From Tokyo’s neon streets to Kyoto’s serene temples and tips on how to apply for your Japan visa – this guide covers everything for an unforgettable trip. Read my blog!

Disclaimer: All views expressed on this blog are my own based on my own experiences and do not represent of any entity with which I have been, are now or will be affiliated.

December 27, 2023
Batangas, Philippines

Date of Trip – December 9-20, 2023

My itinerary for Japan trip included the following locations based on regions: Kanto Region (Tokyo and Yokohama); Kansai Region (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara)

I have been wanting to travel to Japan for a long time since I have heard a lot of stories about how wonderful of a place it is; yet, it has become tough for me to travel here because I need to process visas in order to enter the country. I was fortunate enough to have a business trip that I could use to motivate me to travel and make the Visa process easier. It’s a good thing that I went on this trip because it’s one of the most amazing countries I’ve ever been to!

Japan is exactly what it claims to be: a fusion of the past, present, and future. After experiencing it, you’ll want to go back only to relive the joy. The locals are polite, and the cuisine is out of this world. Japan is full of surprises, and I want to explore each location more. The country is so incredible, with so many breathtaking landscapes, amazing people, history, culture, and delicious food; I want to visit Japan again and again!

Visa Requirements

To visit Japan, a tourist or business visa is required for Filipino citizens. During this visit, I engaged Attic Tours at the Mall of Asia to apply for a business visa worth PHP1,200. I was granted a Single Entry Visa and my passport was returned to me in within three-four business days. The maximum length of stay for a single entry visa is fifteen days in Japan. Click on this link to see the requirements for obtaining a business visa. The business and tourist visas that are stamped or granted in your passport are the same but different requirements.

FAQs

1. Are you still permitted to visit Japan on the date your visa expires? – Yes, If your visa expires on, say, December 28, you can still fly on that date but not later than that date and stay for 15 days if it’s a single entry visa.
2. Do you need prior travel experience to get a Visa to Japan? – No, some of my colleagues are first-time visitors to Japan, their first to travel abroad but were granted a Visa; simply follow the rules and answer truthfully.
3. Is it necessary to present a bank certificate when travelling for business? – No, we did not provide a bank certificate because the company had sponsored it. If you apply for tourist visa, you have to submit a bank certificate even if you do not have an average daily amount.
4. Should you provide the itinerary for the seven days if your visit will be that long? Not at all; I merely presented a sample schedule for four days, but remained for twelve. You can refer to this link for my sample itinerary.
5. Do you need to book hotel and flight tickets in advance? – No, these documents are not being asked by the Japan Embassy.
6. Is it simple to apply for a visa in Japan? – Yes, at first I thought it would be difficult, but as long as you meet the requirements, you should be OK. The agency will also assist you throughout the process. If you require additional or missing information, they thoroughly investigate it. We made certain changes before it was fully lodged by the agency at the Japanese embassy.
7. Is it possible to apply for multiple entry visas? Yes, if you have already visited Japan once. You must fill out a separate form indicating that you are applying for multiple entries.
8. For any further questions, please contact the agency directly haha!

Flight Amount – PHP56,000. Philippine Airlines (PAL) was the airline that we flew with. It includes 2 carry in luggages 23kg each luggage (you cannot combine to make it 46kg) and 1 hand carry 7kg bag, insurance and in flight meal. Initially, I was under the impression that we would be flying with All Nippon Airways (ANA) because we made our reservation through them. On the other hand, according to the information provided by my friend, it was a codeshare, and although ANA was the one responsible for marketing it, Philippine Airlines will be the one to operate the aircraft. There are particular seats in PAL that were sold by ANA.

Philippine Travel Tax – PHP1,620

Things to Note:
1. All visitors entering or leaving the Philippines must register at the eTravel website at least 72 hours before their arrival time. When it’s done, guests will get a QR code that they need to either scan or take a picture of and show when they get to the country.
2. Before Visiting Japan – Please visit Visit Japan Web and register, you need to present the QR code in the Immigrations and Customs when you enter Japan. You can also opt to download it via your mobile which I did. More details here

Currency-The Japanese Yen. When I visited, 1 PHP equalled 0.40 Japanese Yen. I used my Gcash Debit Card, which I purchased online in withdrawing money in Japan. It is convenient to withdraw money from ATMs located in convenience stores in Japan. When withdrawing, please utilise Japanese Yen and do not convert it to Philippine Pesos since this will incur additional charges at your Philippine bank. The ATM transaction cost is 110JPY for every withdrawal of 10,000 yen.

