How would you spend 20 summer days in Japan? Here’s a log of highlights from my latest trip, day by day. Follow along this Blaugust as I recount my adventurous July!

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I remember the morning of day seven so fondly for one reason: after following along closely with my friend from Tokyo for about a week, I’d decided it was time I took the initiative to explore the city on my own.

Asakusa is a fantastic place to take on such a challenge.

Sensō-ji Temple was about a 40-min walk from my homestay in Ueno. While I could’ve taken the train, I wanted to experience roaming the streets. I had no strict agenda, so it just made sense to me to take my time as I headed off towards Asakusa. All I could think about was “I’M GOING TO BE WHERE FIRE FORCE COMPANY 7 IS AT, YAY FOR BENIMARU SHINMON!”

I made it to Sensō-ji by 9:30 AM, and the temple grounds were already surprisingly bustling with life. Once again, photos don’t do the sheer scope of the temple’s various crimson complexes justice. This place is HUGE! My favorite part was that despite being a sacred landmark, Asakusa fully embraced the festival vibes and waves of tourists. I’d thought that being another tourist would’ve felt like an annoyance, but everyone around seemed happy that the temple was full of life.

With little sense of direction, I spent about an hour walking every which way. Eventually, I made it to purchase a goshuin (shrine stamp) on my own, an act which I’d been nervous about ever since my friend introduced me to the practice of collecting them. Although I didn’t actually have a goshuincho (shrine stamp book) yet, acquiring the paper goshuin slip (for gluing in once I’d eventually buy a book) made my visit to Sensō-ji feel like a success. To reward myself, I ordered a light matcha cone, but not before snagging a selfie in front of the giant straw sandals hanging on Sensō-ji’s hozomon, or main entrance gate. Then, I was off to hunt down an eki stamp for my other stamp book at the visitor’s center across the street. Successful morning all around for stamp enthusiasts.

It’s not pictured here, but as I strolled back, I stopped into a BOOKOFF and picked up a used “Studio Ghibli Songs” collection from the early 2000s. I have all of the tracks on disc already, but the packaging features this interesting crochet-esque cloth covering that I just had to have. It now sits prettily on a shelf with my other Ghibli CDs.

By early afternoon, I reunited with my friend to briefly explore more of Kanda before making the trek to Kanda Square Hall for Laufey’s Serenades concert. Yes, that Laufey! Live from Japan to kick off her third album’s tour! After all, “The countdown begins in Tokyo,” right? This was my first time in a standing-only venue, and while we were packed like sardines, shoulder-to-shoulder in the space, I managed to glue my eyes and ears to the Icelandic jazz queen’s soulful vocals and down-to-earth personality. We had a really, really great night with Laufey, and I’m forever thankful to my friend for scoring tickets to this intimate, once-in-a-lifetime concert with our muse.

We rise bright and early the next morning to escape the Tokyo heat for a few days. Join us as we head southwest for a taste of the countryside! ‘Til then, thanks for reading.

– Takuto