This is it, my first Spring in Japan, and my first time to travel solo! I didn’t think twice about booking a flight when I saw Cebu Pacific’s promo. I have been to Japan several times, but I have always wanted to go in the spring time, when sakura (cherry blossoms) are in full bloom. The expensive airfares have prevented me from coming, but here I am now – all by myself! Thanks to Cebu Pacific Air!

Really early morning

My flight was at 6:15 AM so I left the house at 2:30 AM, knowing that it’s Maundy Thursday and a lot of people are going to be flying out. True enough, I was in line for almost an hour just trying to check in! By the time I checked in, I rushed to get an early breakfast before proceeding to immigration. I had Jollibee’s Burger Steak Breakfast meal (minus the rice), knowing that it’ll be the last Keto meal I’ll eat as I start my vacation.

I was a bit nervous traveling alone, because I couldn’t imagine enjoying Japan without having someone to talk to or take photos with. One of the best parts of traveling is sharing that moment with your companions, whether it be family or friends. At least there’s group chats and social networks to fill in that need to share! I got through immigration (with the officer asking me why I’m always in Japan), and finally, on the plane bound for my 3rd home – Tokyo!

Internet problems

Before coming to Japan, I bought a prepaid data SIM, unlimited, good for 8 days, for around 1,500 PHP. When I finally got to the claiming booth and installed the SIM – I only then realized that my phone was SIM-locked to SMART! I tried putting the SIM card on the 2nd tray (I thought at least the 2nd tray should be open), but it didn’t work – it still asked me to input an unlock code. I remember I brought my tablet with me – that had a SIM tray and was openline – so I used it there and then…it still doesn’t work! I couldn’t get it to recognize the data SIM – and after almost an hour of trying to figure it out, I gave up and decided to get a Mobile WiFi instead.

Mobile WiFI is great for those traveling in groups. But I feel it’s too expensive for just one person. All of the stores renting Mobile WiFi had all units almost sold out, too! I went to the far end of Terminal 2 (to the Softbank booth), and finally got my hand at an Unlimited 4G Mobile WiFi router – for around 500 pesos a day. For ten days, that’s 5,000 pesos. Add to that the 1,500 pesos I lost from the Prepaid SIM (or my stupidity) – all that money just to be connected! But Internet is really a must when traveling these days, what with being dependent on Google Maps, and social media sharing secondary – I already have no one to travel with, so I closed my eyes and booked that expensive device.

GRIDS Akihabara Hostel & Lounge

From the airport, I charged my train EC, and jumped on a local rapid express to where I’m staying for the 10 days I’ll be in Tokyo. It’s just one long train ride away, which I’m thankful for because I didn’t have to lug my luggage around trains. The hostel is an 8-minute walk from the nearest station, and is just at the quiet part of Akihabara (although, the bustling area is a few blocks away).

 

 

A First Taste of Sakura

On the way to look for food, I chanced upon a small park with cherry blossoms in full bloom. I couldn’t help but immediately take photos with my phone.

Electric City Akihabara

Right after checking in, I washed my face and headed out to explore the neighborhood. My last meal was at 4AM, and it was already 4PM when I got to the hostel so, I was really starving. I knew it would be hard to do Keto. Especially when I found one of my favorite ramen places right near the hostel!

After stuffing myself with all that carbohydrates (I haven’t eaten carbs in a month), I felt so guilty about it and thought of walking around to get rid of it (as if). I finally took the D6000 out and took photos of one of my favorite places in Tokyo!

 

 

 

I also chanced upon the Gundam Cafe so I figured to give it a try, since I was thirsty anyway.

 

I was also playing Pokemon Go while walking around, checking out the spawns and the gyms. Sadly, this was already past the window for Raids, so I settled with spinning new Pokestops and catching whatever Pokemon showed up.

I got back to the hostel at around 8PM, showered, and called it a night! Excited to see more cherry blossoms on Day 2!