Date: March 15 - 24,
2019
Travel Buddies:
Jeanie Rose & Richard
Day 1 -
March 15 - Yokohama
Left Manila early morning and arrived Narita at past 10am. My cousin and I are both excited for this trip and we just felt it went up as soon as we got our luggage and got cleared by the immigration. We waited for my brother who will be fetching us from the airport. After we saw him, we then decided to have our first lunch at the airport as the trip can be long & demanding given that we have our luggage with us while on the train. We then purchased the JR Tokyo Wide Pass (currently priced at ¥10,000 or roughly around ₱4,500), a consecutive 3-day pass within the JR line train which already included a reserved Narita Express ticket to Yokohama where my brother resides and an advance reserved ticket from Tokyo to Karuizawa that we will use the next day. When we arrived in Yokohama, we decided to drop our bags via one of their coin lockers – ours was a large modern automatic one near the Keikyu Central Entrance. Pretty useful for tourists and travelers alike I must say!!!
We strolled around Minato Mirai where Nippon Maru was anchored, a tall ship built in Kobe & said to have circled the world 45
times stood tall in front of Landmark Tower. Nippon Maru Memorial Park was also
a breather as we sit on and just marvel at the sights around us. After a
collection of photos serving as mementos of our trip, we then resumed the
stroll – this time around Isezakicho, a long stretch of shops & cafes --
only to end up triggering the shopping button (which by the way runs deep in me
and my cousin’s blood J) on one of their famous retailer stores – Don
Quijote. I also had to buy a pair of shoes to replace what I was wearing which
caused a bit of discomfort when we had a long walk from the airport to train
stations – I guess a tip there to travelers to choose comfort over style or
fashion (“tiis-ganda” is not recommended here ladies).We realized it’s dinner time so we tried a taste of Japanese comfort food – a combination of sushi & Shabu-shabu – which truthfully lived up to its purpose (comfort = stomach full in a good way). We then headed back to retrieve our luggage and proceeded to Minami Machida -- our home for the entire trip.
Day 2 - March 16 - Karuizawa
It’s
Karuizawa day!!!! We got up early despite being tired the day before, knowing
we’re up on another long but exciting adventure. We left Suzukakedai, one of
the stations near my brother’s place at around 8am to make it to our 10:32AM
trip from Tokyo to Karuizawa. When we arrived in Yokohama and about to take on
the bullet train, we were told to purchase additional ticket which we did not
understand at first despite having my brother talking to the train officers. We
thought they must have mistaken so we tried to talk to the people in the
counter and were told to purchase additional ticket from Shin Yokohama to Tokyo
for the Shinkansen (I’m assuming this is probably because the reserved ticket
was from Tokyo and not from Yokohama). After things were cleared out, we then
boarded the JR East Railway – Hokuriku Shinkansen which will take us
approximately an hour to Karuizawa, a resort town located in Nagano Prefecture,
northwest of Tokyo. When we arrived at Karuizawa, we passed by the Tourist
Center for guidance and advise on where to go. We decided to try Shiraito and
Kyu Karuizawa Ginza, and if there’s still more time maybe Kumoba Pond. Some of
the attractions are on the opposite directions so we had to make the most out
of what was possible.
While
waiting for the bus, we dropped by a nearby café and tried their locally made
cheesecake which can be super intricately designed you don’t want to eat them.
We then rushed out of the café when the Kusatsu onsen bound bus arrived.
Onboard, we passed by typical rural Japan houses, then started taking little
zigzag turns as we went uphill. Thawing snowflakes were still clearly visible
on the trees and cabins clearly placed amongst them. The view was amazing as we
zigzagged our way to Shiraito Falls. After half an hour, we were greeted with
lines of towering pine trees that seemed to be guarding this falls. After
taking a 5-minute walk from where we were dropped, we finally got a glimpse of
the 3-meter high Shiraito Falls. Unlike the typical falls found on mountains,
Shiraito Falls was clearly unique and lived up to its meaning (“shiraito“ means
“white threads”) -- streams look like white threads quietly cascading into the
pond. The view was beyond picturesque, the feel serene -- the kind that brings
a sense of peace to visitors. With the snow as welcome addition, we felt
ecstatic & refreshing at the same time, a familiar feeling to the senses.
