Happy Tuesday, friends!
Goodness, I have so much to say today.
First and foremost, I MISSED YOU LADIES! I always, always, always miss you when I’m gone. I love the time away from my computer, but man, I love all that we get to share here too.
I am typing this on Monday morning at 10:00 AM and spoiler alert, the jet lag got me this time. I am really good and avoiding jet lag, but last night (Sunday night), I went to sleep at 8:45 PM and woke up rested and ready to start my day…at 11:00 PM. Agh! Andrew and I found ourselves watching Frasier at 2:00 AM and could not stop giggling.
Needless to say, if you see typos in this post it’s because it’s midnight in Tokyo. 😉
This year, our family headed to the other side of the world and visited Japan over Spring Break.
Japan has always been on mine and Andrew’s “to see” list, but it was really high up for Kensington, so when she suggested it for this Spring Break, we dove in.
Once we landed on the destination, all four kids had a lot of input on what we would do while we were there. The fun thing about traveling with older kids is getting their opinions. Back in the day, Andrew and I would pick the destination and then pick all thing “things” along with the vacation, but now, we have four other people piping in with ideas and suggestions too. This trip in particular was very much a collaboration which made it all the more special.
On Sunday evening (yeah, we left Tokyo at 5:30 PM on Sunday night and arrived in Dallas at 3:00 PM on Sunday afternoon…), as we were standing on the jet bridge about to board, Andrew and I both got teary just watching the four of those kiddos in front of us. They were just talking and messing with each other and just being siblings and Andrew said, “How many more of these spring breaks do we have left?” and then he teared up and I teared up and well, it’s going by way too fast.
So, today is PART ONE of our big family trip to Japan. For this trip, we decided to have an active day followed by an inactive day and then repeat. If it had just been Andrew and me, we would have done a week of “active days”, but the kiddos wanted a little “break” in their Spring Break plus, they had a lot of randomness to fit in on those “inactive” days.
I am also sharing a bonus travel post today with a lot of RANDOM THINGS WE TOOK TO JAPAN in case you’re interested in that too.
Here we go…
On Friday, March 13th, it was our 22nd wedding anniversary 🙂 . We celebrated by getting up and heading to the airport that morning with our four kids for a nonstop flight from Dallas to Tokyo.
Fast forward to Saturday evening…
…and we arrived at our gorgeous hotel. Because of the plans we had and items on our agenda, we decided to stay at one hotel for the week instead of traveling around Japan (we would do day trips instead). The Four Seasons Otemachi was extra fabulous because it wasn’t on the ground floor…the hotel lobby was on the 39th floor with the rooms on floors 34-38. I snapped these photos as we arrived and checked in…
…the views were so, so good. I don’t think I’ve ever stayed at a hotel with better views before. We had 360 degree views of Tokyo.
At this point, the Shull family had been traveling a very long time. We were tired, dirty, and hungry. We checked in…
…we had two connecting rooms. We ended up moving this extra cot out of this room and into the room next door so that all four kiddos could stay together.
What did we do on our first night in Tokyo?
Well, it was 7:00 PM, so we all showered, ate room service, watched The Office, and went straight to bed…
Goodnight Tokyo…
…we can’t wait to see you tomorrow.
Speaking of which…
…awwwww, we woke up rested and feeling ready to conquer our day!
Views from the hotel lobby. That’s a little pond in front of the window.
After I got up and went to the gym, I went back to our room and the three girls met me at the door because they couldn’t wait to show me…
…the Samurai on the roof next door. I have no idea if they were up there for a lesson or if they were making a commercial or filming a show? That group was up there over an hour and a few of them had cameras. We never saw them again, but it was fun to watch them dressed and using Samurai swords on top of this skyscraper.
The weather was SPECTACULAR while we were in Japan. Other than one day when we had some rain, it was sunny, gorgeous and in the upper 50s/low 60s the entire time we were there.
On this day…
…the game plan was to get out and walk a lot of Tokyo checking off a few of the items on the kids’ “to do” list.
We were very happy to be on vacation!
I have a lot of thoughts and opinions on Tokyo. It is by far the cleanest and quietest big city I’ve ever visited. It would be at the top of my list for the friendliest too.
