Exploring Fukuoka: Japan's Underrated City

What cities first come to your mind when you hear Japan? Perhaps Tokyo tops the list, followed by Osaka, Kyoto, and Sapporo. Okay, maybe let’s add Nagoya because of Legoland. But Fukuoka was never under the radar for most travelers, and they’re missing a lot. This laidback city on the island of Kyushu seems unassuming, but it has a lot to offer. Today, I am here for five days to explore what Fukuoka has to offer and to discover its charm and uniqueness.

Autumn in Tokyo: The Long Wait Is Over

I know, I know. I hate to write this sentence as an opener of my blog entry, but here goes nothing: It's been a while since the last time I updated this post. I felt like I was still in high school, feeling apologetic for not updating my blog regularly.

Dreaming of Osaka

Osaka is not your ordinary Japanese city. While it is one of the most important cities in Japan, Osaka enjoys a more laidback setting compared to Tokyo, or even Nagoya.

Kyoto: A Journey to Japan's Heritage

The urban landscape of Nagoya quickly changed to vast ricefields as the shinkansen train gained speed. My mom, being a first-timer aboard this state-of-the-art bullet train, didn't notice that we were traveling close to 400 kilometers per hour. While peering out the window, thinking of the possible things to do in Kyoto, she got caught off guard by the speeding opposite bound train. The ride to Kyoto was only 40 minutes. I wished it was longer, but my wallet is already screaming – our one-way fare to Kyoto was even more expensive than our roundtrip fare to and from Manila!

I wasn't expecting a lot about our trip to Kyoto. We were scheduled to stay here for three days and two nights. I have already seen a lot of photos and read blogs about this former Imperial Capital, so there was not much of a buzz the moment we stepped out of our train. Boy, I was wrong.

Summer in Nagoya

Surprisingly, we took off Manila on time. The 4-hour journey to Nagoya was rather smooth, and I purposely requested a left window seat to capture the majestic sunset en route. It was already dark when we started our descent towards Nagoya. All I see was pitch black. I couldn't even make out where the land and the sea was. I guess we were only a few thousand feet when we finally emerged from the clouds, and I could see the distant lights of Nagoya's central business district.

The warm and humid summer air of Nagoya greeted us as we exited the terminal building. We rode a train to Kanayama Station, which is a 30-min ride from Chubu-Centrair Airport, where we would meet up with my aunt. While on the train, I couldn't help myself but observe. There's something about Japan that strikes you real hard - the efficiency, the politeness, and the generally peaceful urban environment.

#JaFun Birthday Adventure

Summer in Japan.

The first time I went to Japan, the leaves were falling, the foliage had already started to turn orange, and it was getting colder as days went by. Most streets in Tokyo's financial districts don't sleep at all, and people still wear their corporate attires even at two in the morning. Despite the busy crowd of Tokyo, I was still in awe. How can a big city become so clean and so organized despite having a population of more than ten million? I thought maybe these things only exist in Tokyo. But, Japan is known for being Japan. Man, I couldn't have been more wrong about it.

Thank You, Twenty Sixteen

The year 2016 was a roller coaster ride. I have gained a lot of new experiences mostly in life but lost a few that were dear to me. This so-called adventure doesn't teach us to dwell and linger with our past, especially the bad ones, but to always to keep our steady pace as we gear towards the future. No matter how we carefully plan our paths, life will always give us surprises along the way.

10 Things I Learned About Tokyo

A few weeks ago, I spent four days in Tokyo (with a side trip in the neighboring Kanagawa Prefecture), and as my friends are probably tired of hearing, I loved it. Absolutely loved it. Behind their towering skyscrapers and their disciplined culture, Tokyo still retains its charm. Here are the things I learned from traveling in this metropolis.

Exploring Laki Ashi of Kanagawa Prefecture

Last night was a blast. I was awake for almost 24 hours, but that didn't stop me from enjoying our first day in Japan. I can vividly still remember my first meal (a tonkatsu ramen), my first subway experience in Tokyo (which is, by the way, the most efficient and the most expensive mass transportation system I have ever ridden), and my first time crossing the most photographed intersection in the world. It felt surreal. Japan already gave me a very nice impression, and I can't wait to explore more of it!

On our second day, we explored the neighboring Kanagawa Prefecture to see Mount Fuji in person.

Day 1 in Japan: Exploring Tokyo

No matter how prepared you are for your trip, there will always be uncertainties that lie ahead of you. You don't have an idea what's in store for you in the next few days. Prior boarding our early morning flight to Tokyo-Narita, there were a few gaffes - the immigration counter opened thirty minutes late causing a long queue, and I was awake for almost 24 hours. Despite these, I still felt giddy and excited as we settled inside.

What Tokyo So Long?

Growing up, Japan was always on my side. There were anime shows dubbed in Filipino to keep me entertained after school. Before the K-Pop bands invaded the airwaves, there was J-Pop. I could still belt out the lyrics of Sweet Soul Revue and Feel Like Dance flawlessly. To tell you the truth, Japan was never part of my 'countries to visit this 2016' list. I was planning to go there two to three years from now but I scored a cheap fare earlier this year.

For four days, we explored Tokyo and the neighboring Kanagawa Prefecture. Japan did not fail to mesmerize me. Everything is organized and every corner of the city is very clean. Now I know why Japan is one of the most sought destinations in the world.

How to Apply for Japan Tourist Visa in the Philippines

Japan is the home country of Godzilla, Hachiko, Maria Ozawa, Doraemon, and Son Goku. It's also a great gastronomic destination. No wonder why Japan is one of the most sought after destinations among Asians, particularly Filipinos. Apparently, there's one thing that keeps us from visiting this country. Unlike our neighbors in Southeast Asia who only require a valid Philippine passport, Japan requires Filipinos to have a valid visa before entering their territory.

Here are the steps and a few reminders on how to successfully obtain a Japanese tourist visa.

Discovering the Spirit of Japan

Discover the Spirit of Japan. Photo credit

While unpacking my luggage last night, I finally saw my travel journal. I thought I'd lost it somewhere in Manila. The journal contained some of my travel plans, bucket lists, travelogue, and schedules. While browsing, I read my outdated bucket list entitled "things that I have to achieve before turning thirty something". 

Number one on the list is to explore Japan.