ASIA: Tokyo, Japan 2016

Some Filipinos are dying to go to Japan, and I am one of them. There is something about this city (or the country as a whole) that is worth every penny for air fare. One reason is that Japanese anime influenced and opened our eyes to a different dimension that has an effect when we were kids. Before I knew about Batman or Superman, I had already memorized the OST of Voltes V. Who would not? (I am actually now singing the song in my head while typing. I kid you not, I still know it!). To name a few, here are my favorite Japanese animes before : Voltes V, Ghost Fighter, Cardcaptor Sakura, Ranma 1/2, Fushigi Yuugi, and Inuyasha. I remember the days when I was so excited to go home and watch TV in the afternoon while eating sausage, egg, and rice. Visiting this place in Odaiba made me reminisce the feeling of being a kid again, just like how other people feel about going to Disneyland.

Japan is actually number 1 on my babalikbalikang-bansa-sa-buong-mundo list. I just love everything about Japan. Last 2016 was my 2nd time in Tokyo, Japan, and hopefully will go back with my boyfriend, Allen.

I already wrote some of my experiences in Japan during our 1st stay here, and it would never change. They are very disciplined on every aspect, very helpful and accommodating, and very polite - they are well-known for it, and they deserve it.

My 1st time in Japan BLOG | Click Here

How to get to Tokyo from Osaka?

After staying in Osaka for a few days, we flew to Tokyo for our last stop in Japan.

If you are coming from Manila, there is a direct flight going to Tokyo. You can book a flight via Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. Booking during seat sales will help you allot more money for your pocket money.

From Osaka, we booked a one-way -seat sale - ticket via Peach Aviation (one of airlines of Japan). After 1.5 hours on board, welcome to Tokyo! We booked our flight for only Y7,740 (extra baggage included). You also have an option to take a bullet train ; but it is more expensive, and it will take long hours to get to Tokyo. For our situation, time is ticking, and we need to move fast to enjoy the remaining days in Japan.

Where to stay in Tokyo?

There a lot of hotels in Tokyo, especially in Shibuya and Shinjuku. Though booking at a hotel is a bit pricey for our group, we opted to book thru airbnb. We found a perfect place for us. It is located at Shinjuku, and 5-min walk from Shin-Okubo Station (Yamanote Line).

We scored it for P11,300 only (2260 each) for 3 nights. It is so cheap, that booking an airbnb really gives way for other expenses await for the trip.

Getting around in Tokyo

It. is. so. convenient. to. travel. in. Tokyo.

In this busy city, different modes of transportations are available to cater every person in Tokyo for their convenience. Though! Though, if you are a 1st timer in Tokyo, and tend to tour by train you might want to study their railway map first. It took me actually a day to comprehend everything. Because here in the Philippines, we are not used to complicated connecting trains between stations. Tokyo railway has at least 2 to 4 connecting trains in just 1 train station.

I told you so! But, once you get your foot in Tokyo, it is easy peasy!

TIP:
1. Print out the Tokyo Subway Route Map at your home
2. List down the tourist spots you want to visit.
3. Search online the train station near it
4. Mark your map

Maps are also available at every train station.

Itinerary
Day 1
-Kansai Airport (Osaka to Tokyo)
-Odaiba
Day 2
-Asakusa Temple
-Tokyo Sky Tree
-Shibuya (Hachiko)
Day 3
-Mt. Fuji (separate blog)
-Harajuku

Where to eat in Tokyo?

Don't worry about craving for ramen. There's a ramen house in every corner! Food in Tokyo is affordable and offer big servings. We once ate at a ramen house in Shibuya, and it is so cheap for its size and quantity. Like, Y500? It was so delicious!

If you are to visit Asakusa Temple, they have food stalls on the side. You must try their famous Takoyaki.

If you are a sushi lover, you can of course easily find one. They have the sushi-go-round, where you pay by how many plates you eat. Each design/color of the plate corresponds to an amount.

Example : Blue plate = Y100 , Yellow plate = Y300