Eastwood Taking It All In At Shibuya Crossing. Credit: J North Productions
Scott Eastwood seems a natural choice for an action star, even if you didn’t know that the son of legendary actor-director Clint recently starred in Suicide Squad, The Fate of the Furious and now the upcoming Pacific Rim Uprising.
When he isn’t in front of the camera, the 31-year-old can be found outdoors partaking in an adrenaline-pumping activity. Eastwood’s Instagram feed documents him hiking California’s 211-mile-long John Muir Trail, boxing, spying a bear and her cub in the Rocky Mountains, practicing archery and surfing everywhere. (But he doesn’t take himself too seriously — he also poses as a merman and frequently makes a “tiger face” with claws.)
Packed for Adventure. Credit: J North Productions
His latest adventure took place in Tokyo. As part of a partnership, Japanese airline All Nippon Airways sent Eastwood there for his first trip to the city. His itinerary included visiting Sensoji in Asakusa, the city’s oldest temple; Meiji, Tokyo’s renowned Shinto shrine; Harajuku, the district known for its colorful, playful street fashion; Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian intersections in the world; and picturesque Shinjuku Gyoen Park.
While at Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, the laidback, gracious Eastwood spoke with us on the phone to relay his Tokyo adventures and share his favorite hidden-gem restaurant in his home of San Diego (another tip: he’s co-owner of San Diego’s Saddle Bar, a place that he describes as a “fun neighborhood bar”).
Dining Like a Local. Credit: J North Productions
What was Tokyo like?
It’s one of the most incredible cities in the world. Everyone was so gracious and nice. There are definite pages we can steal from their book. There’s no trash anywhere. Everything was thoughtfully done. They take so much pride in everything.
What did you do there?
The first thing I did when I got off the plane was surf in Chiba. I took a traditional kendo [Japanese fencing that uses bamboo swords and was used to train samurais] class, went to karaoke and went through all of the city.
What was some great food that you had in Tokyo?
The food is good everywhere. I went to the Tsukiji fish market and had incredible traditional sushi. I had ramen at Ippudo Ebisu, one of the best ramen places I’ve ever been to. The list goes on and on — every dish was unreal.
Doing a Little Shopping. Credit: J North Productions
What are some of your favorite travel destinations?
Japan is up there now. I’m so excited I have to go back in March. Cape Town, South Africa; Australia; Tahiti. It’s a long list, but those jump out at me first.
Your mother used to be a flight attendant. Did she give you any helpful travel tips?
Always be nice to the flight staff.
Are there any places that are still on your travel bucket list?
I’ve never been to Russia, never been to India — there are a lot of places.
What was your best adventure travel experience?
Driving up the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Driving down through Mexico and surfing, fishing and diving. Going on a boat from San Diego to Cabo and fishing and diving the whole way down.
What do you pack on your carry-on?
A good pair of headphones. Always swim trunks — always. Extra sunglasses.
Scott is All Smiles Near the Water. Credit: J North Productions
What are your favorite hotels?
Hotel Bel-Air. It’s quiet, beautiful. I usually stay there when I’m in L.A.
You live in San Diego. What are your go-to spots?
Little Italy has become quite great for going out. La Jolla has some incredible places on the water on Prospect Street. There are a lot of really good food places.
One of my favorites is no-frills but some of the best sushi in San Diego: Kaito [in Encinitas].
