Our adventure began at Narita Airport. Stepping off the plane, we immediately felt the chill. The temperature hovered between 4â7 degrees Celsius, a sharp contrast to what we were used to. The first order of business was to pick up our pocket Wi-Fi, then head to Shinjuku via the Airport Limousine Bus. We already had bus tickets before the trip, so we just had to wait for our scheduled departure at 4 p.m. Our bus arrived on time as the sun began to set (yes, that early â at least for us).
We arrived at Kabukicho Tower a little past 5 p.m., then walked to our hotel, which was just a few minutes away. After settling in and resting for a bit, we headed back to the Kabukicho area for dinner. Our first meal in Japan was ramen. Wellâactually, we were looking for a gyukatsu place recommended by Google Maps, but for some reason, we couldnât find it. We were at the location Maps directed us to, but it simply wasnât there. So, we settled for a nearby ramen spot instead. đ Weâll get it next time!
After dinner, we headed back to our hotel and stopped by a nearby konbini to pick up breakfast, as we needed to be up early for our trip to Mt. Fuji. đ»
The second day was all about capturing the iconic views of Mt. Fuji. We booked an itinerary package through Klook, with the following stops:
- Lake Kawaguchi: The cold was biting, yet we couldn't resist trying the lavender ice cream.
- Chureito Pagoda: We trekked up to the pagoda, where we were rewarded with a stunning view of Mt. Fuji in full display.
- Oshino Hakkai: This charming village featured several ponds with an almost river-like flow. The locals sold food, and of course, we couldnât resist grabbing a bite.
- Lawson Store: Yes, the famous Lawson convenience store near Mt. Fuji. (Donât worry, we didnât block any Lawson customersâI swear! đ)
- Clock shop This spot was surprisingly quiet, with very few people around. It felt like it was just us tourists and the occasional traffic enforcer.
DisneySea was a highlight, challenging our stamina with a 27,000-step day! Using the Disney Resort app, we efficiently managed to queue for attractions and explore the shops. Despite spending the entire day there, we barely scratched the surface of this magical park. We got there by train from Shinjuku, with three transfers and paper tickets. It was actually a great way to learn more about how the Tokyo subway system works.
Shibuya's vibrant energy was our next stop. We went to Shibuya Sky for panoramic views of the city. However, it was very sunny like "I wished I had sunglasses, but I don't so I just squint to protect my eyes â sunny". Within the same building, we discovered a souvenir shop and enjoyed a teppan-yaki course meal, adding a unique touch to our day.
After soaking in the views, we headed down to take photos with the iconic Hachiko statueâa must-do in Shibuya. Next, we experienced the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, an exhilarating moment amidst a sea of people. Our exploration continued into Harajuku, where we indulged in some shopping. We wrapped up the day with a bowl of Ichiran ramen, savoring the rich flavors and the unique solitary dining experience this famous chain is known for.
We dove into the local shopping culture, visiting Don Quijote and Bic Camera. Here, we picked up souvenirs, charger adapters, and a hefty 4TB SSD, all enjoying the benefits of tax-free shopping. The organization of Tokyo was evident; from the clean streets to the polite locals, everything seemed to run like clockwork.
We had an early start, heading to Narita Airport for our late-morning flight back to the Philippines. With a private airport transfer, the journey from Shinjuku to the airport was smooth and hassle-free. We used our remaining time to grab some last-minute snacks and souvenirs from the airport shops. With our bags packed and hearts full of memories, we boarded our flight home.
Thoughts Â
Tokyoâand Japan as a wholeâis a place where nearly everything just makes sense. From the thoughtful design of konbini packaging to the pristine streets and the deep respect ingrained in daily interactions, these are the things weâll miss the most. Navigating the train system without IC cards added an element of adventure, giving us a newfound appreciation for the efficiency of Japanese public transport.
The sounds of Don Quijote and Bic Camera, paired with the distinct bird-like tones at traffic lights, are melodies that will stay with us. Even now, back home, we can still hear those Tokyo sounds and picture the seamless blend of tradition and modernity that defines Japan.
Until next time, Japan!