Everyone was so nice, the streets were spotless…it felt very safe and yet very modern. We learned a lot while we were there from our guides including little tidbits like they removed trashcans from Tokyo during the Olympics and realized they weren’t missed, so they never put them back. What do they do with their trash? Well, they don’t really have trash when they’re walking around because they don’t eat or drink while walking. It’s customary to sit when eating and drinking, so there isn’t a need for trashcans if you don’t have trash to throw out while walking around the city. One guide told us she just keeps any trash in her purse until she gets home but that she rarely has trash because why would she if she isn’t eating or drinking. So interesting, right?
For our first lunch in Tokyo, we found…
…this great little spot. I don’t even know the name, but it was on the fourth floor of a building, and we ate our weight in yummy fare.
After lunch, we visited…
…the Mega Don Quijote store. You guys, it was an experience. Apparently everyone on TikTok shares this place when they go to Tokyo. There are smaller versions throughout the city, but my girls insisted we visit the “mega” one…
…I was immediately overstimulated. Ha! I don’t exactly know how to describe it. It was 7 floors of mostly beauty items with some candy, luggage, trinkets and such sprinkled in. It was very bright, very colorful, there was a little song that played on loop…it was kind of like riding It’s a Small World at Disney…but also like being in Ulta. My girls LOVED IT.
The dollar goes really far in Japan, so my girls stocked up for next to nothing. I could not believe the pricing. We are now the proud owners of a plethora of Asian skincare.
These two were having the best time too, ha!
Apparently this store is open 24 hours a day. Visiting was one of the highlights of their trip. They LOVED it!
We headed out after Don Quijote to visit…
…a Husky Cafe.
Okay, this is a very popular thing in Japan too. There are all of these “cafes” where one can play with animals. I mean, you really need to google it. From cats to rodents and everything in between, these are everywhere in Tokyo. My kids really wanted to visit, so we selected a Husky Cafe on this day. Bad news though, at the Husky Cafe, they said Mades was too small to come in. We met some Husky pups out front and then made plans to visit another animal cafe later in the week.
After that, we headed back to our hotel to chill out a minute before dinner…
…Andrew and I enjoyed a little appetizer on the 39th floor of our hotel before…
…we swapped one gorgeous view for another.
We had dinner reservations at New York Grill at Park Hyatt because we heard the views were fabulous.
We absolutely agreed! The food was yummy and the views were spectacular.
And by this point, it was Sunday night, and we were beat. We had a big day the next day, so we headed back and went to sleep. Our trip was already off to a wonderful start 🙂 .
I get asked a lot when we travel about language barriers and honestly, these days, it’s easier and easier to travel and communicate thanks to the iPhone. We were almost always able to communicate in English, but when we couldn’t, we could just type into the translate app in our phone what we were saying and it automatically wrote it out in Japanese.
Don’t forget, if you’re curious about the random things we packed to take along with us, I’m sharing a SECOND POST TODAY that has those nuggets.
You guys know that I have a HUGE heart for traveling, and I want YOU to travel too. My travel agency would love to send you to Asia…or Africa or Australia or Antarctica or Europe or South America or North America…we want to send you on cruises, to Disney, to the beach, the mountains, and more. We love planning luxury vacations, but we also know how to get the biggest bang for your buck. Whether you need a lot of hand holding or only the bones of your trip booked, we’re your travel team. Connect with us today!
Happy Tuesday! I’ll see you back here tomorrow. xx
Elspeth Mizner says
What a great first day! How long was the flight and what did you do the whole time?
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Mix and Match Mama says
About 14 hours there and 10 hours back. I slept most of the time both ways and watched TV and read 🙂 .
Megan Perkins says
I have not traveled internationally, other than to Japan. It was such a great experience! The people were so kind to my friend and I. Hope you had the best time!
Erin says
You are going to have to tell us about that non-stop flight. How long was it? Did you go insane? Were you all in economy or business?
I have friends who just went to Tokyo and almost went crazy on that flight.
