The Ambitious Day Trip to Shirakawago and Gokayama

I knew I had to see the rustic thatched-roof houses of Central Japan when I first saw them on TV years ago. The scenery was wintertime, the snow blanketed traditional houses, and on nighttime, instead of being surrounded by darkness, the entire village is illuminated with bright lights in an event called the Winter Light-up. Alas, I came a few months early and was not able to witness this glorious scenery. However, since I was already visiting Kanazawa and Takayama that sandwiches this remote area, I decided to visit it anyway. Due to budget limitations however, I had to scrap my intention of staying the night at Shirakawago and eventually decided to just do a day trip. Not just to one, not two, but to all three villages!

Time Travel to Old Japan at Hida Takayama

Takayama was one of the places that I was really (really) looking forward to visiting. I mostly wanted to see the Takayama Festival but I knew prior to the trip that it was impossible since the autumn festival is held during October and my flight to Tokyo was on November. Nevertheless, I couldn’t help but feel giddy whenever I thought of Takayama, and indeed it fulfilled and even went above my expectations.

Kanazawa Travel Guide

Kanazawa was not on my radar when I booked this trip to Japan, I originally intended to go to Takayama after my stay in Tokyo  and neighboring places like Kamakura, Nikko and Mt. Fuji. I learned about this place when I was researching for budget passes and thought to myself that it wouldn’t be a bad idea to see one of Japan’s renowned garden. However after exploring Kanazawa, I think this city has so much more to offer and is surely worth a visit.

Fuji Five Lakes DIY Day Trip: Kawaguchiko and Saiko

When I was jotting down must-see places for my Japan trip, Mt. Fuji garnered the top spot. The next question that I asked myself was if I wanted to do the hike or see the mountain from afar. The hiking trail closes as early as September so going up was impossible. Budget also restrains me to stay longer – autumn is tourist peak season so lodging prices might be a bit steep. Eventually, I just opted for the more practical option, which for me was to do a day trip. My choices were then narrowed down between Hakone, a destination famed for its hot springs with majestic views overlooking Fuji, or Fujigoko, which in English is the Fuji Five Lakes. I didn’t need to think much before deciding that the lakes is where I will spend my sixth day in Japan.

Seeing Kamakura’s Highlights on a Day Trip from Tokyo

Even though I stayed in Tokyo for six days, I only spent half of it in the city and I ventured to towns that Tokyoites frequent when they are eager to get outside the capital. I first went to Nikko famed for its shrines which I failed to fully explore, but on the upside, I was able to soak in some nature-filled scenery. On a busy Sunday, I decided to take the train to Kamakura to do more laid-back sightseeing.

The Not-So-Successful Day Trip to Nikko

I am not that fond of big cities, I dislike being in crowded places and so even though I immensely enjoyed my three-day stay in Tokyo, I still craved the rural scenery. I did three day-trips that were accessible from the city, and first of which was in Nikko, a location known for its UNESCO World Heritage status and amazing natural scenery. As to why this post’s title is an epic fail will be further explained in this post, but as a heads up, this letdown is all thanks to me.

Willer Bus Pass Comprehensive Guide – The Cheaper Alternative to JR Pass

I traveled to Japan with a very extremely super (I don’t know how to emphasize this) limited budget and so prior to the trip, I wanted to know what my options were in terms of saving transportation costs. Most websites and blogs recommend going by train,so it is almost everyone’s instinct to buy train tickets or the JR Pass not minding whether if this is more efficient or cost-effective. My search for cheaper alternatives led me to several bus companies and this money-saving pass called the Willer Bus Pass.

A Unique Tokyo Cultural Experience at Kagurazaka O-edo Street Tour

I realize I haven’t seen festivals as much as I wanted to,especially during some of my longer trips outside the country. For this trip to Japan, I have more than enough time to spare a day or two to attend some local events, and what a perfect timing that on my seven-day stay in Tokyo, there was a small event that I could go to. I wouldn’t have known about it if I hadn’t done some last-minute research before I left the country so it really pays to do a quick google search, don’t you agree?

A Glimpse of Traditional Tokyo at Asakusa and Kagurazaka

There’s definitely more to Tokyo than tall skyscrapers, impressive subways and modern fashion. It’s so easy to be absorbed by all these innovations that one might think it will be difficult to find a slice of traditional Japan in this huge metropolis. Not in Tokyo, though. There are plenty of neighborhoods where you can still observe old traditional sights that most people tend to miss out when they draft their Tokyo itineraries.