Power Socket – Type A or B 110V. Most establishments use Type A.

Language – Nihongo. Some people speak English but majority speaks Nihongo so better to use Google Translate.

Religion – Shinto and Buddhism

Weather -Japan has four seasons.Spring lasts from March to May, summer from June to August, fall from September to November, and winter from December to February. We went in winter, yet there were still koyo (leaf changes) like those seen in fall. So I get two seasons in one visit to Japan. Although the weather in Kanto was just 10-18 degrees Celsius, it dropped to 1 degree Celsius in Osaka. The temperature in Kansai was much chillier and more winter-like. But the locals say that it’s still warm, it’s too cold for me! haha

Time zone -+9 GMT, it is 1 hour ahead in the Philippines

Internet Connectivity – I purchased an e-sim card from Klook for 792 PHP for 10GB for 15 days. However, after the eighth day, my internet was inconsistent and I can no longer use any of my phone’s apps except Google Maps; I should have selected a much better data use plan. I prefer to use e-sim because it’s convenient to use, please make sure to download the e-sim using wifi and before you land to your destination.

Transportation -Japan is home to some truly remarkable train lines. In Japan, they offer a stored value card that may be used in convenience stores as well as on public transportation. My only option is to suggest the Pasmo Card, which is the one I have already utilised. In addition to having a 28-day expiration date, Pasmo cards are only available for purchase by tourists. For it, you are required to pay a total of 1,500 yen, and you have a stored value credit of the same amount. However, this credit will expire on the 28th day, and you will be required to use whatever is left on the card because you are unable to issue a refund. The fact that this card can be used anywhere in Japan is one of the reasons why I appreciate it.

You also have the option of taking taxis (either Go Taxi or Uber), in addition to taking buses and trains. On the other hand, prices for taxis and Uber automobiles might be quite high. It will cost you three thousand Philippine pesos to travel from Haneda Airport to Tokyo, but if you have others to split the ride with, that is acceptable, especially if you have a lot of luggage to carry.

Shinkansen (bullet train) ticket– If you’re short on time, it’s best to just buy at train stops. I don’t suggest buying online through Klook because they add 550PHP for convenience fee on top of the Shinkansen ticket price and they provide a timing when to onboard. Unlike when bought at train stations, there are no set times; instead, you can simply choose the first available train and hop aboard. Non reserved seats are between Cars 1-3

Traveling between locations in Japan is a breeze with the shinkansen, because to its incredibly efficient and quick service. Additionally, there is little need for inspection, in contrast to flying from one location to another, which necessitates several inspections and the obligation to be present two or three hours prior to departure. Shinkansen is the way to go, in my opinion in Japan.

Google Maps – I can’t stress enough how helpful Google Maps is for finding your way about Japan, particularly when it comes to figuring out which bus or rail stations to use.

Laundry – There are laundry facilities located all over the place in Japan, and you also have the option of using the laundry facilities at the hotel or Airbnb that you have a reservation for.

Convenience Stores – I have never gone to a convenience store like the ones in Japan, it’s the best! They have numerous choices – from food, drinks and toiletries. All you want to do is purchase all! Japan gives convenience stores with a profound sense of purpose.

Toilet – In Japan, the toilets are always clean. Actually, I have never been to a better restroom. In addition to a bidet, they offer heated toilet seats. There is a bathtub in every private restroom.

Lockers – All around Japan, you may find lockers where you can keep your belongings. Both the Haneda International Airport and the train stations feature them. You have the option to pay using Pasmo or coins. During mall or rail station operating hours, you are welcome to use the lockers. There is a 4-day usage limit from the start of use, fees are due at 2:00 am. However, should you not claim your belongings within 4 days of use, they will move your belongings and be transferred to the management office, and after 30 days and no one claimed it, they will be disposed them. The cost for small locker cost 300 yen, 400 yen for medium and 500 yen for large per day.

