I finally finished writing my Tokyo Experience (July 2019)! I wanna go back!!!
Day 1 – Arrival and Shinjuku
I was nervous and excited at the same time. It was my first time travelling alone out of the country. (The point of origin of my sister is Singapore) My last trip abroad was in 2017, so I already forgot what needs to be done in an airport. Few hours later, I’m in Narita Airport! I was ecstatic. I’m living my dream and I cannot believe it! I encountered some fiasco at the Airport but pulled through. My sister would arrive few hours later so I strolled around the Airport Mall first and ate my first meal in Japan: Fish Katsu! (The trip was months ago I forgot what it’s called). It was worth 1200 Yen (if I remember it correctly). It was served hot. The coating was crispy and when I took a bite, the meat is melted inside. YUUUUUUUM. The soup was a surprise. I didn’t know that it had clam in it until I finished the soup.
It was later that I found out that my sister was on Terminal 1. I went to the information and was directed to the bus stop for Terminal transfer. It was only after meeting my sister that I was able to buy the essentials: wifi and bus tickets to Tokyo. We got the unlimited portable wifi for 6 days package. You can only avail it through credit card. As for the bus tickets, you can pay for it with cash (1000 Yen). We were lining up for the bus when I miscalculated the weather. Most of my outfits is for summer. Good thing I had a jacket with me!
The wifi was really helpful for directions. When we got off at the Tokyo Bus Stop, we had to walk a lot more to get to the Tokyo subway station. We got Suica Card (in PH, it’s like a beep card) for 2000 Yen. This is like a prepaid load that can be used in trains.
We first left out baggage at our lodging, Cozy House. It’s a dormitory type of room with shared restrooms and shower. The space was enough for two people and our luggage. Our room had its own sink, electric kettle, utensils and hanger. We rested for a bit before going out. For out first night, I chose Shinjuku and the Tokyo Metropolitan Building.
Based on what I read, restaurants close at 9pm so I chose to eat dinner first. I did not know where to go so my sister and I went to the closest place open at that time. It was a pub with affordable food but requires each customer to buy a drink. It was already past 9:40 when we left the place and headed to the building. Unfortunately, my poor navigation skills and defective GPS in phone did not help. We arrived at 10:02pm; the last entry was 10. I was disappointed, but hey, it was just Day 1.
Day 2 – Tokyo DisneySea
Day 3 – Asakusa, Akihabara and Shibuya
We decided to have a chill day given the tiresome day we had previously. We went to Asakusa where we visited Senso-ji Temple. The blogs I read said that it is always crowded, but even so, it was peaceful. The stores leading up to the temple include souvenir shops, clothing stores, food stalls and more! I tried omikuji paper fortunes within the vicinity. There were several things to try like Rickshaw Tour (the one where you ride at a cart pulled by a strong guy) and wearing a Kimono around, but I didn’t try. As for the food, I was amazed at how big their roasted chestnuts are! They are much bigger than what I eat in PH.
Our next stop was Akihabara. Before heading to Yodabashi, I grabbed Onigiri at the train station. My sister looked for her gundam as I played with the toy vending machines. We then ate at the Gundam Cafe though they don’t serve the meal that my sister wanted anymore. Their food was okay, the serving was huge, but the iced coffee did not work for me. I was surprised that they serve udon with rice. I was so full! After eating, we roamed around to shop some more—to look for Gundam, to be exact. Towards the end, my sister and I went separate ways. She continued to shop while I went to Shibuya to witness the crossing during rush hour.
When I got off the Shibuya Sation, I went to see the Hachiko Statue first. I took two tries to have a stranger take my photo, but did not get the result I wanted. So I just went shopping. I took the opportunity to buy clothes for the cold! It was raining the whole time so it was a relief that I brought my umbrella with me. The rain didn’t stop me from eating ice cream! Even convenience store ice cream tasted soooo good! AAAHHHH I LOVE JAPAN.
Day 4 – Meiji Shrine, Harajuku and Shinjuku
I was supposed to go to Tsukiji Market but it was raining the whole morning. My sister and I went late to Meiji Shrine. It’s a good thing that I was wearing water-resistant shoes because it was a long walk under the rain. It was a long walk, but I found it refreshing–the surrounding trees, the rain, the quiet. I have already read some blogs beforehand so I was familiar with some of the rituals in the shrine. After going around, I head back with my sister to Harajuku!
She bought some football clothes before we headed to Takeshita St. Vibrant is an understatement. Wow! We walked for a while checking which stores to buy from before we ate at a sushi place similar to Genki Sushi with conveyors and all. I loved their sushi!
We were not able to take photos because it was raining, but it did not stop us from shopping! I did not restrain myself AT ALL. LOL. When we were done shopping, I have decided to go to the art gallery several minutes away. However, the place seemed closed so I just went back to my sister who decided to have KOI Milk Tea. It was then that I confirmed that my friends were in Tokyo so we decided to meet up! We ate at Nagi Golden Gai (the original Ramen Nagi) in Shinjuku! I felt bad that I did not finish my bowl, but wow, it tasted so good! It was filled with flavor and fishy taste. Loved this ramen so much! I went home right after dinner to prepare for next day.
Day 5 – Odaiba
Day 6 – Departure
It was raining on the day of our departure and I had a hard time deciding how we’re gonna get to the airport, but we got through! We had to run many times before getting to airport. My flight is leaving earlier than my sister’s so we went separate ways once more. I had to fit my handcarry into two bags (I thought the things I bought from the airport don’t count), and finally got into that plane.
Wow. What an amazing experience. During the plane ride home, I was overwhelmed with emotions. I was so happy that my dream came true, bummed that I was too busy to prepare for it and sad that I’m coming back to all the mess that is PH. But overall, I was (I still am) truly grateful for this blessing that is Japan and my sister!
P.S. Some photos won’t upload but I might just add them eventually.
Babble Away 