Dempoin Street at night

More of Western Tokyo: Shinjuku and Harajuku

I admit I only had my eyes set on the usual spots in Tokyo such as Shibuya that I had no idea there are equally awesome districts that were out of my radar. Even though I used to watch animes when I was younger and have still some exposure to their TV shows, it was not enough to prepare me for the overwhelming feeling of being in this huge metropolis. I also thought I was already battle-tested having previously visited other impressive capitals in East Asia such as Seoul, Beijing and Taipei, but each has their own charm, especially Tokyo.

neon signs in Shinjuku

Reliving my childhood dreams at Odaiba, Shibuya and Central Tokyo

My childhood was formed watching all those Japanese travel shows on IBC Channel 13 (Pinoys would get this) and all the coolest anime TV shows. I have different interests now, but the fascination with Japan never really dialed down. My trip started in Tokyo, a city so diverse and jam-packed that one could spend a week or two, even more, and not still be able to see everything it has to offer. However, I only decided to visit its highlights, most places that the 15-year old me would have wanted to see. This is a way of saying thanks to her being patient and believing that she can make the “impossible” come true.

trying out the ultimate "japan japan" pose the younger me would have done in all if I went years earlier

The Most Beautiful Places to Go When it’s Cold Outside

People say, there are three things you can watch forever: fire, water, and other people working. We can watch running water forever, but what if it's not just running water, what if you are to see magical running water like a frozen waterfall? Dynamics, energy, and the beauty of such a natural miracle are truly inspiring.

3 Days (or More) in Tokyo for Frugal First Timers

I used to daydream about Tokyo, especially during my teenage years. I even went as far as announcing to all my classmates that I was going to Japan after graduation. I am true to my word, I made this happen… 10 years after. Back then, my interests were mainly focused on anime shows and gadgets. I enjoyed watching travel shows about Japan, but didn’t really appreciate the deeper roots of its culture. Years have passed and I can say I have matured (a little, yes) especially with my attitude towards traveling. Despite that, the need to see Tokyo didn’t fade one bit, so I finally got myself flight tickets to Japan! I based myself in the capital of the country for six more days, three of those spent seeing the highlights of the big metropolis that is Tokyo.

A Rundown of My 3-day Trip to Sagada

When Sagada was feautured in the movie ‘That Thing Called Tadhana’, I admit I was a bit disappointed. You may call it greed, but I don’t want people coming to this place. But now that the secret is out, I thought I might share why I felt the need to do so. This place is just pure majestic! It has everything that I like – food, chill vibes, cold weather, lots of exciting activities and wonderful people. I only stayed there for three days but I think of Sagada from time to time every time I feel like going somewhere nice.

What a beautiful morning in Sagada!

16 Days of Solo Travel in Taiwan – Itinerary, Budget and Tips!

I’m glad that Taiwan is getting the fanfare it deserves right now especially with Filipinos. It wasn’t that much of a popular destination until recently due to relaxation of visa applications. I have found out how this is one of the cheaper and easier countries to visit in East Asia, despite the language barrier.

Masbate City in Four Hours

I only had very limited time left for Masbate City as I spent for time spending time with relatives in Mandaon. I tried to make use of the few hours I had before my flight left for Manila to try and see what the city has to offer. Fortunately, the province’s capital is quite compact and can even be explored by foot. This is a mini guide for some of the well-known landmarks and tourist spots that you can see if you only have 3-5 hours like me!

Wulai and Bitan Scenic Area

Everything looked sad and bleak on my last day in Taiwan. I certainly hope it would be sunny this time at least, but I didn’t want the gloomy weather to dampen my mood, so it’s still up to me to liven up my day. In times like this, I would usually just curl up in my bed with a book, but not today. As hard as it was, I prepped to do some light walking in the laidback district of Wulai in New Taipei.

The Quaint Towns of Shifen and Jiufen

The North East Scenic Zone of Taiwan is something that I have read from Lonely Planet and not one that is often mentioned in blogs and Tripadvisor. It is a collection of beautiful locations around the north east coast that is usually best reached by private transportation, I have tried to visit see some of these places during my 16-day sojourn because aside from natural landscapes, there are also a number of historic and cultural sites that visitors like me would definitely enjoy. I made my way to New Taipei to see the towns of Shifen and Jiufen to explore some of the country's finest destinations.

Back Home in Mandaon, Masbate

I admit it. I was actually born in Manila. For some years now, I have been claiming that I am Bisaya and was born in my mother’s province, Masbate. Growing up, I have always thought I was Masbateno. It is not a rare sight that people from my mother’s hometown of Tumalaytay would visit and often stay at our house that I somehow associated myself with their culture, even picking up Minasbate, the local dialect, unconsciously, which surprised a lot of my relatives. I have only been there once when I was five years old and thanks to seat sales that I was finally able to grab cheap fares to Masbate this year.

Immersing in Nature at Sandiaoling Waterfall Trail

Taiwan has lots in store for those seeking nature. I am quite surprised that there were a number of easy hikes around the capital city, so there’s no excuse for those who are already living in Taipei not to go outdoors, given that mass transportation can easily get you to those places easily. I did another nature walk in New Taipei, in the district of Sandiaoling to chase some waterfalls.

the biggest waterfall in Sandiaoling