Beyond the Neon - Discovering Japan’s Secret Surprises with Y Travel’s Jodie Gent.
Japan has always been a country of contrasts, where ancient temples stand alongside futuristic skyscrapers, and the bustle of city life is balanced by moments of serenity. But there’s more to Japan than meets the eye, as Y Travel's Agency Manager, Jodie Gent, recently discovered. Courtesy of Hyatt Hotels and Japan Airlines, Jodie embarked on an adventure that skipped the usual tourist hotspots, uncovering a whole new side of the Land of the Rising Sun. With just a one-hour time difference from Melbourne, a favourable exchange rate, the time to say “Konnichiwa” to Japan is right now!
TOKYO: A CITY OF HIDDEN GEMS
When you think of Tokyo, neon lights, crowded streets, and the famous Shibuya Crossing likely spring to mind, and while Jodie did experience these iconic sights, from the moment she touched down at Haneda Airport—just an hour from the heart of the action—Tokyo began to reveal its hidden side. Tokyo was full of our favourite Y Factors: Artistry, Taste, and The Unexpected, with its stylish atmosphere and abundance of treasures waiting to be discovered.
The easiest way to explore Tokyo is by public transport, particularly the famous metro rail network. An IC Transport card is an essential tool, allowing travellers to hop on and off like a local and even use monetary credit on the card to grab an on-the-go snack from one of the city’s four million vending machines!
FOOD EXPERIENCES
Local cuisine played a major role in Jodie’s Tokyo experience, beginning with a food tour that explored seven different shops, sampling everything from dashi (a rich, umami-packed soup stock) to tamagoyaki (a sweet, fluffy egg roll) and wagashi (delicate Japanese sweets). Evenings were spent in the alleyways of Tokyo’s Yokocho—narrow lanes packed with tiny eateries and bars that are the soul of the city's food scene, offering everything from sizzling yakitori to the freshest sashimi.
A visit to an Izakaya—a quintessentially Japanese 'gastropub' where the beer flows freely and the small dishes are packed with flavour—was particularly memorable. At Shimbashi Ga-do Shita Yokocho, a lively alley brimming with Izakayas, Jodie found herself immersed in the local food culture. Situated directly under the rail line, the intermittent vibration and noise from the trains passing overhead only added to the unique charm, as stories of the day's adventures were shared over plates of delicious local dishes, served tapas-style.
Beyond the sashimi and teriyaki, Japan is also renowned for its quirky, Instagram-worthy snacks and treats. Even a seemingly mundane visit to the 7-11 becomes an adventure, with aisles filled with new delights to discover. The highlight of one Japanese 7-11 experience was uncovering the joys of Choco Monaka Jumbo—a vanilla ice cream bar encased in a crisp wafer, with a hidden bar of chocolate inside. A beloved Japanese icon for over 50 years, Choco Monaka holds a special place in the childhood memories of many locals, often excitedly shared among friends as the wafer is broken into smaller squares with a satisfying ‘snap’!
SHOPPING
Shopping is another favourite pastime in Tokyo, and just as the variety of food ranges from traditional to offbeat, as do the shopping experiences. From the luxury designer shopping hub of Omotesando to the quirky, fashion-forward cultural fringe of Harajuku, there is a range of unique shopping experiences to appeal to every taste. Japanese brands that have become global icons, such as Muji and Uniqlo, have based their huge multi-story flagship stores in the heart of Ginza, (a few short blocks walk from the hip, design-focussed Hyatt Centric Ginza) selling everything from fashion basics, to furniture, homewares, stationary and even fresh food - perfect for grabbing a bento box on the go.
Then there’s Yanaka Ginza. Tucked away in Tokyo’s Yanaka District, this charming shopping street feels like a step back in time. With its narrow lanes, quaint shops, and old temples, Yanaka Ginza offers a glimpse of a Tokyo that’s often overlooked—a place where the pace of life slows down, and the history of the city is palpable.
SIGHT-SEEING
Another unexpected highlight of Jodie’s Tokyo experience was a visit to the JAL Sky Museum at Haneda Airport. Not just for aviation enthusiasts, this fun and interactive museum was entertaining for everyone, offering a behind-the-scenes look at aviation with real aircraft on display, the fun of playing dress-up in JAL uniforms, and fascinating insights into the aviation history of Japan Airlines.
Beyond the fast pace and bright lights of this city of over 14 million inhabitants, it was the quieter, less-travelled parts of Tokyo that captured Jodie’s heart. Wandering through the peaceful grounds of the Meiji-Jingu Shrine, a beautiful oasis of calm right in the middle of the city, the contrast between the shrine’s serene atmosphere and the hustle of Harajuku, just a stone’s throw away, was striking.