Shopping in Japan – Shopping in Japan is so much fun because most stores don’t charge taxes to foreigners; all they need is to present a passport. This tax-free shopping is more convenient in Japan because it provides instant gratification, unlike in other countries where you have to redeem it at the airport.

FAQs-

1. In Japan, what kinds of things are not taxed at all? Items that can be bought by customers and are not taxed are called “consumables” or “general goods.” Clothes, jewellery, electronics, and housewares are all examples of general goods. They don’t need to be packed in a special way and can be used while in Japan, like the ones I bought at Uniqlo shops. Consumable things, on the other hand, include cigarettes, food and drinks, medicine, cosmetics, and health food. To get an exemption from taxes on an edible good, you are not allowed to eat or use it in Japan. Furthermore, when you buy them in Japan, they are sealed.

2. How much should I purchase so I become eligible for tax free? ¥5,000 or more (tax excluded). More info here.

Things to Note and Bring While In Japan –

1. Due to the fact that there is a significant amount of walking in Japan, I recommend that you choose footwear that is comfortable and can be used while you are touring different regions.
2. It is important to keep in mind that the majority of train stations do not have elevators or escalators, which makes it quite challenging if you are carrying luggage with you. It was a bit of a hassle that we had to carry our stuff if we were going to take the stairs. That being said, the next time I go to Japan, I will most likely bring only a backpack with me.
3. It is imperative that you always bring cash with you, as there are some limited establishments that need you to pay with cash.
4. While you are walking, please refrain from eating, pay attention, and maintain silence. People in Japan are known for their high level of discipline, and they also maintain a high level of silence wherever they go.

Accommodation and food – more info per day below

December 8 (Day0) –
Blackbird at Nielson Tower

My best friend and I went to Makati to enjoy my post-birthday celebration. Due to traffic, I was unable to watch the Willy Wonka movie with him as planned; nonetheless, I had a wonderful time dining at Blackbird, and during the day in Makati, I had a wonderful time eating delicious food.

I booked a 1 night stay in DG Budget Hotel Salem near NAIA Terminal 4 (domestic airport). At a cost of PHP2,100, I upgraded my room so I will have a private toilet. It is unfortunate that I did not book it using the app because it is more affordable with that platform. On the other hand, my accommodation was satisfactory, and I was able to have a restful night’s sleep in preparation for my early trip the following day.

December 9 Saturday (Day1)
Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1

To make my 10:00 a.m. flight, I got there at about 5:00 a.m. Having settled my Philippine travel tax, I proceeded to PAL for my check-in. My morning started with a Starbucks run once I checked in and cleared immigration. Our departure for Japan is scheduled for around 10:00am.

We arrived at Haneda Airport Terminal 3 at about 2:30 in the afternoon, went through Customs and Immigration, and then opted to have lunch at the Haneda Airport Garden on the second level. Once you pass through Immigration, you’ll see signs directing you to the right place.

Lunch Place – Misokatsu Yabaton
More info here
Price – 1,500-2500 Yen per person/set
English Menu – yes
Cash/Credit Card accepted

Upon reaching Haneda Airport, the air was so still that it was as if we had stepped into a library. At Yabaton, we enjoyed our lunch, it is well-known restaurant in Nagoya. The red soybean sauce and fried pork were a delicious combination. The red soybean, which gives this pork cutlet its fame, was first produced in Nagoya. It was delicious! When I return to Tokyo, I want to eat at more tonkatsu joints. We used their machine to pay once we finished eating.

Accommodation

Komatsu Ryokan – More info here
Amount – PHP 6,531.31 for 2 nights stay

Traditional Japanese inns, or ryokans, often have tatami-matted rooms, shared bathrooms, and common areas where guests might wear nemaki and strike up conversations with the proprietor. The location’s proximity to major train stations, including as Ueno, Asakusa, and Akihabara, made it an ideal choice for me. I had a wonderful day here with my coworker Anna. There are shared restrooms, but I’m perfectly happy with that. Even though, there are no elevators, the owner helped us to carry our luggages. I get to savour the experience tatami-style, and there are only five rooms available. I will go back here when I return. I highly recommend this place.

We were supposed to visit a Christmas Night Market but we were so tired carrying our luggages! We decided to just explore the place and eat somewhere near.

