2010 Japan Christmas and New Year Tour

Got to travel to Tokyo, Japan! This was my first time visit land of the rising sun. This was also the first time I got fly Business Class. We had a travel agency to prepare everything for us. Personally I prefer planning my own trip because its cheaper and more exciting. But since this was a family vacation and a treat from my sister and brother in law, It would be easier and convenient for everyone if we let the experts plan the vacation. My visit to Japan was ok, but not I was expecting. Maybe it's just timing, because it was new years eve so many people were at home with their families.

Welcome to Japan Sign at Narita Airport

2010 Japan Christmas and New Year Tour Itinerary

We got this itinerary from our travel agency. Personally I prefer planning my own trip because its cheaper and more exciting. But since this was a family vacation and a treat from my sister and brother in law, It would be easier and convenient for everyone if we let the experts plan the vacation. The travel agency was also the one who applied our Japan travel visas. Which is better since they can help you with the requirements and tips on how to make sure that you get approved.

Japanese Food in Tokyo, Japan

Walking around Tokyo, you would see that Japan has a rich culture with food. They have a strong taste for their own food. Most of the restaurants I saw was Japanese restaurants. One thing I noticed is that most restaurant has fake food displays in front of their establishment. The fake food display are called "sampuru," meaning "sample." 

Japanese Fake Food Displays known as Sampuru(Sample)

Roppongi Hills and Mori Art Museum

After our Tokyo Morning Tour, we were dropped at Ginza District. But all the shops at Ginza was closed on January 1st so as advised by our tour guide, we went to Roppongi Hills. Our tour guide said that Roppongi Hills is most likely open, and it was. Roppongi Hills is like the Ayala compound in Makati where we have several interconnected malls like Glorietta and Greenbelt.

Spider Sculpture in front of the Mori Tower

Tokyo Morning Tour

Taking a short morning tour of Tokyo was very convenient for us since this was our last day. We had a glimpse of Tokyo even if almost all the shops were closed since it was January 1st. We were the only people in the tour so we had the whole bus for ourselves. That was great because we had the cute tour guide for ourselves. Since it was only us, she was not strict with time and we can spend extra minutes.

Tokyo Tower

Visiting Ginza on New Year

We were dropped at Ginza District at the end of our Tokyo Morning Tour. Funny thing was that it's January 1st so all the shops were closed. So we weren't really able to shop anything at Ginza. We just walked around and "window shopped."

Shopping District of Ginza, Tokyo

Short Visit to Asakusa Temple at Tokyo

Our morning tour of Tokyo includes a short visit to Asakusa Temple. Since it was January 1st, the place was so crowded. I got to pray at several shrines. One spot is where you would put smoke on your forehead and another spot is where you throw money, which I didn't bother to ask why. 

Asakusa Temple

Waiting for the New Year at Odaiba

Few hours to go before the New Year, so I was looking for a place to hang out. I assumed that every city has a countdown event to celebrate the coming new year. I asked some Japanese where I can go, and they all pointed out to Odaiba. They said that "young people" go there to celebrate the new year. So we we went to Odaiba.

Tokyo Rainbow Bridge while Riding Yurikamome Elevated Train

Mount Fuji-Hakone Tour

Got to travel to Mount Fuji! I was really excited with this tour since this was the first time I saw real snow. We got the Mount Fuji-Hakone Tour by Japan Gray Line, which costs around 13,000 Yen with lunch. The tour is for a whole day and we enjoyed it.

Sneak Peak of Mount Fuji when we Passed by a Near by Village

Joe's Shanghai Restaurant at Sunshine 60 Tokyo

This is one of the most expensive Chinese restaurants I have ever eaten. I didn't actually feel that the food was different or tasted better. It tasted like any other Chinese restaurant here in the Philippines. But the view was awesome. I guess that's what you pay for.

Entrance and waiting area of the Restaurant

Holiday at Tokyo Disneyland Japan

Got to travel to Tokyo Disneyland! We were really frustrated that we only got to try 3 attractions after a whole day at Tokyo Disneyland. Imagine we had to wait in line for 2 to 3 hours for just one ride! Nevertheless we still enjoyed being there as a family even in the freezing cold. I said to myself, never will I go to Disneyland on a holiday!

View from the parking area of Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Hotel

Philippine Airlines Business Class Flight from Manila to Japan

This was my first time to visit Japan and my first time to fly in business class. First thing to remember in flying business class is that you don't have to fall in line. Great if you don't want to go to the airport early. But if you don't go to the airport early you would have less time to enjoy PAL's business class lounge.

PAL's Mabuhay Business Class Lounge Entrance