Jess Roams Around: Jess Roams Around Japan

Japan Travel Guide and Sample Itinerary

The land of the rising sun. A land of our dreams, Japan! Last July 8, 2019, we finally landed at our dream place since we were young. Though you cannot blame us loving this beautiful country because we are 90s kids who watched Anime every after school.

One thing that you will love in Japan are the people. Japanese people are very polite and very helpful. Though some of them does not know how to speak in English but they understand a little bit of it and will try as much as possible to help and understand you. We usually asked locals on directions because even though we rented a pocket Wifi, we still got lost especially during our first day at Japan 😂. They have local, rapid, express, limited express trains which was a bit confusing at first but you'll get used to it.

It took us too long to visit this place and I know you got some ideas as to why. And yes, because it’s expensive but not that too expensive if you just know how to budget your travel. The other reason was that to ensure our visa will get approve. Not just showing bank cert to prove that you are able to sustain your travel but also to make sure that you have been to other countries and that means, showing stamps in your passport. That too "might" help expedite the approval of your visa.

Check out below documentation on our 10 days Japan trip. Hope you’ll enjoy reading as much as I do documenting this stunning place!

Guide Contents

Visa Processing
Transportation
Things Needed
Lockers
Places we Visited
Food trip
Accommodation
Sample Itinerary

Visa Processing

Most of us doesn’t want to visit countries who requires visa and I cannot blame you because I also felt that. Getting visa in Japan makes me nervous because it was a 50/50 chance to be approved. But getting all the requirements for Japan visa was not that a hassle. Just comply all the requirements and wait for a minimum of 5 to 10 working days for the result. But note that some may took 1 month for the result so be sure to apply at least 1 month before your trip. Below are the requirements we have complied. Note that there are additional requirements needed if with sponsor/guarantor or if you do not have ITR.

Valid Passport with at least 6 months validity
Birth Certificate from PSA
Bank Certificate issued within the last 3 months
ITR photocopy of your current income tax return
Japan Visa Form which will be provided by the agency or you can also download
Photo ID (Japan Visa size) Photo must be taken within 6 months
Daily Schedule in Japan. Form will be provided by the agency. I suggest to write it neatly. No need to be very specific just highlight the main ones.

We first booked in advance our visa for Japan which was a promo at Discovery Tour, Inc. Lucky there was a travel event at Ayala for 500 PHP only. It was a very smooth transaction with them. You can visit their page on Facebook so you can be notified when they have their visa promo.

Agency: Discovery Tour, Inc.
Office location: Door 203 A-1, 2^nd floor Northgate Centre. Don Manuel Gotianuy Complex Gov. Cuenco Ave., Banilad Cebu City
Tel No: 340 1882 / 340 1823 / 340 1825
VAT Reg.: TIN: 000-157-094-001

Transportation (Didn’t avail the JR Pass)

Kansai Thru Pass

I know getting a JR pass is ideal if you are transferring from a faraway place to another. The JR pass has a minimum usage of 7 consecutive days and is for Non-Japanese passport holder or non Japan residence. We didn’t avail the JR pass but instead, a Kansai Thru Pass for 2 days since the JR pass was a bit expensive. We booked our pass thru Klook and got it at EDION NAMBA Tourist Information Center which was just at Dotonbori. You can also choose the claiming location provided by Klook.

This ticket enables you to ride on subways, railways, and buses throughout the Kansai district with coverage expanding to Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, Nara. This pass can use on non-consecutive days during its period of validity. Note that other than the JR railway, you can use other railway using this pass.

Klook Book: PHP 1,848.00 for 2 days excluding the 1% Klook booking

Transfer from Narita Airport to Shinjuku station

Since we didn’t get a JR pass, we took the N’EX or the Narita Express train just at the airport which is valid for Non-Japanese passport holder. We chose the N’EX Tokyo round trip ticket since there will be a discount if you avail both tickets.

Price: JPY 4,000 round trip

The ticket shows the time when will our train go to Shinjuku and the number 10 shows what platform should we wait.

Transfer from Shinjuku Bus station to Osaka

We took a night bus from Willers and booked a ticket at their site in advance. It was cheaper than the Klook for this route and the bus was not crowded though there was no lounge area same as in the Klook. But I like this bus more since it was not crowded and no foul smelling.

