The Tokyo Guide

At Away, travel isn't just what we make products for—it's something we genuinely love to do. In this new series, we're following Away employees on the road—sharing their favorite discoveries, packing tips, product must-haves, and the little rituals that make coming home almost as good as the trip itself.

First up: Senior Manager of Social and Brand Content Cody Kuiper's guide to Tokyo. 

Q: Give us the quick itinerary of your trip—where did you go, for how long, and was there any specific reason for the trip? 

We traveled to Tokyo (and outside of Tokyo) to shoot Away's Summer campaign for a whole week in April. 

Q: Walk us through your packing list

My packing strategy was to be versatile. Going from campaign shoots to work dinners and meetings means you have to thread the needle to be both comfortable and professional. 

My must-pack item for this trip was my film camera, the Canon EOS 690. It was my first time in Tokyo, but everything I'd seen told me it was the most photogenic city in the world, so I had to be ready to capture any and all moments to share with our audience on social media. I like to use my Train Case to travel with my cameras, since it's hard-shell and has places for my film, flash, tools, and anything else I need! 

On the way there, I was a Carry-on minimalist, using the Softside Bigger Carry-On to get in enough outfits to last me over a week with room to spare, and using my Everywhere Bag for my book, laptop, notebook, and other travel must-haves. 

Going from campaign shoots to work dinners and meetings means you have to thread the needle to be both comfortable and professional. 

Filming scenes for our campaign at Tobu World Square, a miniatures theme park in Nikko, Japan

Shooting the new Topside Carry-On with the Commuter Backpack

Q: What was the absolute highlight of your itinerary?

We ate at Iori 101 near the Meguro River, which was an incredible experience that I couldn't recommend enough. The restaurant consisted of one table with nine chairs (we were lucky we managed to find an evening when they had seven available!), with a small coal fire pit in the middle to cook fish around.

They specialize in handmade "Obanzai" (Kyoto-style home cooking) and charcoal-grilled dishes. They cooked everything fresh right there and served it up across so many courses I lost count (all you can drink sake didn't help with that). It was cozy, warm, relaxing, and exactly what you want out of a Tokyo experience. 

We ate at Iori 101 near the Meguro River, which was an incredible experience that I couldn't recommend enough.

Smoke billows from Chūkatenshin Sary, a popular dumpling restaurant in an alleyway in Nakano, Tokyo

Shop Cody's Picks

[[recommendations]]

Q: What was the best thing you brought back with you?

The clothes. I brought my wife back some really cool vintage finds, along with made-in-Japan Converse Chuck Taylors that are really special. For myself, some Japanese denim and workwear that is so high quality and affordable. All the candy and snacks from 7/11 was a close second, though! 

Q: Can you share your "hit list" of top recommendations for anyone planning a visit?

Irori to Obanzai 101 (Naka-Meguro) - Robatayaki-style spot specializing in irori grilled seafood and seasonal dishes.

The SG Club (Shibuya) - Cocktail bar and restaurant for one of the best drinks in the city.

Nakano - A gritty, mid-century neighborhood of narrow alleys where you can find cheap yakitori counters and hole-in-the-wall standing bars.

Shimokitazawa - A trendy neighborhood densely packed with vintage stores, indie music venues, and a great place to find Japanese denim.

Kitamura Camera (Shinjuku)- My favorite vintage camera store, where they have new and used cameras across multiple floors, and you can get your film developed in less than two hours.

Books Kyobunkwan (Ginza) - A nine-story bookstore that is nearly 150 years old. It’s a great place to buy souvenirs if you’re a book lover, as they have Japanese editions of Western classics (I bought the Great Gatsby and East of Eden).

7/11 - Stop in literally any one you see. They live up to the hype, from sushi and onigiri to pastries and coffee. FamilyMart is another great convenience store that actually has stylish and affordable clothes, too (seriously).

Outside the iconic Yodobashi Camera store in Shinjuku, where we filmed portions of our campaign

Q: What's your post-trip ritual for unpacking and settling back in?

I'm a quick unpacker. I hate leaving things to linger around the house, and I know if I don't do it quickly, I'll never do it! The first thing I did was unload the entire Topside Medium Trunk I brought back with me carrying only gifts I bought for the whole family, and gave myself a day before migrating everything in my Softside to the laundry hamper so I could back to my normal routine.

I'm a quick unpacker. I hate leaving things to linger around the house, and I know if I don't do it quickly, I'll never do it!