Japan Day 3: Tokyo - Meiji Shrine

One of the top hits in google for places to visit in Tokyo is the Meiji Jingu. It is an extensive garden with a Shinto shrine in the middle dedicated to the great Emperor Meiji who supposedly helped build Japan into the prosperous nation it is today. 

There weren't much people entering through the Torii gate near Kita-Sendo station. So you can take tons of shots here, but note that the Torii gate is much smaller compared to the one near Harajuku station. From here on you can walk right and pass through a garden, Homotsuden(treasure musuem), and head towards the middle for the actual shrine.

Nippon: The land of extreme kindness, succulent food, and wonderful people

For the first time in my life I will travel solo. Which better country to start with than the extremely organized, immaculately clean, ever safe, and hospitable Japan?

Photo credits to owner

A cousin of mine just came back from her first solo trip in Japan and I was envious! So looking for cheap tickets I stumble upon Cebupacific flights landing in Narita(Tokyo) and departing Kansai(Osaka) for only 4,500pesos ($100)!! So without thinking twice I booked the tickets, then only later realizing that is was summer in Japan! Hahaha, what a bummer for me because I hate the heat! 

So first travel tip, don't go if you don't like the heat during the months of June til early September as it's hot and humid! I thought I had escaped the hellish Manila weather, but Japan was also hot and sticky hovering around the 28C-31C temperatures during these months. However one cool thing about the summer season is Mt Fuji is open for climbing season which I highly recommend if you're into hiking. This is a good way to lose all the fats you get from eating delicious O-toro, ramen, yakiniku, katsudon, takoyaki, okonomiyaki and other delicious Japanese treats! 


With this my 15-day adventure begins in the land of beautiful sushi and Japanese girls! :P

O-toro, so beautiful it makes me cry  =,)

Pre-trip: Acquiring a visa to Japan for Filipinos
Pre-trip: Should I get a sim-card/wifi dongle or not? 
Pre-trip: How much money to bring?
Pre-trip: Understanding the transportation system
Pre-trip: Do I need to learn Nihongo? 
Pre-trip: What should I bring to my Japanese friends? 

Day 1 - Narita Airport to Tokyo
Day 2 - Tsukiji and Sushi Dai, Akihabara, Shibuya, Hachiko, and Izakaya 
Day 3 - Meiji Shrine, Ichiran Ramen, Harajuku, Asakusa
Day 4 - Mt. Fuji climb to the summit
Day 5 - Return from Fuji and excellent Soba dinner
Day 6 - Biking around Tokyo 
Day 7 - Raining Tokyo
Day 8 - Magnificent Kyoto
Day 9 - Gardens of Kyoto
Day 10 - Palace of Kyoto
Day 11 - Chill in Kyoto
Day 12 - Gorgeous Nara
Day 13 - Friendly Osaka
Day 14 - Universal Studios Japan
Day 15 - Don Quijote and Macha

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