Before we lined up and waited for the bus to arrive, we tried their local
grilled fish that was inviting us earlier when we arrived – yummy, worth a try
indeed!
Heading
back, we stopped by the station near the Kyu Karuizawa Ginza, a popular
shopping street that can be strolled by for some souvenirs and good finds. The
street was lined up with cafes, restaurants, bakeshops and various stores
selling anything from jams, wines, honey, meat jerky, sausages, bread, clothes,
shoes, paintings, wooden furniture and accessories known as Karuizawa-bori
(means Karuizawa carving). We spent a lot of time amongst these shops that we
lost track of time. Lunch was quickly forgotten as we tried out various foods
amongst these cafes and shops. We got back at half past 2pm and left Karuizawa
at almost 3pm.
We
decided to pass by Tokyo station for some videos and photos – both the inside
and outside façade were instagrammable even up until dusk. After a long day,
the tummy started to complain so we headed to the traditional Japanese
restaurant setting – grilled meat & seafood and the famed okonomiyaki where
we tried 3 flavors – cheese, seafood and pork which seemed to be too much to
take in but we all managed to finish them all. Whooahhh what a filling day
indeed!!!!
Day 3 - March 17 - Mt Fuji, Chureito Pagoda
Another
exciting adventure ahead of us, this time another rural Japan adventure. When I
had my first trip to Japan 2 years ago, we went to Fujisawa to get a glimpse of
Mt Fuji. This time, we will be visiting a Pagoda temple that they say has the
same amazing view of Mt. Fuji. We left home at around 10 in the morning heading
to Hachioji via Nagatsuta station, then transferred to JR Chuo line heading to
Otsuki via Takao. We arrived at Otsuki at a quarter past 1 in the afternoon,
then purchased another set of ticket heading to Shimoyoshida station via the
Fujikyu Railway Line. After almost 4 hours, we arrived at Shimoyoshida station
which at that time was starting to get cold and was snowing a little. We bought
a few hot drinks on the vendo and some munchies in the nearby food cart. After
filling in, we then started the 15 minute walk towards Chureito Pagoda, which I
have to tell you was not your typical rural walk in the park. Strolling on the
paved road, there were painted photos & tourist information that are
exactly on the pavement that we were stepping on. So creative I must
say!!! 
After a brief rest, we then continued the
grueling uphill walk towards the main attraction which took us half an hour to
reach. An alternate was a similar uphill climb via the stairs which I don’t
want to try on going up. Catching our breaths, we were rewarded with one of the
most amazing view of the iconic Mt. Fuji plus the five-story Chureito Pagoda
that seems to crave for the same attention as that of its backdrop. We were
glad that there were not much tourists at that time and we got as much shots as
we can and still enjoy the view, albeit the mountain summit was covered with
clouds (recommended time to visit was mid-April until October). We stayed for a
few hours and tried the foods on the rest area before heading back. We left
Shimoyoshida station at half past 5, satisfied with yet another rural glimpse
of Japan.Day 4 - March 18 - Shibuya
My
brother was back to work so we were left to attend to ourselves & what
better way to do than shopping, right? Before we went on to splurge, we waited
the whole morning for the delivery of the items that my brother ordered online.
As soon as it arrived by lunchtime, we then left for Shibuya and spent roughly
2 hours before heading back home to meet my cousin’s friend Lea and her family.
After a limited time for shopping (really, 2 hours was not enough!), we met up
with them for dinner and bonded with her kids. My cousin & I then decided
to have a sleepover at their place since we still have the whole day tomorrow
for a new set of shopping and/or strolling.