Dinner Place – Ichiran Ramen
Cash Payment Only
1,500-2500 Yen
English Menu – Yes, you are required to place your order using a machine or a point-of-sale system, and then write down your preferred noodles, soup, or spicy sauce.
Place – Ueno
More info here

This ramen place is famous all over Japan, and we had to wait in line for an hour just to try it. We walked to the Ueno branch since it was conveniently located near our apartment and since, unlike some Tokyo shops, this one stayed open until six in the morning. It was well worth it because the broth was rich and full of flavour. As far as ramen goes, this is the finest I’ve ever had. Being a solo diner concept of this restaurant enhanced this attractiveness even more.

December 10 (Sunday) Day 2

Itinerary
1. Ueno Park – free
2. Asakusa Rickshaw – 15k Yen for 1 hour 2 people
3. Akihabara – Premium Maid Cafe
4. Odaiba – Team Lab at 6:00pm
5. Roppongi Hills – illuminated Tokyo Tower + Christmas Illumination
6. Dinner at Nikojiru Gyoza in Asakusa

This day was jam-packed with incredible activities! Exploring Tokyo and experiencing new things was an absolute blast!

Ueno Park – close enough to stroll to from our ryokan. I was astounded to see the park’s winter maple leaves in full bloom when we visited early in the morning; the park as a whole left a lasting impression on me. A hint of fall was there! This phenomenon is known as koyo (leaf turning) in Japan. I was overjoyed; it was really stunning! This is the perfect way to start my day!

Asakusa – just a train ride away from Ueno station, we went directly to try the rickshaw in Asakusa. Around the start of the Meiji Restoration in 1868, rickshaws made their debut in Japan. Rickshaws are also called human powered vehicle. Because they were more efficient than the palanquins (and because human labour was far less expensive than horse labour), they quickly gained popularity as a means of transportation. Riding the rickshaw through Asakusa was like stepping into another era; we stopped at all the best spots and had a great time.

Snack – Imo Pipi A warm baked sweet potato topped with vanilla ice cream, exquisite honey butter, or creme brulee custard cream is available at Imo Pippi. The 750 yen dessert I got was sweet potato topped with crème brule. At this establishment, only cash can be paid. Getting your ticket or paying for your order at one store and then queuing up to redeem it at another is as simple as pie. The stores are conveniently located near one other. Because it is considered rude to eat while walking in Japan, we were required to eat this sweet potato close to the site, but I really enjoyed it.

Akihabara –Premium Maid Cafe
10k – 15k Yen inclusive of unlimited drinks and omelet food good for 2pax

We travelled to Akihabara via rail from Asakusa. Akihabara is well-known for its otaku culture and electronic retailers in Tokyo. I was pleased to see the Sega (now GiGo) arcade. They also have Gachapon (which I tried in Osaka). I was very excited to visit the Maid Cafe. Maid cafés are a type of cosplay-themed cafe where the employees (mainly women) dress up as maids and serve customers. It was strange at first, but I soon saw it was just part of Tokyo culture. It’s entertaining to experiment every now and again. We had planned to try @home cafe, but it was completely booked. So, we tried the Premium Maid Cafe, where the maid would entertain you, take photos with you, and prepare food for you.

History of Maid Cafe –

After the 1980s economic boom, Japan’s economy crashed in the 1990s. This altered people’s intimacy. This may have given many more relational flexibility, but it also isolated others. Anime and gaming aficionados, known as otaku, were most isolated at this time. Because of this, maid cafés were created to let people to socialise safely! Additionally, it lets customers fantasise about being maid buddies.

Odaiba
Team Lab Planets – 3,800Yen
For more info here I purchased in advance. Once you are there, they only let you queue 30 minutes prior the scheduled timing of your choice. You can also opt to purchase onsite.

Accommodation – Hilton Tokyo Bay in Chiba
PHP43,000 for 4D3N Dec11-14

My stay at the Hilton Tokyo Bay, just near Disneyland, was an absolute treat. The room was spacious and beautifully appointed with plush beds, a bathtub, and soft carpeted floors you could lounge on. Breakfast was decent, and the hallway ice maker was a nice touch for keeping drinks cold. What surprised me most was that virtually every bathroom in Japan has a bathtub — a lovely reflection of Japanese bathing culture. Overall, a gorgeous stay with world-class comfort!

