An opportunity presented itself—and like any reasonable adult with a passport and a craving for adventure (and maybe snacks), I thought, “why not, chocnut?”.
So off I went, embarking on my very first trip to Japan. Just me, two suitcases filled with treasures collected from New Zealand, Australia, and the Philippines (more of that on a separate post), and zero regrets.
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| good morning Japan |
I’ve technically “been” to Japan a few times, if you count airport layovers where I never made it past the boarding gate. This time, I was determined to trade terminal chairs for temple steps. This was a solo trip and I had two clear goals: see the sights and eat like I meant it. Armed with a to-do-and-to-eat list as long as a ramen queue on a Sunday afternoon, I was ready to tackle Japan one sight and one bite at a time.
Armed with curiosity (and a decent sense of direction), I set out to conquer Japan’s train system, zipping from the lightning-fast Shinkansen to the humble local JR lines. The goal is to navigate Japan’s rails like a pro…or at least without popping up in Hokkaido wondering where all the Kyoto temples went. My itinerary? In this trip I locked in a 3-day, 2-night Disney adventure, a full-day Kyoto immersion, a sprinkle of Osaka magic, and wrapped it all with a Tokyo DIY experience that was equal parts exciting and exhausting.
Think of this blog as my little travel souvenir— part reconnaissance mission, part diary, part food review, and living proof that moms can travel solo, eat their weight in ramen, and live to tell the tale.
:: TOKYO ::
.: Disneyland :.
My flight left Manila at 11:25pm, amidst a downpour and landed in Tokyo-Haneda at 4:45AM on July 23, 2025 at Haneda airport, wide-eyed and slightly under-caffeinated, for a 6-day, 5-night whirlwind before heading back home to Pennsylvania—where my two tiny humans (a.k.a. my babies) were patiently waiting for mommy to return from her yatsuhashi-fueled escapade.
By 5:35AM I am on my way to my 2 nights accommodation - the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel. It took about 30 minutes from Haneda airport to the hotel. This is the reason why I chose Haneda airport, it's closest to Disney Tokyo.
My suggestion is 1 day in Disneyland and 2 days in Disney Sea. I will write a separate post for Disneyland and Disney Sea Tokyo. I did 1 day in Disneyland and 1.5 days at Disney Sea. I could have stayed longer but I was anxious to get to Kyoto on my 3rd day in Japan. I will tell you more about Disneyland Tokyo in a separate post.
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I’ll save the full story for a separate post, but here’s one quick tip: if you’re pressed for time and have to choose between Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea, pick DisneySea—especially if you’ve already been to other Disney parks in the U.S. And trust me, you’ll want two full days to truly enjoy it.
.: Kyoto - Getting in and around :.
I booked my transportation from Disneyland Hotel to my Tokyo hotel thru Booking.com. It's just easier because I booked my accommodations thru Booking.com too, plus they give you discount if you book an accommodation and transportation bundle.
As soon as I checked into my Tokyo hotel, I headed back out—carry-on and backpack still in tow—to buy my Shinkansen ticket to Kyoto.
Tip: Save yourself the hassle (and some arm strength) by using Japan’s luggage forwarding service. I did—and it was worth every yen. I’ll spill all the details in Part 2 of this blog.
Luckily, my hotel was close to Tokyo Station, which made things a bit easier in the sweltering July heat. Yes, July is summer in Japan, and yes, I’ve got tips coming later on how to survive it.
I’d watched enough YouTube videos to feel confident about navigating Tokyo Station’s maze, finding the Shinkansen ticket kiosk, and buying my ticket, so that part was a breeze. The real challenge was finding the right track. Keep in mind, this was my very first train ride in Japan (and no, the Disney train system doesn't count). One wrong set of turnstiles and a confused look later, I was politely redirected by a train security officer. Luckily, I’d purposely bought a ticket with a 30-minute buffer, fully expecting to get lost—which I did. Still, it only took me 10 minutes and I was back on track—literally.
Tip: Trains to Kyoto run frequently, but make sure you’re boarding the right one for your ticket’s time and line (check the green highlights on the image below). Also note your car number. In my case, reserved seats are Cars 10–11, mine is 10. Also look for the matching markings on the platform or security gate, to know where to stand and wait for your car. And if you booked a reserved seat, don’t forget to check your seat number before settling in… unless you want an awkward game of musical chairs with a stranger.
