Bucket List Blessings: Osaka and Kyoto

From top left clockwise: Hogwarts Castle, Universal Studios Japan, Osaka; Kyoto Golden Pavilion - Kinkakuji Temple; Osaka Castle; Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto

Do you have a bucket list? I do because it’s been said you can’t be truly
happy unless you know what it is that your heart desires. Not only did I
specify the details, I would pray over it regularly. And God has been ticking off some items from my wish list during my travels. In the last leg of our Japan trip, I had several bucket list blessings:

1.   Japanese Cheesecake

Japanese cheesecake? On my bucket list? You read that right. It’s not even the gourmet kind. It’s the P250 (at the time I wrote it down) kind in Bread Talk. Now why would that be on my bucket list you may wonder?

You see, like many women who were suddenly thrown into solo parenthood, I went through dark financial times. I wrote about this Palpitation to Donation Journey in my book, The Happy Solo Kit: Tools and Supplies You Need to Survive Solo Parenting Without Losing Your Marbles. Those were the times I would get palpitations every time I made my monthly budget because my funds just wouldn’t reach till the next month. It was also during that time I was taking my Masters in Entrepreneurship in AIM when a classmate gushed about this cheesecake. It would have been a luxury to buy that so I promised myself I will buy it someday. I probably could’ve sacrificed funds for something else just to taste it. My mother even offered to buy one because she felt such pity for me. But I refused. I made it a motivation to reach that financial level where I can easily afford it. Eventually, I did get to taste that Japanese cheesecake.

But that’s not the big event. I don’t even remember the time it happened. What I do remember was God’s better version of ticking off the Japanese cheesecake from my bucket list. In later years, I heard about Pablo Cheesecake which again stirred my cravings. When we got to Osaka, I asked our guide to take us to Pablo. And I got my Japanese cheesecake right from Japan. Bucket list checked with God’s bright pink ballpen!

Pablo Cheesecake shop in Osaka

2.   Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Butterbeer

Ever since I first heard they were recreating the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios, I included that in my Novena to God’s Love as part of my family travel goals. Like Star Wars, Harry Potter movies were a must-watch for my children and I. Naturally, Universal Studios Japan was highlighted in our Osaka itinerary. Lucky for us, our guide Toyoko suggested we purchase the Express Pass. It was Halloween Week when we were in USJ so there was a massive crowd. 

Entrance to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

We made it to the Forbidden Journey ride just in time because of our Express Pass. Now that was a ride I would not normally take because I’m prone to motion sickness. But hey, it was a ride right inside Hogswart and you get to walk through the castle before the ride. I just had to do it afraid. Good thing I did, it was quite an experience and I didn’t get queasy at all.

Door to Dumbledore's office in Hogwarts

Walking around Hogsmeade Village... 

Owl Clock Tower in Hogsmeade

Boxes and boxes of magic wands at Ollivanders

...and tasting ambrosia a.k.a. butterbeer WITH MY CHILDREN was indeed an answered prayer.

3.   Ninja Village

Would you believe that one of my favorite tv series when I was young was The Samurai? It’s a Japanese historical fiction dubbed in English. It was about the adventures of Shintaro and his side kick, an Iga Ninja master. So imagine my excitement when our guide asked if we wanted to visit the Iga Ueno Ninja Village. It was just an hour away from Osaka, so it was perfect for a half day tour.

For me, it was one of the best places I visited in Japan because of the peek into that part of Japanese history. We were given a tour of the ninja house and told about the secret hiding places and passages. I was totally fascinated as I felt I was hiding right there with Shintaro. I’m sure my boys enjoyed it too as they listened with rapt attention to the guide. 

The Ninja House with its many secret passages and hiding places for weapons

Twinning hairstyle with the Ninja guide

There was also a museum that exhibited ninja weapons, tools, and garb. 

Lastly, there was a very entertaining and hilarious show that displayed the skills of ninjas. I felt bad we weren’t allowed to take photos of the show and all I captured was the show’s poster.

4.   Kyoto

After visiting the Ninja Village, we were off to Kyoto to see some temples and the Bamboo Grove. 

The early nightfall added to the air of serenity in the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove  

While preparing for our trip, I updated my bucket list to include the shopping street in Arashiyama. One of my yoga friends described her family’s visit there and their discovery of this almost magical chocolate shop just off that street. I wanted to look for it but sadly we got there late and had little time to explore. But I still enjoyed the leisurely stroll down the whole length of the shopping street in the early dusk and checking out its quaint shops. I felt we should have spent at least 2 days in Kyoto to fully appreciate the place.