Mix and Match Mama says
It wasn’t my longest flight, so I didn’t go insane. It was about 14 hours going but only about 10ish coming back, so that’s pretty doable. I’ve flown to Asia five times now and three of those were in economy and twice in business class. It’s much easier to not go crazy in business class 🙂 .
Laci Murray says
I love this! How neat, and that pic of the guys, lol!!
Rachel says
Tokyo is my favorite vacation ever. My husband went in July one year, he loved it so much we went for Thanksgiving that year, too! You’re right, for a huge city, it’s so clean!
Kristen says
When I was 15 I was lucky to spend a month in Tokyo .. fun fact it was also my first flight ever! I would love to go back now at age 50 and really savor it.. I remember how clean it was and eating rice at ever meal, lol! It was fun visiting Disneyland too .. I see you went there.. can’t wait to hear the rest of the recap!
Mix and Match Mama says
Wow! What an experience for you!
Emily says
This looks like the beginning of a really cool trip! Can’t wait to see the rest of what your family did in Japan 🙂
Paula Hobbs says
Those views are gorgeous!! It’s super sweet that this trip was high up on K’s bucket list! Those babies just don’t keep.
Susan P Fitzpatrick says
I know 3 different people who have traveled to Japan in the last 2 months. Japan must be the place to go right now!
Alison says
I followed your insta stories while you were there, but I have been looking forward to your blog recap! The photo of Smith and Andrew at Don Quijote literally made me laugh out loud. That is exactly what I imagined when I saw the photo of your stop, knowing exactly what it was inside. 😂
Mix and Match Mama says
The little song on loop really about did them in. Bahahaha!
lee ann vicary says
When I was young (and didn’t have as much spending money) I stayed in some less than stellar spots. One of my favorite trades for wrinkles is having the discretionary income to be able to stay in nice places. Whether its a condo at a beach or a hotel I like to arrive at my destination and sigh. I want the lobby and the rooms to be better than my house in every way. I like to splurge on a really nice place. I’m willing to eat at lot of meals at my house when I’m at home to save money for all the plush. I love that your kids are getting this time together too. As sad as the adults will be when the kiddos start flying from the nest the children will all miss each other too. It will be a difficult time for them all. Its great for them to have this time sharing rooms and bathrooms.
Karen says
Please share details of K’s white jacket in the first pic. Thank you Shay!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s right here: https://go.shopmy.us/p-48977052
Taylor says
So happy you are back. I just emailed your travel agency over the weekend to plan a Disney cruise. My co-worker came back from her Disney cruise raving about it, so i think it’s time to bite the bullet and experience it.
Mix and Match Mama says
Yay! We would LOVE to help you! We love, love, LOVE Disney cruises!
Sheaffer says
Y’all hit the ground running! Can’t wait to follow along for the rest of the trip!
Grace says
The trip looks amazing so far. Excited for the rest of the trip in photos! The views look amazing. I will say the photo of Andrew and Smith at the Mega Don Quijote store was funny! Reminds me of vacations with my family when we are all trying to have “fun” together.
Katie Compton says
Oooh this is so fun to follow along! Also, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t spy that gigantic espresso martini in the appetizer picture back at the hotel. It looked delicious and very generous, so basically perfect. Ha!
Ashley says
I need a blog post on how to prepare and how you manage long flights. I have one coming up to Australia in June so need all the tips and tricks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I have a post on this! I hope you have the best time in Australia! https://mixandmatchmama.com/2017/02/inflight-routine/
Gilly says
Hey! I live in Perth Au and travel to the US and Europe a lot – originally from there. Hit me up for any tips and tricks or Aus plans x
Gill y
Teresa says
I also have 4 kids: 2 in college, 2 married. My husband and I have noticed that when we pay for dinner, trips, etc they ALL tend to show up : ) Y’all can have many more spring breaks together!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh thank you for saying this 🙂 .
Kate says
Mades is looking so grown!!! Looks like a great time!
Mix and Match Mama says
She’s almost done with elementary school. How crazy is that?!
Anne says
My friends went to Japan and all they could talk about were the marvelous restrooms! I hope you mention on another day.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my goodness, I could do an entire post. I will absolutely make sure I mention this 🙂 .
