Japan Chronicles - Travel to the Rising Sun

They say once you get your heart broken one thing that you gotta do is to get out of your comfort zone and do something that you would not dare do. Some go up North of the country and travel to Vigan(The Spanish City of Ilocos Philippines), but the first time I did that, I gave a person the key to breaking my heart... and soo.... let us scrap that idea and go out to a different place where no one speaks the language and a smile from a stranger is the most comforting thing you will find.

Heart torn, pride worn out, mind all set… I went out on one great healing adventure.

Japan…. Land of the Rising Sun

Maybe here I will find my spirits rise up again and feel the beauty of being alive.

So…. Shall we begin my Japan Chronicles Day 1 with some tips?

If you are on a broke ass travels like me and got a promo fare, the first thing that you should know is that cheap flights to Japan from Cebu or Manila will enter Narita. Narita is about 1 hour away from Tokyo which is the epicenter of Japan's modern and Edo era culture. My capsule hotel was located near the Asakusabashi station which was just a train ride from Narita if you take the Keisei-Narita Station. Make sure you get the ticket from the counter ‘coz it's a reserve seating and you don't want to have to talk your way out of being an idiot in a Japanese Subway station. 

There I was in Japan apparently missing two trains ‘coz I was so hesitant to step inside a wrong one, but like all things in life I took a leap of faith and went for it and on wards I go to seeing the land of the Rising sun.😁 

Japan is unbelievable in it's quest for clean living and this is very evident with the sun roofs and greenery surrounding the area. It is light years away from the metropolis we see today. 

So with only 20,000 PHP pocket money and your trusty backpack, you better book your hotel in advance via Agoda booking services. They have the best discounts and it was awesome since my hotel for 7 days only cost me like 3,000 PHP! It was a real bargain and it helped a lot if you're on a tight budget and need to be in Japan for 7 days! So I booked a discounted rate in Hotel East 57 which was super awesome for this capsule hotel was the best when it comes to nearest transport. It's near JR trains as well as the Keiyo line which basically was the line you need to go back to Narita. 

Now that you have successfully landed in Tokyo... the next part is getting your way around it. I suggest that you don't try to wrack your brain with the Japan's railway system and get a PASCO or SUICO card, in that way you load up and not worry about always buying a ticket with another train provider. From Asakusabashi you can go to Harajuku to dress up like harajuku girls ( insert Gwen Stefani song >.< )

Harajuku St

or to Shibuya Station to have a picture with Hachiko...

Shibuya Station

Hachiko at Shibuya Station

Oriental Bliss

Mandarin Plaza Hotel

In the heart of the city center, a budget escape that offers great service, clean rooms, an awesome pool and a spa package that will not hurt your wallets. 

                           

This is an oriental bliss that is a gem hidden in plain site. Near the Ayala Center Mall, it boast of luxurious rooms that you can create a haven for a quick retreat from the busy hustle and bustle of work.

- Standard Room -

This hotel just opened recently so everything about it is pristine, clean and modern. It is a perfect getaway for your loved ones or just for yourself if you need a moment to do a stay-cation. For those needing a soothing pamper but don't want to hurt the bank, this hotel offers massage and spa packages suited for you. 

                                                

It also offers a pool that allows you to relax in the heat of the summer sun while enjoying life and relieving you of all the anxieties and worries of tomorrow. 

- Pool Area -

The package that you would also get comes with a breakfast buffet that is somewhat ordinary compared to the rest of the hotel I have been with. But if ever you do get the chance to try their bread pudding, I suggest you put it on your plate. I must say that was the highlight of the entire breakfast menu so don't miss it. 

- Breakfast Buffet -

Everyone deserves a break once in a while from the rigid routine and pressures of our work life. To achieve balance and to let go of a the stress and have a moment of serenity that will not hurt your hard earned cash is what this place offers. I must say, sometimes we work too hard to save for our dreams yet we forget to find peace in the present. The future will always be there, but to have a pause and create a reset button will not hurt you. A small price to pay for the sanity of your peaceful heart.