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pay attention to where you are standing on the track...your car number is on your ticket...the pic above shows car 10 and 9...door/barrier opens once it is ready to accept passengers. |
I wanted a reserved seat because I didn't want to risk standing the whole trip and I want to see what their first class looks like (I want to compare it with TGV in Europe). I paid 19,240 yen for my ticket. So that's around $130 USD.
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| the charger and foot rest |
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| the free wi=fi |
I purposely chose a D seat for my Kyoto trip. I was told that if I want to see Mt. Fuji, that's where I should seat (basically, on the right side of the train). Unfortunately though, I didn't see Mt. Fuji. The cumulus clouds hid it from me.
Tip: For the best chance of spotting Mt. Fuji without too many clouds, travel to Kyoto early in the morning. I went at 3:00 PM, which wasn’t ideal for visibility, but logistically it made sense. My group tour started at 8:00 AM the next day, and with the earliest train from Tokyo arriving at 8:15 AM, there was no way to make it on time. So, an afternoon Shinkansen the day before was my best—and only—option.
The Green reserved seat was spacious, complete with a footrest, chargers, and free Wi-Fi. No food service though, unlike the TGV (which I already knew).
Arriving in Kyoto was easy—finding the right exit? Not so much. I had photos of the landmarks and buildings near my hotel (thank you, Google Maps), but it never occurred to me that Kyoto Station might have multiple exits. Rookie mistake. A couple of helpful station staff and one “lost tourist” look later, I found my way to the Shinkansen Hachijo Exit—left turn, down the steps, salvation.
It was still daylight when I arrived at my Kyoto hotel, so after checking in I set out for a bit of window shopping… or so I thought. That plan quickly changed when I spotted a Don Quixote right next to my hotel. Naturally, I had to see what all the fuss was about—but more on that later.
The photos above are from my full-day tour, which I booked on Booking.com for $144.25. Was it worth the price? That’s subjective. Sure, there were a few stops I don't particulary care about, but traveling solo with no Japanese beyond konnichiwa and arigatō gozaimasu means I value the ease of having a professional guide. Yes, I have Google Translate and Google Lens, but nothing beats a stress-free, well-organized trip, especially when it’s sweltering outside and you have the luxury of an air-conditioned, door-to-door bus. My advice? Pick your battles.
It’s a bit of a walk from the parking lot to the temple, but the path is lined with narrow streets packed with Kyoto delicacies and souvenir shops. I even spotted a stall renting kimonos—perfect for that “I woke up like this… in 17th-century Japan” photo op. I fully intended to do it, too… until a yatsuhashi stall caught my eye. By the time I’d sampled a few too many, it was already time for my tour to leave.
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| no, i'm not contemplating to jump, that's my “why on earth would anyone want to jump from here?”" look. |
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.: Otowa Waterfall :.
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| Our tour guide snapped this photo without me even knowing—so glad she did! That’s me sipping from one of the streams… any guesses which one I chose? |
.: Sanju-san-gen-do Temple :.
Here you'll find 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, all lined up in perfect, slightly intimidating formation. It’s part serene, part surreal, like stepping into a golden army that’s silently judging your life choices.
Photography isn’t allowed inside, so you’ll just have to trust your memory, or your jaw dropping, when you see it in person. Oh, and shoes are not allowed inside, so hopefully you are wearing socks under your shoes when you visit this temple.
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| no photography is allowed inside, so I had to settle for the next best thing, a poster from the gift shop :D |
Tip: If you're going to Gold temple buy amulets there instead. They are 200 yen cheaper.
.: Sagano Bamboo Forest :.
Honestly, I wasn’t all that impressed with this spot, but I snapped a few photos anyway—proof that I’ve been there. If it’s your kind of thing, I’d suggest booking a private tour because it comes with its own walkway (read: no crowds). I spotted one as I was entering, and it looked like they were taking guests there by jinrikisha (rickshaw). No idea what it costs, but it might be worth a try.
You also get to see a traditional Chinese garden, but I think it's better during autumn season.
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| the garden that would look fabulous in autumn... but feels very calming, nonetheless |
.: Kinkaku-ji/Golden Temple :.
