FANTASTIC JAPAN

Japan is a dream destination for me, and stepping on the Japanese soil is a ticked off my bucket list. My friend Michelle and I experienced a one-week amazing DIY travel in Japan. Cebu pacific’s promo fare to Fukuoka in mid-July made us decide a last-minute plan to visit the Land of the Rising Sun. We spent only couple of hours strolling the busy hub of Hakata station in Fukuoka which served as our transit to Osaka. We reached Osaka early morning the next day after an almost ten hours travel by bus.

At the Osaka castle

Osaka, a port city, is the second biggest city in Japan and a city for a colorful night life, great shopping experience and fantastic street food.  We stayed in Guesthouse Koma, which is situated very close to Sakuragawa, Shiomibashi and Jr Namba train stations, and a 15-minute walk to the lively and flashy shopping streets of Dotonbori. Every night, our feet brought us to Dotonbori for leisure walk, shopping and fine dining experience. Cruising the Dotonbori canal also provided an extraordinary sightseeing experience of the entire shopping hub.

We spent one whole day enjoying the great rides of Universal Studio and because it was summer, the popular theme park is very crowded. Better pay for express pass to avoid long queues.  Being in the park was magical but just a little disappointed that some storyteller staff spoke Nihonggo at their entire show.

Dotonbori at night

We also visited the Osaka castle, a historical and famous landmark in the city. We alighted at Osakajokoen station and from there spent 5 minutes to reach the popular tourist spot. The clean and green park where the Osaka castle is located is already a picture perfect place. We spent two hours strolling the entire park.

With the Japanese women of Kyoto

One of the temples in Kyoto

We also enjoyed our day trip to Kyoto, the former capital of Japan. The city which is famous for its shrines, temples, gardens and fantastic meals is also a must-visit. An afternoon lazy walk along the clean Kamogawa river in the city was something we also enjoyed. 

And of course, we did not miss tasting the country's appetizing street foods and their tasty Ramen.

Below are some additional tips:
a.     Filipinos traveling to Japan need to obtain visas. A week is usually needed for visa processing.
b.     The airport is usually doing a second random checking of hand carry luggage even after it passed the scanning machine. Don’t be surprised if yours will be checked.
c.      Rent portable WIFI provider device at the airport. Tourist spots and most of the hotels provide free WIFI but it is still good to be online 24/7 anywhere and everywhere.
d.     The easiest way to travel is through trains because most of the tourist spots are just few minutes’ walk from train stations. Queuing is not a problem as the Japanese are known to be much disciplined while patiently waiting for their turns. Taking taxi is more expensive although giving tip is not a standard practice in Japan.
e.     Food is a bit expensive in Japan. For cheap food and time convenience, Seven Eleven and Lawson convenience stores are the places to go. They have variety of tasty Japanese food options too.  There are also many self-service snack kiosks in the streets. Even currency exchange can be done in a kiosk.

Kamogawa river

A country that is always associated with progress, richness and technological advancements, who would not love Japan? I am not only captivated by the beauty of this country, but I am also impressed with its cleanliness and the hospitality, discipline and kindness of the Japanese. I will definitely be back for more adventures.