Good side for the night bus, it’s a lot cheaper, plus you could save up for the accommodation. This is a good option if you want to travel on a budget. The con side for this though is it was a bit tiring. Sleeping at the bus while sitting makes it harder and uncomfortable. As for the time, I think there will be no issues since you will be picked up at 11 midnight and you will arrive in the morning.

Price: PHP 1,918.95 each

Transfer from Osaka to Tokyo Station

We booked our night bus ticket at Klook since the picture of the bus in the site was quite good and looks a bit comfy. But the bus was just the same with Willers and a bit of crowdy and noisy compared to Willers. The smell of the bus also was not good so sleeping makes it harder. The price of Klook and Willers bus are quite the same going this route and I am not sure why. The advantage in getting Klook though is their lounge area which you can relax while waiting. There was a ladies’ room which you can wash up or fix your hair or face. There was also a Japanese room which is a shared small room which you can stretch your feet and take a nap.

Price: PHP 2,636.95 each

Lockers

You can leave your things at your accommodation or if travelling consumes time or train costs more than the locker, then you can leave your things in this convenient secured container. There are a lot of lockers at Japan and the price depends on the size of the locker. You just need some coins and follow the instructions indicated in the machine.

We rented a locker inside the Shinjuku station and it costs more compare to Shinjuku bus station which is just few meters away. We really regretted renting inside the station since we thought that there are no other lockers in the area. If you are going to Shinjuku and wanted to rent a locker, I suggest you go to their bus station since its really cheap, costing JPY 300 for 2 hours and is already a big container which can squeeze 2 large luggage.

Cost: JPY 700 each

We also rented a locker at the Namba station since we didn't know that we can leave our things at our accommodation. But when we arrived at Tokyo, we didn't get locker since it was really expensive. But if you don't have enough time, lockers are very convenient.

Costs: JPY 500

Lockers at the Shinjuku bus station

Things needed

Wifi

Note that having an internet connection at Japan is a MUST especially for tourists unless, you know how to read Japanese characters or read announcements in the station. Google maps also helps you plan if you need to take a bus, train or how minutes’ walk that you need to go through to arrive at your desired destination. Their train was a bit confusing considering there are lot of railways so you need to look at the google maps on what line you should go if you are going to a specific place. There are also some railways that will change its platform location if you are not able to chase the current trip that was shown in google maps. Checking google maps also can help you forecast the total cost and duration of the trip.

Got our 4G WiFi (Japan Pick Up) for Japan and booked it ahead at Klook. We claimed the rented WIFI at the airport with 4G Speed and Data Limit of 7GB Data.

Total Price for 10 days: JPY 2,370 or PHP 1,185 excluding the 1% Klook booking

Suica Card

The Suica card is a rechargeable smart card, electronic money used as a fare card on train lines in Japan. But be very careful to plan out your trip to a specific destination or before tapping. Like for us, we rented for a locker to leave our luggage for a while inside the Shinjuku station. Upon claiming our bags, we tap so we can get inside again and when we got out, we got charged to refresh our Suica Card for JPY 140 since we cannot go out after entering their station.

Cost: 500 JPY

Places we Visited

Kansai Region

The central region of Japan that includes Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe. This is the second most populous region in Japan.

Osaka

Dotonbori

The main attraction in Osaka, Japan. Mouth watering food varieties, shopping, sight seeing, everything you are looking for are here. Their branded stores are quite cheaper than in PH, as in huge discounts! Like for example their GAP store, they were selling it for 300 PHP only but in PH, it was like 2k. Great savings if you buy it here.

We first visited Dotonbori after we arrived from Toyko. We got there at 7 AM and the streets were very silent. Shops were usually closed and will be open at 10 AM.

The famous Glico man of Osaka

Early morning view

Night view

Shinsakbashi - shopping mall

Parade at Dotonbori

Hozenji Temple

This place is just near Dotonbori. Many locals stopped by at this place to pay respect before they start their day.

Namba Yasaka Shrine

The place was bare that time and we are the only tourist that went there. It was just near Dotonbori so we paid visit to this beautiful shrine.

Universal Studios Japan

Who doesn’t love theme park? And USJ? Yes! Harry Potter world! Inner kid self will be unleashed once you got here. Not just kids would really enjoy the amazing rides but also kids at heart. And ofc, you can’t miss tasting the famous butterbeer!

