Hi friends. I've here another major throwback of my trip when I went to Japan a few months ago. I figured I wanted to showcase the highlights of that experience and relive the moments again. That way it'll spread inspiration and spark to dream and travel the world one country at a time. Before it gets cheesy, let's get back to business as I show my travel highlights of Tokyo, Japan.
My Travel Vlog : Tokyo, Japan
Random Snapshots
In Shinjuku
The Tokyo Tower at the back of me
Going to Meiji Shrine
Game Arcade in Shinjuku
Gundam Statue in Odaiba
Cherry Blossom Tree in Ueno Station
That's a wrap for me. I truly enjoyed my trip to Japan at that time. Hope I'll be given another chance to visit the country again. Well, I'll just keep knocking for more chances and wish the gate of the heavens hears my heart's desires.
Anyhow, what's your favorite travel memory? Share it with me and let's exchange good pieces of information. Take care guys. Always dream big and reach for that star.
Hello guys! Just imagine yourself you're inside a candy store with lots of great stuffs and the variety is endless. What do you think about it? It feels amazing, right? That was basically my feelings when I was inside a drugstore in Japan. Unlimited happiness will all smiles from ear to ear.
Matsumoto Kiyoshi is one of Japan's most famous drugstore. It literally has more cosmetics products available. It also sells drugstore related goods, skincare products, some snacks, beauty tools and many more items for females.
My Favorite Drugstores
Matsumoshi Kiyoshi in Shibuya and Sapporo Drugstore in Ueno
sheet masks
products for the eyes
assorted products
some products for the cheeks
some skin care products
fragrances
drooling
TIPS how to Shop Effectively
1. Always research ahead.
It really helps. By doing this, you can already imagine a rough estimate how much you're willing to spend and the kind of items you might end up buying. Also, when you research ahead, it filters the good stuffs from the bad ones. That means you're only buying the best sellers.
2. You can always ask.
If you have Japanese friends, ask them for good products and especially the effective ones. That way, you'll get your money's worth absolutely. Also, you can ask the staff in the store if the you're really buying the right ones. It's better to be sure than to be sorry in the end.
3. Always check if the shop has a tax free system.
Of course, shopping and saving some money in return always feel rewarding. That way, you can really maximize your financial resources at that same time too.
4. You can always try something new.
This is like a sweet little treat to yourself. You can like try some products by actually swatching them. If it's reasonable, then why not buy it. It's not everyday that you can travel to Japan. I'm sure one or two products won't burn the pockets.
5. It doesn't mean it looks pretty and cute then you're buying it instantly.
Sometimes looks can be deceiving. I tell you. Being inside a Japanese drugstore is like a maze filled with wonderful and kawaii products. Your heart gets too excited and that adrenaline rush gives a message to your brain that you'll buy all. Well, think and consider it many times before buying it. If it's functional and if you think you can use it everyday, then buy it. If it's just because it's new and trendy, then it might be just a temporary feeling of liking the product. Being a wise consumer is always way cooler than just hoarding things and wasting money after. :)
My Travel Vlog
There you have it my friends. Hope you find it helpful. Let's all continue to work hard, enjoy and travel to many wonderful places. Take care and be happy always.
Raise your hands if you like shopping and culture at the same time! Yes!! That includes me definitely. Well, I have here a good place that you can visit if ever you travel to Japan. What I mean is this exciting place named Ameyayokocho Market in Euno, Tokyo. Let's continue and discover its beauty.
What is it about?
From my research, the name literally means a candy shop alley. Don't be misguided because this place basically has everything. They have food stores and street food vendors too, cosmetic shops, Japanese anime goods and character shops, souvenirs and everything in between.
My Travel Vlog
Top 5 Reasons to Visit This Place
The prices of the products being sold are fairly reasonable and sometimes much cheaper compared to the ones in Shinjuku and Ginza.
The variety and uniqueness of the items are just so interesting and fun to explore.
It's the best place to get the famous Kitkat chocolate because they sell pretty cheaply. Basically, it's the best place to go for souvenir shopping.
Strolling the place literally feels like you're one with the locals and tourists alike.
Lastly, it's the best market to be in Tokyo if you love shopping, good foods and culture rolled into one experience.
That's a wrap for now my friends. Thanks for visiting my blog. See you in my next travel destination. Take care.
Welcome back to my blog. I will show you around Akiba which is known as Akihabara in Tokyo, Japan. Technically, it's the best place to go for electronics, cosplay, manga and basically the anime culture. You'll be inspired as you walk along the area because it is very lively, fun, noisy and very charming.
First, I'll include here my personal travel vlog while we were wandering around Akiba.
Absolutely, the hubby had the time of his life there. I can really remember the stars in his eyes while were in that area. Just amazing. Enjoy watching.
Second, I'll introduce my Top 7 Things to do In Akiba
1. Maid Cafe
Here, you can enjoy a good mix of sweet desserts, drinks and some light meal that are all served by young cute women dressed in a playful maid costumes. Absolutely a unique culture found only in Japan.
2. Shop at Don Quijote
This store surely gives you a hundred of reasons to stay there for hours. It's basically a discount store that offers everything from school supplies, anime and cosplay related items, souvenirs, chocolates, makeup, skincare essentials and the list goes on and on.
