NOTE: We planned our own itinerary (as we always did with other travels abroad). No travel agency has ever been involved in the trip (ever since), except for Visa application. Tip: you get to enjoy more of your tour, if you plan it yourselves.
After our little Berber was born, Mary Rose and I started planning for his first birthday – and Japan has always been it, specifically TOKYO! One should really have a good planning when planning to have a trip to Japan. First thing to do is to prepare the required documents needed for the VISA. Read my article Getting a Japan Tourist Visa – Our Experience, which details the step by step process we took to get our VISAs approved.
DAY 1. DEPARTURE FROM NAIA T3, ARRIVAL AT NARITA T2
We woke up early for our departure – 2 AM! We’ve made sure that everything was checked. We did not create a checklist this time, as everything was ‘presumably’ prepared, and placed inside our luggage. Arrived at the airport and while we were on our way, we
realized that we forgot something – the camera! But we decided to check-in first. After that, so I went back to the house via Grab and reached the house in 3 mins. Took the camera, and headed back to the airport. I was already there in less than 10 mins.
Now, we headed to the Immigration counters, had our passports stamped and then to the final security checks.. Then all of a sudden, I realized that my iPhone wasn’t with me. We took our bags back to the scanners, and the phone wasn’t really there. I got nervous. Hurriedly, I spoke to one of those immigration officers to let me go back once again to where I wrote the details of the departure cards. I asked every security personnel there and negative. The had not seen any, nor did the people still filling out their departure cards. I then decided to get back to the gates where we initially entered – where the first security checks were made. This was in Gate 2 entrance/check of the Departure area. I went near the table of the inspection officer and asked if they’d seen an iPhone from one of the containers! I saw my iPhone on his desk – I shouted: THIS IS MY PHONE! The personnel handed me my phone, but he needed to make sure that the phone was indeed mine. He let me keyed in the code – I said, I will use my finger print to unlock it. The VOILA! I saw Berber’s face on the phone. WHOA! I still did not believe that there are still honest people. I hurriedly went back to the final security check, but had to go to the same process once again, just to be sure. That was 5 AM already – barely one hour before the scheduled flight. At this point, we were already waiting for the call to embark on the aircraft. Inside the plane, we had to wait for an hour – since there is ‘heavy’ traffic on the runway.
Plane took off at around 7 AM PHT. We arrived Japan around 12 noon time (Japan Time). Japan is an hour ahead of the Philippines. Duration of the flight was only about 4 hours and 33 minutes. During flight, one thing shocked me on air: MT. FUJI! I could not believe I am seeing MT. FUJI from afar – though it really looked big from afar, with ice caps already. By the way, the bottom part of the window of the plane was already forming some kind of an ice. It was creeping its way up, but suddenly melted right away when hit by the rays of the Sun!
At the Narita Airport, we then again had to go through immigration process there. Index fingers were scanned, photo of our faces were taken, and our documents reviewed and verified. Then we were told to get the luggage at carousel B3. At the arrival lobby, we had to exchange our vouchers with the actual tickets for the Limousine Bus and the Ooedo Onsen! We boarded the Limousine Bus bound for Central Tokyo. We alighted at the Yasue Exit of Tokyo Station, and had to catch some taxi there. We were able to get one and to the hotel headed we went. We were welcomed by the hotel staff upon arrival. We rested for a few minutes and had to find some place to eat.
We found the Nakau Unagi Restaurant also in the Nihombashi area – walking distance from the hotel we were staying. (Details of how orders are done). After that satisfying dinner, we went back to the hotel. Boy, the air was really cool: 13 degrees Centigrade! We really enjoyed the 1st day. Tiring really it was, but it was worth it. We will never forget this first day!
By the way, the video below was my first time to see Mt. Fuji, from afar, from an aircraft. Felt good already seeing the famed mountain:
DAY 2. TOKYO SKYTREE
The hotel free bus service going to Tokyo Station already left the hotel, and there were only designated hours when the bus service ferries hotel guests to the said station. So, since Tokyo Station is only less than a kilometer from the hotel, we decided to go there by foot. The wind was so cold that we had to stop at a coffee shop. My wife Rose bought coffee and sandwiches for two. Good thing there were tables outside the shop, where we finished sipping our coffee and finished eating our sandwiches. Then again headed to Tokyo Station via the directions provided by Google Maps (quite helpful this map app was!).