Butterbeer – 650 JPY

Aside from the HP world, there are a lot of other attractions too. The Attack on Titan, Minions, Spiderman, One piece water battle, The Jurrasic park which you really can't miss and other kids friendly rides.

My favorite ride was the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and it was also the main attraction of USJ. It was inside the Hogwarts castle and before the ride took place, we passed by the talking paintings, the office of Dumbledore, the hanging plants or should I say, the Herbology classroom. During the ride, you will be immersed on the 3D effect wherein you will be like in a Quidditch game. No 3D glasses needed. There were also spiders and that includes Aragog as well. Dementors flocked everywhere and dragon spitting fire! Note that Harry was speaking Japanese in this ride 😁 The next crowd favorite was the Jurrasic water ride. Same as in USS, it was still an adventurous ride. Another must try famous ride as well, the Flying Dinosaur but it was so scary that I even can't scream during the ride. But it was worth a try! The round was just once so you will just be scared for about a minute. One of the highlight also was the One Piece water battle. I think it was their summer special and everyone during the show got wet.

Opens at 9 AM

Fare: JR rail using Suica card. 180 JPY one way
Klook Book: 3,895.00 PHP excluding the 1% Klook booking

One Piece inside USJ! This is one of the highlights of our visit there because we got really wet 😂

My first carousel ride 💓

Osaka castle

One of the most famous spots for Cherry Blossom viewing during spring here in Osaka. It is also the famous landmark of Osaka. This historical castle plays a very important role in Japan during the 16^th century. The museum was built inside after it was destroyed during the world war II and was restored on 1997. Inside the museum, you can find historical artifacts and a great view but we didn’t got a chance to visit the insides because of the limited time and because of the entrance fee ✌.

Entrance fee at the museum: 600 JPY

Shitennoji Temple

This temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan. Admission at the outer grounds is free but if you wanted to take a glimpse of the inner precinct, there is an entrance fee. Just 20 minutes ride from Shin-Imamiya to Tennoji station. Just a few steps of walk going to Shitennoji.

Entrance Fee: 400 JPY

Kyoto

When we went to Kyoto, we activated the Kansai thru pass by just inserting the card to their train machine. It was just like the tapping of Suica card but you just have to insert the Kansai thru pass card. From Osaka station, we took the Hankyu railways and upon arrival at Arashiyama station, we walked a few kilometers just beside the Mini Stop store to wait for the bus no 28. After that, we rode another bus to stop at the Arashiyama Bamboo forest. Just insert your Kansai Thru Pass and you are ready to go. You can really ask people around and I assure you, they will really help you or at times, they will be the one to ask you if you need help.

Arashiyama Bamboo grove

The stunning historic site of Kyoto. Walking at this bamboo forest makes you feel calm. The place was cool and refreshing. Lots of girls wearing kimonos and there are also men who wore traditional clothing. There was a Kimono rental shop just near this place so why not try to transform if you got enough time to dress up. There are also locals selling cute stuffs and artistic stuffs at this place.

I suggest that you go to this place early as this place is one of the most visited attraction in Kyoto and the place will get overcrowded after 8 AM. We woke up early as the travel will take you almost 1 and a half hours just to arrive at this place from Osaka.

Entrance fee: FREE

Kimono Forest

This place is just near the Bamboo grove and paying a visit won’t take much of your time. This place was not packed when we went there.

Entrance fee: FREE

At the end of the Kimono forest, you would see this store. Pay a visit and be amazed on the cute little things inside the shop

Golden Pavilion

I know this place was famous but we just went at this place after a friend recommended on the day we went here in Kyoto their itinerary after Arashiyama. The place was stunning, and the golden pavilion was quite unique since most of the pavilions are usually red. The place was packed with lot of tourists and no wonder why. There are charms that are for sale here and some of Japanese delicacies.

From Arashiyama, we rode a bus going to this place. Google maps will be your best mate to try to locate their bus stops and what bus to take. As for us, we waited just near the restaurant just a few distance from the exit of the bamboo grove.

Entrance fee: 200 JPY/100 PHP

Kamogawa River

The Anime feels river. We stopped by at this place as this was just near the Kyoto station. Many locals visited this place. Kids stopped by at this place after school just like in the Anime and there are people who fishes at this river. The cool breeze will surely take your breath away.

