Breath-taking landscapes, artistically trimmed trees, spotlessly-clean streets, well-organized systems, courteous and helpful people, healthy and delectable cuisine... what’s there not to love about Japan? Oh yes, there’s one minus factor—Japan is one of the most expensive places in the world. However, it definitely is a country to visit. The redeeming factor I can think of is that going to Japan has become more affordable these days with the coming in of low-cost airlines.
First on my mind is AirAsia, the no-frills airline which recently commenced flights to Narita from Mactan. My travel friends and I were privileged to be onboard for the inaugural flight early this month. As is traditional, there was a water canon salute on the runway shortly before take-off. AirAsia offers low fares and the invariable basics in air travel. Meals, drinks and snacks are available for sale onboard at reasonable prices, and service is excellent. AirAsia’s senior sales executive Larry Luna proudly shares that AirAsia has been voted as the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for the 14th consecutive year. Flight to Narita was less than five hours and since Japan time is an hour ahead, it was early evening when we arrived, just in time for a healthy Japanese dinner. I’ve been to Tokyo several times before but this time around I decided to be more “eagle-eyed” because the place has been getting rave reviews from all over and I thought it was time to see it with “new eyes.”
The next two days were a flurry of activities in and around the city. Tokyo’s hot spots were not to be missed. The Sky Tree, a broadcasting and observation tower standing all of 634 meters was one of them. It is the tallest tower in the world and the third tallest structure after Merdeka118 in Malaysia (#2) and Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the record holder. Among the attractions there are the Sumida Aquarium, Pokémon Center, cafes, restaurants and shopping areas.
Definitely in our list was the Asakusa Temple (also known as Sensoji), the oldest religious building in the city. The entire complex is made up of the main temple building dedicated to Kannon Bosatsu (Goddess of Compassion and Mercy), the five-storey pagoda, the shopping street Nakimise and two famous gates—the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) with its distinctive giant red chochin lantern, and the Hozomon Gate, the two-storey inner gate infront of the temple. I’ve visited the place in past trips but now it seems more lively and crowded. Not surprising since it has an estimated 20 million or so visitors every year.
A “must-experience” in Tokyo is going with the huge crowd at the Shibuya Crossing. Touted as the busiest intersection in the world, it is where droves of pedestrians scramble to cross the street at all hours. Quite a sight like herds of animals on their way to somewhere! (Pardon the animal comparison.) In one corner of the area is the statue of Hachiko, a Japanese Akita dog known for his loyalty to his master so much so that even after his master died the dog continued (for nine years) to wait for him at their appointed place in Shibuya.
For a dose of local color, we spent time at the Tsukiji Seafood Market where all kinds of seafood goodies were on display. We took in the sight and the smell of raw, cooked, grilled, dried, pickled and smoked Japanese favorites and even tasted some. Later in the day, we strolled around the famed Ginza district to feel its pulse and for a bit of shopping.
Japan’s most famous destination is the iconic Mount Fuji, an active volcano (last recorded eruption was 1707) and the country’s tallest peak at 3,776 meters. Our tour guide brought us to Lake Kawaguchico, one of the five Fuji lakes for a vantage look at the celebrated mountain. We took a boat ride around the lovely lake and found the scenery postcard-pretty. What a feast for the eyes! Shimmering waters against a backdrop of white clouds delicately sitting on the majestic crater of Mt. Fuji!
For most women a trip is never complete without shopping time. Gotemba Premium Outlets answered this need. As in all Japan establishments, the place was impeccably setup with the shoppers’ comfort and convenience in mind. Luckily, many stores were having bargain sales so we were able to shop—yes, shop in one of the most expensive places in the world!
Till next time, domo arigato, Japan.