For years, I did what most of us do: I bookmarked the flights, saved the pins, and told myself, ‘Next year.’ But ‘next year’ has a funny way of never arriving. After putting it off for far too long, I took the advice of a friend and finally decided to stop waiting for the perfect moment.
This past January, I headed back to a few of my favorite haunts in Japan and finally set foot in South Korea for the first time. From the neon-soaked tech markets of Seoul to the quiet, rugged coastline of Iki Island, this post captures the highlights of that leap—the places that moved me, the experiences that challenged me, and, of course, every incredible meal I ate along the way.
Route: Tokyo → Fukuoka → Iki Island → Seoul → Okinawa → Tokyo
Cost: Roughly 1800 USD for 1 person (Hotels and Airfare)
Best Meals: Seoul Pizza and Okinawa Tacos & Tokyo Zest
Tech Highlights: Now that’s a novel in itself but would have to be Akihabara (sorry Seoul)
庭 GARDEN
Shelled Surprises: My First Itoshima Oyster Experience
I was talked into going to an Oyster bar for the 1st time and I had a good time. We went to 庭 GARDEN and it was a great experience. From the (I kid you not) “Holy Beer” made with blessed water to the experience of eating oysters for the 1st time, I had a blast
Itoshimaco Coffee Shop
Not that many places open early on a Sunday morning but I am glad I found this one. Try the strawberry coffee. It;s a .. How would I put it.. Unique experience
Iki Island in a Day
Highlight pics from the Island. I will create a more detailed listing once I get a cycle.
Seoul Korea
Okinawa – My Home away from Home
Zest Cantina
Every trip to Japan involves a trip to Zest Cantina. I’ve been coming to their restaurants for 20+ years and counting. Some of the best wings in the country in my humble opinion. They use to have a massive beer hall in Ebisu but it closed post covid. Now there are 2 locations in Daikaiyamacho and Odaiba. Stick to bee, mojitos and sambuca.