Of course, no visit to Tokyo would be complete without a trip to Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. The temple, with its towering Kaminarimon Gate, is one of Tokyo’s most iconic sights and most visited destinations on the tourist trail. But beyond the crowds and the souvenir shops, moments of quiet reflection were also possible within the temple’s peaceful gardens.
STAYING IN STYLE: HYATT’S TOKYO HOTELS
After long days of walking, exploring, shopping, and eating, Jodie’s Tokyo adventure was made all the more comfortable by stays at Hyatt’s luxury properties. The Grand Hyatt Tokyo, located in the heart of Roppongi Hills, was a true sanctuary. With its spacious rooms, stunning city views, top-notch amenities, and dining options (including authentic Shunbou restaurant with its own brand of Sake) it offered the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. While Roppongi is known as a lively entertainment district, it has recently been recognized as an up-and-coming arts district with renowned museums such as the Mori Art Museum, the Suntory Museum of Art and The National Art Center, Tokyo.
Centrally located and connected directly to Roppongi Hills – a multi-use complex that houses 200 shops and restaurants, a cinema, an art museum and an observatory – Grand Hyatt Tokyo is the perfect base from which to comfortably explore and discover the city. Guests can walk easily to famous Tokyo destinations such as Tokyo Tower, Nogi Shrine and Azabu-juban.
The stylish Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills, and it’s sister property, Hyatt’s Toranomon Hills Hotel , provided a more boutique stay, forgoing a front desk check-in in favour of Andaz hosts greeting guests on their arrival for a more personal welcome. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Andaz is a stylish hotel offering a unique, Japanese-inspired experience. The Rooftop Bar, with its breathtaking views of Tokyo Tower, quickly became a favourite spot for a nightcap, with mixologists creating innovative cocktails as the city sparkled below. The AO Spa & Club, located on the 37th floor, was another highlight, offering tailor-made treatments and a serene pool area that was the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring.
NISEKO: JAPAN’S BEST-KEPT SECRET FOR SUMMER FUN
After the vibrant hustle of Tokyo, Jodie's journey continued north to Niseko on the island of Hokkaido, where she settled into the stunning Park Hyatt Niseko. While most know Niseko as a winter wonderland, with the Park Hyatt serving as the ultimate ski-in/ski-out haven, in the summer months Niseko transforms into a lush green adventure playground. Here, the focus shifts to embracing the great outdoors and soaking in the region's breathtaking natural beauty.
The Park Hyatt Niseko is a masterclass in blending luxury with sustainability. This contemporary hotel's commitment to fresh, local produce shines through in every meal, while its dedication to protecting the environment is truly inspiring. Jodie's stay kicked off with a cosy evening toasting marshmallows by the firepit—a perfect way to unwind after the fast pace of Tokyo. As night fell, she marvelled at the hotel's spectacular Mountain Lights installation by light artist Bruce Munro, a mesmerising display that turned the hotel grounds into a magical wonderland.
The real thrills began the following day with a ziplining adventure, with Niseko home to the longest zipline in Asia. Adrenaline was pumping as Jodie soared through the air, taking in the breathtaking views of the lush green landscape below. Niseko also provided the opportunity for an exhilarating white water rafting experience with the cool river water providing welcome relief from the summer heat.
For a taste of Niseko’s culinary delights, an Omakase dinner was enjoyed, where each dish was a surprise crafted by the chef, showcasing the best of Hokkaido’s fresh produce. The hotel's exclusive wine-pairing dinners creatively married flavours and artistry, while a unique dim sum brunch offered an intriguing twist on traditional Japanese flavours.
After all that adventure, the Park Hyatt Niseko's wellness offerings provided the perfect way to unwind. Jodie found that beginning her day with the Yotei Yoga Experience in the outdoor courtyard overlooking the majestic Mount Yotei was a serene way to centre her body and mind for the day ahead. And of course, no stay would be complete without a visit to The Spa, where travellers can indulge in an array of traditional massage and wellness treatments, including the soothing ritual of Onsen bathing.
THE JOY OF DISCOVERING THE UNEXPECTED
From the moment of takeoff from Australia, Japan Airlines’ tradition of having a staff member farewelling the plane as it began its taxi out to the runway was a simple gesture and a fitting precursor to the warmth and hospitality encountered over and over throughout Jodie’s Japanese adventure. JAL’s premium economy class (with direct flights from Melbourne to Tokyo launching in October 2024) was also a revelation—with access to the business lounge and a level of service that was nothing short of exceptional. The meals were fresh and delicious, offering both Western and Japanese options, and the seats, with their innovative design and generous legroom, made the long flight a breeze.
Japan is a country that invites you to dig a little deeper, to look beyond the obvious, to explore beyond the well-worn tourist paths, and to embrace the unexpected. From the hidden corners of Tokyo to the summer thrills of Niseko, Japan revealed itself as a country full of delightful surprises.