THERE are just days when traffic is extreme. Knowing you’ll be stuck on the road for hours, you can’t help but check your phone once in awhile. And that’s how I got from a seat of a car to a flight to Japan right in the middle of traffic!
Yes, that’s exactly what I did, I booked a flight to Tokyo. Cost of the ticket was around P5,000 pesos round trip! Now that’s what I call a steal! As I was planning the trip, my siblings decided to join me. So last December, we all did a Tokyolo, meaning, let’s- have-fun-eat-whatever-go-wherever-the-wind-takes- us kind of trip, literally.
When we arrived at the “Land of the Rising Sun”, from Narita Airport we took the Narita Express to our main location, Nippori. Cost was around Y4,000 (P1660.32) per person, round trip. Whenever you book a hotel, always choose one near a train station. Since we got our tickets really cheap, we decided to stay in a good hotel chain. Rate at Hotel Mystays was around Y65,000 (P26980.66) for two persons, for five nights.
After checking in, we were famished. We headed nearby for a really big bowl of ramen for around Y500 (P207.76).
Done nourishing ourselves, we each bought a Suica Card, a prepaid, electronic money card used to purchase train fares and general goods in outlets like Family Mart, 7-Eleven, kiosks and vending machines. Cost for the card depends on usage, we started with a load of Y2,000 (P831.05) per person. The cards can be bought and are reloadable at any train station.
Once we gathered our bearings, our first stop was Akihabara. Known for its pop culture, it is also where one can buy discounted electronics, computer goods as well as rare anime items.
The next day, we went straight to Asakusa shrine. Visited by approximately 30 million people annually, it’s a busy sightseeing area around the Sensoji temple and Nakamise Dori, the oldest shopping street in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Trust me, this place is good for selfie and groupfie addicts. The area is also filled with food carts selling affordable and delicious items like cod fish buns for around Y30 (P12.45) per piece, and mochi filled with yam.
From the Asakusa area, we walked around and found that we were actually near the Sumida River, so we took the Sumida River cruise, around Y2,800 (P1162.24), per person, round trip. The cruise takes one around the city of Tokyo and lasts for around two hours. You see Tokyo from a different perspective and get to rest your feet for two hours to boot! The cruise starts from Asakusa Pier to Hama Rikyu Pier, to Odaiba Pier and back.
Up high
We then went to Tokyo Sky Tree, a broadcast, restaurant and observation tower. It became the tallest structure in Japan in 2010. Here’s a tip, especially in the winter season: make sure to go to the observation deck before 4 p.m. or sunset to see Mt. Fuji. Also, look for the International Guest section, so as to cut through the long line, but one pays a bit more, around Y3,000 (P1246.01) per person, to go up to the tembo deck.
On our third day, we went to visit the Tsukiji Fish Market. Considered the world’s largest and busiest market for more than 80 years, one must not leave Tokyo without visiting. Handling over 2,000 tons of marine products per day, it is where one can find all kinds of seafood. It was here that I tasted the freshest and biggest oysters, abalone and caviar by far. It is truly a different experience on its own, both culinarily and culturally. Don’t forget to try the conveyor belt sushi restaurants around the area. Cost per plate depends on what you order.
Having had our fill at Tsukiji, we went to Odaiba City, a popular shopping and entertainment district on a manmade island in Tokyo Bay. Famous for its larger-than-life sized Gundam Robot and Gundam Museum, Odaiba is a modern city connected by a rainbow bridge to the main island of Tokyo. At night, we visited the famous Tokyo Tower, a transmission tower known for its panoramic view of the city and its beautifully-lit exterior. To me, it was like the Eiffel tower and Golden Gate Bridge had a child, which was the Tokyo Tower.
Another must try in Tokyo, especially for me, is their steak. Never leave the city without eating Matsusaka beef, also known as black-haired wagyu. It is one of the most famous beef types in Japan, with a high fat to meat ratio. The beef literally melts in your mouth, and will also melt your wallet. Well, we only live once, so we decided to splurge. While the cost was a bit steep, it was worth it, around Y4,000 (P1659.64) per 150-200 grams.
For adults too
Day 4 we spent at Tokyo Disney Sea. Considered as the fourth most-visited theme park in the world, it has an overall nautical exploration theme to it. It is actually a more adult theme park, meaning faster and scarier rides. Yes, they serve beer as well. There are seven themed areas—Mediterranean Harbor, Mermaid Lagoon, American Waterfront, Lost River Delta, Port Discovery, Arabian Coast and Mysterious Island. Definitely a must-see, it is unique compared to most Disney parks. A ticket costs Y2,600 (P1078.10) per person, and yes, you can purchase online.
Day 5 of our trip was our “shopping day”. First stop was Shinjuku. A central ward of Tokyo known as the metropolis or second center, it also houses the busiest station in the world, the Shinjuku station. Here one will find Takashimaya Department store; Tokyu Hands, a one-stop shop selling products unique only to Japan; and Kinokuniya bookstore, the largest in Japan.
Another special ward in Japan is Shibuya, known as one of the fashion centers of Japan, particularly for young people. One of the best-known stories concerning Shibuya is the story of Hachiko, a dog who waited for his late master at Shibuya station every day from 1923 to 1935, eventually becoming a national celebrity because of his loyalty. A statue of Hachiko was built adjacent to the station, and the surrounding Hachiko square is now the most popular meeting point in the area. Shibuya is also famous for its scramble crossing, and is often times compared to New York City’s Times Square. Meiji Shrine is also located in Shibuya, a shinto shrine that is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shoken.
If you want to enjoy a touch of luxury, Ginza is the place for you. A world leading shopping district, one can find high-end luxury brands and restaurants here. Next is the Tokyo Imperial Palace, a primary residence of the Emperor of Japan and the Imperial Family, an abundant green area where you can stroll and relax and is near the Tokyo station. The station is a 101-year-old brick red station that reminds me of Grand Central Station in New York. It is a “station-city”, an important cultural property, the station building bustles with people and houses a train station, a hotel, an art gallery and more. Be careful, you can easily get lost here.
Must
Another must-see is the Tokyo National Museum. Located inside the Ueno Park, the museum is Japan’s best and largest museum. It is where one can find the largest collection of Japanese art, including Asian pottery, samurai swords, kimonos, 87 national treasure holdings and 610 important cultural property holdings. It preserves a large collection of art work and archeological objects of Asia, to name a few. We were very lucky to witness the museum’s special exhibition of The Great Terracotta Army of China’s first Emperor. The exhibit will run until Feb. 21. Ticket rate is around Y800 (P331.64) per person.
There is so much to see, eat and explore in Japan, sadly five days is not enough. Amongst all my travels I consider Tokyo to be my favorite. Why? Well, firstly it’s only a four-hour flight from Cebu, food is delicious, shopping for Japanese knick knacks is fun, and lastly, I love how courteous and respectful the Japanese people are. I will never get tired of visiting the Land of the Rising Sun.
Till my next adventure. Katrina Charmaine Avila