Japan is my 2nd out of the country experience and I can’t explain how amazing this country is. Well mannered people, beautiful tourist spots and temples, delicious foods and many more!
We went to Japan for our honeymoon, went there a month after our wedding (January) because I want to experience the snow. Although February is the ideal month for winter and snowfall in some places in Japan such us Kyoto and of course in Hokkaido. Would you guess if I was able to see the snow? hmm?
Day 1 to 3: OSAKA – Osaka Castle, Universal Studios and Dotonbori Area
Day 4 to 5: KYOTO – Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, Arashiyama, Bamboo Forest & Kyoto Tower
Day 6: Travel to Tokyo, Explore Akihabara
Day 7: SKI at Snow Town Yeti with Mt. Fuji at the background
Day 8: Tokyo Tower – One Piece Tower
Day 9: Asakusa and Odaiba
Day 10 and 11: Explore Tokyo, Shopping, Meet Friends (free day)
Day 12: Going back to PH – sad but have to 😦
So.. here’s the exciting news.. I wished.. and then I did experienced the snow in Kyoto :)) It was not that heavy but still I’m so happy that I saw the snow fall. Yehey!
Breakdown of expenses (for 2 person):
- Manila to Osaka flight – Cebu Pacific: Php 7, 798
- Osaka to Tokyo flight – Jetstar: Php 6, 080
- Tokyo to Narita Flight – Cebu Pacific: Php 5, 330
- PH Airport Terminal fee: Php 1,620×2 = Php 3,240
- Hotel in Osaka – Hotel Mikado South Namba: Php 2,725
- Hotel in Kyoto – Hotel Gran Ms Kyoto: Php 5,632
- Hotel in Tokyo – Smile Hotel Nihonbashi Mitsukoshimae: Php 16,705
- ICOCA Card (can be use in trains, bus & convenience store) Osaka and Kyoto – preloaded with 1,500Jpy each: Php 2,010
- Tokyo Subway tickets – 3 days unli ride: Php Php 1,098
- One Piece Tower entrance fee: Php 2,712
- Ski resort entrance fee with roundtrip transfer: Php 9,354
- Narita to Tokyo bus fare (vice versa): Php 2,000
Over all total expenses for two (without food and shopping): Php 64, 684 (approximately Php 65,000)
Tipid Tips: 1. Book your ticket early and always tune in to your favorite airlines for their promos.(I booked our ticket 8 months early) 2. Book your hotel through Agoda, Booking.com, AirBnB, etc. at least 6 months before your travel date so you can avail cheaper price. You can look for hotels that offers free cancellation plus you can use it for your visa application. 3. We had the domestic flight (Osaka-Narita) because I was able to found cheaper flight than Shinkansen (bullet train) fare. 4. Be familiar to Klook (app) because they offer cheaper prices for train tickets, entrance fees and also discounted meal prices in some restaurants. 5. Food at supermarkets are cheaper than in convenience stores specially in the evening. Buy your bottled water in bigger size because it have the same prize with the smaller one. Some store offers free taste, don't be shy and try it for your free snacks 🙂 6. Exchange your PHP to USD so you can avail higher rate when you change it to JPY. You can also withdraw cash from ATM in Japan, the charge is not that big. 7. Always do a research and prepare your itinerary beforehand so you don't have to spend your time doing it while you are travelling.
You can also watch this video for more info 🙂
I love Japan so much that I want to go back again and again. So many things to explore and have fun.
ENJOY TRAVELLING! 🙂
Jonics Adventure 