Wednesday, April 4, 2012

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)

 **photo from source

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!

 **photo taken from source

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!

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

**photo from source

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*

**photo from source

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!


**photo from source

 **photo from source
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!

**photo from source

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*
 **photo from source

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!
** photo from source

 Takoyaki
 **photo from source

Udon or Soba
**photo from source

Tonkatsu
**photo from source

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!

40 comments :

  1. Replies
    1. hahaha those photos aren't mine though! hehehe

      Delete
  2. Bon Voyage! Have a lovely trip, Nikki!

    ReplyDelete
  3. i have been wanting to go there!!!!!! enjoy tokyo for me!

    ReplyDelete
  4. wow i'm inggit! enjoy your trip Nikki :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks dear, I'm back and I had so much fun!!!!!

      Delete
  5. Hi dear. You should check out Yamagata. I'm not sure though if this is the best season to get there but it's a place that you don't have to miss when you go to Japan. We're are both off to be on the other sides of the world. Now off going to Ecuador. See you around in Manila when we both come back. At yung pasalubong ko huwag sana makalimutan! Sgt. Keroro stuffs will definitely shut my loud mouth off. The soundtrack's my phone's ringing tone ano ba! Hehehe.. -- Feri

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ay meron ka non??I LOVE Keroro and Have them displayed in my room! So goodluck, napaka astang bata!!! We didn't get to Yamagata but we went to a whole lot of places in Tokyo so sulit na ang sakit ng paa ko! :P

      Delete
  6. can't wait for you to be back and share your stories with us!

    have a happy and fun trip!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Will definitely share loads of stories! So much to tell!!!

      Delete
  7. Wow! Dream destination ko din yan Nikki. Ki O Tsukete Ne!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hope you'll have a great trip Nikki! And let's pray you'll have a clear sky to visit every place you want ^_^

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks sa prayers...it worked! the weather was the best when we were there!

      Delete
  9. don't worry the storm is finally over! gosh it was very windy last night and all the trains stopped. Hopefully you were too delayed with your flight because I know all the flights to Haneda were cancelled yday. Have fun! You've come at a perfect time to see the cherry blossoms!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks dear! I'm quite lucky the weather was PERFECT during my stay!!! :D

      Delete
  10. Don't forget to go to Ueno Park! I think sakura are still blooming.If you're going to Harajuku, don't forget the Meiji Shrine! It's right beside the JR Station. Shibuya is a great shopping area too! (Just one station away or a 15-minute walk from Harajuku).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Claire! thanks for the recommendation, I went to all of those places you mentioned :D

      Delete
  11. So exciting about ur trip! have a safe fly!

    ReplyDelete
  12. The pictures are beautiful! Have a wonderful and safe trip!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree, they aren't mine but they took my breathe away!

      Delete
  13. have a lovely trip with Mr AMW Nikki, and we'll be waiting to hear all about it when you get back! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I'm back and I've got nothing to say but good things about the country and the experience!!!

      Delete
  14. Oohhh i'm SOOOO JEALOUS hun!! I've always wanted to go to Japan!

    Have a wonderful trip with your husband!! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I hope it'll be your next destination too? :D

      Delete
  15. geessh, im so inggit..last time i went to tokyo was way back 1998 pa! so i cant remember na good places to go to...disney na lang nga! hahahaha enjoy kayo ha and happy trip! muaaaah

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ang tagal! A lot of things have changed, everything is easier for tourists, mas maraming English na!

      Delete
  16. Hi Nikki. I was just in Tokyo last week :) You can check out the Tokyo Tower too. It's best to go there while the sun's still up so you can see the great view during daytime. Mt Fuji is visible from their Special Observatory. :) Have fun and take care!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Denise, wow! Good thing you didn't reach the storm? Or were you there?

      Thanks for the heads up! We tried peeking at Mt. Fuji but it was a bit too foggy so we weren't able to see it!

      Delete
  17. WOW! You have already told us much already! It's sooo exciting! :D We'll definitely wait for updates :)Weather, be nice! :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. wahhh i want to go to <3 Hopefully some day :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We can start wishing and dreaming today! We did a couple of yeas...well we dreamt about this for 10 years and it finally happened! heheheh

      Delete
  19. i really like to go to Japan :( sana maka punta rin ako.. :)) i like ur blog :))

    ReplyDelete
  20. One of the countries I'd like to visit some day!!!! How much do I need to save to visit this country?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There are so many factors to consider, how many days? Where do you plan to stay? Do you plan to go out of Tokyo? etc..

      Delete

I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to comment your questions, suggestions and just anything you may want to say! Keep smiling and stay happy!