This is also the location where the Hire Ready Summit took place. It was an amazing experience!

December 11-13 – Hire Ready Summit & Ce La Vi Tokyo

My employer sent me to Japan so I could participate in a recruiting conference. It was a delight to reconnect with everyone I’ve worked with in the past. I had a great time and learned a lot of interesting individuals; I hope this happens again soon!

On the last day of the conference, I had the opportunity to explore and celebrate at Ce La Vi in Tokyo. They had a roof top bar, but we stayed inside because it was extremely chilly outside. Regardless, I had a terrific time! The pictures below was outside oceanview at Hilton tokyo Bay and the rest was outside Ce La Vi after party.

Located on an artificial island in Tokyo Bay, the bustling shopping and entertainment centre of Odaiba is about 30 minutes by train from Akihabara. During the late Edo Period (1603–1868), in reaction to Commodore Perry’s gunboat diplomacy and in anticipation of potential maritime attacks on Tokyo, a group of miniature artificial islands called daiba (meaning “fort”) was constructed.

We visited Odaiba’s international art collective Team Lab Planets. It is a genre-challenging digital art exhibit from Japan. Seven multi-sensory, full-body immersive art displays at teamLab Planets mix touch, sight, music, and forward-thinking creation for a unique experience. Planets totally redefines a museum or gallery. You must do this in Tokyo. You can walk through water and become one with the blooms in this museum and garden. TeamLab designed 4 major artwork spaces and 2 gardens.

It was an alright experience, very different from museums I’ve gone to, even though some parts made me feel lightheaded as we walked barefoot through the various areas.

Roponggi Hills Christmas Illumination
Free

A bus ride away from Odaiba, we headed over to our last stop in Roponggi Hills. We saw the Christmas Illumination and the Tokyo Tower at the center of it. It was so cool I felt Christmas already in Roponggi Hills.

Dinner – NIKUJIRU GYOZA NO DANDADAN HIGASHIUENO
1500-2000Yen

Finding restaurants in Tokyo that stay open past 9 o’clock at night proved to be quite a challenge. To see Nikujiru is a pleasure for us. I will definitely go back for more of the tasty gyoza and the kind service. We enjoyed one of the nicest dinners in Tokyo at this restaurant, and I can’t speak highly enough of the enormous portions.

December 11 (Monday) Day 3

Itinerary

1. Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue

The neon-lit skyscrapers, diverse cultures, and trailblazing individuals that make up Shibuya’s iconic crossing have served as the setting for innumerable films and TV shows shot in Japan and around the world. Just outside Shibuya Station, at the vast scramble crossroads, you can feel the energy of Tokyo: flowing in every direction. On a continual basis, hordes of people are crossing the street to travel in different directions. As they attempt to cross, they all collide in the centre, creating a chaotic scene as they bump, sidestep, and swerve around one another. To be honest, it was fun to see once, it’s iconic but it’s just crossing for me haha!

Hachiko Statue

The Hachiko memorial in Shibuya pays tribute to the devoted Akita dog that continued to wait at Shibuya Station daily for his master following his passing. It has grown into one of Tokyo’s most famous gathering spots.

Snack – Canele De Chianti amount 800-1k yen cash or credit card accepted

Canele, a traditional French pastry, are the specialty of this patisserie, which presents them like a piece of jewelry on display at their counter. A classic canele is always a safe bet. Matcha, coconut, honey-lemon cheese, salted caramel, and a few more flavors are available. Our drink package came with a mug of coffee and some whipped milk, perfect for dunking pastries. I love their canele and coffee!

December 14 (Thursday) Day 6
Tokyo Disney Land
Amount via Klook – 3,429.9PHP

On our final day, we had breakfast before checking out to visit Tokyo’s Disney Land. I learned that Thursday through Sunday are peak tourist days in Japan, so if you want to escape the crowds, it’s best to visit during the week, like Monday through Wednesday, however it was still a fantastic experience. In any case, waiting in line for refreshments and rides was still fun for me. The churros, which are only available during the Christmas season, broke while I was walking, which was a shame because I waited 30 minutes to enjoy them for 500 yen (with beverages). Additionally, we also purchased popcorn that had a pepper flavor and tried Japanese Curry for our lunch and snack. Since it is now the holiday season, I also had the opportunity to witness the parades at night, which had a distinct theme. Meeting Daisy Duck and enjoying the rides were also a lot of fun. The fact that everyone is so meticulous about not making a mess is the thing I like most about Tokyo: the people are so organised.