Then we reached the station. This station is so huge, that I got mixed up with directions. We asked Police-looking people there, but it seemed they cannot speak English, nor know the station per se. We reached the Hanzomon line below the station, Otemachi Station to be exact. We immediately looked for the information booth there, and using my basic Japanese, asked where to purchase Suica. He told us to go to Tokyo Station (Marunouchi Line), and purchase the IC there. We did, purchase two Suica ICs and topped it up with ¥2000. Only ¥1500 will be available for use in Metro Subway. The ¥250 will be for refund once one decides to return the IC, and the other ¥250 is the charge for the card.
After having our IC cards, we headed back to Otemachi Station (Hanzomon Line), and arrive at Oshiage Station (Hanzomon Line) where the Skytree is. Often, Oshiage Station is also Oshiage Station ‘SKYTREE’. We had a good view of the Tokyo Skytree just near the exit of the station. Took some photos for some minutes. Rose, together with Berber, wanted to go inside the Tokyo Solamachi (mall). They did, and explored the place.
I stayed behind outside (very cold!) and stared at the tower. Then we headed to the base of the tower, where the ticket counter is. We didn’t need to fall in line for the ticket as we already the the voucher. We just showed it to one of the members of the staff, then we were issued with our tickets. We headed first to the Tembo Deck, which is 350 meters high from the ground. Then we explored the deck and had a 360-degree view of Tokyo from above. There were only a few people in the deck – lucky us! Afterwards, we decided to up further up to the Tembo Galleria Deck, since our ticket allows us to go there. This deck is 450 meters from the ground. This deck showcased Dragonball! We saw images and sketches of Gokou and the rest of the Dragonball characters. After two hours, we then headed to Tokyo Solomachi (ground level) to have our lunch. We ate at Nana’s Green Tea. We explored this mall once more and went back to Oshiage Station just below the mall. Below are the views from the decks of the Skytree:
We were now headed home. From Oshiage Station we alighted at Mitsukoshimae Station. We were lucky, since Mitsukoshimae Station is just one train ride (Hanzomon Line) from Skytree. Our hotel was just 5 minutes from the Station. The exit for that station is the Mitsukoshi Department Store, which is the first department store in the whole of Japan! We rested for 2 hours in our room, then looked for a place to eat, for dinner. We explored the place, and reached Nakau once again. This is one restaurant we will not forget: no one to get our orders, no one to receive your payment.
These are done through the machines located near the doorway. There were 4 machines all in all. Once orders are placed, and payments received, a waiter/waitress comes out bringing two glasses of green tea water. The person took the receipt from the machine, ripped the bigger part of and prepared our meal. Really good the food was! One can have a very sumptuous meal for at least ¥700 each meal. We had to go back to the hotel before 8:30 P. M. (Japan Time) for the Prayer Meeting online hook up. The locale is far away from Central Tokyo, and going back to the hotel might be too tiring and too cold for Berber. Thank GOD for having attended the prayer meeting that day. Then, we rested for the night. A new day awaited us in the morning.
DAY 3. KIMONO WEARING AT ASAKUSA/TAITO
We rode the free bus service of the hotel bound for Tokyo Station. For the 2nd time around, we got lost in the station. Again, we asked the police-looking persons there, and even with my best Japanese, the reply was ‘wakaranai.’ Only these uniformed personnel at the ground floor of the station told me that they cannot understand me – the rest of the Japanese people we met, perfectly understood every word I uttered whenever we asked for some directions. I messaged Meiko-san and said if we can move the schedule from 8:30 AM to around 10 AM. She replied maybe we could have it at 11 AM, of which we approved. I told Meiko-san that we got lost at Tokyo Station, and she jokingly messaged back saying that she too sometimes gets lost in that Station. Boy, sure thing this station is huge, and a bit complicated at first. One will get used to this after several attempts to experience Tokyo Station!
Now, I decided to find a way. Any station near Tokyo Station, that is bound for Asakusa. using Google Map, the nearest station was Nihombashi Station. At last! Nihombashi Station does go to Asakusa Station. Reaching Asakusa Station, we exited and went to the direction of Komagata Bashi (Komagata Bridge). We traversed the bridge until we reached the end of it towards Sumida-Ku. Then headed for Birei Kimono and Culture.
