I Heart Travels

Nestled within the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, Yanaka Ginza is a quaint and charming street that boasts of a unique and timeless experience. Known for its old-world charm, Yanaka Ginza is a breath of fresh air amidst the modern-day skyscrapers and crowded streets of Tokyo. Lined with a plethora of charming local shops, some of which date back to 1904, Yanaka Ginza is an experience that transports one back in time. The beautifully preserved storefronts and traditional architecture of the shops add to the charm of this beautiful street. Unlike other nearby cities, Yanaka Ginza is a place that slows down after 7 pm, making it a perfect place to stay if you desire a peaceful and serene environment. The street offers a perfect blend of serenity and bustling Japanese life, making it an ideal destination for those who want to experience Tokyo's past and present together. The street is a walking distance from the train station, making it an easy and convenient option to explore Tokyo. Th

  Akihabara Tokyo, commonly known as "Electric Town," is a vibrant and pulsating district in the heart of Tokyo. This haven is a one-stop destination for anime enthusiasts, gamers, and tech lovers alike. From the bright neon lights reflecting off the skyscrapers to the animated culture that is deeply ingrained, Akihabara is a world in itself. As you stroll down the busy streets, the sensory overload of entertainment in Akihabara is instantly palpable. With vibrant arcades and manga stores lining the streets, one can't help but get lost in the wide range of pop culture memorabilia available. However, the highlight of Akihabara is undoubtedly its themed cafes, ranging from maid cafes to animal cafes that are sure to excite tourists and locals alike. Amidst the hustle and bustle of Akihabara's streets are several mega malls. These spacious complexes have a wide variety of stores, which are sure to satiate every need of the discerning tech consumer. The area is a shopping

Tokyo Tower: A Majestic Icon of Tokyo's Skyline   Standing tall at 333 meters in the heart of Tokyo, Tokyo Tower is not only an architectural marvel but also a symbol of Japan's post-war resurgence as a global economic powerhouse. Surpassing the height of its inspiration, the Eiffel Tower, Tokyo Tower has captivated locals and tourists alike since its completion in 1958. This blog entry will take you on a virtual journey to explore the history, significance, and breathtaking views offered by this iconic landmark.   A Tower of Significance: Tokyo Tower played a pivotal role in Japan's history, representing the country's remarkable recovery and transformation into a major economic force. For over five decades, it held the title of Japan's tallest structure until it was surpassed by the Tokyo Skytree in 2012. Despite this, Tokyo Tower remains an enduring symbol of the nation's resilience and progress.   Reaching Tokyo Tower: Located conveniently in the heart of the

Restaurant Review: A Ramen Revelation at Ramen Hidamari During our stay in a nearby hotel, my friends and I decided to explore the charming neighborhood of Yanaka. Amidst our exploration, a craving for ramen led us off the beaten path and straight to the doors of Ramen Hidamari. This serendipitous discovery turned out to be a culinary delight that exceeded our expectations.   Ramen Hidamari is a cozy, intimate restaurant that can accommodate around 15-20 diners. The simplicity of the ordering process, facilitated by a vending machine, adds a unique touch to the dining experience. The availability of an English menu was a welcome convenience for us as international visitors. We ordered ramen and gyoza, and were immediately impressed by the excellent flavors and quality. Unlike many ramen places that serve overly strong, salty soup, Ramen Hidamari's broth was perfectly balanced. The soup was topped with red strands, which we suspected to be saffron, adding a touch of luxury to our hu