My number one goal for my next trip to Disney Land in Tokyo is to purchase a Disney Express Pass and go during the week. Although the castle’s fireworks display was less impressive than the ones I’ve seen on social media, being in Disney Land was still a wonderful experience.

Accommodation – We rented a place in Airbnb in Taito City near Asakusa
Price – ₱8,500.15 PHP for group of 3 people. More here

The apartment we stayed was perfect; it was cute, little, and clean. Convenience store like Lawson is conveniently located just next to the building where we slept. Getting there is a breeze with Uber, and you can even stroll to Asakusa station. Also, the elevator makes it easy for us to transport our bags. We had a wonderful stay and would definitely suggest this property to anyone visiting Tokyo, despite its somewhat modest size for three people.

December 15 (Friday) Day 7
Mt. Fuji and Hakone Tour
4,893 PHP

Although I was looking forward to seeing Mount Fuji, the overcast weather when we arrived at our meeting spot in Shinjuku dampened my enthusiasm. Despite not being able to participate in the activities listed on Klook, we were only reimbursed 1,200 PHP for two people, and it was disappointing that the weather prevented several events from taking place like ropeway, Lake Kawaguchi and pirate ship. The only thing we did was went to the Gotemba shopping outlet! This organizer is a complete and utter rip-off; I will never use their services again.

I will go back to hike Mt. Fuji this summer!

Dinner at Shinjuku – Gyukatsu Motomura
2000 – 2500 Yen and has only 1 menu with different serving sizes
Accepts Cash Only
More info here

The fact that it is located in the basement made it difficult to find in Shinjuku. I enjoyed my time here. The beef cutlet was served medium rare; to enhance the flavor, it is broiled over a stone plate with a drizzle of wasabi and soy sauce. The beef was so tender and tasty that it practically melted in your mouth. It is so worth it; words fail me to capture the sensation. In addition, I want to express my gratitude to the man who helped me locate this spot; he stayed with me the whole time till I did (how very Japanese of him! lol). This is the best beef cutlet I ever tasted and will come back for more!

Hoschino Coffee 1500-2000 Yen-went over to Hoschino Coffee, just a short distance away from Gyukatsu, to sample their hand drip coffee and souffle. I will definitely return to this original coffee chain because everything was excellent.

Did some shopping and went back home to rest and met up with my colleagues again.

December 16 (Saturday) Day8
Bound for Kansai Region – Osaka, Kyoto, Nara

Shinkansen (bullet train) ticket – A one-way ticket to Osaka cost 5990 PHP, which I bought through Klook. Thank goodness Carlo, my coworker, and I got to Ueno station early because it’s close to where we were staying. However, we quickly learned that Tokyo was actually our major entry station, so we had to make a mad dash to catch our Shinkansen from Tokyo station. It is better to just purchase in train stations where you are most conveniently located so you won’t be pressed for time and it’s much cheaper.

Important Note in Osaka – You may use your Pasmo here, and if you only want to use the public transportation, it’s preferable to buy an Osaka pass. However, if you want to do sight seeing to museums, you can purchase Osaka Amazing Pass—I bought the latter and ended up not being able to enter some of the city’s major attractions. Osaka Amazing Pass (OA Pass) was a bit expensive and can only be used consecutively.

Osaka – Dotonbori

Dotonbori, Osaka’s bustling entertainment district, is the city’s most popular tourist spot thanks to its abundance of restaurants and bars, ostentatious neon signs, and flashy lighting.
I really love Osaka, it’s fun and most establishments are open even late at night.

Kukuru Takoyaki -Snack
1500Yen

This is arguably the best takoyaki I have ever tasted in my entire life, and Osaka is the city that is credited with being the birthplace of takoyaki. It had a lot of flavor and was loaded with octopus!