Shopping Street of Arashiyama

           On our last day, our guide took us to the famous spots in Osaka.

Osaka Castle

Tenjinbashi - Japan's longest shopping street

Namba Parks Shopping Complex

            After our Japan trip, I added 2 more items to my bucket list:

•       See more of Japan like Sapporo during their Snow Festival, experience staying in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) and de-stressing in an onsen (hot spring).
•     Visit Harry Potter Theme Park England. Although we enjoyed the one in Osaka, it just wasn’t the same in Japanese. And I want to drink more butterbeer.

By God’s grace, we will survive this pandemic and we #WillSeeTheWorldAgain as #WeFlyToDreamDestinations .

Travel tip:

·        Get an Express Pass if you are going to theme parks during peak seasons. You will get to see and do more with the time you save. 

         

Travel in the Time of Pandemic: Throwback Japan Road Trip

I just have to repeat this: God pre-arranges our trips. He knew the travel arrangements we would need.

When my niece Angeli was preparing our travel package, she suggested we take the bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka. It was the fastest way to go and would have been a novel experience for us. But her mom, my cousin Belle, who knew my packing habits very well, cautioned me, “You will have to pack light. Bring only a small luggage with you because it will be inconvenient with a large one or several bags.” Those were the days when I had not traveled in a long time and had no clue about packing for travel correctly. So, I said, “Are you kidney? Me? Travel light?” So, we settled for the chauffeured van, which turned out to be a blessing considering the sprained ankle I was going to be afflicted with. The boys really preferred the bullet train so I promised that the next time we are blessed to visit Japan, we will take that.

Japan road trip via a comfortable van

What should have been a 2-hour and 30-minute train ride from Tokyo to Osaka on the shinkansen became a 2-day leisurely road trip with an overnight stop at a hotel in Shizuoka. Which was perfectly fine by me because we got to see more of the countryside.

Our first stop was at a roadside market complex where Buddy got cold Japanese coffee and Toyoko, our guide, bought grapes for us (I told you she’s such a sweetie).

We saw Mt. Fuji peep a little from behind the clouds. It was autumn when we were there, and it was not the ideal time to see Mt. Fuji in all its splendor so I was grateful for that small blessing.

We took a breather by Yamanaka Lake where I was delighted by swans: real ones and swan boats, a swan cruise ship even.

We also did a bit of shopping at Gotemba Premium Outlet.

What was most interesting for me was a peek at Japanese life that normal tourists don’t get to see. Toyoko brought us to the scuba diving shop of her friend. We had a snack with her former diving instructor and his dog and experienced using a traditional Japanese toilet with the seat right smack on the floor.

The next day, we made a pit stop by another scenic spot, Hamana Lake. By early afternoon, we were in Osaka to tick off a longed-for destination in our bucket list. (Watch out for that in my next post.)

Even if we missed the bullet train, I must say it was a treat to experience the excellent roadways of Japan.

Travel tips:

1.   Invest in good quality luggage for international travel. Jaffy had a small luggage that was a gift to all the teachers in their school which was fine if it was not going to be roughly handled as I guess they do with checked-in luggage. When we got to Haneda Airport in Tokyo, one of the wheels had broken off and there was a hole where it was supposed to be. It was a good thing we did not take the shinkansen to Osaka, so he managed until the end of our trip. We had to tape it up well (and pray intensely for the safety of the contents) for our flight back home.

2.   When and if you can, spend even just a little time with the locals. It will deepen your travel experience and broaden your understanding of their culture.

Travel in the Time of Pandemic: Throwback Tokyo

As promised in my last blog post, I will transport you through time and space to Tokyo. No need for a time machine or a magic carpet. In this pandemic, the #NewNormal way to travel is via your imagination.

But before I take you to Tokyo, I’d like to share the Didache reflection I wrote for June 2, 2018 first. It will give you the background why our Japan trip is a true-blue Travel Blessing.

UNFRACTURED FAITH 

“To the one who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you unblemished and exultant, in the presence of his glory…” – Jude 17: 24 

Crack! My ankle turning the wrong way brought not just pain but dread. I instantly remembered my friend whose fractured foot is now in a cast. I CANNOT be in a cast! My children and I were leaving for Japan in a few days. Everything had been arranged and paid for. And I needed to be on my feet to do a million things before we leave like giving a talk for our Solo Parents Outreach.

