherryBlossom #Sakura #RainAmbience
APA Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower Review
In this video we stay at the APA Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower in Tokyo, Japan and experience what budget hotels in Tokyo are REALLY like. From unbelievably small rooms and impossible suitcase storage, to Japanese toilets, clever design, onsen spas and some of the best hospitality we experienced anywhere in Japan… this turned into a much more interesting experience than we expected.
At first we thought we’d made a terrible mistake.
But slowly… the tiny room started to make perfect sense.
Hotel:
APA Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower
Location:
Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
Price Paid:
Approx ¥35,000 (£160 / $220) per night during Cherry Blossom Season
🎌 In this video:
• Tiny Tokyo hotel rooms
• APA Hotel Shinjuku review
• Japanese hotel culture
• Tokyo budget accommodation
• Japanese toilets & bathrooms
• Onsen spa experience
• Tokyo Cherry Blossom Season hotel prices
• What staying in Tokyo is REALLY like
This video is part of our huge Japan travel series covering Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Mount Fuji, Tokyo DisneySea, Cherry Blossom Season and much more across Japan.
#Tokyo #Japan #JapanTravel #TokyoHotels #Shinjuku
00:00 Tokyo Hotel Reality
00:15 Why Tokyo Hotels Are So Expensive
00:26 Why We Chose APA Hotel Shinjuku
00:42 First Impressions & Japanese Hospitality
01:16 The Tiny Room Reveal
01:35 Learning How to Live in Tiny Spaces
02:05 The Hidden Genius of Tokyo
02:38 Japanese Bathrooms & Toilets
02:54 The Downsides
03:19 The Onsen Experience
03:39 The TV Nearly Broke Us
03:59 Final Thoughts
Royalty Free Music: bensound.com
License code: 9TPALRKPT0ES2PHU
Artist: : Aventure
From navigating the Tokyo Metro for the first time, to our first taste of Japanese food, tiny hotel rooms, neon chaos, and late-night Don Quijote madness, this was an unforgettable introduction to Japan.
This video is the start of our huge Japan travel series as we explore Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Mount Fuji, the cherry blossom season, Tokyo DisneySea, and much more across the country.
🎥 In this episode:
• Flying to Japan with China Southern Airlines
• Guangzhou airport chaos
• Arriving at Tokyo Haneda Airport
• Using the Tokyo Metro & Suica card
• Staying at APA Hotel Shinjuku
• Exploring Shinjuku at night
• Cherry blossoms at Meguro River
• Our first ramen in Japan
• Late night Don Quijote experience
🏨 Hotel:
APA Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower
💳 Transport:
Welcome Suica Card
🎌 JAPAN SERIES:
This is just the beginning. We’ve got a huge Japan series coming covering:
Tokyo • Kyoto • Osaka • Mount Fuji • Hakone • Tokyo Disneyland • Tokyo DisneySea • Cherry Blossom Season • Japanese food • Hotels • Transport • Hidden gems • Theme parks • Car culture and much more.
Travel Day : youtu.be/TtW2wM8x7J4
Tokyo Day 1 : youtu.be/Cm2yEdpbJ4I
Tokyo Day 2 : youtu.be/PqGUMBjs54M
Tokyo Day 3 : youtu.be/faW-W236E4g
Tokyo Day 4 : youtu.be/ra9GH3xDCuk
Gatwick Clubrooms Lounge - youtu.be/iUY8q-dShu4
China Southern Review - youtu.be/b9BxU4WaiVE
If you enjoy cinematic travel videos, honest first impressions and immersive travel experiences, we’d love for you to subscribe and follow the journey.
00:00 Tokyo Was Sensory Overload
00:38 Rewinding 32 Hours…
01:08 Setting Off From London Gatwick
01:56 Why We Chose Japan in Cherry Blossom Season
02:45 Flying China Southern to Japan
03:35 Guangzhou Airport Chaos
04:25 Arriving at Tokyo Haneda Airport
04:35 Navigating the Tokyo Metro
05:29 Checking Into Our Tokyo Hotel
06:59 Cherry Blossoms at Meguro River
07:47 Our First Ramen in Japan
08:15 Don Quijote Madness
08:49First Impressions of Tokyo
#Tokyo #Japan #JapanTravel #TokyoTravel #Shinjuku #CherryBlossomSeason
"Eastern Thought" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Music I Use: bensound.com/free-music-for-videos
License code: QTTFQQYRCCFYDSFE
Artist: : Aventure
But the Centurion Lounge at Tokyo Haneda isn’t perfect — and what happens next completely changes the experience.
