SHIKIMIKIE

We went to Ebina after and ate at our favorite steak restaurant. Hungry Tiger. I remember the last time we ate there and it was still with dad. I will always remember this place because this is like our go to steak restaurant ever since I was a child. I may have over ate this visit but hey.






Can I just share that this is probably the best bento I’ve had this trip. I didn’t each much bento per se but yeah this is the best. It’s curry rice and namba chicken from 7/11.






We went to Daiso to finalize our pasalubongs for the whole barangay and my mom was like, let’s eat at a good ramen place. 

We ended up here. My mom hated the restaurant but I used to eat here a lot with my co workers and I don’t hate it. The tantanmen was a-okay! But I admit that there are other better places we could have wrapped up our Japan trip. Oh well. 

Few days later, we returned to replace the fresh flowers with artificial ones because my mom and I wouldn’t be back so soon. The fresh flowers were still fresh but you know, no one will really replace it once we’re out of Japan. So yeah there’s that.

I didn’t think I’d come to this point. I wore this for dad. For myself too. Mostly for dad though. And I didn’t think I’d like it to the point where I’d wear it again. But I definitely will. In Kyoto, dad. If I ever go there again. Anyways, we actually stayed at a Capsule Hotel which is sooo nice! I mean, Japan is just cleaner, in my opinion. The one in Dotonbori is not as clean but that’s even better than the one we stayed at in Korea. Or Hong Kong. Anyways. We started early morning and took a lot of pictures already. I booked through the Klook app which is what I always do and yeah it’s just convenient. Anyways, before the Kimono stuff these are the pictures that we took. 

Because we came early in the morning, there weren’t a lot of people around yet so it’s like seeing the place at a different perspective. It was refreshing!

This is just some random shot that I took which I don’t even know what signifies or whatever.

I have been here not more than 6 times my lifetime and yeah although I’m not really a fan of the city, which comprises mostly of small Japanese souvenir shops and all, this trip was fulfilling in a sense. I can’t explain it but there’s something about this place that I can’t explain. If you’re a tourist, by all means, drop by this place because there are a lot to see! Literally. 

Mikie minus the attitude! 

We also stopped at this chicken place where I asked mama just to share but she insisted and bought two still. It was not that good. It’d be perfect for sharing though. I don’t know. Maybe because I just had onigiri and coffee before I had this but it’s too much in my opinion. It’s not bad though. Still okay. So to the kimono place we go! Actually we stopped at Don Quijote where we bought a lot of stuff still but anyways.

The 500 yen chicken. Can I just say that it is now discouraged to walk while eating. I mean, it’s always common courtesy for the Japanese people to find a table or something but I guess it’s that time where everyone is always in a rush and it is more acceptable to eat while walking now but anyways back to the point. They have signage discouraging people to walk while eating. Maybe because of the pigeons? They tend to poop everywhere maybe so yeah I’m not sure really.

My mom took a lot of decent photos! In fairness to her. DSLR is intimidating I know, but my mom nailed it. I was giving her attitude for no reason at all! My goodness.

If you’re gonna rent a Kimono, I suggest going to places like this because there are lots of places you can have your picture taken given you’ll go early because not much photobombers of course.

Cute! 

I want to say sorry to my mom though, I feel like I’ve given her a lot of attitude. I don’t know why. She didn’t do anything per se. I was just sooo moody that time that even I, myself noticed. Sorry mama.

Mikie plus my attitude

Even though it was obvious that I’m being rude to her, this is my mom smiling at the picture. I’m so sorry mama. Bless your heart. That’s all you, guys. Asakusa was fun! Ciao!

Kid at heart

Dad’s friend dropped us near here and because we were kind of early still, we went to the nearest 7/11 first, then Lawson, and kind of passed by this playground. I mean, nothing much. Just stopped by to take Insta photos. 

I can’t explain how thankful I am of this fam. So it’s just right to pay them a visit, right? Also, my boy Tora is just so big now! I’m surprised he still remembers me. I mean, like he still remembers our closeness and stuff. He wasn’t a bit shy when he saw me. 

I don’t really have much to say. It’s been more than a year since I saw them and stuff. Loads of catching up happened and yeah, this is my family away from family when I was in Japan. Forever grateful!

Sagamiono Station

We took some photos at the station and normally, I wouldn’t but yeah I don’t really know when I’ll be back again so I took some with the mother dear. That’s about how our day went. A day well spent if you ask me. Adios! 

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Takeshita Street

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Dotonbori Street

Kyoto Station

Know Where You Want To Go

Many people ask me where to go and what to do. I always ask them what do they want to see and go from there. I am a MILLENNIAL. However, I would also like to see more than just the tall buildings and busy life of people. So if I were to give myself an advice, I’d say go to Tokyo and then to a more rural place like the Kansai area. It is crucial to plan ahead because as a tourist, I’d assume you’d be on a very limited time. Say, a week. If you don’t plan your trip, you’d waste your precious time looking for a place to go and before you know it, you’re already leaving tomorrow and you’ve already missed a lot! It’s true that you can always just go back to Japan but why not make the most out of “this” trip? You know what I mean?

Hachiko Statue

Sensoji Shrine

Tokyo Tower

Dotonbori

Kobe Tower

Don’t Miss the Tourist Spots 

It’s a tourist spot for a reason. If it’s your first time going to Japan, it’s always fun to make a list of touristy things to do and cross off items one by one. Hachiko, check! Shibuya Crossings, check! Tokyo Tower, check! Then after crossing out everything on your list, you can then be creative and make the most out of your stay! A lot of veteran travelers would suggest you skip this and that but I say no. Just give it a try, you know! You never know what would capture your heart.

Prince Pepe Hotel

Grace Hotel 

Japan Can Be Expensive 

TAXI is KINDA EXPENSIVE! So OPT for train. Also, Japan is expensive because you’d have to book a hotel or a place to stay but Japan is actually NOT ALWAYS that expensive. That’s IF YOU KNOW WHERE TO GO! With that being said, you bet I mean skipping the expensive fine dining places of Japan such as those in your hotels and blend in with the locals! Not only do you know it’s GOOD, you’d also learn the culture a little bit. Also a tip for you, I know convenience stores and vending machines are everywhere but do you know that a 150yen bottle of cold coffee is sold for only 80yen at the supermarket? And while you’re at it, get those 1.5L bottled water for 60-80yen because that’s about 99 at the conbini as we call it. It adds up you know! YOU’RE WELCOME. Convenience is not free!

Shibuya Crossings

Follow The Rules

Don’t bring your country to Japan. Go as an individual with a hunger for new perspective instead. Follow basic rules. Don’t litter! Don’t smoke where you’re not supposed to. Although I must admit that it’s been a bit of problem lately but overall, be a local for a while!

EAT!

BONUS: You might want to check out my Disneyland vs Disneysea post. You’re welcome.