From Golden Pavilion, we got confused on what bus stop should we wait. Should it be at the other side or the other way around. The bus schedule was jumbled since there was a festival that time, so buses were rerouted. We were not that expert on reading the bus signs so it really took most of our time figuring out what bus should we take. Luckily, there was a kind enough old man who asked us where we are going since our faces were already confused and exhausted.

Entrance fee: FREE

Fushimi-Inari

One of the most visited places in Kyoto. The shrine sites the base of the mountain called Mt Inari which is 233 meters (764 ft) above sea level, and includes trails up the mountain to many smaller shrines which span 4 kilometers (2.5 mi) and take approximately 2 hours to walk up. Inari is the God of rice, but most people have traditionally worshiped Inari as the patron of business. Each torri at this place were donated by the Japanese business man.

We got up at the top and finished the smoothly paved stairs. It was honestly a bit tiring and took us 3 hours just to finish the climb. The view at the top shows a shrine.

Form Kyoto station, we headed to Fushimi-Inari station. You will easily spot the place due to its brightly colored orange torri. There were also locals selling good looking food at this place, but we went there at 5PM and most of the shops were already close.

Entrance fee: FREE

View at the top after 4 hours of trek

Entrance fee: FREE

Gion District

The Kyoto’s Geisha district. The place was filled with women wearing kimonos, shops, restaurants and tea houses. There are also shops that sells traditional candies! We went here after Nara park since I fell in the stairs during our Fushimi Inari visit. We were also been charged for a reserved seat from Nara to Gion so be extra careful reading their signage of the train. If there is a limited or reserved seat signage, do not ride unless you booked a ticket.

Entrance fee: FREE
Kyoto reserved seats: 510 JPY one way

It was raining that time so the picture was really blurry. We do it for the gram

The train we rode that costs us 510 JPY

Nishiki Market

Just nearby the station and there are a lot of shops here at this place but not that big same as in Dotonbori. It was weird since shops were usually closed when we went there at 6PM.

Nara

From Osaka station, we activated our 2-day Kansai thru pass. You can really save up a lot of money when you have a pass since their transports were expensive. Duration of the ride will take you 1 hour.

Nara park

The public park that was full of spotted deer. Upon arrival at this place, there were immediately herd of deer that greeted us. Deer here are sacred and you are not allowed to harm them. People feed these lovely animals with deer food which you can buy at the park. Be extra careful once they are already aggressive so I suggest to keep the deer food after you buy it because they can sense that there was still food left to chew. Maps, they also snatched maps and gnaw it. So please keep the maps away from the deer so they won’t be eating papers.

Entrance fee: FREE

I am also not sure why they don't attack people selling deer food 😂

Kanto Region

The largest island of Japan. The region includes the Greater Tokyo Area and encompasses seven prefectures: Gunma, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Saitama, Tokyo, Chiba, and Kanagawa. Kanto region is densely populated compared to Kansai Region.

Tokyo

Shibuya Crossing

The famous Shibuya crossing wherein lots of tourist took some of the most instagrammable photos. It is best to go here during lunch break wherein a large pack of people cross this street. But if you want to capture this view with less people, then morning is the best time to visit. You can also go to the nearby buildings to capture the view at the top. Some nearby establishments offer a place where you can capture a good photo but for a cost. For us, we went to the Magnet store at the top free viewing floor.

Hachiko

Have you watched the film Hachiko? And did you cry watching that movie? The hero and the most admired dog because of his loyalty. Many tourists and locals lined up to take a photo of Hachiko’s statue. This is located at the Shibuya and is just near the station and the Shibuya crossing area.

Yoyogi Park

Situated just near the Meiji shrine. The park was cozy and there were only a few people at the park when we went there. The park was so big and majority of the people at the park were exercising. We chilled at this park while waiting for my long-time friend.

We saw this just outside the park.

Takeshita Street

One of the most busiest street in Japan located in Harajuku. Vast of people flocked at this place because of the shopping centers and lots of restaurants at the place.

Meiji Shrine

The Shinto shrine is located in a forest that is visited by many as a recreation and relaxation area in the center of Tokyo. The original building was destroyed during World War II. The present shrine was funded through a public fund raising effort and completed in October 1958. - Wikipedia

On the eve of new year, Japanese usually visit a Shinto shrine to prepare for the worship - Hatsumōde (初詣) of the new year.

