sam heart travel

Tokyo 2025 – Day 5 – Shibuya Part 2 – 03/13/2025: A Return to Familiar Streets and New Specs!   Following our delightful cherry blossom discovery in Sugekari Park, we decided to continue our exploration. We started strolling through the streets of Meguro, enjoying the pleasant atmosphere and taking in the sights. After about 20 minutes of walking, we found ourselves back in Shibuya – a familiar and welcome sight! This was our second visit to this vibrant area, and it felt like coming home.   The main reason for our return to Shibuya was a practical one: new eyeglasses. My current pair was starting to show its age, and I'd been eyeing Owndays for a while. Finding the Owndays store proved to be a bit more challenging than expected; it wasn't as easy to locate as I'd hoped. However, after a bit of searching, we finally found it, making it the perfect opportunity to finally get a new pair.   The Owndays store, once located, offered an impressive s...

Tokyo 2025 – Day 5 – Sugekari Park – 03/13/2025: An Unexpected Cherry Blossom Surprise!   Okay, so after our amazing brunch at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery (seriously, you have to check that place out!), we decided a little walk was in order. All that delicious coffee and pastry needed to be burned off, right? 😉   We started wandering through the streets of Meguro, just soaking up the atmosphere, when – BAM! – we stumbled upon the most unexpected sight: a cherry tree in full, glorious bloom! I couldn't believe my eyes. Cherry blossom season in Tokyo typically peaks a week or so after our trip, so this was a complete and utter surprise. It felt like a little gift from the universe. 🌸   The tree was absolutely breathtaking. Branches heavy with delicate pink blossoms swayed gently in the breeze. The petals were a stunning shade of pink, and the overall effect was just magical. We spent a good amount of time just standing there, mesmerized b...

Tokyo 2025 – Day 5 – Starbucks Reserve Roastery – 03/13/2025: A Coffee Lover's Dream   Okay, so you've probably seen the photos all over social media – the Tokyo Starbucks Reserve Roastery is not your average Starbucks. It's seriously unlike anything I've ever experienced, and they have seasonal items you can only get there. Seriously, it's a must-see!   First off, the location is amazing. It sits right along the Meguro River, and I can only imagine how stunning it must be during cherry blossom season (sakura!). We were a little early for the full bloom, but honestly, the building itself was so impressive, it didn't even matter.   Imagine a modern warehouse, but with a distinctly Japanese origami-inspired twist. The building is huge, with a massive roastery as its centerpiece, surrounded by these incredible chain link structures. It honestly looks like something straight out of a movie – all sleek lines and industrial chic. Serious...

Tokyo 2025 – Day 5 – Meguro City – 03/13/2025: A Relaxing Day   After four busy days, we decided Day 5 needed to be a relaxing one, to soak in the Tokyo atmosphere. We slept in, then had breakfast before heading to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery. This was originally planned for Day 2, but got pushed back. The weather was fantastic – sunny and warm after yesterday's rain in Hakone.   We took the train from Senkawa to Shinjuku, then walked, following Google Maps, to the Starbucks. The walk was pleasant. After about 20 minutes, we arrived. The Starbucks looked great.   #Tokyo2025 #MeguroCity #StarbucksReserveRoastery #TravelBlog #Japan #RelaxingDay #TokyoAdventures #SunnyDay #Starbucks

Tokyo 2025 – Day 4 – Hakone Tour – Shinjuku Dinner – March 12, 2025   After our Hakone trip, we arrived back in Tokyo around 6 PM. Our dinner mission led us to an SMBC Bank, hoping its vicinity would offer good restaurant options. Shinjuku’s restaurant scene is vast! We finally chose Café Restaurant Gusto. A short wait (about 5 minutes) landed us a table. The restaurant was clean and had nicely separated tables, perfect for privacy. Prices were very affordable. It was incredibly kid-friendly, offering a kids' menu and children's dining sets.   The electronic ordering system was mostly user-friendly, though some items, like the unlimited drink options for combo meals, were a bit confusing. I ordered omurice and fries – delicious and satisfying! We even had dessert; those strawberries were too tempting to pass up. Self-checkout made payment easy. Thanks again to Ate and Kuya for dinner! Arigato Gozaimasu! The service was good, the food affo...

