Rambling mindlessly around Tokyo to random directions took me to Ueno Park where I stumbled upon an interesting looking brick-faced building. Upon closer inspection, I learned that it is the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. Despite my novice knowledge in art, I welcomed the serendipitous chance for some artsy-fartsy exploration and hurriedly walked in.

Prior to stepping inside, I already noticed the arresting architectural details of the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. I later learned that the building was designed by the firm of Mayekawa Kunio—Japan's renowned modern architect—and was completed in 1975.

Commenting on the design elements of the museum, literature and cultural critic Shuichi Kato wrote about Kunio's design “Tokyo streets have no order. Kunio Maekawa has consistently tried to produce small urban spaces in this chaotic context, through his arrangement of plural building volumes on the site.

The courtyards and voids within the building’s walls perform not only as passageways but as open spaces to breath, relax, meet people, and talk. His buildings, this is to say, contain harmonious urban spaces on a reduced scale.”

Calling itself as the "doorway to art", Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum features not only art pieces from Japan but also showcases world-renowned masterpieces.

From room to room, I lavished my eyes with a visual feast of popping artworks ranging from almost all painting methods from realism, painterly, impressionism, abstract, surrealism and pop art. There is something about the myriad of brush stokes depicting imagery with a variety of colors that is soothing to the mind.

If it weren’t for the hunger I was feeling, I would have stayed inside the museum a little longer. Deciding I should start searching for a place to have my late lunch, I walked out the door of the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum craving for food but with a mind and soul completely nourished by art.

As I stare at the carved maxim of the three wise monkeys pinned on an overhead panel at Tōshō-gū, the proverbial mantra it personifies was made apparent to me almost immediately; "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil". Recognizing where I stood at that very moment, surrounded by temples—concealed under a canopy of autumn leaves—I couldn’t fathom how any of my senses can conjure a negative energy.

As the yellow glare of the sun seeps through the gap of intertwining tree branches, I feel the cool wind of the fall season penetrating through my thin sweater. Proceeding forward, I gingerly slid my strides taking my sweet time and directing my eyes to the centuries-old structures around me. With each step of my feet, I can hear a feint crackling sound of fallen shrubberies—hued with a synthesis of dark red and gold—spread out on the ground like the tail end of a dotted brushstroke.

After a couple of hours watching the fast-moving slide show of Japanese countryside from my train’s window seat, I alighted at the Tobu Nikko Railway station instantly feeling the airy wind of the city. Following a few days walking and trainspotting around Tokyo, I’ve gotten used to hearing the symphony of clackety-clack from the walking hordes of Japanese commuters. Here in this station though, the sounds of footsteps were a little muffled and the movements of the crowd were more relaxed.

A quaint town vibe greeted me outside—and a walkable one. There was a tourist bus heading to the temples outside waiting for travelers to board. I opted to proceed on foot for more sightsee opportunities. Circling my first destination on my tattered old-school map; the Shinkyo Bridge, I casually started my exploration.

Lining up both sides of the immaculate road are small establishments; cafes and sushi joints secreting scrumptious aroma tempting my starving self. I stopped a couple of times to check on the menu prices—each time retreating to the road—after realizing its not within reach of my food budget.

After fifteen minutes, I reached a curve where I turned left, and immediately, I caught sight of a red lacquered length arching stunningly across the Daiya River. There it was; the sacred bridge erected in 1636 at the entrance of Nikko's Futarasan Shrine. Raved to be as among Japan's three most beautiful bridges, Shinkyo Bridge—which is now off limits to people—is such a Zen sighting blending beautifully against the green forests behind and the clear waters streaming underneath.

Buoyed by excitement, I advanced with hurried steps into the grounds of Futarasan Shrine where the foliage-covered grounds mirror a Jackson Pollock unfinished canvas. Inside the complex, the crowd seem to thicken as a Mounted Archery competition is being held. I stood among the spectators as I watch a few archers wearing colorful traditional Samurai armor and Kamakura-era clothing, fired three arrows at the stationary target while riding their respective horses at full gallop.

Following a foot path that passes through a small forest, I started marveling at the small temples and shrines that seems to increase in size as I go further. The 400-year old Shintro Shrine—flanked on both sides by old giant trees—met my gaze and dropped jaw as I could only mouth the word "Wow".

As the three wise monkeys; Mizaru, Mikazaru and Mazaru attract a crowd of onlookers all marveling at its 17^th century carved form by Hidari Jingoro—to depict man’s life cycle—I continued to the other temples and shrines of all sizes.