During our Japan trip, we wrapped things up with a visit to the American Express Centurion Lounge at Tokyo Haneda Airport — and honestly, we had high expectations.
From incredible Japanese food (including a live ramen station), to unique cocktails and standout service, this lounge delivers something very different to most airport lounges.
But there’s one major issue that stops it from being truly world-class…
✈️ In this video:
Full Centurion Lounge Tokyo Haneda review
Food & drink (ramen, wagyu, desserts & cocktails)
Lounge layout, seating & crowding
The 3-hour rule & access experience
What happens when the lounge hits capacity
Is it actually worth it?
💳 Access:
This lounge is available with American Express Platinum & Centurion cards, subject to entry rules and time restrictions.
🇯🇵 This was the final stop on our Japan trip…
From Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka → Mount Fuji → Disney
👉 Full Japan series here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8x_sCtOapPoQhiy6fdd2Ilgd6inqiVd1
Watch next:
China Southern Business Class Lounge (Guangzhou) - youtu.be/Mu_TJZCI3Sk
Gatwick Clubrooms Lounge Review - youtu.be/iUY8q-dShu4
Centurion London Heathrow - youtu.be/N4WinhTRS0Y
Centurion Los Angeles LAX - youtu.be/L5NFYff8YVk
Centurion Charlotte - youtu.be/aUraeTKRR9M
👍 If you enjoy honest, real travel experiences — subscribe and join us for the rest of the journey.
Music by: Bensound.com/royalty-free-music
License code: V8XZXFXXCOGCP7EW
Artist: : Yunior Arronte
Business class lounges are meant to be the part of the journey that elevates everything — quiet spaces, good food, somewhere to actually relax before a long flight.
But with a long layover in Guangzhou, this experience felt very different.
In this video, we take a look at what China Southern’s business lounge is actually like — from the first impressions to the food, seating, facilities, and overall atmosphere.
We also cover:
– How we accessed the lounge with Priority Pass
– What the food and drink options are really like
– The reality of the space, crowd levels, and comfort
– And whether this is what you should expect from a business class lounge
This isn’t about being negative — just an honest look at the experience, especially if you’re connecting through Guangzhou or flying China Southern.
If you’ve seen our China Southern flight review, you’ll know the airline actually surprised us in a good way… which makes this even more interesting.
Let us know — would you be happy with this as your business class lounge?
Full China Southern Airlines Review - youtu.be/b9BxU4WaiVE
Tokyo Centurion Lounge - How Lounges are MEANT to be! -
Full Japan Playlist - youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8x_sCtOapPoQhiy6fdd2Ilgd6inqiVd1&si=tqoIBxF1SQvYShNR
00:00 Business Class Expectations
00:20 China Southern Lounge
00:30 Getting In from Economy Class
01:03 Arrival & first impressions
01:50 Food and Drinks
02:50 Amenities
03:28 Summing Up
4:15 Coming Up...
Music: bensound.com/free-music-for-videos
License code: LUBHHRPGAZK36OEK
Artist: : Yunior Arronte
If you’ve used Priority Pass lounges before, you’ll know the usual experience — decent food, free drinks… and a lot of overcrowding.
So when we spotted the Clubrooms option at Gatwick — smaller, quieter, and with full table service — we wanted to see if it was genuinely better… or just more expensive.
In this video, we review this lounge and share our full experience:
– Booking and pricing (including Priority Pass upgrade)
– What you actually get inside
– Food, drinks, and service
– The reality of the atmosphere vs standard lounges
– And the one big downside you need to know
We take a look at this different kind of lounge to see whether paying extra is actually worth it.
If you’re flying from Gatwick and deciding between lounges… this should help.
Note - This was a South Terminal Lounge, but the options are basically the same, North and South.