This temple is stunning! Maybe it’s the girly-girl in me who loves anything sparkly, or maybe I’m just channeling my inner Niffler, but that golden temple had me absolutely mesmerized.
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Our final stop—and the grand finale—was Fushimi Inari Shrine, easily the highlight of the tour. The iconic vermilion torii gates stretch on and on, creating that picture-perfect tunnel you’ve seen a thousand times on Instagram… and yes, it’s just as magical in person.
going the wrong direction :D
Shops line the approach to the shrine, tempting you with yet more souvenirs and street food, but I was on a mission: get the photos, get the videos, and then retreat to the nearest patch of shade like a sensible tourist. Mission accomplished. Sometimes the best souvenir is a camera roll (or iCloud) full of shots and the memory of not melting in the Kyoto sun.
:: OSAKA ::
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.: Osaka - Getting in and around :.
During my Kyoto full-day tour, I met a Filipino family on holiday from the Philippines. They’d been in Japan a few days longer than I had and suggested I visit Osaka since it’s only a 30-minute train ride. I was already toying with the idea, but their recommendation sealed the deal.
At first, I was planning to buy another Shinkansen ticket from Kyoto to Osaka, assuming the regular train would take an hour. Turns out, the regular JR train only takes about 30 minutes—and the Shinkansen would save me just 15 minutes while costing 2.5 times more. Easy decision: regular train it is. I paid 580 yen (around $4), and as a bonus, it drops you at Osaka Station rather than Shin-Osaka. Osaka Station is more centrally located, making it perfect for sightseeing.
I booked a hop-on, hop-off bus called Wonderloop Osaka for 4,400 yen (about $30). If you noticed, my ticket says Special-Rapid. It just means I am taking an Osaka train that has less stops than regular and even lesser than Rapid train to Osaka. The only catch? If you’re not staying in Osaka, getting to the pickup points can be a bit of a challenge. My workaround was to head to one of the stops that was easiest to reach via public transportation and start my tour from there. First stop: the iconic Osaka Castle.
From Osaka Station, I hopped on the JR Osaka Loop Line to Osakajōkōen Station—a breezy 10-minute ride for just 180 yen (about $1.20). From there, it’s “only” a 15-minute walk to the main keep, plus another 10 minutes to the castle’s foot. No problem, I thought. I had my trusty mini fan permanently dangling from my neck, an umbrella, an arm cover and a stash of -5°C cooling wipes. I was practically a walking air-conditioning unit.
Or so I believed… until I saw the glorious sign for the road train. For just 400 yen (about $2.70), I could trade the blazing sun for a shady seat and be at the bridge in minutes. I didn’t hesitate and road-trained my way to Osaka Castle like royalty on wheels.
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| road train sign from heaven |
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| my royal carriage out of the sweltering heat :P |
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| all aboard the road train, my chariot of shade rolling straight toward Osaka Castle, which was clearly holding court until I arrived :P |
:: TOKYO - again ::
.: Shinjuku :.
I didn’t make it to Shinjuku until after my Osaka trip.
First, I had to eat, because I'm famished. then I had to backtrack to my Kyoto hotel to grab my carry-on suitcase and backpack (and the extra stuff I was carrying that I left at the Kyoto locker), then book a Shinkansen ticket to Tokyo. This time, the fare was 13,320 yen (around $90)—cheaper because it was not a reserved seat. There were no reserved seats available when I booked, meaning it was a “sit wherever you can” situation. Luckily, it wasn’t rush hour (it's a Sunday), so I found a seat without any trouble.
I didn’t get back to Tokyo until around 6:30 p.m. I dropped my bags at my Tokyo hotel and immediately hopped on the JR Chuo Line (Rapid) to Shinjuku—200 yen (about $1.35) and just 15 minutes from Tokyo Station, no transfers required.
The moment I stepped out of Shinjuku Station’s East Gate, I thought, Ah… Japan’s Times Square. Any fatigue I’d felt since I arrived in Tokyo vanished the moment I was hit with the glow of countless neon lights—bright, colorful, and cheerfully inviting. Shinjuku’s lights don’t just shine—they flirt, wink, and pull you right in. And since I’ve always had a soft spot for Times Square’s electric glow, it’s no shock that Shinjuku stole my heart on sight.
short video of Shinjuku's neon lights
The bar-hopping scene here is all about rows and rows of narrow alleyways—each one buzzing with tiny bars and late-night chatter. Was I scared? Since I'm a woman travelling solo? Not at all. Tokyo consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in the world. Just remember: steer clear of the touts. Don’t engage, don’t follow, and definitely don’t let them “show you a great place.”