I passed by the 1619 Honden—considered as the most sacred building in every Shinto Shrine—It is here where the three Futarasan deities are enshrined. Nearby, are the Haiden worship hall, and a giant Tori leading to more worship halls and hondens.

The Shrines and Temples of Nikkō covers 103 structures built inside two Shinto complexes: Futarasan Shrine and Tōshō-gū—as well as a lone Buddhist Temple; the Rinno-ji. These three complexes are all located beside each other and can be explored in a day. Inscribed collectively as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, these sacred buildings are also classified as National Treasures of Japan and Important Cultural Properties.

As my mind reels from a morning filled with newfound learnings; about feudal Japanese history, I started feeling hunger pangs. Taking a break from my educational exploration, I walked towards a long line of people standing near a white tent. I saw them ordering food I initially thought was an ordinary Japanese dish. It turned out to be Soba Noodles (buckwheat), which is one of the local dishes Nikko is known for.

As I sat to chow down my food, I let out a sigh of relief at finally resting my weary feet. Looking at the reddened tree leaves and the blue sky above me, I nodded at the invisible Gods—whom the many shrines and temples in Nikko were built for—and delivered a short message; “Arigato for letting the universe bring me here”.

The city of Kyoto dishes an opportunity for travelers to explore and learn more about Japan’s rich history, culture and traditions. A day or two of exploring Kyoto riding the city’s highly effective mass transit system — and to some, pedaling on a bicycle — shall give you the chance to tick off a majority of the city’s 17 World UNESCO Heritage Sites. The Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto encompasses a wealth of knowledge representing Japan’s rich history dating back to the 10th century.

To kick off your first day around Kyoto, here are a list of places that should make you embrace and further understand the country’s unique culture.

Fushimi Inari-taisha

Count the seemingly endless rows of orange Torri gates as it leads you to the Fushimi-Inari temple which is considered as the mother of all Shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto God of Rice, Foxes and Snakes. Amidst the crowd, a perfectly timed photograph along its picturesque pathway shall produce you with a stunning travel memento.

Tenryū-ji and the Bamboo Forest

Another surreal walking experience is achieved as you make your way to the snaking bamboo forest trail leading to Tenryu-Ji Temple. The towering green bamboos almost transports you to another realm — synonymous to the same vibe that exists during the olden times where the very same ground serves as the playground of ancient Japan’s noble class.

Rokuon-ji (Kinkakuji Temple) or the Golden Pavilion

A few bus stops and train stations after and you will find yourself in awe of the grandness of the Rokuon-ji as it glitters under the sun and the glow of its surrounding fabulous landscape. The spot where the Pavilion has stood beautifully since the 14th century and the reflection it creates on the pond generates a very powerful image worthy of staring at for a prolonged period of time.

Nishiki Market

Situated in downtown Kyoto and referred to by the local’s as “Kyoto’s Pantry,” Nishiki Market is the perfect place to go on an authentic Japanese food experience as various food stalls opens from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. After a half day of exploring Kyoto’s heritage sites, having a sumptuous lunch here to regenerate your energy should infuse you with renewed vigor in combing the rest of Kyoto’s cultural gems the rest of the day.

Jishō-ji or the Silver Pavilion

Encircled by a lavishly landscaped garden and soaring trees, the Jisho-ji is another UNESCO World Heritage site that will surely invite your inner Zen to make you just cherish the quaintness of the place.

Kyoto Imperial Palace

The historic grounds of Kyoto Imperial Palace dates back to the golden years when the Emperors of Japan resided here until 1869 after the Meiji Restoration. Lavish gardens and an interesting cluster of structures and royal residences can be seen inside.

Geisha District of Gion

Cap your day with a night visit to the famed Geisha district of Gion where ochaya teahouses, Japanese restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops line up the charming narrow pathways and streets. Spot Geisha apprentices as they walk by and explore the many interesting sights within the district that includes a Kabuki theater, Chugen-ji temple and Gion’s most famous street, Hanami-Koji among many others.

Allotting another day of touring Kyoto will afford you the chance to tick off the rest of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites within the city such as; Kamowakeikazuchi Shrine, Kamomioya Shrine, Kyōōgokoku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Nijo Castle to name a few.