Entrance fee: FREE

Tokyo Imperial Palace

The Tokyo Imperial palace is the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. The large park is located at Chiyoda City.

While we were waiting for our bus going to Hitachi Seaside park and this palace is just near the Tokyo station, we decided to stop by at this place, but we didn’t get a chance to get inside as it was closed when we went there on July 16, 2019. Not sure what was the event on that day though.

Hitachi Seaside Park

Hitachi Seaside Park is a park located on the coast of Japan's largest island, Honshu, in the city of Hitachinaka, in the Ibaraki Prefecture.

I was so excited to have photographs with the Miharashi Hill with blue nemophilas. Excited to see all the beautiful flowers that blooms at this park. I was never a fan of flowers until I saw the beautiful scenery of this place on one of the blogs I read. Unfortunately, the park was closed on July 16, 2019 during our visit and I am not sure why. The google states that park is open but when we went there, it felt like zombie apocalypse state of place. We were the only people who strolled the outside gate of the place that time. No nearby people and no guards or someone we could ask why the park was closed. We waited at this park for 3 hours since our ticket going back at Tokyo was still 3:55 PM. After an hour of waiting, we saw a few tourists who stopped by and just walked away after seeing the park was closed. At 3 PM, we saw the gardeners of the place and ask them why the park was closed. I think she meant that it was a holiday. She continuously said “gomen” which means sorry and we forgot how to say “dai jobu desu” which means it’s OK in Japanese. She also helped us read the bus schedule and asked her if the bus stop station we were waiting that time was correct.

Bus Ride: 4,000 JPY Round trip

How we got here via bus:

From Ebisu (which was where we stayed), we took the JR Line going to Tokyo station. After arrival at the Tokyo station, look for the Yaseu South Entrance and you can easily see the lined-up buses outside.
Buy tickets at the right-side area facing the buses and you can see the JR Expressway Bus office. Buying of tickets are self service via machine. You can ask for help since there’s an assistance desk at this place if you are not sure what to press or what location to enter. For us, it really took us too long to choose on what place to go since it was a bit confusing but the assistance personnel noticed this and asked if she can help us. Line at the bus no. 8 and the bus leaves at exactly 10:30 AM so be sure not to be late as Japanese people are very punctual. It will took you 2 hours to arrive at the park.

Opening hours: 9:30 AM
Price via bus: 4000 JPY roundtrip

Pros:

For non-JR pass holder, bus would be a great choice for you. It’s a lot cheaper and you don’t have to transfer from train to bus or vice versa. The bus will stop at the bus stop of the park.

Cons:

The park opens at 9:30 AM and if you would take a bus, that means you will arrive earliest at 12:30 since the earliest bus going to Hitachi seaside park is at 10:30 AM and then departure going back to Tokyo will be at 3:55 PM. Spending 4,000 JPY for just 3 hours of strolling will be a waste.

Lake Kawaguchi

Lake Kawaguchi is located in the border of the towns of Fujikawaguchiko and Minobu in southern Yamanashi Prefecture near Mount Fuji, Japan. It is the second largest of the Fuji Five Lakes in terms of surface area and is located at the lowest elevation. Wikipedia

Lake Kawaguchi is one of the places to get a best view of the Mt Fuji. I was excited that day that I can finally see the majestic view of Mt Fuji. The snow cap of the Mt Fuji that I usually just see in the TV/postcards and now, I can finally see it personally but unfortunately again for us, Mt Fuji was so shy, but we got a chance to see the glimpse of this majestic mountain after the tour.

We booked at Klook in going to Lake Kawaguchi and it was a smooth tour. The tour guide was helpful and explains the places and directed things that we should take note. The time though is very limited and exploring the place in 1 day is not enough.

We went to many different places and even the weather that time cooperated. It was a sunny morning, but the wind was cold. It was a bright day just minus the Mt Fuiji view though, but it was still a beautiful trip. And will definitely go back over and over again.

You can also try the sticky rice making after. Eat the sticky rice with your group.