This is actually the fun part, since we would be wearing Japan’s traditional garments – and not only that, we would be able to walk Sumida and Taito with the Kimono on! Our schedule was 8:30 AM, however, since we got lost at Tokyo Station, Meiko-san was so considerate to have it re-scheduled at 11 AM. We did got in time. And it was our turn! Meiko-san herself was the one who arranged Mary Rose. Wearing the Kimono is not as easy as it is, as you have to wear layers of clothing, one after the other in an certain order of wearing it. Lastly, it was Berber’s turn to wear the baby kimono. It looks good on him – actually, the Kimono look good on us! We headed to Asakusa wearing our Kimono. We stopped for a couple minutes at Komagata Bridge, and took pictures with the Skytree at the background.
We headed back to Birei late in the afternoon and found Meiko-san outside the shop. Yuko-san was the one who assisted us. We put on our own clothes after removing the layers of clothes, and went to the direction of Skytree, as we would be riding the metro subway from there, at Oshiage Station. Mary Rose wanted to by diapers as our supply was getting low. Good thing she found Central Square and bought diapers and alcohol from there. It was hard to find these items in Tokyo, as 7-11 and Lawson or any convenient stores do not sell these items. We headed back to Mitsukoshimae Station from Oshiage Station, and walked our way to the hotel. Since we were already tired for the day, we bought our dinner from 7-11. I have always bought 3 pieces of Onigiris (¥150 each), and these were more than enough to ease me of my hunger.
Wearing the Kimono seems common in Asakusa, for while we were walking, the people are already used to it. It was like it was a common sight to them. Of course, foreigners would have a glance at you, but that is something that should not worry anyone, by the way. We reached Senso-ji via Edo Dori. There, we found a lot of people wearing the Kimono too. By the way, there were many Kimono rental shops, but I still recommend Birei. We tried Banana Choco and other street foods in the area. Exploring the place, we found a Sakura tree, with blossoms on it – not that many, but at least we got to see actual Sakura flowers! We explored further other areas of Asakusa, sat down on a bench in front of an ice cream stall and satiated ourselves with this cool treat.
DAY 4. MARUNOUCHI PLAZA, IMPERIAL PALACE GARDENS, KAWASAKI
We instead decided to go to the Imperial Gardens this day. Early in the morning, we readied and and caught the free bus service of the hotel and dripped us off at the Yaesu South exit of the Tokyo Station. We went inside the Tokyo Station and once again were trying to figure out how to go to the Marunouchi Plaza. Once more, we asked some police-looking persons in the area inside the station, and they could not tell us how to go there. This keeps me wondering until now why these police-looking guys cannot understand what I was trying to ask them in my very basic Japanese, and top no luck with my very basic English. These were the only guys actually. Then we tried our luck once more, and saw two police-looking persons and asked them in very basic Japanese where the exit to Marunouchi Plaza was – alas! They were able to understand me and were able to tell us how to reach the plaza. Exiting the station, we saw the plaza and hurriedly went there – not realizing that the plaza is in front of the famous Tokyo Station Hotel!
The Plaza is surrounded by buildings and the trees are vibrantly colored, leaves were yellow, and reddish brown. We spent some minutes at the plaza and took some photos of us there. Facing the Tokyo Station Hotel is the walkway towards the Imperial Gardens. These path was also lined with trees of leaves colored yellow – truly, it is Autumn in Japan not mentioning the cool air that touches our faces! After some minutes of photo taking, we headed to the Imperial Gardens grounds. Took us a while to reach the area of Imperial Gardens as we savor the sight of trees and the cold wind going there. The Imperial Gardens ground is just 5 minutes away from the Marunouchi Plaza by foot (excluding stopping for some photo-ops along the way).
