Perhaps one of the most bittersweet time during our trip, our last day in Tokyo 😔 To be honest me and Ken did not make any plans for this day, except for the fact that we'll be meeting my childhood friend in Shinjuku for a dinner that night.

After checking out from our hostel, &And Hostel Minamisenju were nice enough to let us park our luggage while we spend the day out and about in Tokyo. Thanks for that &And Hostel ♡ YUDABEST!

I miss you and the nearby Santouku and Lawson ♡

Since it's our last day in Tokyo, we decided to do some last minute sight seeing of famous places you can only see in Tokyo, and one of them is...


... where you'll see this:


Sure, I have had a photo with Hachiko before already:



But whatever, I am a sucker for touristy stuff!

IDK But I look like homeless here 🤷

After grabbing some lunch at a nearby Matsuya,



Ken's gout started acting up which prompted him to go back to the hostel to rest ayaw nya mag Starbucks that time, ewan ko din baket. As for me, I proceed on running around Shibuya looking for some shoes in Esperanza...


Aside from Esperanza, I also checked out some shops in Shibuya 101 to see if I could shop for some clothes that are also work-appropriate. Unfortunately clothes are SOOOOO expensive here, and so tiny! HAHAHAH! I think those cute skirts I saw in a store would only fit one thigh 🙃


After checking out shops, I decided to head over somewhere else instead and wander for 20 minutes before I go to my 2nd destination.

Such Fab, much WOW!

After just going with the flow of the people in Shibuya, admiring Japanese women in their chicest outfits, mindlessly walking around not caring where I'll end up, I take a one last look at Shibuya and vowed to come back as soon as I could, before heading to Sekaido in Shinjuku.

Photo taken during my visit in 2018, got lazy to take a photo last Feb hahahuhuhu.

Just a recap, Sekaido is art heaven in Tokyo (Yup, in Tokyo, not in whole of Japan, because there's also art heaven in Fukuoka! You can check it HERE). Here you can buy whatever art materials your heart desires, for more details on what can you expect when you visit this store, check out my post HERE! Did some last minute shopping, particularly for my side hustle, Nicoco's Pasabuys, but I also managed to nab a new set of watercolors that are discounted ✌ Will probably do a blogpost about it pag sinipag.

IDK but at that time there was a small rally in Shinjuku station 🤷

What I miss the most about Japan is the convenience of travelling anywhere in that country. Despite 2 over-packed luggages in tow, we did not feel hassled because it's simple easy to go to one place to another. We had 2 train rides from Minamisenju to Shinjuku and it took us less than 30 minutes!  Oh, Philippines, when are you going to keep up?


Prior to arriving here in Shinjuku, me and my friend Nico were chatting on where is the best place to meet and have dinner. At first we were thinking of Sushi, however the one that he prefers is a bit of a stretch away from Shinjuku station, and at that time as much as possible we opt somewhere near Shinjuku station so it's easier for us to go to the bus station and board for Kyoto. After a couple of suggestions, from Ichiran, Santouka, and even Famima hahaha, we ended up with Katsukura in Takashimaya, which is a stone's throw away from Shinjuku Station, and Hilton Shinjuku (where Nico is staying).

Let's just say I am currently missing that glorious pork cutlet meal with unlimited shredded cabbage and rice paired with a cheeky pint of Highball 🙁 I was expecting food in Katsukura will be expensive, given that it's inside the swanky mall that is Takashimaya, but in fairness the price is reasonable. I think for my whole meal + the drink I spent around ￥ 2,500, which is a good deal given that usually food in restaurants in swanky malls tend to be pricier. Also, their staff are really nice 👌

Sorry ladies, unfortunately may jowa nya sya hahaha!

To the place I beloooong! West Virginia, Mountain Mamaaaa! Take Me Home, Country Roooooads 😂🤗

Sorry, I really just have to put this one out there! No, I did not head out to the wild, wild west, instead I actually went somewhere provincial in Japan for our 2nd day.

As if there's not plenty of things to do in the city proper of Tokyo, we still decided to head out for a tour going to the country side ⛩👏.


Since both my cousins have been to Tokyo previously, they wanted to try something different from shopping and all city activities, hence the plan for the Mt. Fuji trip arised. While we were warming up on our first night in Tokyo, we booked this trip via KKDay for Php 2,530 or around $ 50.

You can check out the tour HERE

Just a disclaimer, to manage your expectation, this trip won't really take you to the foot of Mt. Fuji, instead they'll take you to Lake Kawaguchi which is opposite Mt. Fuji. But don't fret, it is still worth the trip 👏




Given that this trip will definitely use up 1 full day, the meet-up time is at 8:20 A.M. sharp at Tokyu Plaza in Ginza station. Once you arrive, you'll be greeted by the KKDay group leader, where she'll usher you to the coaster which can hold up to 15 people comfortably. Take note, the coaster doesn't have their own wifi, so it's best that you have your own with you 👏

Bought some sneakers for Php 1,700 only!

Dainty goodies from Cath Kidston

Really tempted to buy this one, after knowing that this lucky bag holds 2 bags, 3 wallets, and a couple of trinkets!!!!

Gave me an idea to buy a pair of plain white sneaks then draw a 'Saint Laurent' on it 👌

I've been here last year, and it's nice to see familiar stores, and new additions. However it's also sad to find out they have replaced the Disney Store with something new 🤔 Oh well, Que Sera Sera I suppose? But on the plus side, they added a Shake Shack here, so yey!

Probably tourists thought this is some sort of wishing pond or something 🤔🤗😂🤷‍♀️

Best thing in the world!

*cue theme song of The Tale of Princess Kaguya*

Our 2nd stop is Oshino Hakkai, which has these wonderful ponds, and lots of stores that sell quirky souvenirs, trinkets, food, and amazing peach frizz tea! We weren't able to fully explore the place because we were only given an hour to walk around, and given that there's a lot of people during our stay, we weren't able to take much photos (believe me, this place alone is worth 500 photos!).

This place made me feel as if I am in one of those Ghibli movies, running after evil, and stumbling upon a magical gnome. What's good about this place is they have a substantially big toilet facilities, so despite having a lot of visitors there are no long lines before you get to pee peacefully.

Testing out the live focus feature of Galaxy A30 with my barcode bangs 🙃🙃🙃

Our last stop is at lake Kawaguchi, where we get to have a majestic view of Mt. Fuji. I am so thankful that the weather that day is perfect, not so sunny, not so cloudy, it's perfect! We get to see Mt. Fuji without anything that could cover it. Aside from Mt. Fuji, Japan's countryside is a marvel to look at! It really feels as if you're in a movie!

By around 7 P.M. we have arrived back to Ginza, and basically ogle at all the expensive stuff I can't buy 🤷‍♀️😂 Hahaha!


I really enjoyed this trip! While we were travelling to these amazing places, I can't help but feel overwhelmed and immensely grateful for the people I am with during this trip, and of course to God for answering my prayers! These things, I only wished for before, but with faith and hardwork, God granted it 😍 Really couldn't ask for more.

Cheers to more travels in the future!

Love Always,
Nicole