I could barely walk so my son told me to get an x-ray, but I refused. He asked, “What are you going to do if it’s fractured?” I replied with conviction, “I will claim, in Jesus’ name, that it’s not. Just request prayers for me.”

I’m a classic Doubting Thomas when it comes to my faith. Fears my prayers will not be answered the way I want usually prevail. But that was one rare moment I refused to take “no” for an answer. I was adamant God would hear me. And it seemed all God wanted to see was an unfractured faith before manifesting His glory. I enjoyed the tours like I didn’t have a sprained ankle.

In one of the recent QuaRetreat reflections, Bro Arun said that wherever God sends us, He goes before us to prepare the way. Our Japan trip was surely pre-arranged by God. The free and easy travel package with our own driver/guide and van was a blessing to my sprained ankle.

So now, come away with me to Tokyo.

Our first stop was the Meiji Shrine, Tokyo’s most prominent Shinto shrine. For me, it was the perfect place to start the city tour because it exuded the Japanese characteristics of tranquility and reverence.

The Torii gate at the entrance towers at 40 feet 
and is made of 1,500 year old cypress

Kazaridaru, decoration barrels, give honor to the gods

Sake barrels offered every year by sake manufacturers 
for the shrine to use in ceremonies and festivals

The chrysanthemum and bonsai exhibit which I thoroughly 
enjoyed because I love flowers and miniatures

  

Before entering the shrine, we first had to pass by the Cleansing Station, a communal water tank used to purify hands and supposedly the mouth before offering up a prayer. (I didn't notice people washing their mouths though.)

These votive tablets are for making wishes or for special prayers and expressions
of gratitude towards deities. The prayer is written on the reverse side and
the tablet hung around the divine tree.

Next, our guide brought us to Harajuku. It’s main street Omotesando is lined with high fashion shops. It’s a major luxury shopping destination.

Omotesando Avenue

Of course, we didn’t miss the famous Shibuya Crossing. The mad scramble at the intersection and the tall buildings flashing their neon signs is iconic of metropolitan Tokyo.

And at the Shibuya Station, we took time to visit Hachiko, the faithful dog immortalized with a statue. That day we were there, he sported a crown and a sash (I forgot to ask our guide what it said). He also had a visitor nestled between his legs – a cat with a scarf. People were jostling to snap a photo of that, and I was lucky to get in a quick shot.

Hachiko at the Shibuya Station

The Imperial Palace was next in our itinerary. I already told you in my previous post about that unplanned stop there for a photo op.

These were the other sights we saw:

Tokyo Central Station

Tokyo Skytree

The Senso-ji Buddhist Temple in Asakusa was a far cry from the serene Meiji Shrine. It was touristy with many shops lining the path which I would have enjoyed immensely if we had more time to shop. They had very tempting wares just begging me to buy them.

Another must-see was Akihabara with its electronics retail shops. I remember when I was young, my Papa brought home a small portable tv for me which I found so cool. Nobody, among the people I knew, had that. He bought it in Akihabara.

Then we crossed the Rainbow Bridge, a suspension bridge, going to Odaiba, an artificial island in Tokyo Bay. 

Rainbow Bridge

There were 3 remarkably interesting things we saw in Odaiba:

The mini Statue of Liberty overlooking the bay.

The Aqua City robot receptionist. Until we took a closer look, we thought she was a real person.

The giant Gundam (RX-78-2) statue. 

My friends from our Editorial Board Light Group (our small prayer circle) told me to make sure we visit the Diver City Tokyo Plaza because of this huge statue. I wondered why a hit song, Korean at that, would have a giant statue in Japan. Imagine my surprise when I saw the robot. We had a laughing fit when I told them about this when I got home. Gundam, Gangnam…starts with a G ends with an M…how would I know, I’m not into robots.  😊 (I read the RX-78-2 which we saw was removed in 2017 and replaced by the Unicorn which is taller)

The next day, our guide drove us through the ritzy Ginza district for more window shopping – we literally just saw the display windows. (Oh how well she knew me by then – cheap is life!)