Kyoto Travel & Budget Tips

• Day Bus Pass: Avail of the day bus pass for only JPY 500.00 to reach most UNESCO sites.
• JR Train Pass: A faster option at around JPY 1,000–1,300.
• Bicycles: Rental ranges from JPY 1,000–2,000 per day.
• Accommodation: Capsule hotels and hostels range from JPY 2,000 (bunk) to JPY 3,800 (private).
• Temple Fees: Expect entry fees of JPY 400–500 for conservation funds.

‘OH, deer,” I muttered to myself as I sensed how these lovely creatures seem to almost outnumber us two-legged humans, who are all trying to corner them into taking selfies in the park that day. An estimated 1,200 sika deer romp the grounds of Nara Park every day in paramount freedom enjoying an almost rock-star status, brought about by their historical designation as messenger of the Gods for many centuries. According to a story handed down from more than a thousand years ago, Takemikazuchi, a Shinto God from Kasuga Shrine, descended from his world and appeared at Mount Mikasa riding a white deer. In the aftermath of World War II, the deer’s ‘divine’ distinction was replaced by a ‘national treasure’ designation, to ensure their protection while at the same time, tapering down their religious significance.

Holding a pack of ‘deer crackers’ seem to signal an invitation for them to approach me. Typifying the polite nature of this country, the deer appear to imitate the bowing-like gesture widely practiced by the Japanese people. Mere seconds into opening the pack, a trio of deer had already bent their heads beside my hips before raising it to expose their wide open mouths – in a final plea for me to feed them the crackers.

The Culturally and Historically-Rich Grounds of Nara

As the lawn covered gardens of Nara Park lead us to narrow pathways surrounded by bamboo and pine trees, we tramped and come across a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites clustered together inside this historic grounds. A total of eight landmarks encompasses the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara – most are within walking distance of each other.

As the morning dew mist over the grass, I smell the fresh leaves from the high rising trees. Rambling gingerly under the canopy of swaying greens, I realized how the current season is a month away from the onset of the autumn. I looked around at the teeming garden around me and wondered at the changes of the colors the impending fall season will bring. Walking further, we passed by a group of park buskers performing a catchy Japanese song that has a few onlookers banging their heads sideways and swinging their hips.

I stood and listened long enough to feel my head pounding up and down in slow unison to the song’s melody. Situated at the foot of Mount Wakakusa and established in the early 1300s, Nara Park is one of the oldest parks in Japan. Designated as one of the “Places of Scenic Beauty” by the country’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, a day’s meander over a large part of its 660 hectare property, provides you a combination of visual and historical incursion deep into the rich and fascinating culture of Japan.

Kōfuku-ji

Built in the 7th Century, this Buddhist Temple features a ‘five-storied pagoda’ that quickly attract your eyes upon approaching it. We arrived here by foot under gloomy skies and few patches of rain drops. The mood couldn’t be more muted but as I stare at this small marvel of Buddhist Architecture, I can’t help but notice the striking patterns and lines – while almost similar to other of its own kind, I feel a certain sacred vibe emitting from the all corners of its wall. Kimono-clad women passes by me and as a local family took a group portrait in front of the towering Pagoda, I noticed a hint of pride at the faces of the elders, suggesting a sense of opulence as they enjoy their own preserved culture persisting in this park.

Kasuga-taisha

At the doorsteps of this Shinto Shrine I briefly chatted with an English speaking Japanese man traveling with his family. I accidentally stepped on his foot and when I apologized, he asked me where I’m from. “I am living in the states but I do come home with my family as much as we can” he told me. “You enjoying your trip here so far?” he asked me. I said “Very much”.

“We have fascinating culture, even myself who is pure Japanese I am still amazed. What more for you from the Philippines?” I nodded in agreement and before I could expound at my own marveling at their rich culture, he excused himself to buy tickets to enter the shrine.

Built in 768 by the powerful regent Fujiwara family, it is highlighted by the many bronze lanterns that surrounds the path leading to the main shrine. While I sat at the one of the corridors and let myself get lost in my thoughts, a lone deer approached me as if trying to relay a message. Being a mile away from being superstitious, I found myself wanting to believe how the deer sensed that something was bothering my mind that moment.

After it sniffed my hands, I figured the female deer was just on a lookout for more crackers. I remember being clouded with uncertainties that morning, but as we walked towards another UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Kasugayama Primeval Forest, a burst of Zen-shot through my mind and in an instant, I just let the environment carry my consciousness and off it went with the flow of our surroundings. It seems like, the beautiful mesh-up of modernity and the olden past that still flourishes in Nara Park worked wonders into clearing my mind that day.

