Japan will always have a special place in my heart. It is the first country I have ever traveled abroad 7 years ago. And eventhough I have been to many places in Asia since then.. Japan is still one of my favorite countries I would definitely love to come back over & over again for an endless reasons.. that is why when our much awaited trip in Tokyo finally arrived.. I was super-duper excited because it's also my first time in this bustling City.
And what a sweet treat that we also came just in time for cherry blossoms. Months before our trip.. it was forecasted that the cherry flowers will have its full bloom on the 1st week of April [and our scheduled trip was on the 3rd week of March].. but who would have thought that the flowers will bloom more than a week earlier this year on the exact date of our arrival? What a Perfect timing!
We're glad that we decided to stay for 8 days (Jan extended for another 2 days with his brother) because we're able to cover everything listed in our itinerary in a slow-paced including a day tours to Mt. Fuji, Hakone & Nikko!
And what a sweet treat that we also came just in time for cherry blossoms. Months before our trip.. it was forecasted that the cherry flowers will have its full bloom on the 1st week of April [and our scheduled trip was on the 3rd week of March].. but who would have thought that the flowers will bloom more than a week earlier this year on the exact date of our arrival? What a Perfect timing!
This is going to be a loonng blog post & photo-heavy one so as always.. Im going to blog in series. Please scroll down to read more of our Tokyo adventures..
Day 1.. Arrival in Tokyo
We were exhausted running errands before our flight & had no barely sleep at all when we arrived in Tokyo so we didn't schedule any itinerary on that day. We just checked in at our airbnb house & decided to rest for a bit. We only intended to take a nap but it turned out to be an 8 hours full-blown sleep! :) The next thing we knew it was already 11 in the evening. Most of the establishments around our area were already closed at that time. Our best hope is no other than --convenience store! This is what excites me the most about this trip because Japan's convenience stores are the best!! They sell a bunch of yummy quick bites here from fried chicken, sandwiches, onigiri, wild selections of sweets & a lot more that you couldn't find anywhere else in the world . Japan's convenience store is indeed a haven for 24/7 snacking!!
Lucky us, we still found an open restaurant near our place. This noodle soup is so filling for our hungry tummies!
After every meal, we always make sure to drop by to any convenience store. I think we spent most of our money (not in shopping) but in buying conbini snacks & drinks at the vendo multiple times a day! :) My favorite is the Onigiri in Tuna flavor!
Airbnb House Tour
We stayed in an airbnb house located in a quiet neighborhood of Toshima City. It's our 1st time to try airbnb & we could say we had a great first-time experience. We're not able to meet our host but we definitely enjoyed staying like a local in her very cute & cozy Traditional Japanese & minimalist house. It has 2 tatami bedrooms upstair, another tatami room for entertaining, a full sized kitchen & t&b. The nearest train station is around 10mins walk so commuting around Tokyo via train is very convenient.
Welcome to our Airbnb house in Tokyo!
Right when you walk-in.. A full-sized kitchen will welcome you..
Complete with basic kitchen utensils.. From pots, knives, chopping board, bowls, mugs etc..
It has tatami room in the 1st floor where we usually eat our meals & hang-out after our tour. Look just how happy my bf was to be in this house. Staying in this house is an experience of itself!
And the hi-tech toilet. When will PH adapt to this technology?
I also love that the toilet & shower are separated
Upstair: Tatami Bedroom 1 which can accommodate 2-3 persons comfortably. Not to mention that we always had a restful sleep because our host's futon mattress are so comfy!
Tatami Bedroom 2 that can accommodate upto 3-4 persons
That's about our airbnb house tour! :) If you're interested to rent our host's lovely house.. here's her airbnb link . By the way, her name is Ai. :)
Day 2.. Exploring Shibuya & Harajuku districts
With plenty of things to do, It's just so easy to spend an entire whole day in Tokyo's most popular district-- Shibuya. Jan toured me around this neighborhood because it's his 2nd time here. We pretty much did all the touristy stuff & visited the iconic landmarks such as Hachicko Statue, Shibuya Crossing, Window-Shopped at Shibuya 109 Mall & checked all the shops in the surrounding areas that caught our attention..
Joining the crazy crowd of Shibuya Crossing..
I think we crossed the street for about 6 times -- until we're satisfied! :)
Finally a picture with the most loyal dog, Hachiko
Colorful signboard displays along Shibuya
Sushi for lunch! Yum!
Inside Sbibuya 109. Filled with a hundred trendy & fashionable clothing boutiques over 10 floors!
And they sell cute accessories, too!
And ofcourse.. coffee break after walking for hours!
Just one station away from Shibuya, we headed next to Harajuku Districts.. We went to takeshita street (although we only reached until the entrance & decided not to proceed because it was heavily packed of people), walked along Omotesando Street & capped off our day visiting the Meiji shrine.
Sea of Humanity in Takeshita Street!
Real Life Mario Kart .. only in Japan!
The impressive wooden gate entrance of Meiji shrine. As you walk thru the shrine, you will feel as if walking in the middle of a jungle because of the old & tall trees that surround the walk way.
On the way to Meiji Shrine you will also pass by to these barrels of Sake Wrapped in a straw. Yes, you've read it right! That's tons of Sake right there!
After minutes of walking.. we finally reached the Meiji Shrine..
This shrine was dedicated to Emperor Meiji & his wife.
What a fun & fulfilling first full day in this City..