Day 5 - March 19- Fuchu
Well
rested (thanks to Lea), we made our way to Fuchu, a nearby shopping center that
she recommended to us the night before, just less than half an hour away from
her place. We got off at Fuchu-shi station around half past 11 in the morning
& went to the nearby Kururu shopping mall. We spent most of the time around
the area including the annex building which are like haven for beauty products
ranging from facial masks, moisturizers to serums & sunscreens. Expectedly,
our eyes bled & almost got lost track of time but then we were happy and
satisfied with what we’ve bought. We headed back to Lea’s place and they had us
for dinner before dropping us back home.
Day 6 - March 20 - Roppongi
First we took the Hanzomon Line to Aoyama-Itchome headed for Chuorinkan and transferred to Ginza Line for Asakusa then to Roppongi via the Toei Subway-Oedo Line. After almost 6pm, we went into Mori Art Museum & Tokyo City View and Sky deck for a 360 degree view of the city and a preview of Japanese contemporary art.
We first lined up in the Tokyo City View, an indoor observation deck facility featuring Sky Gallery, an urban museum-quality space giving visitors a dramatic view of the metropolitan Tokyo. Standing behind glass-enclosed gallery, the city was a buzzling sight to behold, a mixture of lights and sounds that are best enjoyed at night.
After
gazing and glancing at Tokyo’s night view, we then headed upstairs to embrace
another visual treat. Entitled Roppongi Crossing 2019: Connexions, the
exhibition was the sixth edition of the Roppongi Crossing series of exhibitions
launched 2004 and showcased the work of around 25 artists & practitioners
born in 1970-80s. Strong and agitating, the exhibition was so brave to combine
polar opposites and turned ideas upside down providing visual expression that
critiques society’s ills. For a late
bloomer museum fan like me, the exhibition was quite moving and disturbing at
the same time – giving me a momentary fidgety feeling on a few displays. It
wasn’t a simple exhibition, certainly not for an average museum goer and I
reckon not many can appreciate some of it especially a few that kind of
reminded me of a Japanese horror film I used to watch. Indeed the disturbing
feeling can give visitor a few goosebumps here and there, albeit the purpose might
really be to excite and trigger the imagination. In that aspect, I believe it
has succeeded and perhaps exceeded my expectations. What an artistic day
indeed!!!
Day 7 - March 21 - Odaiba
After
the visual treat that Mori Art and Tokyo City View provided yesterday, we’re in
for another eye-catching treat. We headed to Odaiba, location of the crowd
drawing attraction such as Team Lab and Diver City where the famous towering
Gundam Statue stood tall. We left Suzukakedai at noon time and headed to
Shibuya via the Den-entoshi Line, then took the Hanzomon Line to Omote-Sando
and finally Ginza Line for Asakusa going to Shimbashi Station. We arrived at
Shimbashi at around 2pm and took the Yurikamome Line (Monorail) going to
Odaiba-Kaihinkoen station. As soon as we arrived, we then looked for the MORI
Building Digital Art Museum where the Team Lab Borderless was located (Note:
Booking has to be done ahead of time).
Booked
for the 3pm show, we queued for around 15 minutes before finally being checked
in. As expected, we were amazed when we were greeted with an array of colors
from all corners of the room. It was like we were transported to another world
– one that we only imagine on fantasy movies. As there were a lot happening, we
decided to separate and just meet up at the exit so we can choose which way to
go based on our preferences. Team Lab Borderless can be confusing and
overwhelming at the same time, with multiple artworks that move out of rooms
intermingling with each other.
Multifaceted and enormous, the 3D displays are fascinating – from the
Borderless World where one can see the forest of flowers, flutter of butterflies,
memory of topography, transcending space, floating nest (where I spent nearly half an hour),
the void, layered ultra-subjective space, multiple lights display and crystal
world to the Athletics Forest, where one can be immersed on a graffiti nature
with high mountains & deep valleys, aerial climbing, plus a Future Park
where one can slide through the fruit field and children can express their
artistic side on the sketch aquarium.
