Japan has top be on the top of the travel bucket list of anime fanatics like me. The temples, the old streets, the manga centers--it's like being in one of our favorite anime. Ah! Our promised land (haha!). 2011 was the first time I set foot in the Land of the Rising Sun. It was for a youth exchange program though. I didn't get to see the parts of Japan that I have always dreamed of visiting. So, yeah! After five long years, I decided to embark on a solo trip to Japan. I took the last flight from Tacloban to Manila. By 7:30pm, I'm already at NAIA T3. My flight the next day was at 5:15am

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I checked in at a capsule room in The Wings at T3 so that I can rest. I was able to sleep despite the noise around the hall. The capsule room was small and comfy. It had all the necessities you need. Towels and toiletries are provided. Shower and light meals are free if you get a capsule bed. Otherwise, it will cost you Php 300.00. Aside from the sleeping capsule rooms, The Wings also offers a lot of other services. Check out their website for the complete details.

The capsule beds. Small but comfy.

At 2:30am, I checked out from The Wings and breezed through the check-in and immigration counters. I'm just happy that there were no long queues today. At 5:15am, we took off. The ride was long. Though I slept for the most of it, it was still loooong and tiring. It would be so nice to be in business class (Ha! In my dreams!).

view from my window seat

We arrived at Narita 15 minutes ahead of our arrival time. Great! Narita is still the same Narita from 5 years ago. After being cleared by the immigration and picking up my luggage, the fun starts. Mentally I'm up to the challenge but emotionally, I am horrified. First task was to look for a currency exchange counter. Done. Second, look for the 3-day ticket passes. Done. Last, make my way to the hostel. This was very tough. Being a non-reader of Nihonggo, it was hard to decipher what was written in the ticket. Good thing I found a nice Japanese lady to ask. Note that if you get a Sky Access ticket, there is an assigned car and seat for you. I just found out about this when I thoroughly checked my ticket and deduced correctly.

Note: Remove your passport covers when going through immigration. Use of phones and taking pictures while on queue is prohibited.

After a very thorough research, I decided not to purchase a JR Pass. I thought I will not be able to maximize the use or at least be break-even with the ticket cost. The JR Pass is good for travelers who plans to visit Tokyo-Kyoto-Tokyo, Tokyo-Osaka-Hiroshima, or something that requires you to ride the shinkansen for at least two times. Plus, there's a lot of local passes that you can probably opt to buy.

In Tokyo, I bought the the Keisei Skyliner and Tokyo Subway 3-day pass. this ticket gives you unlimited rides on the Tokyo Metro and Toei subway lines and a one-way/roundtrip ride on the skyliner from Narita to city center. It comes in different packakges. Check their website here.  Note that Tokyo train system is very complex but efficient. So always read signs, double check the platform number, and don't be shy to ask for assistance.

You can buy online or at their desk at Narita International Airport.

Tired of walking? No problem. hire a rickshaw. It might cost you a lot though. But you'll get a ride and a tour guide.

Shopping!!

The weather was nice today--not so cold, not hot either; thus, a big crowd

Gankake, a wooden tablet where you can write your prayers and wishes in.

The brightly lit Akihabara

Manga-lovers' heaven!