Ajinoya Okonomiyaki
2000Yen-4000Yen

You may find Ajinoya, a Bib Gourmand okonomiyaki expert, near the Dotombori Arcade. Just to try the okonomiyaki and yakisoba, we had to wait in line for an hour. Osaka is a foodie’s paradise; there, I enjoyed the world’s best food. This is the most incredible dining experience I have ever had! If you are dining with a group, please be aware that each individual must order a separate meal.

Accommodation – Hotel The One Shin-imamiya
Amount – JPY 22,016 for 4D3N stay

The hotel’s proximity to train terminals is a major selling point, particularly for those taking the Namba line to Dotonbori. The complimentary toiletries and vendo machines made our stay here quite enjoyable. Their personnel was so kind and helpful that they even allowed us use their umbrellas (it was raining when we arrived), which was a great touch. This is an excellent choice for anyone staying in Osaka; I will definitely be returning. More in this link

December 17 (Sunday) Day 9
Kyoto

Itinerary
1. Arashimaya
2. Gion
3. Ninenzaka – Starbucks
4. Kiyomizu-dera
5. Fushimi Inari Shrine

The capital and official residence of the Japanese emperor from 794 until 1868 was Kyoto. It is now thought of as the historic capital. Kyoto is so historically significant; seeing the city was like stepping into another time and place, and the locals are so kind and inviting. Upon my return, I must extend my stay here. Both Nineizaka and Fushimi Inari Shrine were crowded to capacity when we visited. Kyoto was nonetheless a fantastic experience for me.

It took 1.5 hours to reach Kyoto from Osaka by train. We nearly walked thirty thousand steps today due to the packed schedule we had for our trip to Kyoto, the distances between attractions being particularly great.

Arashimaya

Arashiyama is where you may find the Togetsukyo Bridge and the bamboo grove, two of the most famous landmarks in Japan. Many of the area’s temples, ancient imperial mansions, and other well-known historical buildings are either National Treasures or World Heritage buildings, adding to their allure. As a whole, the area is a Place of Scenic Beauty according to the Japanese government.

As I walked down the bridge and into the bamboo grove, I had a profound sense of relaxation. Visiting it while in Kyoto is an absolute must. Also, close to the Hozugawa River is where you’ll find the Sagano Scenic Railway. As the train passes through the station in March and April, pink cherry blossom branches flutter in the wind. The path is bordered with vibrantly colored autumn leaves in the months of November and December. I will come back again just to experience this!

Snack at Cafe De Emu
500 yen

I tried Traditional Japanese rice dumplings covered in a sweet soy glaze which are called mitarashi dango. No matter the season, you may enjoy these dumplings impaled on a bamboo stick. I also tried their matcha ice cream.

Gion

We went to Gion, the area noted for its geishas, to have a look around. On my next visit, I would love to see Gion at night and have the opportunity to speak with a geisha, even if I didn’t see any during my first visit. The famed 10-yen coin was also on my menu, and while it was crunchy and gooey, it didn’t really do much for me.

Ninenzaka and Kiyomizu-dera

Ichinenzaka, Ninenzaka, and Sannenzaka are three ancient towns with prosperous cobblestone streets. Along these winding alleyways, you can find various souvenir shops as well as ancient buildings typical of Kyoto in the Japanese style. These winding alleyways, which converge on Kiyomizu Temple, are a famous tourist route because of the nearby Kodaiji Temple and Yasaka Shrine. Even Ninenzaka’s Starbucks is housed in a restored sukiya-style building that’s more than a century old.

I will definitely be back here!

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Just 30 minutes away from Ninenzaka lies Fushimi Inari Shrine.

It is known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that line trails behind its principal structures. The trails lead into Mount Inari’s 233-meter woodland, part of the temple grounds.

Fushimi Inari is the most important of thousands of temples to Inari, the Shinto rice god. Many shrine monuments depict foxes as Inari’s messengers.

Izakaya Night in Osaka

After a long day, we headed over again to Dotonbori to try the izakaya night. People gather there to relax with friends and coworkers. Beer, whiskey, sake, and a large selection of Japanese and non-Japanese dishes are available at an izakaya, which is more akin to a gastropub or tapas bar than a simple bar. It’s a definite must try in Japan! They have delicious draft beer!