We reached the Tatsumi-yagura, which “is a two-story high keep at the easternmost corner of the Sannomaru and the only keep still remaining in it.” The pathways surrounding the Imperial Gardens are also lined up with trees, green leaves for that matter. We headed to the Seimon Stonebridge and saw the Fushimi-yagura, which “is a two-story keep that still exists at the western corner leading towards the inner Nishinomaru, flanked by two galleries (tamon) on each side. It is the only keep that is left in the Nishinomaru. It comes originally from Fushimi Castle in Kyoto.” Spent about 10 minutes in the area, and headed to the direction of Tokyo Station, but did not reach it as we can ride from the Otemachi Station going to Mitsukoshimae Staotion in Nihombashi. Reaching the
Mitsukoshimae Station, we looked for a cake shop at Mitsukoshi Department Store, the first department store in the whole of Japan! Then we decided to have a white cake with fresh strawberries on and around it, from Atelier du Soleil Sun Fruits. We exited the department store via an elevator, and headed back to our hotel. We only had about 2 hours to rest, as we need to go to Kawasaki-shi for the Prayer Meeting and Thanksgiving! Now rested, we then again headed to Mitsukoshimae Station and rode a train at Ginza Line. This train was to head to Shimbashi Station, where we would change to Tokaido Line for Kawasaki Station. Reaching Kawasaki Station, we exited and search for the bus stopped that would bring us to the locale. We reached the locale in less than 15 minutes and attended the Prayer Meeting, then Thanksgiving. As the Thanksgiving finished around 1 AM (Japan Time), and that train and bus operations are halted from 12 midnight until 4:30 AM, we had to spend the night at the locale transient. I was happy since this was my first time to stay at a Japanese-inspired room, with sliding doors. We rested for the night. Below are our photos when we were at the grounds surrounding the Imperial Palace!:
DAY 5. BERBER’S FIRST BIRTHDAY AND TOKYO DISNEYLAND
IT WAS BERBER’S 1st BIRTHDAY! We woke up around 6 AM and readied to go back to the hotel at Central Tokyo. We waited for a bus at a bus station near the locale that would bring us to Kawasaki Station. Reaching Kawasaki Station, we immediately topped up our Suica cards with ¥1000 each. Then headed to the gates. We rode the train going to Shimbashi Station (Tokaido Line). From Shimbashi Station, we had to change line and rode the train from Shimbashi Station (Ginza Line) back to Mitsukoshimae Station. We exited the Mitsukoshi Department Store, and headed back to our hotel at around 8:30AM. We rested for a couple of hours and readied ourselves once again for Tokyo Disneyland! Mary Rose took the cake we bought from Mitsukoshi Department Store, and had the cake photographed with our Eldric Marcus – as we always did every ‘monthsary’ of his birth till year one. We decided to eat the cake later at night, as we were hurrying to go to Disneyland. The first leg of the trip was to take the Ginza Line (Mitsukoshimae Station to Kyobashi Station). Then walked our way to Tokyo Station! The second leg was to take the Keiyo Line (Tokyo Station to Maihama Station). Keiyo Line for first timers is really hard to find! I think I was able to walk all floors of the station before reaching this line! Tokyo Station at the ground floor does not have any directions telling you where the line is. And so, I was able to find an information booth there and used my best Japanese to tell me the direction going to Keiyo Line. He replied “Tooi desu!” He meant the line was really far (Tokyo Station is too big for a station actually, and it is also used by many lines!).
After some tormenting maze-like routes we undertook, finally we found the gates leading to the line. Finding the gates isn’t done yet, you have to walk another 5-10 minutes to reach the actual line. At least we were able to find it. Since I wasn’t sure if the train really is going to Disneyland, I asked the person guarding the flow of people if this really was the train for Disneyland, to which he replied, ‘Hai,’ meaning yes. With relief, we went inside the train and was able to find seats for both Rose and I. Trip took about 15-20 minutes before reaching Maihama Station. From Maihama Station, we followed the directions that would lead us to Disneyland! Unfortunately, it was a Sunday, a weekend – a long weekend in Japan. The place was so crowded that when the parade started, the place was already full with people, sitting on the ground. Berber’s weakness is crowd – many people at a place, all at once. He disliked being with a big crowd. But we managed to see the parade. We took picture inside the theme park, then Rose decided to take Berber to a ride – Omni bus. I decided to stay behind and sat at a bench near the castle.
Berber enjoyed where his mommy took him! I enjoyed experiencing the place. Night time immediately covered Japan around 4:30 PM. We had our dinner inside the theme park and decided to head back to the hotel around 5:30 PM. Felt like it was already 9 PM! We bought Berber a toy to remember Disneyland by. But we think Berber isn’t interested with it. Again, we had to undergo the same route going back to Mitsukoshimae Station – full of walking. We were very tired this day, but were were very happy, for BERBER turned one on this very day. We thank GOD for having blessed Berber with everything he needs. We rested a bit early for the night, since we needed to make sure that we would arrive at the meeting point early for the Mt. Fuji Day Tour!