Tokyo 2025 – Day 4 – Hakone Tour: Yamanaka Swan Lake – March 12, 2025   Okay, so after our lovely time at Oshino Hakkai, we piled back onto the bus. Tom, our ever-cheerful guide, announced our final stop: Yamanaka Lake, famous (supposedly!) for its swans and stunning views of Mount Fuji. The "stunning views" part, however, turned out to be a bit of a fib… at least for us.   Stepping off the bus, it was… underwhelming, to say the least. The area felt pretty deserted. No restaurants, no shops, no real touristy activities – just the lake itself. There were swans, yes, but the overall vibe was… sad. The shoreline wasn't particularly pretty, probably due to the weather (which, let's be honest, wasn't doing anyone any favors). It was a bit of a letdown, a far cry from the exciting energy of the rest of the Hakone tour. This place seriously needs a bit of a boost; a little injection of life wouldn't hurt!   We didn't hang around fo...

Tokyo 2025 – Day 4 – Hakone Tour – Oshino Hakkai – March 12, 2025   Okay, so picture this: I'm practically snoring on the bus when Tom drops the bomb – our next stop is Oshino Hakkai! He starts telling us this amazing story about the spring water, all about how it's melted snow from Mount Fuji (seriously!), and how drinking it adds a day to your life! Sounds crazy, right? But after the whirlwind of the past few days, I was honestly just ready for a nap. 😴   We get there, and guess what? It starts pouring rain! And of course, we're completely unprepared, no umbrellas. But you know what? The moment I started walking those little paths towards the village, all my tiredness vanished. It was seriously magical.   I mean, seriously gorgeous. Crystal-clear spring water everywhere, these adorable little watermills, charming bridges, and these traditional Japanese houses – it was like stepping into a postcard! I kept imagining how amazing it would ...

Tokyo 2025 – Day 4 – Hakone Hakone Tour – Lunch at Fuji Premium Hotel – March 12, 2025   It was almost 3 PM, and man, were we starving! After all that exploring, our tour guide, Tom, dropped a sweet announcement: lunch! We were only 20 minutes from Oowakudani, and let me tell you, we were not patient. 😂   Before the tour even started, Tom asked what kind of lunch we wanted. I went for the karage (because, duh!), while Badet opted for BBQ eel. Our bus pulled up to this huge hotel with a canteen, and everyone practically sprinted inside to grab a seat. We only had 30 minutes to eat, so it was a seriously fast-paced lunch!   But seriously, this place was efficient. I'm talking 40+ people fed in under 10 minutes! They even had free extra rice, which, of course, I took advantage of. My karage was fresh, hot, and unbelievably delicious. Badet's eel, however, wasn't so great – a bit too fishy for her taste. Still, it was a filling meal that totally hit the s...

Tokyo 2025 – Day 4 – Hakone Tour – Hakone Ropeway – March 12, 2025   Okay, so Hakone Ropeway. Picture this: we're crammed onto a tourist bus, buzzing with excitement (and maybe a little bit of jet lag). Next stop? The Hakone Ropeway – basically a cable car that whisks you up to Owakudani, home of those legendary black eggs. You know, the ones that supposedly add seven years to your life? Worth a try, right? 😉   Now, being the VIPs we are (don't worry, I'll spill the tea on that later), we totally skipped the queue. Straight to the front! The cable car itself? Think cozy, slightly swaying metal box, enough room for about 15 people. It was a total novelty for us; we don't have anything quite like this back home. It's one of those experiences that makes you feel like a kid again.   The weather, unfortunately, decided to play spoilsport. Gloomy skies meant Mt. Fuji was nowhere to be seen. Our tour guide, bless her heart, pointed out where it should have bee...