Music: bensound.com
License code: FXBFW2M50VVAJQRV
Artist: : Yunior Arronte
00:00 We paid extra… was it worth it?
00:18 The usual lounge problem
00:37 Why Clubrooms stood out
00:53 Booking & pricing explained
01:20 Arrival & first impressions
01:58 Food review (table service vs buffet)
02:25 Drinks & bar service
02:58 The real selling point
3:28 Clubrooms vs standard lounges
3:58 Final verdict
But it meant flying with an airline we knew almost nothing about.
So we took the risk.
In this video, we share our full experience flying China Southern — from booking and airport chaos, to the onboard experience and one unexpected factor that completely changed the outcome of this trip.
With rising prices, route changes, and ongoing disruption affecting global travel, this ended up being a much more interesting decision than we expected.
👉 In this video:
Booking experience (and why it was a nightmare)
London Gatwick → Guangzhou → Tokyo Haneda route
Full economy review (seats, food, comfort, sleep)
The reality of transiting through Guangzhou
The one major issue you NEED to know
And whether we would actually book again
So let's take a look at whether this is a smart way to travel right now.
If you’re planning a trip and weighing up cost vs comfort vs risk… this might help.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:52 Why China Southern stood out
01:44 Booking experience (nightmare)
02:52 Airport experience (Gatwick & Haneda)
03:29 First impressions onboard
03:55 Seat & comfort
04:36 Food & drink
6:25 Entertainment & extras
7:14 Sleep & long-haul reality
7:50 Cabin crew experience
8:30 The unexpected advantage
9:30 The BIG issue (Guangzhou)
10:30 Who this is actually for
11:33 Final verdict
Music by bensound.com/free-music-for-videos
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Artist: : Roman Senyk
Music I Use: Bensound.com/free-music-for-videos
License code: 9MWQW7PSTIUSA2BJ
Artist: : Yunior Arronte
Kyoto really is magical...
#Kyoto #japantravelguide #sakurakyoto #magicaljapan #kyotojapan
Ryokufuso
京都 旅館 緑風荘
Sleeping on Traditional Futons atop Tatami Mats with paper sliding doors, one of our favourite experiences so far
#ryokufuso #ryokan #Kyoto #Japaneseinn #japantravelguide
We took the Shinkasen Bullet Train from Tokyo to Kyoto for the next leg of our trip!
2 hours of luxury in the Green car flew by as we wizzed at 170+MPH through the Japan countryside Shinkasen
#shinkasen #bullettrain #japantravelguide #bucketlisttravel
Looks Futuristic...but actually pretty grim Hostel Vibes!
#capsulehotel #shinjuku #justonenight #travelexperiences #budgettraveltips
We know we get cherry blossoms at home, but nothing like this! Springtime really is the best time in Japan!
#sakurajapan #cherryblossoms #springinjapan #japan2026
Tiny little bars, amazing Bar Tenders and a really unique vibe. Perfect spot to finish off the evening.
#goldengai #shinjuku #shinjukutokyo #oldtokyocharm
#meijishrine #sakuratokyo #tokyosakura #tokyocherryblossoms
Absolutely nuts but totally awesome at the same time!
#shinjuku #neonnights #bladerunner #tokyo2026 #japannightlife
at Meguro River they put on quite a show despite some pretty Crappy weather
Mountains, fresh air, and a completely different pace.
We tested it ourselves to see if VIP access, private guides and behind-the-scenes studio access really justify the price.
On our recent trip to Los Angeles, we decided to try the Universal Studios VIP Tour — a premium experience that promises front-of-line access, a private guide, exclusive backlot access, and a full day without the usual theme park stress.
But with tickets costing hundreds of dollars, this isn’t a small upgrade.
In this video, we break down exactly what you get, what the experience is really like, and whether it’s actually worth the money — or if you’re better off sticking with Express Pass or general admission.
We’ll show you:
• What the VIP Tour includes
• Real wait times vs VIP access
• The full park experience with a private guide
• Exclusive backlot access and behind-the-scenes moments
• Whether the price is justified
If you’re planning a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood, this will help you decide if the VIP Tour is right for you.
