Japan is one of the wonderful countries I've ever visited here in Asia. I went to Japan last April 2014 with my family. It was still cold because it was Spring time there. We stayed at Shinjuku, Tokyo for 7 days. If you are from the Philippines, they require you to get a visa first.
Japan is a very clean country just like Singapore. They have discipline on roads - they really follow the traffic lights and only cross at the pedestrian lanes. You cannot just hail a taxi if you are in a hurry; you really have to look for taxi lanes, and if not, you might get caught. You also have to dispose your cigarette butts properly, not on the sidewalks or anywhere you'd want to.
Japanese people are the most polite people I've ever encountered in my whole life! Though most of them don't speak English, they will still try their best to make you understand them through hand gestures. Also, they are 100% punctual. They show up on the time they committed to you. If they say they'll pick you up at 10 in the morning, they will be there at exactly 10 in the morning or even earlier and if you are late, they will not wait for you.
When we were on our way back to Shinjuku from Asakusa, before we changed train lines, Martha (my little sister) and I went to the restroom because she had to pee. When I was inside the cubicle and Martha was outside waiting for me because she was already done, there was this lady who helped her wash her hands and gave her a towel as well. I was in awe. I never thought that too much kindness will happen that night. Thank you very much with all my heart.
We only toured around Tokyo by ourselves, and went on a day tour for Mt. Fuji and Hakone.
Tokyo Subway Route Map
Click this! :D
Here are some of the must go places in and outside Tokyo, Japan
1. Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
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Shinjuku, Tokyo |
First day at Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan!
Jam packed with different Japanese Restuarants, and stores
which sells gadgets that will surely make you go gaga!
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Udon and Tonkatsu |
We came across this Japanese restaurant which only caters Udon and Tonkatsu.
YUM!! There's my favorite Gyoza right there! But, a friend (Hi Den!) told me that
you can find the best Gyoza in Utsonomiya-shi, Tochigi, Japan (2 hours away from Tokyo).
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Sushi go-round restaurant |
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Ramen house somewhere in the middle of Shinjuku |
Thank you for this one fun night! Rum Cola and Karaoke night hyped my whole Tokyo Trip!
Credits to Den for this amazing photo!
Here in Shinjuku you can also find 24/7 Karaoke bar with unlimited drinks.
2. Mt. Fuji & Hakone
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Mt. Fuji |
Mt. Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan. It is so majestic with
that snow around its crater. It is like you've never been to Japan if
you didn't go here. Though it is somewhat far from the heart of Tokyo,
it is all going to be worth it if you see the Mt. Fuji. Really b r e a t
h t a k i n g.
We availed the tour at
Viator. It is a trustworthy travel site.
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I might as well show you some of our photos in Mt. Fuji (Station 1) |
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Lake Ashi |
We had a 15-minute boat ride at The Lake Ashi and arrived at
Hakone National Park. Then we went ahead to Mt. Kachi kachi ropeway
and rode on a tram to the top of the mountain. There, you can see a panoramic view
of The Lake Ashi, Mt. Fuji and the Owakidani Volcanic Valley.
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Bullet train |
We took a bullet train to Shinagawa and transferred to a
JR Yamanote Line to Shinjuku.
3. Imperial Palace
4. Nakamise-dori Street
Best place to buy pasalubong! They all have the legit Japanese products from keychain to Kimono.
5. Sensoji (Asakusa Kannon Temple)
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OMIKUJI - A Written Fortune |
You have to shake that steel box while praying silently and a wooden stick will fall from it. There is a japanese symbol written
on top of the stick where you will find its match on the drawers; there
are also Japanese symbols carved on the drawers. Pull the drawer, get
the paper, and there is your fortune. There are different translations
so any nationality can understand what is written on the paper.
May your fortune be good or bad, you actually don't have to worry that
much. Remember that you are the one who makes your own fortune. It is a
fun experience for me to finally try this and to experience the Japanese
culture.
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Who wouldn't want to try a legit takoyaki? |
Arigato Gozaimasu for posing, Kuya. Your Takoyaki deserves more than that.
6. Tokyo Sky Tree
It is best to go here at night so you could be stoked by the lights!
Thank you Tita Julie for picking us up at Sensoji Temple just to take us here!
7. The Meiji Jingu Shrine Tokyo
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Temple dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shoken. |
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You must wash your hands and mouth before you enter and pray at the temple |
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The stunning view inside the temple vicinity |
8. Hachiko (Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan)
9. Shibuya Crossing
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Shibuya Crossing |
Shibuya Crossing is just near the Shibuya station (Hachiko Exit). It is
one of the busiest streets in the world because many people cross in
this large intersection. Shibuya is also one of the best places to go
shopping. They have the well known brands like Forever 21, H&M,
Bershka and Uniqlo.
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For the love of Ramen! I can eat you everyday for my entire life. HEAVEN!
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10. Harajuku
Here you can also find lots of good stuff! This is a good place to go for shopping!
Also, you can see people dressed like cosplayers and alike.
11. Ginza
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Bag heaven |
From Furla to Louis Vuitton to Chanel to Prada! Everywhere, you can
see high end brands! Of course, I will not go home without buying a bag!
*Material girl by Madonna now playing and on repeat*
12. DISNEY SEA!
DISNEY SEA! The only Disney Sea in the whole world!
We bought our tickets online to avoid long queue.
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Funahashi Family |
Met this awesome family, the Funahashi family at Mermaid Lagoon,
Disney Sea. It was a pleasure to meet you and your babies! Martha had
fun playing with your kawaii girl! We will see you again soon.
To
wrap this all up, YOU MUST GO AND VISIT JAPAN! THERE ARE A WHOLE LOT
MORE TO SEE! <3 IF I WOULD BE ASKED IF IM STILL GOING BACK, WITH NO
SECOND THOUGHTS, I WILL! Of course this will cost your wallet too much
pain, but I swear it's going to be worth it!
Sayonara