DAY 6. MT. FUJI DAY TOUR
This was one of our most awaited tour, as it was a dream ever since I was young to see Mt. Fuji in person! We woke up very early in the morning, We left the hotel around 6 AM and reached the Imperial Hotel around
6:10 AM. We should be at the meeting point 15 minutes prior meeting time, 8:10 AM – we were way too early! It is better not to miss the bus, as Mt. Fuji (Yamanashi area) is about 1.5-hour ride from Shinjuku. The bus arrived at the hotel, but this bus wasn’t the actual bus for the tour. This bus would only bring us to the main meet up point, at Love Statue in Shinjuku. We arrived at Love Statue, Shinjuku and were told to go to the washroom, as the trip will take more than an hour. The actual bus for the tour arrived, gave our ticket to the person in-charge. Good thing, the tour guide was an English speaker, an Australian named Blair. Around 8:50 AM, we left Shinjuku and traversed Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway and Chuo Expressway. As we were nearing our first stop, we could already see Mt. Fuji from afar! It stood out among the rest of the mountains. Snow cap had already formed, and it was a majestic view from the Expressway.
We had a very good view of the area as we journeyed through expressway – one would see that Autumn really has begun: reddish-brown and yellow-orange foliage of the leaves and more. As we got nearer and nearer to the first stop, the Mt. Fuji view was even more and more beautiful! Our first stop was Oshino Hakkai (Oshino Eight Seas), and we arrived there about 10:45 AM. We were allowed to walk around the area. I love the ponds and the fishes in this place. Seemed like we were visiting Japan before modernization. The area also offered a very good view of Mt. Fuji. Some of the small streets were lined up with stalls that cooked Japanese food! The tour guide told us that we could get spring water from Mt. Fuji at a certain area! Rose didn’t waste much time and headed immediately to where the spring water was located. She got two bottles filled! Also, we got to taste Mugwort Dumpling, which was very famous in the area. By the way, we were only given 45 minutes to explore the place, and we got late actually (5 minutes late). Everybody was already in the bus, and we three were the only ones they were waiting for!
Next stop was Oshino Shinobi no Sato (Oshino Ninja Village). We arrived in this area around 11:40 AM, and we were told to make one line outside the bus. We were about to have our lunch, actually. At this point, I met two Spanish ladies who hardly speak English. They were asking Blair what was the next activity, but Blair could not understand them. I ‘became’ their translator. I told them that we were about to take our lunch, and were told to fall in line. We entered the restaurant, and had our lunch. Good food, really – and buffet too. Rose and I were seated near the glass window, overlooking Mt. Fuji as we ate our lunch. It was a fantastic lunch, while gazing at the beauty of Japan’s most famous mountain! After lunch, we explored the place and visited one of the Japanese gardens there. Then, the most awaited next stop!
We were headed to the Fifth Station of Mt. Fuji! We left Shinobi no Sato around 1 PM. The tour guide told us that he would inquire if the road is open for tourist, as there were times it was closed. Luckily, we were given notice that we can go to the 5th Station! The road going up was somewhat zigzagging, like that of Kennon Road going to Baguio! Finally, we arrived at our destination. It was freezing cold, 4°C! Snow has just fallen in the area, so we took advantage of experience the little snow on the ground. While we were enjoying the ice on the ground, two Chinese ladies approached us and uttered, “How cute the baby is!” They went near Berber and asked permission to carry him, to which I said, “Yes, please.” But Berber would not want to be carried by anyone, except his mom and for some instance, his dad. We then again savored the cold wind that kissed our cheeks and stared at Mt. Fuji once more. The top of Mt. Fuji was as if just a stone throw away from where we were! So close to the top actually!
I was put in a trance at that time, as I was really staring the top of the mountain, covered with snow. I was wondering if I was dreaming at that very instance. One will also see the other mountain ranges from afar, also covered with ice – but none can defeat the beauty of Fuji-San! We spent about 30 minutes in the area – though it seemed like we were only there for 5 minutes! It was now time to go for the next destination: Fuji Airways “Flight Attraction of Mt. Fuji.” This was a 4D experience of all season views of Mt. Fuji. Unfortunately, I was already a bit dizzy from the trip from the 5th Station, and told Blaire (our tour guide) I would not be joining the experience. Rose didn’t want to go either. We just waited for the groups (we were divided into two groups, one after the other) to finish the 4D experience, but while they were experiencing it, Rose called me from outside and pointed to Mt. Fuji. Indeed, the view was still great from that point. For me, it was like Mt. Fuji is always beautiful no matter where you are looking at it from.
The last stop would be the Lake Kawaguchi-ko. Lake Kawaguchi-ko is one of the 5 lakes of Mt. Fuji. We were supposed to roam the area for a longer time, but were then short of time already, and that there were construction works in the expressway making it hard for us to reach Shinjuku in time. Only stayed at the area for around minutes if I wasn’t mistaken. Too little time, too many things to do actually. In this area, we got to get close to some maple trees.