Tokyo 2025 – Day 4 – Hakone Tour: Ahoy, Matey! (or, How I Conquered the Lake Ashi Pirate Ship) – March 12, 2025   Okay, so Hakone. Picture this: We're trekking, a merry band of tourists, towards Lake Ashi, all hyped for our pirate ship adventure. The walk from the Hakone Shrine? A pleasant fifteen-minute stroll, though I wouldn't call it a leisurely amble – the anticipation was palpable! And the queue? Yeah, let's just say it rivaled the line for the latest iPhone. But hey, worth it, right?   The "Pirate Ship" – I'm using air quotes because, let's be real, it's not exactly Blackbeard's vessel. No skull and crossbones, no swashbuckling crew. Instead, think plush seating, Renaissance-style murals on the ceiling, and even crystal chandeliers! Seriously, it was more luxurious than what I Imagine. There's even a coffee bar – perfect for those who prefer a warm beverage and a window seat to the dramatic scenery. The "pirat...

Tokyo 2025 – Day 4: Hakone – OMG, Those Tori Gates! – March 12, 2025   Okay, so the bus ride from Shinjuku to Hakone? Two hours of my life I won't get back, but hey, the scenery was pretty sweet. Seriously, the temperature dropped like crazy as we got into the mountains – even with the heater blasting! And snow on the sides of the road?! So unexpected and cool. Mount Fuji was playing hide-and-seek though. Total tease!   First stop: Hakone Shrine and those AMAZING torii gates in Lake Ashi. Our guide, Tom, gave us the lowdown on the shrine – it's like, super old and important, and people pray there for good luck. The lake reflecting the gates? Picture perfect (even without Fuji showing off).   We had an hour – bathroom break first, obviously, after that bus ride! Then, straight to the gates. They were even more stunning in person. It was like something out of an anime – seriously, I felt transported! The crimson red against the lake and mountains… chef's kiss. ...

Tokyo 2025 – Day 3: Kamakura Ramen, Shibuya – March 11, 2025   Two hours at Shibuya Sky. Amazing views, but by 3:00 pm, our stomachs were screaming for food! We needed a serious refueling session after all that sightseeing. Shibuya's restaurant scene is insane – so many choices, it was almost overwhelming! We spent a good fifteen minutes just wandering, paralyzed by decision fatigue. Everything looked amazing!   Then, BAM! We spotted this little ramen joint called Kamakura. They had these killer combo meals – ramen, tonkatsu, and karage! Perfect for two hungry travelers like us. The place was tiny, a real hole-in-the-wall kind of vibe. It felt like eating at a bar, with the kitchen right in the middle of everything. We shed our winter jackets immediately – the place was seriously toasty!   Ordering was super easy – one of those automated ticket machines. You punch in your order, hand the ticket to the staff, and wait. About ten to fifte...

Tokyo 2025 – Day 4 – Hakone Tour – SMBC Shinjuku – Mar 12, 2025   So excited for today! This is the day we've been looking forward to – our Hakone adventure! We booked a package tour through Klook for JPY 13,000 (PHP 5000), covering five amazing spots, although the Pirate Ship ride on Lake Ashi will cost an extra 1200 yen. The best part? It's a guided bus tour, meaning less hassle and more sightseeing! Our meeting point was 8 AM in front of the SMBC Bank in Shinjuku.   We woke up at 5 AM, packed our breakfast, and headed out. The trip from Senkawa station to Shinjuku took nearly an hour, with a few minor navigation challenges. We arrived at the bank with just 15 minutes to spare before the 8 AM meeting. Luckily, we found our guide, Tom, and were among the early birds. By 8:30 AM, the bus was full, and... that's the start of our Hakone Tour! I'm already anticipating stunning views and unforgettable experiences. Wish us luck (and hopefully som...

