Mt. Fuji - Hakone One Day Tour by JTB

Doing DIY tours is usually the cheaper option when traveling but not the case when you go to Japan. I've never been a huge fan of organized tours but I welcomed the idea of joining one in Japan especially when traveling far from the city as it was more convenient and saved time and money because public transportation can be quite a challenge unless you speak the local language. For the Mt. Fuji-Hakone day tour, we chose JTB, one of Japan's largest travel service provider.

Back in 2018, the English guided tour costs around USD170/person inclusive of the following:

• Trip to Mt. Fuji's 5th Station 
• Cruise on the pristine Lake Ashi
• Ride to Komagatake Ropeway which offers a majestic view of Hakone National Park
• Bus ride from Shinjuku and return via Shinkansen from Odawara Station back to Tokyo
  
• Local lunch
  

Pros: Very organized and enjoyable tour, clean and well-maintained bus, no hidden fees, no forced commission-based shopping stops, delicious Japanese lunch, tour guide was polite and spoke good English, and with Shinkansen one-way ticket back to Tokyo.

Cons: Nothing -- this tour is highly recommended!

Tsukiji Market: A Seafood Lover's Heaven

You'll never know great sushi if you've never visited Tsukiji Market in Tokyo, Japan.

There's a little confusion here when news came out that Tsukiji Market already transferred locations in October 2018 but take note that it was the inner wholesale market (famous for the tuna auctions) which moved but the outer market, with all the quaint shops and local restaurants, is still in its original location. Most shops are closed on Sundays so schedule your visit accordingly.

 

Best time to visit is early morning when everything's still available for you to try. The outer market consists of shops selling a variety of products/items such as freshly-sliced sashimi, fruits and vegetables, sushi knives and other kitchen utensils, pastries and desserts, Wagyu beef, and many more delicious food finds! Scroll down to see for yourself.

Hotel Review: Nishitetsu Inn Shinjuku, Tokyo JP

Some of the best value for money accommodations we've tried in Japan are from the Nishitetsu Hotel Group. This particular branch in Shinjuku is no exception with its well-kept rooms and superb location (2-minute walk to the nearest train station) which was a great jumping off point to the best sightseeing destinations and shopping areas in Tokyo.

Check-in is strictly at 3PM but in case you arrive early, you can opt to leave your bags at the lobby and explore the neighborhood or pay extra but still subject to room availability.

 

Travel maps and guides in major languages are readily available at the lobby free of charge, as well as some toiletries if you want to freshen up before heading out.

Real estate in Tokyo is precious so don't be surprised if your hotel with a 18sqm room is charging you an average of Php7500/night because its the convenience that you're really paying premium for. Also, most hotels in Japan have single and double/twin rooms only so booking for a family is a challenge unless you're willing to sneak-in your kids and fit yourselves in the tiny bedroom.

 

Apart from the usual room amenities, the hotel also lends a smartphone free of charge so you don't need to rent a portable WiFi or pay for ridiculously expensive roaming charges.

Pros: Clean and well-maintained accommodation, ideal location in Shinjuku (train station and shops are within walking distance), complimentary smartphones available for use in each room, and Shiseido toiletries in the bathroom.

Cons: Small room space and TV has no English cable channels.

 

~o~o~o~

Nishitetsu Inn Shinjuku

7-23-2 Nishinjuku

Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, Japan

Tel.: (813) 3367-5454

Website: www.inn-shinjuku.nishitetsu-hotels.com