We arrived Shinjuku at around 6 PM. Blaire thanked me for being an interpreter for the two Spanish ladies. He also saw me speaking with two old Japanese women at Oshino Shinobi no Sato, and was impressed that I can talk with them in Japanese. We were tired, but very satisfied for this day’s activity. We rested for the night early.
DAY 7. SHIBUYA AND SHINJUKU
We readied for this day’s activity and reached Shibuya Station at around 9 AM via Hanzomon Line, from Mitsukoshimae Station. We really were lucky to have booked a hotel in Nihombashi, and be near Mitsukoshimae Station, since this station is served by two lines, the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and the Tokyo Metro Hanzomin Line – both lines can reach Shibuya Station. Exiting Shibuya Station, I immediately recognized that this is the famous intersection/crossing in Japan – the Shibuya Crossing!
Rose suggested that we get to have our breakfast first before exploring the area. We looked for some cafe and the nearest was the Starbucks across the intersection. Prior that, we saw the famous Hachiko Statue, a few walks from the exit. We spent some minutes staring at the statue. Going to the cafe, we already experienced crossing the Shibuya Crossing. Some people stopped in the middle for some photos. I can’t really remember how many times we did cross it, but for sure, a lot of times! After our breakfast, we headed back to Hachiko Statue and took some photos there for remembrance.
Rose remembered that there was this famous store that sells good at cheaper prices: Don Quijote. Using Google Maps, we walked the street going to Don Quijote as suggested by Google Maps. Along the way while we were walking towards Don Quijote, we passed by Bershka Building – this is the place where Nogizaka46 performed their “Natsu No Free and Easy” song! At last, we reached Don Quijote. Rose bought some sweets from there. She was shocked when she was told to arrange the goods she bought on a certain table. I was too! I think in this store, the customers are the ones doing the arranging of the bought goods. The cashiers are merely cashiers. But it was fun doing it – haha! After shopping at this store, we looked for Ichiran because Rose was already craving for lunch. We reached Ichiran, and same as Nakau in Nihombashi, orders are placed on a machine (vending machine-like thingy). Good thing we were able to figure out how the machine worked, and went to our respective places (you get to choose where to sit). One customer will have one cubicle-like place where to eat. It was kinda cool really. Each serving was really too many, and the taste superb, authentic! Then we sent back again to Shibuya Station. This time around, we were headed to Shinjuku. The plan for Shinjuku was to only visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Reaching Shinjuku Station, we exited and headed by foot towards Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
We reached the building after minutes of walking. We enjoyed the skyscrapers as we passed along the streets in Shinjuku. If I may consider it, Shinjuku is the Central Business District of Tokyo, surpassing even Central Tokyo (Chuo-ku) and Shibuya. Only in this area we found lots of high-rise buildings and skyscrapers. Reaching Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, we headed to the elevator to bring us to the 45th floor, where the observation deck is (Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is composed of two towers and both provide a very good view of Tokyo from above, not as high as the Skytree though). We reached the 45th floor of one of the towers and were astounded by the breath-taking view of Tokyo from above:
After enjoying the observation deck, we decided to go back to the hotel. At the base of the towers was Tochomae Station (Oedo Line). We took this train going to Aoyama-itchōme Station, and changed to Hanzomon Line. From there (Aoyama-itchōme Station) we headed straight to Mitsukoshimae Station. We still went back to the hotel to rest, and went to our favorite restaurant in Nihombashi: Nakau. We had dinner at Nakau and Rose got to place the orders once again in those machines. Then, dinner was served. Back to the hotel, I realized that the hotel key (electronic card) cannot be found. I had a strong feeling that we forgot it at Nakau. Hurriedly I went back to Nakau, asked the waitress if she’d seen a hotel card key. She scouted the trash bins, and could not find it. Then a white man asked me about what I was looking for. I stared at his table (the same table where we had dinner that night), and found the hotel card key under his plastic bag from a convenient store. I politely told him that the card was actually under the plastic bag. He got it, gave it to the waitress and the waitress gave it to me with both hands (as if he was giving me a business card). I thanked the white man (good thing he speaks English), and the waitress who handed to me the card (I spoke with her in Japanese, and glad to know she could understand me). We were preparing for the last activity the day after, and rested for the night.