Klook Booking: 2,935.00 PHP

7:30am meet up at Tokyo Bunka Kaikan

7:40am depart from Tokyo Bunka Kaikan

8:15am meet up at VIP Lounge Shinjuku

8:30am depart from VIP Lounge Shinjuku

10:30am visit Arakurayama Sengen Park

11:55am visit Golden Shichifukujin in Lake Kawaguchi

12:50pm visit Kawaguchiko Craft Park and lunch time

2:05pm visit Oishi Park and walk through a Flowers Road

Arakurayama Sengen Park

Chureito Pagoda

Oishi Park and walk through a Flowers Road

Can you see the Mt Fuji? 😂

Kawaguchiko Craft Park

Lunch time. 900 JPY for each order

Healing Village

Ameyoko

Of course you can't miss to visit this busy market located at Ueno. There are various stores selling some souvenirs, shirts, latest fashion, cosmetics, bags, food and a lot more. This market closes early usually at 8 PM and opens at 10 AM. Lucky for us that we got to visit at this place though most of the stores were already closed at that time.

Food

When visiting Japan, you can't just miss trying their one of a kind ramen, sushi, takoyaki, okonomiyaki and cute little not so sweet desserts. Here are the highlights where and what we ate that time.

Osaka

Ichiran Ramen
This ramen house is one of the best ramen in Japan. Not surprised because a lot of people piled up at this place just to taste and fill their stomachs with the ultimate Tonkotsu ramen. Though there are some nearby branches in Osaka that were not packed a lot of people.
For me, it was a sad day. The non pork ramen is still coming soon so I just ordered egg, mushroom and rice that time. As for Daniel, he slurped and devoured the ramen. The texture of the noodle is excellent, the sliced pork was good same as with other ramens that he tasted in Osaka . The flavorful broth made its wonder, he said.

How to order
Most of the restaurants in Japan have vending machine so you can place your order there. You need to buy a ticket by inserting coins or bills to the machine then choose your order. After receiving the ticket from the machine, you give it to the staff.
The staff will then give you a piece of paper to request or encircle your preferences on the seasoning stock, richness, if you want to have pork, spiciness, noodle texture and if you want to put some garlic and green onions. I think that makes them unique and different since they will adjust to your preferences.

The restaurant also sells instant ichiran ramen so you can bring it home with you.

Dotonbori

Dotonbori offers a lot of delicious looking food but as for me, there were just a few vegetarian offers at the place. Here are the stores that we tried and some stores that makes you visit not just because of the food, but because the stores are too extra.

We just can't miss to try the melon bread. Price: JPY 400

Kyoto

Kyoto gives you that vibe of being back at the Edo period. The structure of the place, the traditional kimonos, the look of their stores and houses and they even have jinrikishas. For their food, it was a mix of a modern and old times. Here are the stores and food that we tasted and visited that time.

Arashiyama Bamboo grove

Green tea and cherry blossom flavor for JPY 300

Fushimi Inari

We do it for the gram 😂

Gion District

Sticky rice with seaweeds for JPY 140

Nara Park

After feeding the cute little deer, it's time to feast for human food. Other than the deer, what makes me really excited is their famous mouth watering mochi.

Mochi Nara

Saw the fastest mochi making in youtube? The great man who pounds the mochi incredibly very fast? It was this store and he was there! And I saw it live and it was really a bucketlist for me. Yes, I am including this place as a tourist attraction. The famous mochi and the most delicious mochi I have ever eaten. It is best to eat it fresh after they make it since it will really melt in your mouth. Expiry of this mochi is only 1 day so you cannot bring this as pasalubong. We took out 2 mochis at our hostel and it was not that good anymore same as we first ate it.

This place is just located near the Nara station and you will easily notice this store as there are a lot of people watching and buying at this store.

Price: 150 JPY/75 PHP

Tokyo

Doutor

Every morning, we passed by at this cute little shop that was packed with many locals. The coffee aroma made us think that it was expensive. They have a lot of branches and even in Osaka, they also have Doutor. Since it's our full last day in Japan, we went to the shops that we have been craving to try since day 1. To our surprise, the price wasn't that bad because the price was just liken in 7 eleven. The bread and coffee was good but I am not sure if that's because I was in Cloud 9 that time 💑.