Tōdai-ji

Once a part of the Seven Great Temples of Nara, this Buddhist Temple appear to be the biggest in Nara Park. Housed inside is the world’s biggest bronze statue of the Buddha, the Daibutsu or otherwise known as Vairocana. The vast grounds fronting the main temple are dotted with smaller shrines, belfries, towering gates and a lush garden that surrounds a snaking lake where glass-like waters remains tranquil still.

Inside the temple, I noticed a thick wooden post that has a hole near the bottom. I saw a line of visitors trying to crawl up through the tiny passageway that could barely fit a medium built body. I overheard an English speaking guide telling her guests that “anyone who passes through it shall be enlightened up until their succeeding life”. I thought about lining up and entering the hole myself but decided against it at the last minute.

Immersing at the Overwhelming History and Culture of Nara Park I always associate my traveling to freeing my mind of a bordered mentality. Discovering and learning new philosophies, while on the road has become a life-long journey for myself. A big part of it stems from educating myself of the worlds’ many culture, religion and history. Just by stringing my way from end to end of Nara Park’s significant grounds, I felt like I have covered a lot of grounds into attaining a decent amount of new knowledge.

As our legs starts to show signs of weariness, we persevered with more long walks at casual pace – while ogling at the passing sights and festivity occurring at the park. A couple of train rides afforded us to cover additional places included in the historic monuments list of Nara. Other than ticking off these places, the experience left me with more than a visual banquet.

Seeing with my own set of eyes, these old and sacred structures that stood almost similar to the originals that sprung up many centuries ago, elevates my continuing cultural discovery of the country of Japan into greater heights.

Nara is an hour away from Osaka by train. Travelers can avail of a single ticket day pass for trains and buses to explore Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara for a day or two.

Cebu Pacific, the largest airline in the Philippines, flies between Manila and Osaka five times weekly, with lowest year-round fares starting from PHP 6,399. Cebu Pacific also flies from Manila to Tokyo (Narita), Nagoya and Fukuoka, as well as from Cebu to Tokyo (Narita). Book its trademark lowest fares now through http://bit.ly/CEBOsakaflights or follow its Facebook or Twitter pages for the latest seat sales.

It was almost to the year when I capped my first trip to Japan by spending days walking aimlessly around Tokyo—getting lost while discovering the character of its gigantic city spread over towering skyscrapers and spacious sidewalks filled with hastening crowd. A total of 12 days constituted my first foray into the Land of the Rising Sun, and yet, I still desire for more. Only India had me yearning for a return trip to the same country too soon—and in Japan I felt that same attraction quite hard to resist.

Present day and I found myself again being on the receiving end of the courteous greetings of “ohayou gozaimasu” from, probably, the most polite people on Earth. Whatever I learned from my first trip to Japan barely scratched the surface of the wondrous personality and culture of this country.

Aside from looking forward to downing more bowls of ramen—my curiosity grew threefold and is directed at the number of heritage sites situated in the cities of Osaka, Nara and Kyoto. Several hours of Shinkansen train ride away from Nagoya and Tokyo; two cities I had the chance to familiarize myself last year; these triumvirate of cities appear like a cultural triangle waiting for my curious and wandering soul to explore.

Counting Orange Torii Gates at Fushimi Inari-taisha

Depending on the pace of your strides, a few minutes of walking could lead you underneath dozens, or even hundreds, of Orange torii gates already. These mother of all shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto God of Rice, Foxes and Sake, spreads to an uphill trail leading to a mountain where pockets of shrines and temples situates.

Caught between trying to weed out the crowd from the frame of my camera, and staring in awe at the women adorned in kimono dresses, my interest was drawn to the messages scribbled in Japanese characters on each of the Torii gates. Setting aside my camera, I walked in a slower pace and just marveled at the lingering air brought upon by the presence of these vibrant Orange torii gates, which appears to stretch endlessly.

Circling my back into the main temple, the Honden near the entrance, where I earlier performed the ritual of washing my hands and rinsing my mouth with the water from the purification fountain, I looked back at the centuries of history glowing beside me. The countless Orange torii gates, which gleams under the small speck of sunlight seeping through the cloudy skies, echoes an understanding to myself; that Japan’s history and its fascinating religious practices are all abundant and waiting for me to unearth.