DAY 8. ODAIBA (GUNDAM AND OOEDO ONSEN)
At around 8 AM, we headed to Mitsukoshimae Station. From there, we took a train that would bring us to Shimbashi Station (Ginza Line) and from there, we had to change line (Yurikamome Line) and ride from Shimbashi Station to Daiba Station. It was a long walk changing from Ginza Line to Yurikamome Line. We arrived at Daiba Station at around 9:30 AM. Upon exit, we already saw the replica of the Statue of Liberty with the Rainbow Bridge at the background.
We decided to head first to the stories-high replica of Unicorn Gundam robot! And at last, found the big robot standing majestically in front of a shopping mall, DiverCity Tokyo Plaza. At a certain hour, the robot moves and some areas of the robot lighted up. It was a wonderful sight actually. Rose and Berber sat to rest for a couple of minutes, I decided to scout the area and take some more photos. Back to where they were sitting, I took some more photos of the big robot at different angles. Then, we headed to the area where the replica of the Statue of Liberty is. It was just less than 5 minutes away from the life-like replica of Unicorn Gundam. We took some more images with the replica and the rainbow bridge. One will also see some buildings at the bridge’s background.
Not much to see, so we decided to head to the Ooedo Onsen! I though we would reach the Onsen for a matter of 5-10 minute-walk! No! The Onsen was two stations away from us, and Google Map did not suggest to take the train hahaha! So off we go and went to Onsen by foot. We were already disappointed as after minutes of minutes of walking, still we have not yet reached our destination. About 400 meters from the Onsen, we were able to ask someone if the Ooedo Onsen really is in this place to which the old man positively answered that it is. About 50 meters from the destination, still we could not see the Ooedo Onsen! We had to ask another old man who was working in the gate of the wharf and pointed to the direction of where the place is. We walk a little bit more, and alas! We found it:
We hurriedly went inside though one of its automatic doors. There, we were greeted by one of the staff members and told us to remove the shoes, fold the baby cart and place the shoes in the lockers at a direction he pointed. By the way, the lockers are free, so you don’t need to pay to use it. lockers with keys still inserted in the lock means it is vacant/available. We went to the reception and told the person in charge that we were going to get tickets for two. Berber didn’t have to pay by the way. Then we were directed to a section where one could select what kind of Yukata we would want to wear. I chose my Yukata, Rose chose hers.
Then Rose decided have one Yukata for Berber as well, for an additional ¥350 – not bad actually. Then we were told to go to our changing room: One changing room for women, one changing room for men. I went to my changing room, undressed (leaving my underwear on), and changed to my Yukata. I placed my pants and clothes to the locker assigned to me. Key for the locker was also given. Then I went out, and tried to see how Rose and Berber went. Not bad, we looked good with our respective Yukata on! We then headed to the main hall, where stalls of food and games are located. We explored the hall. Everyone was wearing his own Yukata! Felt like you really were in ancient Japan. Everybody was also barefooted, and the floor was shiny and clean, and constantly cleaned. Tea water is available for free. Souvenir shops are also located inside the main hall. Then, foot bath! This was also free. You get to go outside, and soak you feet in one of the many pond-like structures. Felt good to have soaked our feet in mild-hot water! Berber got to try soaking his feet as well! After some minutes of soaking, we decided to have our lunch and chose one of the restaurants inside the main hall. This restaurant does not have any chairs – only tables where food is served, and pillows to sit on. We were served with delicious food! Satisfying actually. After the sumptuous lunch, we headed to the hot bath! Hot baths for men and women are separate, so we parted ways for the meantime and went to our respective hot baths. Entering the hot bath area, I was once again assigned another locker where I would be putting my Yukata and other stuff. This time, I already had two keys, which one can wear around the wrist. Then I proceeded to the Onsen! I had to wash my body first with water at a designated area, the chose where I would be soaking myself. I found another spot where there were bubbles coming out of the Onsen. I spent most of my time there. It left a very relaxing feeling, it was like all your muscle pains are gone. I went out after 30 minutes and waited for Rose at the main hall. She went out with Berber and Berber had already enjoyed the hot bath. Unfortunately, Rose has not had yet experienced the hot bath, she had not soaked her body yet in the hot spring water. And so I told her I would be in charged of looking after Berber and gave her about 30 minutes to enjoy the Onsen. After 30 minutes, she got out. Berber had already cried so much by then, but stopped crying the time she saw her mother. We decided to go back to the hotel around 3:55 PM. We head back to our respective changing rooms, changed to our