Choco Cro

Another next favorite cafe is the Choco Cro. We tried this cafe on our last day at Japan since it was just near our area. I like the egg sandwich and their coffee but Doutor is still the best for us even though I just ate the bread with nuts. I think the ambiance at Dotour makes it good.

Burger store at Harajuku

After eating ramen and sushis for almost 5 days, we were craving now for some pizzas, burgers, fries and something oily 😅. We were meeting a good friend of mine with her beautiful family and we were expecting that it will be another ramen with them since its the signature dish of Japan. Gladly, we went to a burger shop and I thought that my lunch would be fries but suddenly, it was a vegetarian burger! Burger with avocado, it was the best burger I had ever tasted!

Afuri

The MOST expensive ramen I have ever tried. But that day deserves a celebration so we ate at this place. This was recommended by a friend in Japan who also introduced us to the vegan burger. The place was not bad because they have vegan ramen and the taste was so refreshing plus the rainbow look of the food makes it all worth it.

Ebisu Yokocho

One of the most famous back alley in Ebisu that is filled with bars and restaurants . We kept on looking for this place and we didn't know that it was just beside Afuri. It was a silent street and maybe because we passed at this street at almost 9 PM.

Crepe at Ameyoko

I am not a fan of sweets but Japan makes you want to try them all because of their cute and yummy looking desserts. I was craving for a crepe since we were at Meiji shrine because I was searching for their best crepe in town. It happens to be at Harajuku but seeing the place that was really packed with a lot of people, the Takeshita street, we didn't just proceed to satisfy our cravings. When we stroll at Ameyoko, tada~ the crepe was calling us.

Tokyo Banana

You can see this store in almost every subways of Tokyo. This fluffy cute sponge cake filled with cream filling that is shaped as banana is a famous souvenir sweet of Tokyo. We bought one pack and tried it during our bus ride going to Hitachi park. It was expensive and I computed that you could really save much when you buy the 4 pieces per pack instead of the 6 pieces.

Convenience store

Japan is famous for their delicious food at convenience store. Their convenience store makes them different to other convenience store of the world. Why? because they have fresh sushi, noodles, onigiri, even fish that you just have to microwave (though I don't eat fish but this amazes me!). They serve healthy food not just fast food varieties.

Since Japan's restaurants are very expensive, convenience store was our rescuer that time. We ate at this place every single day because why not? their onigiri is the best and it can save us a lot of bucks. Their bento boxes and puddings also is a must try.

7 Eleven

Everywhere we look, there is always 7 Eleven. This place was our go-to-store when we were too tired to look for something to eat.

Family Mart

Since Family mart was gone in the Philippines, I was craving and missed this place. This convenience store was our savior during those hungry days.

Lawson

I was really excited to visit this convenience store 😂. The place was just the same as with 7 Eleven but they have a more healthy varieties.

Mini stop

I think Mini stop was cheaper than the 2 above. Though there are just a few branches of Mini stop in the area or in our areas visited.

Ice cream Vending Machine

We have seen vending machine for some junk foods, biscuits, something to drink but an ice cream? This is another level! I just can't miss to include this one. You can see these vending machines in almost every subway stations in Tokyo. I tried this ice cream at the airport and it was so delicious!

Accommodation

Osaka

Hotel Sunplaza2 Annex

The hotel is just walking distance to the train station. The place was good and clean and their staffs were very accommodating. They also have pantry so you can eat your meal there. Heat it in the microwave, get some hot or cold water or even coffee and ice. They also have shaved ice with some fruit syrup as a dessert.

Tokyo

Do-c Shibuya Ebisu

Looking for a cheap accommodation in Tokyo but at the same time near the heart of the city? Try this capsule hotel at Ebisu. The place was really good and clean. Their staffs also are very accommodating and helpful. They offer you towel, slippers, tissue, toothpaste and toothbrush and even a sleep wear. The sleep wear comes with a pajama matched with a terno top. It was like a P.E attire or feels like you were in a varsity look. The male and female were separated and the bathrooms also. I liked their CR because it was very huge with 5 shower areas. I like their mint shampoo and conditioner too. They also have powder area which is just inside their CR where you can fix your hair with their blower. They also have enough sinks like 10 all in all and a locker inside the CR. What really makes this different was their sauna! After you go to the sauna, you can try their public bath too. Their sauna is also just inside their CR. Imagine the whole 9th floor is the ladies' CR.