Entering a parallel world into Ancient Kyoto

Sixteen of the 17 places listed under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site categorization of “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto” are all found within Kyoto and, for my wandering cultural junky self, this fact screams of visual and learning orgasm.

Disregarding the heavy downpour and the threat of typhoon coming within hours, we trudged along the snaking bamboo forest path that leads to the Buddhist temple of Tenryū-ji and the same grounds that once served as the playground of ancient Japan’s noble class. Separating myself from my two friends, I wound up in a spot where the towering branches of bamboos stood, and thick enough to almost shelter me from the rain. In that instant, I felt entering a chasm taking me back to ancient Kyoto.

A glimpse of the centuries-old Kyoto would continue with our bus-hopping incursion into the other Zen-like places of importance within the city. Most of the time, we’d find ourselves walking through the foot of high-rise buildings into a busy stretch of sidewalk lined up with a fusion of modern and old establishments, and into the interior of a vast walled complex that hides lavish gardens and centuries-old temples and shrines.

Immediately after stepping inside, you feel transported back in time. As I amass a list of Kyoto’s other historic monuments under my belt, namely, the Jishō-ji (Temple of the Silver Pavilion), Nijo Castle, Rokuon-ji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion), Kiyomizu-dera (Pure Water Temple), Kyoto Imperial Palace, my cultural experience in Kyoto left me with longer list of sites to be explored. I felt the days we spent are still lacking to fully engross myself to the rich culture, history and traditions that prevails in the city. Once again, I find myself barely grazing on the cultural wealth this part of Japan has to offer.

And a Japanese song plays in the background

During our last night, while I was having dinner with my friend Gael in a small joint fit enough for a dozen diners and a small acoustic setup, a Japanese singer belted a string of haunting melodies. After our meal, I excused myself for a walk around the city that night. As I took medium hops over the pavement, I can still hear the Japanese ballad playing in my ears while the Kyoto city lights flicker with lively signage. As I continue my stroll with the cool air breezes through me, chased by endless thumping of footsteps, I once again feel the atmosphere that pulls me and leaves me emitting strong emotions. A thought came into my mind.

“I’m open to spending a long time here,” I muttered to myself. Teeming with culture, history, food and modernity that are all present in a fast-paced life surrounded by a Zen environment, the contrasts are presented in a myriad of beautiful ways.

I passed by a row of cabs parked on the sidewalk. I peeked inside and saw those seated behind the wheels are men of old age with gray hairs. A couple of them nodded with smiles as their gazed met mine. A life lived well in the Land of the Rising Sun, and even in their advancing age, their own society still finds good use of their skills—much like everything else is put to better use in this country. Much like what the tradition and culture that dates back many centuries ago are continued and preserved up to this day.

Travel Tip: Kyoto is an hour away from Osaka by train. Travelers can avail themselves of a single-ticket day pass for trains and buses to explore all of Kyoto’s Ancient Heritage Sites for a day or two.

Cebu Pacific, the largest airline in the Philippines, flies between Manila and Osaka five times weekly, with lowest year-round fares starting from PHP6,399. Cebu Pacific also flies from Manila to Tokyo (Narita), Nagoya and Fukuoka, as well as from Cebu to Tokyo (Narita). Book its trademark lowest fares now through Cebu Pacific's website or (+632)7020888, or follow its Facebook or Twitter pages for the latest seat sales.

The lyrics to an Audioslave song hums in my head “I walk the streets of Japan till I get lost. Cause it doesn't remind me of anything”, as I find myself on a slow stride along the random streets of Tokyo. Fresh visuals regales me everywhere I direct my gaze, regardless of the countless films I watched beforehand set on this bustling city of 13 million souls. Exploring a new city always presents the best feeling in the world – the sensation of not knowing what situates around the bend, only learning about it as I turn and walk closer, gifts me with an ultimate high always reminding me why I love to travel.

A total contrast of the streets of India and other third-world cities like Manila, but equally magnanimous when it comes to sheer street activities, my every observation is quickly followed with another interesting scene. "This is the real Tokyo" I told myself - still finding it hard to believe how luck inserted Japan to my calendar year just before 2015 was about to end. Not even with my multiple viewings of “Lost in Translation” and reading Haruki Murakami’s novels would prepare me for such visual blitz.

Arriving from a sleeper bus from Nagoya into a heavy downpour in Tokyo the first light of a Sunday morning, had me not looking beyond an 8 hour slumber. My first agenda other than running away from the rain taking shelter under numerous sheds of high rise buildings, is to locate Oak Cabin Hostel. Doing so ushered me towards my first encounter with the vaunted complexity of Tokyo’s mass transit system.

