Spring in Tokyo (Part 1 of Japan Trip)

If you’ve known me long enough, you’d know that I don’t usually blog about my travels; but this time, I’m making an exception. Who knows, maybe I’ll start doing this from now on. Just recently, Ander and I, together with his mom and her friend, went on a 15-day trip to Japan just in time for cherry blossom season. Now 15 days is longer than your average trip, considering that we only went to one country. I am glad we were there that long, though, because it took a bit of weight off my shoulders and I didn’t feel like I was pressed for time. We were able to travel at our own pace without worrying if we’re gonna cover all the places we wanted to visit. Traveling with the elderly was indeed hard, but we were able to visit Tokyo and Osaka, with day trips to Chiba, Saitama, Kyoto and Nara. So what exactly did we do during those 15 days?

Keep reading for our daily itinerary and an estimate of our expenses.

We could have saved a ton if we availed cheaper fares but P20,000 for airfare is not bad in my book — especially since it was peak travel season in Japan. It was also fortunate that we were able to book cheap accommodation just mere days before the trip, and since there were 4 of us, the cost was further reduced too.

DAY 1:

Grumpy fatty and auntie

We arrived at Narita International Airport at around half past ten in the morning JST. I planned on going straight home to spend a few days with my parents (we live in Chiba, just 30 minutes way from Narita), while the three of them head to our Airbnb in Shinjuku. We were surprised it was 7°C that noon. Certainly way colder than what we expected. They boarded the Airport limousine bus. Train would have been cheaper, but that would be hard on Ander’s mom and her friend — henceforth referred to as aunties.

Meanwhile, I arrived home a couple of hours earlier than my mom. We dropped by my grandma’s place that afternoon, did some grocery — the usual.

Sakura Bath

Day 2: Ginza, Tsukiji, Asakusa

Spent the whole day home, playing with Julie, our dachshund, and sorting out the stuff I left from last January. Meanwhile, Ander toured the aunties around Ginza, Tsukiji fish market, and Asakusa.

Ander’s seafood bowl from Tsukiji Fish Market

Sensō-ji

Asakusa was packed, as usual

Asakusa was packed, as usual

Later that night, Ander followed me to Chiba.

We missed my mom’s excellent cooking!

Ander’s pasalubong from Tsukiji: Mochi with strawberries and white strawberries

Day 3: Exploring Chiba

There wasn’t much to do in Chiba — at least not in our immediate area. The past few days were unexpectedly colder and the sakura there haven’t started blooming yet.

We went to Chiba Ko-en, and was disappointed a bit as the trees were bare. What a shame, since Chiba Ko-en during spring is beautiful.

The only tree in bloom that day

Sakura white chocolate chiffon cake, latte and blended drink.

Can’t miss this classic shot!

There were sakura-themed food everywhere we went. If I could only try them all!

We did some purikura (again) as we vowed to do it everytime we visit Japan.

Purikura!

The day went by so fast. As much as we wanted to spend more time with my parents, we had to be in Tokyo by the next day.

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