Japan, The Land of the Rising Sun

It was on the first week of November year 2014 when we went to Tokyo. It was during the autumn season so we have to bring clothes applicable for cold weather.

We already have our tourist visa and bought shinkansen or bullet train ticket good for 7 days that cost almost 15,000 PHP. We were able to use the said subway card all over Tokyo and as well as in Osaka and Kyoto where we stayed for a couple of days during our 9 days stay.

In Tokyo, we stayed at Anne's Hostel and it is a very affordable lodge to stay in plus there is a free breakfast included. It is a dormitory style accommodation which cost around 900 PHP per head per night. The hostel is near Asukasabashi Station and there are a few affordable restaurants nearby. 

To get to the hostel from Narita International Airport, you have to ride on the Narita Express and get off at Tokyo Station. Then, train transfer to Akahibara to Asukasabashi Station.

On our first day, we visited the Geisha district of Asakusa and its temples, and we also went to see the Tokyo Sky Tree.

We started our second day by visiting the Tokyo Tower and then started our DisneySea adventure which we truly enjoyed. The one day pass cost ¥7400 (3300 PHP). 

Our third day started with a bullet train ride to Kyoto. There were a few quick stops on our way and we are lucky enough to have a glimpse of the Mt. Fuji while riding on a Shinkansen. It was an awesome experience, the train ride was fast but smooth and we were seated comfortably. We stayed at K's House Kyoto in a dormitory type room with a free breakfast which cost around 800 PHP per person per night. After checking in we started our Geisha hunting by walking in Gion district. We also visited Kiyomezudera temple and shrine.

Osaka is our next stop on our fourth day. Of Course, we cannot miss to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Japan. We gulped on our Butterbeer while enjoying the view of the theme park.   

On our fifth day, we visited the beautiful scenery of the Golden Temple and listened to the rustling sound of the Bamboo Forest as we walked into it. We also got a chance to be a Ninja and Samurai as we enter the Ninja Dojo and store. Kyoto's takoyaki and matcha ice cream is my ultimate favourite in Japan. 

We crossed the busiest intersection which is the Shibuya crossing. We then, took a picture with Hachiko. Our sixth day was spent mostly on Tokyo's shopping district namely Harajuku, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Akihabara and Ginza to buy some souvenirs and things to take home.

I continued my seventh day by visiting a relative in Yokohama. It was a half day tour wherein I tried their ramen and gyoza which were truly scrumptious. The weather is getting really cold, the leaves change colour and fall off the tree. It was nice to roam around the area by foot. In the afternoon, I went back to Tokyo and visited Ueno Park and took a quick trip to Ikebukoro.

 On my eight day, I spend my remaining time in Odaiba for some photo ops, shopping and food trips. Late in the afternoon, I went back to the hostel and met some solo travellers from different countries and we decided to go out for dinner while walking around Asukasabashi. 

I woke up early on my ninth day since I have to catch my 11:45 am flight back home (Manila). I took a train to Tokyo station and then take the Yaesu exit. I choose to ride on the Tokyo shuttle going to Narita International airport since it's cheaper.  I arrived a little bit earlier at the airport so I still have time for some snacks and shopping.

Japan is truly unique top with the richness in culture and its future oriented society.