Day 1 - Trip to Tokyo Japan

So I started off my eight-day trip to Tokyo and Hong Kong with a bang! I was upgraded to First Class, and it was the best flight of my life!

Click the "Read More" to view photos of me geeking-out in my First Class "cubby." I took pictures of all the amazing food I was served on this flight as well. Let me tell you, if you have an extra $5,000 to spare, definitely fly First Class!

Let the adventures begin! But first, COFFEE!

Layover in Canada.

Then, the best photo of all... drum-roll please....

My face when I realize I have been upgraded to First Class!!!

Just a light snack before take-off, you know, nothing fancy.

Only 11hrs and 45 minutes to go!

I was able to recline my seat ALL THE WAY DOWN! Amazing!

Appetizer of salmon and salad before the "Main Course". I love First Class!!

The "Main Course" of steak, asparagus, and mashed potatoes!

Ps: I got to pick this meal, out of several choices, from a menu... So freaking fun!

Light snack of Ramen and Won-Tons mid-flight.

Finally, an omelette, sausage, and potatoes for breakfast right before we arrive! Needless to say, I was STUFFED!

Finally!! #TokyohereIcome

Once I arrived to Tokyo, my Best Friend Jen greeted me at the airport, and it was like no time had passed! We hadn't seen each other in almost two years! I was beyond excited.

However, there was no time to spare! - We were on the metro and hitting the streets of Tokyo within 45 minutes. Our first stop? Tokyo Tower!

But first... FOOD!! #Ramen

For some, arriving into a dynamic and VERY busy city like Tokyo can be overwhelming - however, while some of the population speaks English, it is not common. So I was very happy I had Jen with me, who currently lives (and has lived in the past) in Japan. Also, I recommend using whatever means available to you to try and get a foundation of the language.

• Hello - Kon ni chi wa

• How are you -Genki desu ka

• Goodbye - Sayonara

• Excuse me - Sumimasen

• Please - Kudasai

• Thank you - Arigatou (Mr. Roboto?)

• Water - Mizu

• Bathroom - Toire

• English? - Eigo ga hanasemasuka

• etc....

As this will help you immensely on your trip! Also, investing in a "Pocket Wi-Fi" (which can be rented at any major airport or even ordered in advance and sent to your hotel). Because if all else fails, and thanks to the wonders of technology, there is Google Maps (don't trust Apple Maps - I learned that the hard way!) and Google Translate. Mind you, none of these are perfect, but it was very helpful during my journey.

Hello Tokyo Tower!

Lovely band playing at the top of the Tower.

Finally, after our quick jaunt around the city, we headed to our Hostel around 12am Tokyo time.

Jen and I stayed at 328 Hostel and Lounge twice during our journey. It is located very close to the Tokyo metro, and also very close to Haneda International Airport. Jen and I had to catch our 6am flight to Hong Kong, and knew that we needed to arrive at the airport by 4:30am. Thanks to the amazing help of the Hostel Owner, we made our flight on time. I highly recommend this place!

So after a 19hr journey (2hrs to Toronto - 5hr layover - 12hrs to Tokyo) I was finally able to try and get some sleep... 3hrs later Jen and I were up and getting ready for our adventure to Hong Kong! #sleepwhenyourdead was the motto of this journey!