December 18 (Monday) Day 10
Universal Studios Japan
￥8,600/Person

Note: If you want to buy an Express Pass, you have to buy an entrance ticket first. For me, you don’t need the Express Pass during weekdays

Not only is it one of the most popular theme parks in the world, but it is also the best one I have ever been to. Participating in the parades was a blast. The roller coaster, Hollywood Dream—The Ride, was my favorite of all the rides.

I appreciate how well-organized USJ is; for example, they offer eateries both within and outside the theme park. For the duration of my journey to the USJ, I spent 2,500 yen on a Boo the Ghost headband.

Among their 3D attractions are Spider-Man, Sadako, and Harry Potter rides. It is important to remember that in order to access Nintendo World, you must first download the USJ app and then register after you have your entrance ticket. Following registration, you will be given the option to select an entrance pass timing. The only one left for us was 7:50pm, and we were disappointed not to have time to check out the rides before entering because they were already shutting.

The Hollywood Dream, though, was a blast. We listened to the song you wanted as we rode this roller coaster; USJ is the best! The scene in Jaws where we saw a large, lifelike shark was also one of my favorites.

December 19 (Tuesday) Day 11
Nara

In Nara Park, you can see the world-famous gentle deer roaming freely, and in the nearby Todaiji Temple, you can see the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world.

The Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara, the Buddhist Monuments in the Horyuji Area, and the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range are the three World Heritage sites that this ancient city is home to.

I love Nara and would love to stay longer here just to get a glimpse of the history of Japan. I also love the fact that I got to feed the deer, which are considered the messengers of the Gods, they also cut their antlers. They have grown to represent the city and are now officially recognized as a natural asset. You can buy deer crackers for 200 yen all across the park, and some of the deer have gotten the hang of bowing to humans when they want food.

Nakatanidou

It is a short 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station. By fusing the chewiness of mochi with the sweetness of red bean paste, Nakatanidou creates yomogi mochi. Our arrival coincided with the mochi-making process, they pound it and create such a theatrical show which was a positive turn of events. It is really delightful!

By 2:30 in the afternoon, we had bid farewell to Osaka and were on our way to our final stop in Yokohama via Shinkansen.

Yokohama Station

There was a hiccup on our way to our accommodation because the train station had a problem that they suspended operation.

Accommodation – APA Hotel & Resort Yokohama Bay Tower
Amount – JPY 8,262 for 2D1N

This 4-star hotel was fantastic; hotels in Japan are quite small. But, what I like about this hotel was it was conveniently located near Yokohama’s train terminals and Minato Mirai and it was also within walking distance to the Gundam Museum. In addition, you also have the option to self-check out (you just need to drop your keycard to the self check our box). However, upon check-in the staffs did nothing to assist us with our bags, which is the sole negative aspect of this hotel.

We went for a late-night stroll but ended up at McDonald’s because no stores were open when we got there (around 10:00 p.m.). haha

December 20 (Wednesday) Day12
Yokohama

South of Tokyo is the Japanese city of Yokohama, which, in 1859, became one of the country’s first ports to welcome foreign trade. This is the second largest city in Japan, next to Tokyo. There is a sizable Chinatown there, complete with a plethora of Chinese restaurants and stores. In addition to the 296-meter Landmark Tower in the waterfront Minato Mirai neighborhood, the botanical park Sankei-en Garden houses conserved Japanese dwellings from various centuries. I will go back here to explore more of Yokohama.

Gundam Museum
Entrance – 1,650 yen
Gundam deck tower – 3,300 yen

My experience to the Gundam Factory and the museum left a lasting impression on me. In addition to that, it was moving every hour, and I couldn’t be happier to watch this enormous robot. It is Yokohama that has me in awe.

We headed to the Haneda airport right after (we booked an Uber), I ate sushi in Haneda airport which I did not like and was able to land in Manila around 7:30pm. My flight was not delayed.

I’m very grateful to have traveled in Japan. I had so many memories of 20k steps, suitcase hauling in train stations, izakaya nights, trying new things, and queuing for hour to taste delicious meals. Can’t wait for more insane adventures like this. I am looking forward to climbing Mount Fuji this coming summer. I am so excited to go back there and relieve the experience all over again! Arigato Gozaimasu! :p

Love,
Maria, sometimes, Niskie