I'm Off to Tokyo, Japan!!!

Happy morning AMW Readers!  Guess what?  I'm on my way to the airport today as I will be leaving for a well-deserved trip to Tokyo, Japan!

BUT, before I get too excited, I'm a bit worried today as Japan suffered from the Strongest Storm since 1959 last night and I'm not even sure if flight will push through today! But let us all pray for the safety of our friends living in Japan!

Article on the storm can be read here (Thanks to Keith's colleague for the heads up)

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Whatever happens, the show will go on..it could be delayed..but it will happen! 

After Korea, Japan is definitely next in line for our "must travel" countries!  Mr. AMW is super excited and he actually prepared the itinerary for the Japan Visa Application and mind you, I am the usual "tour guide" on most of our trips!  This time, I guess, AMW is relaxing! *hehehe*

Research after research, we've finally decided to book a hotel at Asakusa area.  I originally planned to stay at Shinjuku but after reading how  "busy" their station is, I've decided to go for a place more quiet and "traditional" and has the Japan-feel that I've been looking for.

Since most of my hotel bookings were done at Agoda.com, I've read a whole lot of positive reviews!  A very important selling point for me to book into a specific hotel are ----

• Great location.  Walking distance between the hotel and nearby subway station won't exceed 10 minutes on foot.
• Good reviews on the hotel staffs.  I've read nothing but praises on how helpful and courteous their hotel staffs are.  Some of them can speak good English! 
• Free internet!  We may be one "OC couple" but when it comes to travel, we like to prepare our itinerary in detail the night before!  We note down on how to go to a specific tourist spot and it's all possible with a free internet connection!
• Last but not the least, price!  The hotel isn't the cheapest but the rate comes with free breakfast for 2 (choice between Japanese and American breakfast) and free ramen at night (beat that!  lol) !  Free use of Onsen and Footspa!  That's good enough of a deal!

So a booking was made at Dormy Inn, Asakusa!  The name says inn but it's actually a 3.5-4 stars hotel!

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Here are some of the things we plan to do or places we plan to visit!  I hope we can do them all!  Or more!!!


Visit Sensoji Temple 
This will definitely happen as the hotel we are staying is just approximately 5-10 minutes away from this temple!  This is where we can see the 5-storey pagoda!

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Tokyo Disney Sea
'Nuff said, we're both childish, so a visit at Tokyo Disney Sea is a must!

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Akihabara Electronic Town

Hong Kong has Nathan Road as their "electronic" area, while Shenzhen on the other hand has a street of building after buildings of several floors selling various electronic goods from computers to cameras to mobile phones and computer parts.  Tokyo has Akihabara! Don't get me wrong, I plan to go there not onlybecause Mr. AMW likes to, I am actually quite intrigued on checking out some electronic supplies and who knows?  We may find something much more inexpensive as compared here in Manila! *laughs*

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Shinjuku
There will definitely be multiple places to visit within Shinjuku, the business and shopping district. Like "The Piss Alley"  *laughs*, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building as we crosses our fingers for clear sky to be able to view Mt. Fuji!

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Harajuku
To meet cosplayers and hoping to bump into Danny Choo *laughs*  Mr. AMW loves reading Danny Choo's blog, Danny Choo is the son of THE JIMMY CHOO (the shoes), a UK guy who lived in Japan for quite some time!

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Aside from a lot of other districts to visit, let's not forget my love for skincare and cosmetics!  I will definitely visit ---

• Matsumoto Kiyoshi - drugstore chains for various cosmetics and skincare line.
• Isetan - to check out high end cosmetics.
• Takashimaya Department Store - bigger department store with various range of high end skincare and cosmetics.
• Lawson - for inexpensive Shiseido line.
• PLUS PLUS PLUS A WHOLE LOT MORE!  

Oooh this is getting to be quite a long post and I'm not even done with what our plans our for this trip!  Whatever happens I'm sure it'll be a blast!  I hope to visit the office of the makers of Sergeant Keroro show!  *teehee*

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Yes, I watch the anime and I still do! I know it's impossible to go to their office as we may end up in jail for sneaking!  But I do hope to find them, even in plush toys!  Come on!  Don't laugh at me!  They are cute!!!

 

 And of course, we're in a different country!  What's the best way to understand the culture of the Japanese?  Through the stomach!

Okonomoyaki or Japanese Pizza!

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 Takoyaki

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Udon or Soba

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Tonkatsu

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And a whole lot more!!!

Let's not forget the food and drinks vending machine that are ever popular in Japan.  I have a feeling I'd say hi to them the moment I stepped out of the airport!  :)

**photo from source

 I'll keep you guys posted!  If you have been to Tokyo, Japan and have some suggestions on must places to go or must try food!  Feel free to comment in this post and I'll definitely check and read them the moment I have internet connection!

Arigatou Gozaimasu!!!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!