Last April 2017, I was privileged enough to visit one of the most beautiful and sought-after countries in the world! To be honest, I did not consider this trip to happen (at least for this year) since I had a lot of priorities in mind, but the Lord was graciously abundant and blessed us with this one-of-a-kind experience! So you know that we did not plan this ahead of time, but a bit implusive if you’d ask me.
My mom was been in contact with her friend who is based at Edogawa, Japan late last year and kept bugging her to come visit them and is offering her home as a place to stay. My mom was hesitant at first since she isn’t really a fan of going places and the thought of travelling is already luxurious to her but she asked me anyway if I wanted to come with her. Of course, HOW CAN I TURN DOWN AN OPPORTUNITY TO TRAVEL TO JAPAN!? After all, it’s one of my dream travels. So I agreed, although I didn’t have the financial resource to make it happen. I still committed to go with her.
So, fast forward to a couple of weeks left before we make our travel, we were granted Visitor’s VISA a week after our application, bought some stuff to bring (thermal clothes, travel bags etc.) then the unexpected happened, my mom’s friend backed out of the original plan to tour us and open her house for us to stay in while we’re there. She had a family emergency and needed to book a flight bound to PH on the day we will be at Japan. So magkasalisi kami. I know nobody wanted that to happen but I got lowkey upset since we got 2 weeks left and I don’t have any idea what to do in Japan since I’m confident na may magtotour samin and all so long story short, I had to research all the go-to places, transportation, and areas where we can rent an Airbnb home while we’re there. I was so stressed at work (kasi we have to finish a project we’re working on) then doing research at night after my shift to prepare all of these (para di kami mukhang ewan pagdating namin don).
Just as I thought, everything will be cancelled, I was able to do all preparations just in time for the trip. So we got a really cute Airbnb home located at Katsushika (it’s outside Central Tokyo because we found a lot of cheaper homes in this area, plus, it’s not crowded!), check ’em out below!
As soon as we arrived in Japan, the Airbnb host just gave us instructions on how to get to the place we’re going to stay (coming from the airport), and where to find the key to our room.
We never saw her personally but she was still very hands-on and always asked us if we need anything. We basically communicated through Airbnb.
You could tell they don’t have trust issues in Japan since all keys to each room are being kept in this mailbox.
Very instagrammable wall! The landlady knows her guest well! 😉
So as you can see, they only have futon beds. Personally chose this one since I wanted to feel the vibe of living in Japan.
Don’t underestimate these beds, they’re super comfy!! 😉
Very kawaii and “space-friendly” kitchen.
Sorry for the lost shoe in the photo.
That’s my spare shoe. I ‘ve just unpacked it from our luggage.
Don’t worry, it’s not dirty. I cleaned it up before packing it.
But yeah, shoes are basically left outside the house as a
sign of respect to the homeowner.
My fave part of the home! I lost it when I saw the cute stickers on the toilet seat. HAHAHA!
Airbnb Host was also kind enough to provide some of the not-so-basic shower stuff sitting on top of the toilet.
Can you see the Tea Tree Water (the one with spray)?
I swear by it, it’s the best thing ever! HAHAHA!
One of the best perks in our stay was we get to bring along the pocket WiFi anywhere we’d go! If you plan to travel to Japan, your best friend is the internet. I promise, it’s such a huge help!
So, after we were able to unpack our stuff and squeeze in a bit of rest from the travel, we ate our very first (early) dinner. Convenient stores save the day! We have Lawson and 711 nearby our place. It’s also my tip if you’re on a budget travel. 😉
Lookie! It’s that famous emoji! I’m up for a dessert anytime. LOL!
So right after eating, I checked my research and found a mall nearby and since we were still recuperating from our travel, we’ve decided to spend the day on the nearby places and finalize the itinerary for the upcoming days.
Sharing you some of my favorite pics from the places we’ve been in our first day.
If ever you get lost in finding routes, I would advice that you go to the officers who are in the train station (near the corner turnstile) and make sure to bring a map to where you’re going (as they are all not fluent in English), they would gladly help you out.
Finally, a train where you can have some peace and quiet! You can even read a book here!
Transportation is a major part of your travel and will take up a considerable part of your budget. Make sure to research on the travel route you are going (if you’re on a DIY) . Google has an estimated fare based on your source and destination.
Apparently, they’re also not a fan of cars, and prefer walking and taking the train.
Some modern homes shot in the neighborhood!
Nearby convenient store! Kapit lang, Bes. HAHAHAHAHA!
Again, not a fan of cars. I saw some people riding their bikes going to work and/or school.
Aaaand, who could ever forget to document the best part of the whole travel? FOOD! LOL.
Here are some of my collected snaps of what we tried to eat!
Of course! The staples! Sushi x Sashimi combo! Never gets old!
Ah! Pastries! The Strawberry Shortcake is to die for. Kkk! Just sayin’! 😉
Not a fan of melons. But this Melon Pan sure changes my point of view about them!
Joan, a friend of mine way back in UST, and my mom devouring a Beef Kalbi and Tako (Octopus? I’m not really sure. Hehehe!) at Ueno Park (will blog our tour spots on a separate post!)
First time to try Coco Ichibanya! They have the best curry I’ve tasted so far! There’s a restaurant in BGC (at Burgos Circle!) too!
Not your usual Japanese food, but this is our lunch when we went to Mount Fuji (will also blog on a separate post!)
And of course, a rule I impose on myself whenever travelling, to try at least one fastfood to know what’s not available in the PH menu! Hehehe!
So, that’s basically what I was able to document for my first ever Japan experience! Really hope I can go back to this country because, over-all, it’s clean, it’s peaceful, it’s (well, expensive, at some point BUT…) a country overflowing of culture, discipline and great people. I wouldn’t wonder why so many look up to this country! I’m a fan! 😛
Kissed by Fire 