Dania Duran says
Hi Shay: I’m traveling to Japan in November. My question: does your family travel business class? It will be my first time snd I’m taking my son & granddaughter. So we’re going BC. Would appreciate your view. Thank you. God bless. Dania
Mix and Match Mama says
What a wonderful trip for you and your family! My family does a variety of combinations with our trips (not always one specific thing). For this trip, Andrew and I were in business and the four kiddos were in premium economy.
Alissa says
How many pouches are in your jewelry case? I bought the one with 12 pouches and found it to be too big.
Mix and Match Mama says
I think mine has 12 too, but I don’t bring them all. I leave the ones that I’m not using at home.
Dana P says
How fun! I love living vicariously through your trips. We have a few cat cafés here in Paris and loved getting to visit one after all of our animals unexpectedly died. I think it’s amazing that the idea has really taken off there!
This is random, but I did my first colonoscopy today! For those that are scared to do it, it was not nearly as bad as I had built up in my mind. And the best thing is that they didn’t find anything, praise the Lord! So now I have more peace of mind about that and can check it off the list. So thankful for your nudging to take care of ourselves!
Mix and Match Mama says
Good for you, friend!!! Thank YOU for sharing! xx
Anna says
You picked a great time of year to visit Japan! Did you see the Godzilla on top of the building in Shibuya or the 3D cat billboard? Kids would get a kick out of them.
Mix and Match Mama says
We saw both!!
Beth Knecht says
Welcome back! I especially love hearing about how much bonding as a family goes into your vacations. Just such sweet family time!
YOLANDA MCLEAN says
This trip looks amazing! The views, wow! OMG Smith and Andrew’s faces in that pic. Hilarious. I love that you and Andrew sneak away for a little alone happy hour – great way to connect and gives the kids time too. I always love seeing the espresso martini in the pics.
Bren says
I followed along with you on IG and have so been looking forward to your trip recaps! I was reading along, wondering how Andrew and Smith did in Don Quijote and literally laughed out loud when the picture of them popped up!
I also wanted to come here and share – we recently returned from a trip with all four of our adult children (everyone is in their 20’s and our four includes our lovely daughter-in-law). It took us about 1.5 years to plan, making sure everyone could have time off at the same time, and there truly was not a day where my husband and I didn’t take it all in, so thankful to have that time together with them. And after? The kids shared how much they enjoyed it and hope to do it again. That’s all we needed to hear, the plans will begin soon to work on another trip. All of this to say, I remember when our oldest was in college and traveled with us, and I was soooo sentimental, wondering if that was a “last”. But here we are, nearly 10 years later and we are so fortunate to be able to continue to travel together. It will be different as you navigate traveling with adults in this stage of life, but the joy of traveling with them as adults is such a beautiful blessing (as I know you know, traveling with your parents)! As always, thanks for sharing, Shay.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you, thank you, thank YOU for sharing this encouragement. I am so hopeful our family will continue to do the same. Grateful for you, Bren. xx
Allison says
I am SO excited to read all of these recaps! Japan is first on the list for our big travel abroad. Thank you for sharing your life and experiences with us. I already want to book the Four Seasons even though we don’t have a date to go yet! We still travel with our adult kids. It is the highlight of my year when we can all make the time for trips together. xo
Kristy Moore says
I’m excited to read about the rest of your Japan adventures. There’s another influencer I know (who also happened to be a Bachelorette (wink, wink)) who is also in Japan right now. Unfortunately they’re having much wetter days than you did-count your lucky stars!
Do you think you’ll ever return to see other parts of Japan?
Mix and Match Mama says
I certainly hope so! I know we barely scratched the surface 🙂 .
Becky Carl says
I hope you guys found the Robot Cafe and went to their show! Bizarro! We went to visit our son who was based in Okinawa (highly recommend) and went to Tokyo and took the buĺlit train to Kyoto. Loved Kyoto so much more than Tokyo. Okinawa has sea glass beach that was the highlight of trip. Found so much beautiful sea glass, broken pottery, all kind of treasures!
You are right, so much beauty!!!
Kacy M says
Visited South Japan two years ago and going to North Japan this fall, so fun!