If you're planning a trip to the USA and want help booking or building your itinerary, we can help:
👉 usatraveladvisors.co.uk
We use the same booking partners and strategies we use on our own trips — often with added perks and support.
🎥 Watch our Warner Bros Studio Tour Plus review (another Hollywood upgrade experience): youtu.be/ZeZI_3bB78s
🎥 Watch our Disney Studios Tour Review (Our Favorite!) : youtu.be/YCkiDaMxR8g
🎥 Full Los Angeles travel series: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8x_sCtOapPp3XJ2NhW-e9Wp3MXN_KTEu
Filmed in Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, over several Trips
Music by Bensound.com
License code: FLQSXV1T9ISY7NHS
Artist: : Yunior Arronte
Music by bensound.com
License code: B4PPUEKJX6RPN2ZB
Artist: : Lunar Years
Let’s just say… we didn’t hang around for long 👀
No aliens (that we saw)… but definitely felt like we weren’t meant to be there.
Narrow ridges, sheer drops, and chains to hold onto — and one small mistake can go very wrong.
Experience the thrilling Angels Landing hike in Zion National Park, Utah, a true adventure for any enthusiast. This challenging trail offers breathtaking views and an unforgettable hiking experience. Discover why this national park is a must-visit for outdoor lovers.
Part of our 48-hour journey through Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks.
With tickets costing nearly double, does Studio Tour Plus really deliver better access, smaller groups, and a premium experience?
On our recent Los Angeles trip, we booked the upgraded Warner Bros Studio Tour Plus to see what you actually get for the higher price.
This isn’t just a website comparison — we took the tour ourselves to break down:
This is a detailed tour of the Warner Bros. film studio, showcasing various film sets and the intricate movie production process. This video offers an exclusive look behind the scenes, including props from "Harry Potter" and DC Universe. Discover the premium experience of the "Studio Tour Plus" for an even more immersive visit.
What’s actually different vs the standard tour
Whether the smaller group size makes a difference
If the extra access and included meal justify the cost
From exploring the backlot sets and sound stages to visiting the props department and iconic filming locations, this is a full, real-world look at the experience.
If you’re planning a visit to Warner Bros Studios in Hollywood and trying to decide between the standard tour and the Plus upgrade, this video will help you make that decision.
🎥 Watch our Disney Studios Tour Review (Our Favorite!) : youtu.be/YCkiDaMxR8g
🎥 Watch our Universal Studios Tour VIP Review (Our Favorite!) : youtu.be/K_XS-xQC1qY
🎥 Full Los Angeles travel series: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8x_sCtOapPp3XJ2NhW-e9Wp3MXN_KTEu
📌 Chapters
00:00 Is Studio Tour Plus Worth It?
00:22 What Is Studio Tour Plus?
00:49 Price Breakdown
01:40 What You Get
02:05 What’s The Same?
02:50 Arrival Experience
03:17 Backlot Tour Differences
03:40 Sound Stages & Props Department
04:58 Self-Guided Experience
05:20 Central Perk & Lunch
05:50 Friends Fountain
07:14 Final Verdict
Music I Use: bensound.com/free-music-for-videos
License code: ZHACW8N4LJHQ3RUS
Artist: : Vital
Music: Bensound.com/royalty-free-music
License code: NBHKPXRWPEZKQXBB
Artist: : Lunar Years
It’s one of the most surreal landscapes in the American Southwest and part of Utah’s “Mighty 5” national parks.
Less visited than nearby parks, it’s one of the most underrated stops on a Utah road trip.
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Canyonlands National Park in 4k video. This video offers a stunning aerial view of Utah's dramatic desert landscapes and iconic rock formations. It's a perfect glimpse into the natural splendor of this national park, ideal for anyone planning a scenic road trip through the American Southwest.
This was part of our Southwest USA road trip through Utah’s “Mighty 5” national parks.
Experience the natural beauty of Arches National Park in Utah, a highlight of any road trip through the American Southwest. Witness iconic formations like Delicate Arch and Balanced Rock against a stunning desert backdrop. This national park offers expansive views and unforgettable landscapes for all nature lovers.
From Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, Zion and Capitol Reef, every stop felt completely different — and every turn looked unreal.
Join us on an incredible road trip through Utah's "Mighty 5" national parks! This journey showcases the grandeur of these natural wonders, with scenic views of iconic landscapes like Delicate Arch in Arches National Park and the vast canyons of Canyonlands National Park. Experience the beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park as we explore these breathtaking destinations.
On this trip we flew with Maverick Helicopters, departing Las Vegas and heading out over the desert toward the Grand Canyon, before returning to the city at sunset with incredible aerial views of the Las Vegas Strip.
Helicopter tours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon are a popular way for visitors to see the canyon in a single day while staying in Las Vegas, and the aerial perspective is completely different from visiting by road.
This short video captures part of that experience — from leaving Las Vegas by helicopter, flying into the Grand Canyon, and returning to the Strip as the city lights come on.
Full Maverick Helicopters Grand Canyon flight review on our channel.
Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Las Vegas • Maverick Helicopters Las Vegas • Las Vegas to Grand Canyon helicopter flight • Grand Canyon aerial tour
Known for its towering sandstone buttes and vast desert scenery, Monument Valley has been featured in countless films and is a must-visit stop on any Southwest USA road trip.
This cinematic sequence captures some of the landscapes and viewpoints around Monument Valley.
This video showcases a breathtaking road trip through Monument Valley, Arizona, a truly scenic drive within the Navajo Nation. Experience the stunning desert landscape in 4k ultra hd, featuring iconic mesas and buttes. The journey culminates at the famous Forrest Gump Point, offering a dramatic view of the long road stretching towards the incredible rock formations, perfect for any travel enthusiast.
Highway 395 is often considered one of the best scenic drives in the USA, especially through California’s Eastern Sierra, and for us its right up there with the Pacific Coast Highway
In this video we drive Highway 395 through the Eastern Sierra, passing dramatic mountain landscapes, desert valleys and iconic peaks like Mount Whitney, before continuing via the Angeles Crest Highway into Los Angeles.
Along the way we stop at Blackbird Airpark in Palmdale, home to the legendary SR-71 Blackbird and other aircraft developed at Lockheed’s Skunk Works.
We also take an unexpected detour onto the Angeles Crest Highway — one of the best driving roads in Southern California — offering incredible mountain views and a dramatic descent into Los Angeles.
This video is part of our Southwest USA road trip series, including:
• Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks
• Bryce Canyon, Arches & Canyonlands
• Monument Valley
• Area 51 & the Extraterrestrial Highway
• Mammoth Lakes & the Sierra Nevada
Full Playlist here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8x_sCtOapPp9GBTE4DYYAelLVZa48XPB&si=U1kcQhRt8M5WjR7m
If you're planning a USA road trip and want help building an itinerary like this, check out our travel planning service at USATravelAdvisors.co.uk
00:00 Unexpected Drive Begins
00:30 Highway 395 Overview
01:06 Eastern Sierra Scenery
01:400 Blackbird Airpark
02:35 Angeles Crest Highway
03:35 Arrival in Los Angeles
Royalty Free Music: bensound.com
License code: ZND4VBLLRTWUZXOP
Artist: : Aventure
Located about 0.9 miles below the South Rim, the viewpoint offers incredible views into the canyon layers almost immediately after starting the hike.
From here you can see deep into the canyon and begin to appreciate the true scale of the Grand Canyon in Arizona.
Starting at the South Kaibab Trailhead we hiked down to Ooh Aah Point, continued to Cedar Ridge, and then reached Skeleton Point, where you finally get one of the first clear views of the Colorado River far below.
Distances on the South Kaibab Trail:
• Ooh Aah Point – about 0.9 miles (1.4 km) from the rim
• Cedar Ridge – about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the rim
• Skeleton Point – about 3 miles (4.8 km) from the rim
Total elevation change from the rim to Skeleton Point is roughly 2,000 feet (600 m).
The South Kaibab Trail is considered one of the best hikes in the Grand Canyon, offering incredible views almost immediately after leaving the rim.
