ASIA: Tokyo, Japan 2016

Many Filipinos, including me, are eager to visit Japan. There’s something about this country that makes every penny spent on airfare worth it. One major influence is Japanese anime, which opened our eyes to a fascinating world during our childhood. Before I even knew about Batman or Superman, I could sing the OST of Voltes V by heart. Who wouldn’t? (I’m actually humming it as I type this—no joke, I still remember it!). Some of my favorite childhood anime include Voltes V, Ghost Fighter, Cardcaptor Sakura, Ranma 1/2, Fushigi Yuugi, and Inuyasha. I fondly recall the afternoons spent rushing home to watch these shows while enjoying sausage, egg, and rice. Visiting Odaiba brought back those nostalgic feelings, much like how others feel when they go to Disneyland.

Japan is actually number 1 on my babalikbalikang-bansa-sa-buong-mundo list. I just love everything about Japan.

I’ve shared some experiences from my first visit, and they remain unchanged. The Japanese are disciplined in every aspect, incredibly helpful, accommodating, and known for their politeness—qualities they truly deserve recognition for.

My 1st time in Japan BLOG | Click Here

How to get to Tokyo from Osaka?

After spending a few days in Osaka, we flew to Tokyo, our final destination in Japan.

For those traveling from Manila, there are direct flights to Tokyo available through Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. Booking during seat sales can help you save more money for your trip.

From Osaka, we snagged a one-way ticket via Peach Aviation (one of Japan’s budget airlines) during a seat sale. The flight took just 1.5 hours, and we arrived in Tokyo for only ¥7,740 (with extra baggage included). While you could take a bullet train to Tokyo, it tends to be more expensive and takes longer. Given our time constraints, we opted for the flight to maximize our remaining days in Japan.

Where to stay in Tokyo?

Tokyo offers a wide variety of hotel options, particularly in the Shibuya and Shinjuku areas. Although hotel rates can be quite steep for our group, we decided to book through Airbnb instead. We found the perfect place in Shinjuku, just a 5-minute walk from Shin-Okubo Station on the Yamanote Line.

We managed to secure it for only ₱11,300 (₱2,260 each) for a three-night stay. The affordability of the Airbnb allowed us to allocate more funds for other trip expenses.

Getting around in Tokyo

Traveling in Tokyo is incredibly convenient. This bustling city offers various modes of transportation to ensure everyone's needs are met. However, if you're a first-time visitor planning to navigate by train, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the railway map beforehand. It actually took me a full day to grasp everything! Unlike the Philippines, where we’re not accustomed to complex train connections, Tokyo's railway system features at least two to four connecting trains at just one 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?

You don't have to worry about satisfying your ramen cravings because there's a ramen shop on almost every corner! The food in Tokyo is not only affordable but also comes in generous portions. We once dined at a ramen house in Shibuya, and it was incredibly cheap for the size and quantity—only Y500! It was absolutely 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