【Traveler’s Journal】Tokyo, A Morning Adventure

Interview ● Text by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler’s Journal Zhuang Weiting

One morning hour is equivalent to three evening hours, which is why many successful people have joined the ranks of early risers, making full use of the morning hours to double their work efficiency. Morning travelers, on the other hand, seek to discover more unseen sights along their journeys. Peeking into the other side of a bustling city in the early hours, starting a travel plan as early as five in the morning, and breathing in the fresh morning air. Let a morning travel expert tell you what makes being an early riser traveler so enchanting.

A bit of an obsession with mornings
When traveling to a city, never miss the morning hours. Milly has an unusual obsession with morning walks and enjoying a good breakfast. She jokes that she might have been a farmer in a past life, so she must follow the sun’s schedule—she gets up as soon as it’s light. With an innate early riser gene, she’s always able to appreciate the serene beauty of a city before it wakes up. She recalls her trip to Furano in Japan: in the early morning, a mist as thin as a white veil gently lingered over the endless grasslands, with layers of fog stacking up, creating a romantic scene straight out of a fairyland. As the sunlight rose, the picturesque misty landscape gradually faded away—a gift from nature to early birds. Another time, while staying near Tamatsukuri Onsen, despite the chilly spring air, Milly still rose early and strolled along the green valley by the stream. As she walked, the sky brightened, and in the hazy dawn light, the golden-glowing cherry blossoms by the stream were breathtakingly beautiful. The surroundings were quiet and deserted, as if she had “exclusive” access to this luxurious scene. Then, she heard the sound of chopping vegetables on a cutting board and the clatter of pots and pans from nearby homes. Wisps of cooking smoke rose, and the aroma wafted through the air—this is the sensory satisfaction that only mornings can bring.

The art of flavors in the morning
To enjoy a luxury-guided Tokyo morning, consider staying at the Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo. The Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo has collaborated with Walk Japan to launch a charming short tour program called “Foodie Tokyo,” featuring a one-day gourmet guided tour. During this one-day Foodie Tokyo experience, you’ll explore Tokyo’s traditional and delightful food culture under the guidance of professional guides and Japanese culinary experts.

To uncover the morning food charm of Tokyo, wake up early and head to Tsukiji Market, the world’s largest fish market, to experience the lively energy of the bustling morning market. The fish market, which operates as early as 3 a.m., is one of the most distinctive morning scenes in Tokyo. After enjoying a fresh and hearty sushi breakfast, visit Tsukudajima in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, to learn about the methods and origins of traditional tsukudani, and gain a deeper understanding of the close connection between this traditional pickled food and the traditional fish market. Then head to Ningyocho and Nihonbashi to take a stroll through the traditional snacks scene in the nostalgic, old-town atmosphere, sampling authentic taiyaki and handmade senbei. For lunch, continue with traditional Japanese cuisine by enjoying a bowl of refreshing soba noodles. In the afternoon, visit Kappabashi Dori in Nishi-Asakusa to browse a variety of kitchenware and cooking utensils. This is a deep dive into Japanese culinary culture that you won’t want to miss. The only thing you need to prepare is an empty stomach.