3. Walk around the Electronic Town This is the main reason why people flock to Akiba. It's the best place to shop for everything technology related stuffs. I highly recommend you to visit Yodobashi Camera. It's the place to go if you fancy cameras and its accessories, computers, video games and consoles and so much more. Also, do check out the allies at the back of the main street because you can really find some good bargains that are so ridiculously cheap.
4. Drop by Gundam Cafe / AKB 48 Cafe and Shops
Basically they are located right next to each other so I pair them as one. It's all up to your preference. These themed-cafes are always a good experience and once in a lifetime chance to try and enjoy. Going inside is like an instant escape from the busy street and being transported to this place where everything looks fancy and well-coordinated. It feels like a fantasy becoming a reality right in front of your eyes.
5. Let's go to Mandarake
The building actually has 8 floors that you can explore. You can find everything about anime, manga comics, entertainment idols and all those stuffs. Plus, this place offers hard to find items also. It is absolutely an OTAKU HEAVEN.
6. Play Gachapon
It's literally a capsule station that offers many kinds of goodies. You can pay as low as 100 yen and choose many designs and varieties actually. They have about 500 unique machines that you can try out and bring home with you as a souvenir. :) To be in Japan means to try Gachapon.
You can also click the link here. My hubby tried one in Odaiba to get that Gundam front collectible.
Once again, Japanese people know how to play cool and cute. They have so many cool unique thing that you can try. They have the famous purikura which is a picture booth, electro dance machines and so much more. Being in an arcade is actually a good experience already.
Well, that's a wrap for me. Thank you Akiba because you know how to entertain people with your unique culture and entertainment. This place right here in Tokyo is definitely worth the visit. :)
See you next time friends! Be happy always and dare to dream big. ---Belle
Hola! I have here another travel vlog. This time, I'll introduce the famous discount store found in Japan that's called Don Quijote. Sounds Spanish right? Actually this store is located in Japan. I've researched online that their best store is found in Akihabara so off we went to that place to discover its wonders and wide variety of items.
What's it about?
Basically Don Quijote is a big discount chain store that offers everything from electronics, makeup and skincare, snacks, travel items and the list goes on and on.
My Travel Vlog
Top 7 Reasons to Visit this Place
It's the best place to buy souvenirs. ( the famous Kitkat chocolates, Japanese themed items and some keychains)
It's the best place to see loads of ANIME and COSPLAY related goods.
It's the best place to get to know more about Japan and its interesting culture.
It's the best place to buy pharmacy related goods and skincare like lip balm, hand cream and etc.
The store offers a TAX FREE system. That means if your items are priced 5000 yen and more, foreigners can get a good discount. That's like shopping and getting some savings after.
It's a good place where everybody can enjoy from children to old and male and female alike.
It's the best place to get traditional stuffs like the wooden fan, yukata and the like.
Where is it located?
Don Quijote in Akihabara
4-3-3 Sotokanda Chiyoda-ku Tokyo, Japan 101-0021
TIP: This place can be so overwhelming I tell you. You have to plan ahead, list down the things you want to buy and never buy on impulse if possible. I suggest to navigate first the place, rememeber which places and floors you find them and return the next day. Shopping wisely always saves the day.
That's it for now. Thank you for sparing your time in reading this blog entry.
Hello guys! Let me introduce here a good activity to try in Japan. It's the Gashapon experience which is the Capsule station in English. It's also known as Gasha or Gacha which basically sounds like its name that is the turning of the knob to drop the capsule from the machine.
During our visit in Diver City Tokyo, we did try one of the machines and it was a fun experience I must say. It just basically costs 300 YEN. That moment that you finally get to do it in real life just like the scene we've seen it on TV. Just sweet.
For any tourists and Gundam fan lovers, this should be the best place to be to get some good souvenirs. It's pretty affordable and memorable at the same time as well.
I have here a short clip remembering our Gashapon experience. Enjoy watching and have fun.
Ohayou Gozaimasu! I'm back to introduce here a good Japanese culture that is eating and drinking in style but casually in an Izakaya. Technically, it is a Japanese pub / bar that serves alcoholic beverages and good foods at the same time. My student's parents wanted us to try this to get to know more about their culture. Man, we really had a blast and it was pretty memorable also.
My Short Photo Diary
FYI: Only the adults had a mug of beer and the kids had ginger ale respectively.
Top 5 Things to Know and Do When you're in Izakaya
1. Most of the stores typically open late in the afternoon / early evening.
2. After you sit down, the FIRST THING to do is order you own choice of drink. It's a kind of the NORMS there.
3. Since the place mostly are pretty small, talking in a loud voice is somehow discouraged.
4. Best foods to order are the famous sashimi, chicken, yakitori and gyuza.
5. It's better to do your research before going there. Why? It's hard to communicate when you don't have any Japanese friend with you.
Being there with my students is actually a dream come true. Not only we were able to witness the social and drinking scene of Japanese people in reality but also I was able to mingle, relax and have a hearty discussion with them as well. Such a good experience I must say.
Hope you like this short entry. If ever you are in Tokyo, visit any Izakaya in town and be ready to experience Japanese culture there. Enjoy and cheers to that. Till next time.
