Day 1: Arrival in Seattle
5:00 PM – Arrive at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Transportation options include trains, buses, taxis, and Uber. For speed, cost-efficiency, and safety, we chose the Link Light Rail. Follow the “Link Light Rail” signs from the airport—after crossing Skybridge 6 and heading to the 4th floor of the parking garage, you’ll reach the station in about 10 minutes. It takes approximately an hour to get to downtown area. If you prefer fast and private way, you can take Uber or Lyft but they cost around $60.
- Fare: $2.75 (no tipping required like taxis).
6:00 PM – Check-in at Hotel/Hostel
We opted for a hostel for its central location and affordability. Booking platforms like Expedia or Hotels.com are great for comparing U.S. and Japanese sites to find the best deals.
7:00 PM – Dinner at Onibaba
Surprisingly, we kicked off the trip with some comforting Japanese ochazuke and a Sapporo beer at a nearby restaurant called Onibaba.
9:00 PM – Return to Hotel
Day 2: Starbucks Tour & Downtown Sightseeing
9:00 AM – Starbucks Reserve Roastery
Located only in Seattle, NYC, and Chicago, the Reserve Roastery is spacious and stylish. We ordered a croissant and café mocha for breakfast while checking out the in-house roastery, tasting bar, and merchandise area.
11:00 AM – Pike Place Market
This iconic market is home to the original Starbucks store and is a must-visit for first-timers. You’ll find fresh local produce, seafood, crafts, and souvenirs. Expect long lines at the first Starbucks, but it’s great for photos—even from outside.
Tip: Visit the 1st Starbucks early morning for fewer crowds, then head to the Reserve Roastery in the evening for a more relaxed experience.
Next Stop: Gum Wall
A quirky spot covered in chewed gum. Gross? Maybe. Iconic? Absolutely.
2:00 PM – Lunch at Pier 62
Enjoy a scenic seafood lunch by the waterfront—don’t miss the classic clam chowder!
4:00 PM – Alki Beach via Water Taxi
Hop on a water taxi from Pier 50 to Seacrest Park in West Seattle.
- Fare: $5.75 ($5.00 with ORCA card), free for under 18.
It’s a refreshing ride and a unique part of Seattle’s public transit system.
6:00 PM – Dinner Back in Downtown Seattle
Day 3: Culture & Viewpoints
10:00 AM – Space Needle
Seattle’s most iconic structure. Admission to the observation deck costs $35–$39. Combo tickets with the nearby Chihuly Garden and Glass museum are available for $59.50.
11:00 AM – Chihuly Garden and Glass
A stunning glass art museum by Dale Chihuly. Highlights include ceiling-mounted flower sculptures and live glassblowing demonstrations.
1:00 PM – Kerry Park
A short 15-minute bus ride from the Space Needle, this park offers one of the best panoramic views of downtown Seattle.
5:00 PM – Early Dinner
Don’t miss happy hour oysters at a downtown seafood spot—half price during this time!
7:00 PM – Bar Hopping
Start at Unicorn, a retro arcade bar, then head to a classy cocktail lounge nearby. Expect crowds around 8 PM, but bar counter seats may be available.
10:00 PM – Return to Hotel
Get a good night’s rest before tomorrow’s big drive.
Day 4: Day Trip to Oregon
8:30 AM – Pick Up Rental Car
We booked via Expedia ($40–$60/day) and used Rakuten Cash Back for additional savings.
9:00 AM – Hit the Road to Oregon (approx. 3-hour drive)
Scenic drive through lush forests and well-maintained highways.
12:00 PM – Bella Swan’s House (Twilight Fans!)
The actual Airbnb property used in the Twilight films. You can’t go inside unless you’ve booked a stay (which fills up fast), but there’s designated tourist parking and signage with rules.
1:00 PM – Cullen House
Privately owned, so you can only view it from outside.
2:00 PM – Coffee Break in Town
Grab a smoothie and pastry from a downtown café.
2:30 PM – Carver Cafe
A well-known filming spot from the Twilight series, Carver Café is where Bella and her father are frequently seen dining. While the café is generally open to the public, it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Be sure to check the current hours in advance to avoid disappointment.
3:00 PM – Multnomah Falls
September is a perfect time to visit this famous waterfall. Wear good walking shoes for a light 30-minute hike up the trail.
4:30 PM – Depart for Seattle
Be mindful of traffic conditions when heading north from Multnomah Falls. After 4:00 PM, congestion is common, especially on weekdays. To ensure a smoother drive, consider departing earlier or adjusting your route to avoid peak traffic hours.
9:00 PM – Arrive at Airport
Barely made it in time! Be cautious about driving back during peak hours.
Bonus Attractions in Seattle
- Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) – Music, film, and sci-fi exhibits backed by Paul Allen.
- Amazon HQ & The Spheres – Futuristic buildings and Amazon Go’s first store.
- Boeing Future of Flight – Tour the world’s largest aircraft assembly plant.
- The Museum of Flight – Over 150 historical aircraft and space exhibits.
- T-Mobile Park – Catch a Mariners game during the MLB season.
- Mount Rainier National Park – A year-round destination for hiking, skiing, and camping.