I’d
say the highlight would be the Universe of water particles on the rock where
people largely gather in numbers and the Crystal World where one can just stand
in one place and marvel at the glory of amazing lights display. Indeed, our
eyes were superbly astounded by the immensely diverse mix of lights, sound and
art triggering and enhancing the imagination.
Man … 3 hours went by like a flash we almost did not notice!!! We were
so starved we munched in a few delis near the area. After then, we explored the
MEGA WEB in Palette Town where one of Japan’s famous car manufacturer Toyota
showcased its energy efficient & futuristic cars. With no entrance fee, one
can “See, Ride and Feel Cars” and can learn about Toyota’s safety and
environmental operations. Before heading to Diver City, we passed by Venus
Fort, an indoor shopping mall that was so reminiscent of the old street of
Medieval Europe. Lastly, we walked towards Diver City where the famous Gundam
statue was erected and walked further for a glimpse of the New York statue
replica before heading home. Whooahhhh!!! What a colorful day we had!!!!
Day 8 – March 22 - Tsukiji, Akihabara, Ueno
Two
more days and we’ll be back home so to make the most out of the remaining days,
we tried to go to as many places as we can. Walking from our place to
Suzukakedai station, we dropped by first on the nearby university – Tokyo
Institute of Technology to take on some shots of the campus. We then took the
Den-entoshi line to Shibuya via Nagatsuta, then transfer to Hanzomon line for
Oshiage and got off in Aoyama-Itchome, then finally transfer to Toei
Subway-Oedo line towards Daimon for Tochomae and got off at Tsukijishijo, the
station near the famed tourist destination Tsukiji Market. After a brief walk
from the station, we finally arrived at the Tsukiji Nippon Fish Port Market,
indeed a haven for tourists like us. We found interesting finds – from varieties
of seafood both alive and dried, wagyu beef, dried vegetables, fruits and root
crops – practically anything that you can find in a wet/dry market. There were
a lot happening – from live demo of matcha making, TV interviews on vendors and
people queueing on a number of stores. Of course market tour would not be
complete without trying on the traditional conveyor belt sushi which was so
worth the wait (the queues were long before we were seated).
At
half past 2pm, we left the market heading to Akihabara taking the Oedo line via
Daimon and got off at Shiodome station, then on foot towards Shimbashi station
and finally taking Yamanote line toward Tokyo and got off at Akihabara station.
After a quick look at the area, we decided to stroll along the main avenue and
walked towards nearby Ueno Park that are reachable on foot (20-30 minutes from
the station). Upon reaching Ueno, we were greeted with a flock of tourists all
wanting to have their own piece of the blossoming Sakura. Since we were a
little early for spring time (best time to have the Sakura view is last week of
March or early April), we only got to see a few of the Sakura trees on its full
bloom. Nevertheless, we still enjoyed
the short walk. Before heading home, we went to the nearby Ameyoko Market,
described by a Japanese vlogger residing in the Philippines as the Divisoria of
Japan. With so many good finds and deals, it was somehow similar to Divisoria
albeit selling non imitation products. With its open-air atmosphere, the market
offered various stores selling anything from fashionable dresses, bags,
souvenirs, jerseys, cosmetics and even fruits at insanely cheap prices. What a
fruitful day we had!!!
Day 9 – March
23 – Rest
We
initially planned this day to be Sakura viewing day, mainly visiting key parks
having the best view of Sakura. But since we already went to Ueno Park the day
before, we just decided to have this day as rest day – a good time to pack as
well for tomorrow’s flight back home.
Day 10 – March 24 - Home, sweet home
Time
flew so fast we are on our last day already! Mixed emotions indeed – happy to
be back home but sad to leave my brother behind. Nevertheless, life has to go
on and time to face reality! After final check on our luggage, we left home on
foot towards Minami-machida station, then boarded a Keisei Bus to Narita
Airport (costs ¥3,600 or roughly ₱1,700). 
After nearly 2 hours, we finally
reached Terminal 1 and waited for our 1pm flight back home. At way past 5pm
PST, we finally arrived home. What a beautiful and memorable trip we had in the
Land of the Rising Sun!!!!
