ASIA: Mt. Fuji 2016 (Day Tour)

The majestic Mt. Fuji is a renowned tourist destination in Japan, celebrated for its iconic snow-capped peak. The ideal times to visit for stunning snow and chilly weather are winter and spring, while summer is perfect for adventure seekers and hikers.

We visited during spring and were treated to breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji under clear skies. It was a beautiful, sunny day, although a bit chilly. We were captivated by the stunning array of Shibazakura flowers, which left us in awe for a solid five minutes, continuously exclaiming "wow," "ang ganda," and "grabe." We spent hours capturing countless photos. Spring is also the perfect time to enjoy the cherry blossoms, which typically bloom from the last week of March to the first week of April.

TIP:
If you choose to visit during winter, be sure to check the weather conditions. There are times when clouds can obscure Mt. Fuji, which might lead to disappointment during your visit. In such cases, consider booking a hotel for the night and catching a glimpse of the mountain in the early morning light.

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

ASIA: Side Trip to Kyoto 2016

Kyoto is also part of the Kansai region and is just 1.5 hours away from Osaka by train. Since we had an extra day in our itinerary, visiting Kyoto was a perfect way to make the most of our time. Japan is renowned for its cultural richness and historical treasures, and exploring Kyoto is a great way to immerse yourself in that heritage. This city has so much more to offer than meets the eye, with hidden gems nestled between buildings and busy streets. As you wander through Kyoto, you'll encounter people dressed in kimonos, ancient structures, temples, shrines, and a variety of historical sites that will surely captivate and inspire any visitor.

ASIA: Osaka, Japan 2016

Osaka is located in the Kansai region, close to Kyoto and Kobe. The city is renowned for its Okonomiyaki, the vibrant Dotonbori area (home to the famous Glico billboard and giant crab), Osaka Castle, Nara Park, Universal Studios, and much more! It's noticeably less crowded than Tokyo; during our train rides, we never encountered jam-packed carriages. Despite being a large city, Osaka still offers glimpses of authentic culture around every corner.