Tokyo 2025 – Day 3 – Shibuya – March 11, 2025   Okay, so Disneyland was a blast, but Day 3 in Tokyo was all about chill vibes. We learned our lesson about crowds – woke up at 7 am, leisurely breakfast, quick bath, and then we headed out. No crazy train rushes for us! 😎   Around 10 am, we hit up the Tsukiji Fish Market (amazing!) and grabbed a Lawson for some Suica card top-ups. Then, it was off to Shibuya from Senkawa around 11 am. After all that Disneyland walking, we needed a relaxed day. The plan was initially to check out a Starbucks Reserve Roastery (I had a specific latte in mind!), but my research was a little off. Turns out, that Starbucks is in Shinjuku, not Shibuya! Oops! Luckily, we had a Shibuya Sky reservation, so we stuck with the Shibuya plan.   The train ride from Senkawa to Shibuya was smooth. First stop? The Hachiko statue! Seriously, so many people there, but it's a must-see. Then, we went to a Starbucks (not the Reserve Roastery, sadly!), an...

Tokyo Disneyland: A Night to Remember (and Some Curry Popcorn) – March 10, 2025   After a thrilling ride on Space Mountain, our next mission: securing the perfect viewing spot for the Disneyland fireworks display. We knew this was the highlight of many visitors' trips – a spectacular combination of lights, sounds, and classic Disney tunes, held every night, with special weekend shows requiring reserved seating (which, sadly, we hadn't managed to snag).   Our strategy? Claiming a spot in front of Cinderella Castle. This meant joining a throng of other tourists with the same brilliant idea. Kuya and Mom bravely held our place while Ate and the kids embarked on a quest for the elusive curry popcorn – a flavor our taste buds were desperately craving. The popcorn was only available in Adventureland, a good 100 meters away from Cinderella Castle. Let me tell you, that was a long walk, but totally worth it.   Armed with popcorn, drinks, and a renewe...

Tokyo Disneyland: A Royal Rendezvous with Beauty and the Beast – March 10, 2025   Fully energized after our delicious lunch, we decided to tackle one of Disneyland's top rides: Beauty and the Beast. Kuya, having conquered similar long lines at other Disney parks, encouraged us to go for it. We opted to skip Winnie the Pooh and Toy Story for this one – they’re on the list for next time!   As we strolled towards Cinderella Castle, the scenery subtly shifted, transitioning into a charming countryside setting. We'd arrived at Gaston's Village, and there it was – the ride's entrance, complete with the longest queue I'd ever seen. The estimated wait time? Ninety minutes. In reality, it ended up being over two hours.   For those who want to remain completely spoiler-free, I'd suggest stopping reading here. Seriously – you don't want to know what awaits!   But for the rest of you… let's dive in.   The wait, though lengthy, wasn't entirely unbearable. On...

Tokyo Disneyland: A Delicious Detour to Eastside Cafe – March 10, 2025   Post-parade, our stomachs were rumbling louder than any rollercoaster. We were starving! The problem? Disneyland was packed, and every restaurant had a wait time that rivaled the lines for Space Mountain. But our resourceful Ate and Kuya remembered a hidden gem near the entrance: Eastside Cafe.   This table-service restaurant, tucked away in World Bazaar, promised a welcome respite from the park's frenetic energy. World Bazaar, with its early 20th-century Victorian theming, is already a feast for the eyes, and Eastside Cafe perfectly complements the atmosphere. It's like stepping into a charming Italian trattoria, complete with rich wood paneling, antique-style furnishings, and gorgeous murals depicting Italian landscapes. Even the frosted glass partitions added to the cozy, intimate feel.   Despite the crowds, the line at Eastside Cafe was surprisingly manageable. We sig...

Tokyo Disneyland: The Magic of the Parade – March 10, 2025   It was almost 1 PM, and the air crackled with a palpable energy. We saw a sea of people gathering near Space Mountain, a definite sign that something big was about to happen. A quick check of the Disneyland app confirmed our suspicions: a parade, scheduled for precisely 1 PM. Game on!   Finding a good spot was a mini-adventure in itself. We decided to ditch the usual standing-room-only chaos and staked out a prime spot on the ground. Sitting comfortably, we had a perfect, unobstructed view – a much better strategy than battling the crowds for a standing position.   Then, the moment arrived. The clock struck one, and a booming voice from a megaphone announced the start of the parade. The anticipation was almost unbearable! This was a Disney must-do, something we'd been looking forward to all trip.   And let me tell you, it was everything we hoped for and more. The parade was an absolute e...