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| looked seedy? not really... |
What I did end up doing was eat. I have an ongoing, unapologetic love affair with gyūdon, and when I spotted a familiar orange-and-white sign—Yoshinoya—I was powerless to resist. I walked in expecting the usual routine I know from the Philippines: stroll up to the counter, place your order, get a number, and wait until someone calls it out. Easy. Except in Shinjuku, the setup caught me off guard. Here, there’s a sleek little ordering terminal right at the table. You punch in your order, hit confirm, then….....
wait for them to call your order?
your number?
your destiny?
Honestly, I wasn’t sure.
In the end, it was a fellow customer who rescued me from my confusion, pointing out that my food was ready. Bless him. He probably saw what I was ordering, which is not hard, since the seats are practically elbow-to-elbow.
.: Tokyo Tower :.
As I wandered through Shinjuku’s lively streets and neon-lit alleyways, my eyes soaking in the festive glow, I couldn’t help but notice the endless lines of cabs waiting along the curbs. Curiosity got the better of me, so instead of hopping on another local JR train to Tokyo Tower, I decided to flag one down. Less than 20 minutes and 3,500 yen later (about $24), I was standing right in front of the iconic tower. For that price, I’d say it was a pretty sweet deal. After that ride, I wasn’t the least bit hesitant to take a cab again. Yep, I took another cab to take me from Tokyo Towers to Tokyo station, where it's just walking distance to where my hotel is. Paid for 2,500 yen (or around $ 17) for that ride.
Tip: If you try to hail a cab and the driver crosses his arms in an X, it’s not a secret ninja move, it means he can’t take you (most likely he’s just waiting for his passenger).
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| i've been on top of Paris' Eiffel Tower thrice... ofcourse i won't pass up on doing the same for Tokyo Tower |
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| view from the top |
.: Shinjuku - again :.
The next day, I decided to head back to Shinjuku for lunch. And as if the cab fairy had been reading my mind, a taxi with its red neon sign glowing “available” cruised by just as I was about to step into Tokyo Station. Temptation won. Fifteen minutes and 1,800 yen later (about $12), I was stepping out outside of Shinjuku’s East Gate, ready to eat.
By day, Shinjuku trades its neon dazzle for a softer, sunlit charm, but it’s still a joy to wander. I found myself back on the same street I’d roamed the night before, lined with door after door of tempting restaurants. Choosing just one was no easy feat—but in the end, Sutameshi called my name. More on that in Part 2 of my Japan blog.
After lunch, I kept strolling through Shinjuku, this time on a mission—hunting for fillers for my son’s birthday goodie bags. My quest led me to a “100 Yen Store,” Japan’s version of a dollar store… only cheaper. I scored some great finds for the party—and maybe a few extra treats for myself.
After another hour of wandering, I stumbled upon a cozy café—my oasis from the relentless summer heat. I treated myself to a slice of matcha-flavored cake and an iced drink they swore was “popular” (details coming in Part 2 of this blog). Once refreshed, I decided it was time to make my way back to the hotel.
This time, I couldn’t find a cab. As disappointed as I was, I just sucked it up and took the train. By now, I’m practically fluent in turnstiles, ticket machines, and station exits. What I’m not a fan of is the trek back. My wanderlust had outpaced my willingness to backtrack, and my feet weren’t exactly thrilled about the long walk back to Shinjuku Station.
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| this is me, at shinjuku station, about to get in a local train that will take me to tokyo station |
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| what the local train ticket looks like |
Fifteen minutes later, I was back at Tokyo Station, ready to check out of my hotel and wait for my airport transfer. And while this chapter wraps up my little love affair with Tokyo’s bustling side streets, the next blog will take you somewhere even more delicious: food finds, cozy stays, shopping hauls, and travel hacks you didn’t know you needed that you might want to include in your travel tool kit.
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| Level unlocked: Navigated Japan’s train system without ending up in Hiroshima by mistake. See you at my Japan travelogue part 2. |