In this video we take a look around the resort, including the condo-style rooms, mountain view balcony, resort facilities and the location right next to Eagle Lodge. We also share what we paid for our stay and whether we think Juniper Springs Resort offers good value compared to other Mammoth Lakes accommodation.
PLANNING YOUR TRIP
If you’re planning a USA road trip and need help with hotels, routes or itineraries, check out our travel planning service at USATravelAdvisors.co.uk.
During our stay in Mammoth Lakes we also explored:
• Mammoth Mountain gondola
• Little Lakes Valley hiking trail
• Mammoth Brewing Company
• Schat's Bakery
• The incredible Highway 395 road trip through the Eastern Sierra
We have a full Mammoth Lakes travel video on the channel if you want to see everything we did during our stay in this beautiful part of California. - youtu.be/3cphhdLhZ3k
And we have our FULL Southwest Road Trip HERE - youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8x_sCtOapPp9GBTE4DYYAelLVZa48XPB&si=khrH5UNMKNw9I9Xk
Juniper Springs Resort is especially popular during the winter ski season thanks to its location next to Eagle Lodge, but it also works well as a summer base for exploring the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Music by Bensound.com/royalty-free-music
License code: TXNVQ3KZGHULRQBB
Artist: : Benjamin Tissot
00:00 Juniper Springs Resort Overview
00:25 Location at Mammoth Mountain
01:00 Room Tour
01:58 Resort Facilities
02:25 Price & Value
02:55 Final Thoughts
We arrived just in time for sunset and nothing prepares you for the scale of this place. The canyon is simply enormous.
This was the start of our road trip through the American Southwest, visiting incredible locations including Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon, Arches National Park and Canyonlands
After nearly two weeks road tripping across the deserts of the American Southwest, we arrived in Mammoth Lakes for a completely different experience – alpine scenery, snow-covered peaks, incredible hikes, and one of the most underrated mountain towns in California.
During our stay in Mammoth Lakes we explored the Mammoth Mountain gondola for panoramic views across the Sierra Nevada, attempted the beautiful Little Lakes Valley hike in Inyo National Forest, enjoyed great food and beer at Mammoth Brewing Company, and experienced the incredible contrast between the California desert and alpine mountains.
Mammoth Lakes is a fantastic stop on a California road trip, especially if you’re driving the famous Highway 395 route through the Eastern Sierra.
Places featured in this video:
• Mammoth Lakes, California
• Mammoth Mountain Gondola
• Little Lakes Valley Trail
• Rock Creek Road
• Mammoth Brewing Company
• Schat's Bakery
• Highway 395 Eastern Sierra
• Blackbird Airpark Palmdale
• Angeles Crest Highway
We also stayed at Juniper Springs Resort at the base of Mammoth Mountain – we’ll have a full hotel review coming soon on the channel.
If you’re planning a California road trip or exploring the Sierra Nevada mountains, Mammoth Lakes is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.
Chapters
00:00 Mammoth Lakes Introduction
00:28 Arriving in Mammoth Lakes
01:15 First Evening in Mammoth
02:15 Mammoth Mountain Gondola
04:00 Apres No Ski at Tusks Bar
04:29 Little Lakes Valley Hike
06:20 Mammoth Brewing Company
06:50 Breakfast at Schat's Bakery
07:15 Driving Highway 395
08:00 Road Trip Continues
Music by: Bensound
License code: UMHJPKHFAMPDUSS8
Artist: : Lunar Years
Music: bensound.com
License code: IAM7NYJSW0U4LNUD
Artist: : Lunar Years
This was the start of our Southwest USA road trip through Arizona and Utah, visiting some of the most incredible landscapes in America.
More videos from this trip coming soon including the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon, Arches and Canyonlands National Park.
After a few unforgettable days exploring Las Vegas, we took a calm moment to appreciate the skyline before leaving the city and beginning our Southwest USA road trip.
Las Vegas is one of the most popular starting points for exploring the American Southwest, with road trips from Las Vegas leading to incredible destinations like the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon and Arches National Park.
This short video captures a peaceful moment in Las Vegas before we continued our journey through the Southwest.
Next stop: the open road.
Las Vegas travel • Southwest USA road trip • Las Vegas road trip starting point • American Southwest travel