When we were deciding on the day’s itinerary, it was a toss-up between Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea since we only had time for one place. Star Tours sealed the deal for Disneyland since we’re all Star Wars fans. I was in college the first time it was shown, and I made sure to watch every episode. When the first movie was released again, I brought my boys to watch and they got hooked too. (Notice Jaffy’s Stormtrooper bag tag in all pictures with his back view). The last time we went to Disney World in Florida there was no Star Wars feature yet. Thus, the Force of Disneyland was stronger. It was a Star-y end to the Tokyo leg of our trip.

Touring Japan in a “Chauffeured” Van

One of the things I will miss most because of this pandemic is an annual trip abroad which I’ve been blessed with these past 4 years. But that’s just my prediction. Who knows how God will surprise us? Instead of whining about not being able to travel, I made use of this lockdown to set up a new travel blog. For now, it will be about my past trips – sights, God’s travel graces and tips. Check out my Start Here post to know why I named this Happy Feet and Travel B.A.G. Allow this blog to transport you to the places I’ve visited. Today, I’ll start a series on the Land of the Rising Sun. Fly with me now to Japan!

Our family trip to Japan was a grand treat for my landmark birthday. I was turning (mumbles incoherently) so I wanted my sons with me. They were only pre-teens the last time we traveled abroad together. My sons didn’t want to join a regular tour because of the hectic schedule. I nixed touring on our own because I didn’t want the stress of getting lost or harassed on this special trip. The free and easy tour with a personal guide had the best features of both options. Naturally, it was more expensive than a regular packaged tour but hey, other people throw lavish parties on their (mumbles incoherently)^th  birthday. This probably cost the same or was cheaper.

These were the features of our “chauffeured” tour (in quotation marks because our guide wasn’t the iconic uniformed driver with a limo but a nice lady with her big van):

Airport Pick-up

Just like a regular tour group, we were picked up at the airport. The difference is the van was all ours. My 2 sons and I sprawled comfortably in a van that could fit around 12 people.

 

Our "chauffeured" van 

Accommodation

We did not stay in hotels except for one night in Shizuoka on the way from Tokyo to Osaka. In Tokyo, we stayed at a cozy 2-bedroom condotel. It had a kitchen, a living room with a tv, a balcony and a washing machine. This was where I first encountered that feature of Japanese life we appreciated the most – toilets that pamper you. Ours had the sound of birds chirping when you sit on the warmed-up throne. Another plus was their clean-up service.

Our 2-bedroom condotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo

The Osaka condotel was much smaller, just a 1-room unit with a double deck bed and extra mattress, but it was still comfortable. It had a tiny kitchen, a tiny ref and a tiny table where we ate in shifts seated Japanese style.

Our condotel in Osaka

It’s a good thing our guide helped us get into the condotels. It was our first time to experience the process where nobody is at a front desk to check you in. We were just given a passcode to input into a huge lock. When it opened, the key to the unit was inside.

Meals

Unlike a full package tour, our meals were not included. It gave us the freedom to splurge or skimp on our budget (mostly skimp to make up for the higher priced tour). It also gave us a wider range of meal experience. It went from home (or rather condotel) cooked when I’d buy from the grocery and just whip up something for breakfast to quick meals bought from a convenience store – 7 11 and Family Mart mostly (I have a funny story about this later). We got to eat in sushi bars like Sushi Zanmai that had a conveyor belt running the length of the bar. We sampled teishoku or set meals in this reasonably-priced restaurant that served what would normally be eaten in Japanese homes – probably their version of lutong bahay ni Inang. There were also places where we had to punch in our orders in machines. A novelty for us at that time. Of course, we also tried the ramen houses, a special request by my boys. The one in Osaka came highly recommended by friends. My most memorable meal was at the Tsukiji Fish Market where they had the biggest tuna I’d ever seen. We also had a laugh at the Filipino translations of their dishes.

Jaffy's FB post about Sushi Zanmai

Ootoya's teishoku

 The boys' must-try ramen

 In Tsukiji Fish Market's menu
English translation: Chef's recommended nigiri
Filipino translation: Bahala ang chef rice ball (LOL)

Now to my story. I have a friend who went to Japan before we did. She posted her first meal was from Family Mart. I teased her for going to Japan just to experience that when there were already outlets in the Philippines. I found it so funny our first meal would also be from Family Mart 😊 When you’ve just arrived and don’t know where to get food, a convenience store is after all a bright idea. They have a good enough selection of sandwiches and rice meals.