The Hachikō Memorial Statue - A Symbol of Loyalty in the Heart of Shibuya Shibuya, a bustling district in Tokyo, is a place that leaves you wide-eyed, awestruck, and completely captivated. It's home to two iconic landmarks that have captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike: the Hachikō Memorial Statue and the Shibuya Crossing. If you've watched the movie "Need for Speed," you'll recognize this place instantly.   The Hachikō Memorial Statue is more than just a monument; it's a symbol of loyalty, devotion, and the enduring bond between humans and animals. Located near Shibuya Station, this statue commemorates the story of Hachikō, a dog renowned for his unwavering loyalty to his owner.   Hachikō's story is one that tugs at the heartstrings. Every day, he would wait for his owner at Shibuya Station, a routine that continued even after his owner's untimely death. Hachikō's faithful vigil lasted for nearly a decade, earning him nationwide recogn

The Iconic Shibuya Crossing - A Symphony of Organized Chaos Why is Shibuya Crossing so famous, you ask? This sprawling scramble intersection, located just outside Shibuya Station, is a perfect embodiment of Tokyo itself: action in all directions, a constant buzz of activity, and a sense of organized chaos that somehow works beautifully.   Visiting Shibuya Crossing was one of the things on my bucket list, and I'm thrilled to say that I've ticked it off. Experiencing the crossing at night was a sight to behold. The weather was perfect, inviting us to step out onto the street and immerse ourselves in the vibrant energy of Tokyo.   Watching the organized chaos unfold at Shibuya Crossing was mesmerizing. Waves of people coming from every direction, each navigating their way through the hustle and bustle with an ease that was almost balletic. If you want a bird's-eye view of this spectacle, I recommend visiting the Starbucks overlooking the crossing or the bridge at Shibuya Stati

A Day in Shinjuku, Tokyo's Tech and Shopping Hub   After indulging in a delightful sushi feast at Kurasushi, we decided to head to Shinjuku, a bustling district in Tokyo known for its impressive array of gadget shops. Tokyo, a city that seamlessly blends tradition with cutting-edge technology, is renowned for its high-quality gadgets. What's even more appealing is that these tech treasures often come with a price tag that's significantly cheaper than what we'd find back home in the Philippines. Shinjuku isn't just a tech paradise; it's also the commuting capital of Tokyo, boasting the busiest train station in the world. Amid the hustle and bustle, you'll find some of Tokyo's tallest buildings reaching for the sky, a testament to the city's architectural prowess. But Shinjuku isn't all work and no play. The district is also home to a plethora of shopping malls, bars, and clubs, offering endless entertainment options for locals and tourists alike.

Review for Kurasushi Restaurant:   If you're a sushi lover, Kurasushi is a must-visit destination. This popular conveyor belt sushi restaurant in Japan offers a unique dining experience that goes beyond just enjoying the food.   The sushi at Kurasushi is a testament to the culinary artistry of Japan. Each piece is meticulously crafted, boasting fresh seafood ingredients that are a delight to the taste buds. The variety is impressive, catering to different preferences and dietary needs.   What sets Kurasushi apart is its innovative approach to dining. For every five plates of sushi you consume, you get a chance to play a game and win a prize. This interactive element adds a layer of fun to the dining experience, making it more than just a meal. On our visit, we won a pin on our second try!   We visited Kurasushi on a weekday morning at their Higashi Nippori location. Despite conveyor belt sushi restaurants being a popular choice for fa

 An Unforgettable Journey to Lake Kawaguchiko   The day was filled with surprises as I embarked on an adventure to Lake Kawaguchiko, following an awe-inspiring visit to Mt Fuji’s Chureito Pagoda. Little did I know that my quota of surprises was far from being exhausted.   The journey began with a leisurely walk through local farms, leading us to the Shimo-Yoshida station of the JR line. While there are various ways to reach Lake Kawaguchiko, the train undoubtedly offers the fastest transit. Our ICOCA cards served as our tickets for this ride. The trains, adorned with popular anime characters like Naruto and Thomas and Train, were a delightful sight, adding a touch of whimsy to our journey.   As the train glided smoothly along the tracks, I marveled at the efficiency of the Mt Fuji tour. The landscape, with Mt Fuji as its centerpiece, transformed with every passing minute, offering a visual treat that was both dynamic and captivating. After a 45-minut