Highly efficient but at the same time challenging to most travelers. My first attempt had me taking the wrong train and ending up on another part of the city. Asking for directions, a commuter showed me the station I was supposed to take, on his mobile phone showing an app written in Japanese. I didn’t understand anything he said except one vital information; "download this" while pointing to an app called Tokyo Rail Map on his iPhone.

I booked a $22.00 capsule bed at this place a week prior at Agoda.com mainly because it is located strategically beside a river that would afford me a view of the narrow harbor – which I imagined would be spectacular come sunrise or sunset time. Under a blanket of dark skies and drenched from miniscule raindrops I quickly located my hostel after I finally took the right train – alighting at Kayabacho station, I walked for 10 minutes guided by Google Map.

On my way I passed by a place housing Pachinko machines which evokes a long forgotten childhood memory about a similar toy I had when I was 8 years old. These though, comes in technologically advanced machines used popularly in Japan as a form of recreational video game, but has since became a commonly used gambling device. Inside I saw a diverse group of patrons ranging from students to professionals whiling their time away in deep concentration, making me wonder if they are just playing these video games for leisure or engaged in a bit of wagering. Probing further, I realized it was all fun and games and came into a conclusion that this is one of those wholesome Pachinko game dens popular in Japan – I figured the gambling versions are probably tucked away hidden from sight.

Situated at the Chuo-ku (‘Central Ward’) part of downtown Tokyo, the five-story Oak Cabin Hostel is also a five minute walking distance from the famous Tsukiji fish market. The first floor houses the male dorms while the reception and the living room and kitchen is located at the second floor. I picked the mixed-dorm at the third floor where my capsule bed became my home in Tokyo for the next four nights.

Still reeling from a long night of bus travel and feeling a bit under the weather, I wouldn’t let a chance of meeting an old friend get shelved just because I am starting to feel my age. Summoning my old self of accomplishing a lot in a day each time I travel, we decided to meet at Meiji Shrine.

My friend Ada is also a travel writer and is now based in Yokohama along with her US Navy husband Eric Wilkinson. It has been a few years since I last saw her and what better way to catch up than in the city of Tokyo.

Taking the train with help of my Tokyo Rail Map app, I arrived at Shinjuku station 30 minutes earlier than our agreed time. Instantly, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of people – a balance mix of foreign travelers and locals. I saw a few Japanese ladies dressed in colorful cosplay costumes, hipsters, professionals, students, backpackers and groups of tourists representing many nationalities.

Suddenly, it dawned on me. I am really in the city of Tokyo. The same city my then single mother explored for a couple of weeks in the late 1960s and appears like a distant world on her black and white photographs. The same metropolis I always wanted to see before any cities in the world not located in India. 

Already in the company of Ada and Eric, we took a short stroll towards Meiji Shrine – a Shinto monument dedicated to the consecrated spirits of Emperor Meiji and his Empress Shōken. Completed in 1920 and tucked inside a 70 hectare garden in the middle of Tokyo, it is encapsulated by an evergreen forest consisting of more than 120,000 trees comprising 365 variety of species.

Inside, we witnessed a Shinto wedding march featuring a beautiful bride appearing radiantly in her white traditional kimono dress highlighted by a ‘tsuno-kakushi’ (white hat) while closely followed by her maidens. While we lost sight of the wedding entourage as the couple approaches the priest at the altar, I was glad to have observed such happening inside Meiji Shrine. 

Feeling lonely as my travel companions at Nagoya all flew back to Manila the previous night – except for Lilliane, who took a bullet train to her sister’s city the same night. I observed the childlike sweetness being exhibited in front of me between the Ada and her husband Eric. I think about my then girlfriend who always dreamed of coming to Japan. Right there and then I promised myself (which appears irrelevant now) to make plans as soon as I get back to Manila to travel back to Tokyo with her in tow.  

After walking a few more streets and corners and having late lunch together, I started feeling delving deeper into sick bay. I bid goodbye to Ada and Eric and opted to spend the remains of the day tucked under the sheet of my small capsule bed. That night, I slept soundly for more than 8 hours, recuperating my body just in time for the next few days filled with continuous wanderings in the streets of Tokyo. 

Next Part: Japanese Food-trippin, Museum hopping, Shibuya Crossing, Selfie with Hachiko and more Tokyo Walks and trainspotting.