Convenience store-bought breakfast

Itinerary

In a regular packaged tour, you’d be herded to the places the tour provider has mapped out for you each day. Although we also had a pre-arranged itinerary, it was flexible. Our tour guide would go over the itinerary in the morning and ask if that was okay. On our first day, for instance, we wanted to go to mass first, it being a Sunday. Then after lunch, we asked for an easier day. My younger son Buddy had not slept for a couple of days to get all his work submitted before our departure. We brought him back to the condo to sleep and Jaffy, my elder son, and I spent the afternoon exploring Isetan and Takashimaya (with me pretending I could afford to buy the glamorous stuff they had there).

"Window shopping lang tayo anak."

Another time, I asked our guide to stop at the Imperial Palace so I can take pictures of a swan on the moat when she had just planned a drive-by (”On your left is the Imperial Palace” type of thing).

 

"STOP THE VAN, I WANT TO SHOOT THE SWAN!!!"

And there's my perfect shot.

In Kyoto, I asked her to give us time to explore the shops near Arashiyama Bamboo Grove on foot. My yoga friend told me about this charming chocolate shop there and I wanted to look for it. A free and easy tour gives you the choice to see more of what you want to see.

Arashiyama shopping street

Schedule

Just as our itinerary was flexible, our schedule was also at our leisure. Whereas packaged tours would require you to be ready at a particular time so you can keep to the itinerary, I could request the guide we leave when I have cajoled my children to be ready. Otherwise, I’d get into a fit trying to haul them out of bed. Of course, for the long drive, I put my foot down and told them what time we had to get going.

Leisurely drive from Tokyo to Osaka

However, there was a downside to this leisurely schedule. Since we were in Japan during fall, dusk came early. There were a couple of places, we didn’t get to see enough of because it was getting dark.

When you start off late, this is what you get -
a photo in the dark of the already-closed Kiyomizu Temple
in the very far background :(

Parking and Toll Fees

Transportation charges for tour packages should include everything and be paid pre-departure. But our guide did not tell our travel agent we would have to pay for parking and toll fees (which are pretty steep in Japan). I was surprised when she mentioned this on the road to Osaka which was midway into our tour. We suddenly had to set aside money we thought we could use for shopping. It’s a good thing we still had cash on us. Tip: make sure your travel agent clears this with the guide.

Communication

We were advised to rent a pocket wifi when we got to the airport. But since we arrived in Tokyo at almost midnight, the shops were closed. Luckily the guide had an extra wi-fi which she lent to us. This was fine when the 3 of us were together but became a problem when we got separated in Universal Studios. We were in one of the shops in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter when Buddy said he was going to the toilet. After a few minutes, I felt I needed to go too, so I told Jaffy to follow Buddy and tell him where we will meet up. When I was done, I met Jaffy outside and he told me he couldn’t find Buddy in the men’s room. AND I PANICKED!!! There was a massive crowd then as it was the Halloween weekend. It was nighttime and it would be a nightmare if we lost each other. After praying to God and all the saints in heaven, we found him near the shop we last saw each other in.

It would be a nightmare to get lost in this Halloween crowd

There’s this very good tip from the twins who were with us in our Marian pilgrimage last year. Angie and Cleo Villanueva wrote a book, Blistered and Blessed, about their Camino de Santiago adventure. They said they have an agreement that if they lose each other, they will go back to the last place where they made eye contact. That’s to make sure they’re both aware where that is. It was almost what we did except the eye contact part wasn’t made clear from the start.

The best thing would be to have a pocket wi-fi each or buy a local sim each, so you stay connected.

Guide

In our pre-departure briefing, we were told the tip for the guide is at least US$10 per day per person. This was 4 years ago, but I checked, and this amount is still recommended as minimum for the free and easy tour. Normally, it’s US$5 for Asia. You can give more if you’re very pleased with the service. Set the money aside from the start, so you don’t spend it. I was very willing to give this as we were incredibly happy with our guide. She was so nice and we bonded as solo moms do. She bought us bread for breakfast, Japanese snacks to take to Disneyland, fruits for our long trip and even gave me pearl earrings as a going-away present.

When I was handing her the tip at the airport, she vehemently refused to accept it though. Maybe because of that miscommunication about the parking and toll fees.

Anyway, as we left her after she assisted us in getting our luggage checked in, I felt I was saying goodbye to a friend.

With our guide and fellow solo mom, Toyoko

My next posts will be about the spots we visited in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and the places in between. Stay tuned.