Japan, Jafun

AROUND SHINJUKU. With the writer (right) are (from left) Dr. Jasmine Tequillo, Dr. Fara Tequillo, Dr. Bimbo Tequillo, Dr. Sheila Tequillo and Stefano Tequillo. (Photo by Katrina Avila)
AROUND SHINJUKU. With the writer (right) are (from left) Dr. Jasmine Tequillo, Dr. Fara Tequillo, Dr. Bimbo Tequillo, Dr. Sheila Tequillo and Stefano Tequillo. (Photo by Katrina Avila)

WHEN the band U2 announced they were having a concert in Asia, of course Japan immediately came to mind.

It would be my third time in Tokyo, but every time I visit, I always find something exciting to do.

I flew to Japan with my sister and her husband with no itinerary in mind. We called it a stress free vacation, literally. The neighborhood of Nippori or Nishi-Nippori is a favorite of mine since there’s a Narita Express that stops at the Nippori station. Aside from that, shops, grocery stores, small restaurants and coffee shops are found in the area, and mind you, their prices are very affordable. The JR Yamanote line goes clockwise and counterclockwise along the Nippori station. While much of Tokyo is ultra modern and bustling, this part of the city feels more old school and down to earth.

On our first night strolling around Shinjuku, we instantly knew it was a good idea once we eyed a Don Quijote store. One must never leave Japan without going to Don Quijote, the store is literally a shopper’s paradise. A discount chain store where you can buy anything from groceries to electronics, clothing and cosmetics, to name a few items, it is a must visit. Since we didn’t have a planned itinerary, every night we spent at a different Don Quijote store around Tokyo.

The main goal of the trip was to watch U2 perform, this we did on our second night. It was truly a tear-jerking, goosebump-moment seeing and hearing one of the world’s best bands perform live. Physically seeing lead singer Bono was truly one for the books.

On our third day, my sister booked a private car through the Klook app to take us to Mt. Fuji via the Lake Kawaguchi route. Naturally, everyone in the car was “U2 hungover”, so the two-hour drive from Tokyo gave us the opportunity to sleep. However, since I had never seen Mt. Fuji, I was too excited to do so. Upon seeing it outside the car window, it was a jaw-dropping moment. To see it with my own eyes, how God created such magnificent beauty was an out of body experience for me. Called Fuji-san, Mt. Fuji is an active volcano about 100 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. It is the country’s tallest peak. On June 22, 2013, Mt. Fuji was added to the Unesco world heritage site list as a cultural site because it has inspired a lot of artists and poets. I don’t know if it’s truth or myth, but some say if you see Mt. Fuji, then you will be blessed. Indeed we were blessed to see the symbol of Japan.

After Mt. Fuji, we had a few hours to spare, so we spent the afternoon at Gotemba Premium Outlets. Near Mt. Fuji, it boasts of 210 outlet stores. It is one of the largest outlet stores in Japan. If shopping is not your thing, then just have coffee in the area with a magnificent view of Mt. Fuji in the background. There are a lot of restaurants like Shake Shack in Gotemba if you’re more into food than shopping.

Heaven on earth

On our last day, we decided to visit Tsukiji Fish Market. While my third time to visit, I’m still blown away with all its offerings. Lobsters for breakfast anyone? Literally every guidebook in Tokyo will tell you to visit this market and until now, it’s still a foodies’ heaven on earth. Walking along the market you will see lobsters, abalone, snow crabs being steamed or grilled, chestnuts being roasted, fresh strawberries and other delicious offerings. I for one cannot resist having to eat fresh sushi and sashimi here. Like Barcelona’s La Boqueria or London’s Borough Market, Tsukiji is most definitely unique in a Japanese cuisine kind-of-way. More exotic in terms of fresh produce, you won’t find similar items in both European markets. Mind you, I love both La Boqueria and Borough markets, but I just can’t seem to help but compare. While both are similar in the sense that they both have cheeses and charcuteries to offer, they are very unlike the distinctive finds at Tsukiji. The seafood is just phenomenal, and there is always that Japanese way of preparing food, with love and tradition, that has been passed on from generation to generation.

Indeed it was really fun in Jafun!

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