SVong-Along

One highlight of Japan was dining at the official Pokemon Cafe in Tokyo.  Besides eating kawaii Pokemon themed Japanese food it was a dining experience with a gachapon style game for a coaster, entertainment with a special guest Pokemon, and shopping opportunity galore as it is in a Department Store (both Tokyo and Osaka).  HOW TO BOOK:  I essentially just navigated to reservations at the official website- https://www.pokemoncenter-online.com/cafe/en/. and if you see a blue slot on a calendar- click it quick! Reservations open up 31 days in advance at 5 PM Tokyo Time [i.e. 1 AM Pacific Standard Time in California]. The booking experience was stressful as I didn't get a reservation 31 days in advance, but did get it 2 days before. Also- they have limited edition coasters you can purchase ONLY in advance, up to 3 per person, and I wish I bought more of these.  Don't give up if you can't get a reservation in advance!  On a Sunday night I saw 4-6 people in groups of 2 still get

  TeamLab Planets is purported to be Asia's top museum, where you can "become one with the world". Similar to TeamLab Borderless, I'd recommend if you like immersive art, and this one is unique in that the art involves being barefoot at some points, treading through water, and getting to experience an urban version of nature. I did both TeamLab Borderless and Planets and recommend doing both if you can squeeze it. Since I did Borderless first, that experience was nearly 2 hours while I only spent 45 min-1 hour in Planets, but you can easily spend 2-3 hours in each (but overall there is more to see in Borderless).  Here are my tips for teamLab Planets:  1. Buy tickets 2 months in advance - and buy first entry time. This website was easier than Teamlab Borderless and accepted my American credit card. First entry time had a few advantages: Since we speed ran the crystal universe, going first in the morning we had many exhibits to ourselves, even on a weekend. Also, I