clothes from wearing Yukata, then headed to the cashier. Spent almost ¥10,000 for everything: onsen, food, etc. We got our things at the entrance (shoes locker and baby cart holder) and went outside of the place. There is this free bus service that would bring customers from Onsen to Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, and other parts of Tokyo. But the Tokyo Bus Service’ next trip was still at 6 PM. We were already outside by 4:05 PM. I asked the person in charge of the bus lines in Japanese, and confirmed that the next bus trip to Tokyo Station was 6 PM. Then I saw one train station from where we were standing and asked what the station was and where it was going. He said that that was Telecom Center Station and that this was bound for Shimbashi! I wanted to jump for joy, as this was actually the route we were intending to take. I thanked him bowing and said, “Doumo Arigatou Gozaimasu…” and he bowed to me as well. The station was just less than 5 minutes from the Onsen Entrance. From Telecom Center Station (Yurikamome Line), we headed to Shimbashi Station. we had to alight from the train and transferred to another line, still Shimbashi Station (Ginza Line). From Shimbashi Station (Ginza Line), we headed to Mitsukoshimae Station and exited the station via Mitsukoshi Department Store. Arriving at the hotel, we immediately readied our things, prepared all the needed tickets, packed everything we could, and voila, we were ready to check out from the hotel. Rose had to use the washing machine and washed some of the clothes. While that was happening, we went to the hotel reception and gave them Filipino snacks we bought from a store in Makati City. I wrote a note in Hiragana saying, “Doumo Arigatou Gozaimasu.” The male staff member received the snacks in pink paper bag, took his pen and wrote “Thank you very much” also in Hiragana. The female member of the staff also wrote something, “Thank You” and it had a drawing of Mickey Mouse of which she handed the note to Berber. We slept early, as we intended to reach Tekko Building at Tokyo Station for the Airport Limousine Bus. Rested we were on that night.
DAY 9. DEPARTURE FROM NARITA T2, ARRIVAL AT NAIA T3
We woke up very early in the morning – 5 AM. We had to ready ourselves for the bus trip back to Narita International Airport. After everything was ready, we left the hotel and took a cab. I told the cab driver, in Japanese, to bring us to Tekko Building for the Airport Limousine Bus. We alighted to a road opposite to the building and traversed across it going to the Airport Limousine Bus stop at Tekko Building. We were way ahead of the scheduled departure of the bus bound for Narita International Airport. Rose bought breakfast using her Suica Card which still had ¥700. The bus arrived and left Tekko Building at around 8:1j0 AM. We stopped by the TCAT, the last bus stop at Tokyo. Then the bus headed to Narita International Airport. The first bus stop is in Terminal 2. Arriving at Terminal 2, we alighted and had our luggage offloaded from the bus. We bowed down to the driver and said, “Doumo Arigatou Gizaimasu…” To our surprise, the bus driver handed Berber an origami of the crane. We are proud that even the Japanese liked Berber so much. The first thing that we did was to check the schedule of our flight – just to confirm that we really are on time, and that the schedule was what the ticket said. I left Rose and Berber somewhere in the airport since I needed to return something at QLiner: 4G Router we used during our 9-day stay in Japan. We checked our luggage in afterwards at Cebu Pacific Counter in the Terminal. After that, Rose suggested to have our lunch first, and so we did. Since my Suica card still had around ¥700, we were able to use it to buy some breakfast at 7-11 inside the terminal. Berber had a good view of the runway and airplane parking through a glass wall while we were eating. It was as if he never wanted to leave Japan. Around 11:30 AM, we decided to enter the departure gates, had to go through immigration processes and headed to our allocated gate (Gate 98). We waited until airport terminal staff at this gate let the passengers board the aircraft. Rose and Berber got the windows seat which was already purchased during ticket booking online. I sat in the middle. Berber had another last look at the aircraft window, and he was as if saying goodbye to the Land of the Rising Sun. After the 5 hour flight, we arrived at NAIA Terminal 3. Went though immigration processes, got our luggage and treated ourselves with some Filipino food in one of the restaurants in the airport terminal. After our dinner, we booked a Grab car and headed home.
Our trip to Japan, by far, has been the best trip ever – with our Berber, for his 1st birthday. I am certain that we will be back in this beautiful country, with very hospitable people. The Japanese are so disciplined that I think it is one of the ingredients to their country’s development, coupled with technology, ingenuity, and more. I just wish that one day, my country reaches to the level Japan is now. Japan and the Japanese people will always be in our hearts.
Doumo Arigatou Gozaimasu, Nihon!
– Eldon, Rose and Berber
Eldon B. Tenorio: My Thoughts, My Views, Everything Under the Sun 
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