Nippon Daisuki!
It is quite a comfort knowing that just four hours northeast of the Philippines is a country that’s so easy to fall in love with – Japan. While most Filipinos long to visit Tokyo, there are several other tourist spots in and out of Tokyo that are equally worthy of visit and exploration. As the Japan Embassy eases its visa processing and Airbnb rises, with airlines battling it out with promo fares, planning a Japan trip is now made easier. Make sure to include the following spots in your itinerary.
Kyoto
The Arashiyama district in Kyoto offers breathtaking and scenic views. Two of such places are the Tenryu-ji Temple and Okochi Sanso Villa.
Tenryu-ji Temple is a Zen temple established in 1339 that’s considered as one of Kyoto’s important cultural properties, regarded as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its buildings were repeatedly lost in fires brought about by wars over the centuries. Thankfully, its Sogenchi Garden survived the maelstrom and continued to be Tenryu-ji’s majestic centerpiece. It proudly unravels its unparalleled landscape-and-pond beauty amid the Arashiyama mountains to guests.
After exiting Tenryu-ji Temple and steps after being ensconced under the shades of the Bamboo Grove, you will find yourself in Okochi Sanso Villa. It showcases a spectacular panoramic view of Kyoto.
The story behind the villa would certainly pique your interest. Denjiro Okochi, a major star from the 1920s up until his demise in 1962, dreamt of building a place where he could find inspiration through meditation and prayers. Okochi Sanso Villa served as his sanctuary away from the limelight and showbusiness.
In addition to enjoying the view, guests are treated to a cup of hot green tea and biscuit after exploring the whole Okochi Sanso Villa complex.
Osaka
When the Sakura season sets in, one of the best places to head to in Japan is the Osaka Mint Bureau.
Osaka Mint Bureau, the head office of the Japan government agency mainly responsible for the supply of coins and medals, incredibly houses over 300 cherry trees with over 100 varieties in its premises. Every year, the Osaka Mint opens its gates to the public for a week so visitors can marvel at the beauty of the cherry blossoms. Right beside the Osaka Mint Bureau is the Sakuranomiya Park which runs along the Okawa River banks. It is home to over 500 cherry trees where you can coolly enjoy hanami (picnic under the cherry blossoms) and hanafubuki (snow-like falling of cherry blossoms). During spring, you can find a lot of food stalls and shops in the area.
When in Osaka, do check out Shinsekai which literally means “new world.” Ironically, it looks like vintage Japan. At the center of Shinsekai stands the Tsutenkaku Tower and other iconic images like the floating blowfish and flashy, neon Japanese signs. It is one of the most colorful places you can go to for dining options and souvenir shopping. The area also features a lot of Billiken statues, and most people rub its feet for luck.
Tokyo
Many Filipino tourists might not be acquainted yet with Tokyo’s Marunouchi district, one of Japan’s most prestigious business districts. Its proximity to Tokyo Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station makes it an ideal place to visit. If you’re curious about the corporate ecosystem of Japan, take a stroll in the Marunouchi area. It is home to the headquarters of many of Japan’s biggest conglomerates like Mitsubishi and Hitachi. The skyscrapers also offer a variety of shopping and dining complexes that makes it all the more exciting.
Tokyo may be an urban daydream but part of its appeal is its dedication to maintaining natural parks. Take a break from the urban jungle and breathe in fresh air at the Meiji Shrine-Yoyogi Park area. Even Justin Bieber was spotted spending an early morning at Yoyogi Park in the nearby Meiji Shrine during his recent visit to Tokyo.
Named after Emperor Meiji, the first emperor of modern Japan, the Meiji Shrine is naturally one of Japan’s most popular shrines. Traditional Shinto weddings are often held here.
All that said, why not spend the summer break enjoying spring in Japan? After all, the Cherry Blossoms season in Japan starts at the end of March until mid-April. Book now in 5…4…3…2…