My First Solo International Trip to Japan

I've wanted to do this for the longest time, and I always wanted my first solo international trip to be Japan. Because Japan is JaFUN! I genuinely feel at peace whenever I'm there, and this time, I wanted to experience it on my own.

They say, "Do it scared." I did, and now I finally understand why.

I prepared for this trip as much as I could because I know myself too well. If I don't plan ahead, I'll probably miss something or spend the whole trip worrying that I forgot something. I needed to be locked in for this trip because your gurl thinks 24/7. If my mind wandered somewhere else, I knew I'd forget something. I researched, made detailed itineraries, double-checked everything, and prayed for the best. This won't be possible without God's Grace. Let's goooooo!!!

My credit card also gave me access to the PAGS Lounge, so I spent some time there while waiting for my flight. Yay! I got to enjoy so much delicious food and so many drinks!

Since it's my first solo international trip. I booked Philippine Airlines because I'd always wanted to experience flying with an in-flight TV. One thing I realized is how much I enjoy learning by simply observing and many little travel rituals I never knew before. It's funny how the smallest discoveries can bring so much joy. I watched Friends, made it through three episodes before I got so sleepy.

They also have lullabies!

Hello, JaFUN! 🇯🇵 Thank You, Lord. Let's do this, babyyyyy! First thing I did was buy a train ticket to Shinjuku since that's where I was staying.

Then something happened that literally made me sweat bullets. 😭 I got on the train and stayed in my assigned car, Car No. 8. Then I suddenly needed to pee, and the restroom was in Car No. 7. I only brought my phone and fan with me, leaving all my other belongings in Car No. 8. After using the restroom, I tried to go back... but the passage wouldn't open anymore!!! 😭

I probably looked so dumb going back and forth trying to open it. 😭 At that point, my brain was already screaming, "What if someone steals my passport?!" I didn't even care about my other stuff anymore. HAHAHA.

Then I remembered... this is JaFUN. But still, the door wasn't opening! I was trying so hard to stay calm, but I couldn't. I even asked ChatGPT, and it wasn't comforting at all. 😭 So I sat in Car No. 7 for a while, kept checking if the passage would open, and after what felt like forever (probably around 45 minutes), it finally did. HAHAHA. I almost died, you know.

Until now, I still don't know if I just wasn't opening it properly (you can't imagine how many times I tried lol ) or if there are times when the passage actually locks.

CRAZY CORE MEMORY. 😂

Rode a taxi to my hotel—finally!! 🤍 Called the crazies right away. My mom, as always, had a thousand questions. I didn't tell them about my train adventure because I knew they'd worry. I only told Hanee. 🤭

I also went out for a quick trip to 7-Eleven to buy some treats and breakfast for the next day. It was only about a 3-minute walk from my hotel.

My sisters stayed on the call with me the whole time while I was shopping. 🤍 I didn't bring any skincare, so I checked if I could buy some there, but I couldn't buy a cheap one at 7-Eleven. I ended up buying just a facial wash.

By this point, I was so tired that I completely forgot to take pictures.

Good morning, JaFUN!  Woke up just right. I had a tour today to Mt. Fuji and other tourist spots. I decided to buy my skincare and walk around the area to familiarize myself with my hotel. Do you know what's crazy? Godzilla was literally just a 1-minute walk away. AMAZING!!!! 🦖🇯🇵

I chose a Mount Fuji Full-Day Small Group Experience with only 9 people. One thing I really liked was that hotel pick-up was included, so all I had to do was wait for our van.

Our first stop was LAWSON-SAN Kawaguchiko Station. Sadly, Mt. Fuji was nowhere to be found because of the clouds. 🥹 I was honestly so sad at that moment. I had been looking forward to seeing it so much. Since I was traveling solo, I brought a tripod with me so I could still capture photos of myself.

But God is so good!!! On our next stop—Lake Kawaguchi and the surrounding area, I finally saw Mt. Fuji. 🗻🤍

I was so happy. You have no idea. 🥹😭 It was one of those moments where I just stood there, smiled, and thanked God.

It's so obvious I was using a tripod. HAHAHA. I just placed it wherever I could. People would look at me, but I didn't care. I needed to capture this moment. Some memories are just too precious to leave undocumented.

Our next stops were Arakurayama Sengen Park and the Chureito Pagoda.

The thing about me is I have a terrible sense of direction. 😂 There was a 70% chance I will get lost going back to our van on my own or at the very least, it would've taken me forever to go back. Our tour was very strict with time, so getting lost wasn't really an option as it might distrupt the trip. Plus, our next stops involved quite a bit of walking and navigation, which made me even more nervous if I lost my way.

But you know, God is so good to me as always.

There was this guy on our tour who approached me. He was with a group of other guys—he's super friendly and really talkative. Before, if something like this happened, I would've immediately stepped back, ignored him, or tried to end the conversation as quickly as possible. But I think I've changed a little and learned to be more open to meeting people. I remembered from the bible "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." During the tour, I realized maybe God sent these guys my way. So, they ended up exploring the area with me, accompanying me back to our van, and even taking really nice photos of me. They had these huge cameras. 😂

It's funny how God always knows exactly what you need, often in the most unexpected ways.

Next stop was Hikawa Clock Shop. Mt. Fuji disappeared again. lol

The next stop was Lake Kawaguchi & more, and Oishi Park. Mt. Fuji decided to show up again. So many swans! It really felt like Swan Lake... and Magikarp was there too. lol. It was SOOOO cold!!!

On our way back, the really talkative guy somehow managed to get my social media in such a subtle way. I gave it to him because he had been genuinely helpful throughout the trip. I think I made it pretty obvious that I wasn't interested in anything beyond that, but I was still grateful they were part of this tour. They made the tour more enjoyable and even helped me find my way around a few times.

Don't judge me. I honestly do feel happy when someone even tries. It makes me feel pretty. Hahaha. But I trust the discernment God has given me more than my emotions. I'm not looking for just anyone, I'm not even looking, lol. I'd rather spend my time growing on my own than invest in someone I'm not sure about. I'm holding on to Proverbs 18:22 and trusting God's timing. Saka, ang ganda ko kaya. HAHAHA. I believe that if marriage is part of His plan for me, the right man will pursue me in a way that brings peace and simply feels right. God made him! (Siri, play God made him. lol) (:

Our van dropped us off near my hotel. The first mission? Find wagyu. I had been craving wagyu so badly. This was my first proper meal, so I ordered a beer. 🍺 I promised myself it would be my first and last beer of the trip. HAHAHA. Went back at the hotel and called the crazies.

Woke up so hungry. Ordered dinner, made a quick konbini run, watched some anime, soaked in the onsen, My hotel also had an onsen! It was my first time trying one, and I was so shy. HAHAHA. Good thing no one was there during my first dip. I had the whole place to myself. It was so relaxing, I slept like baby after a good bath, then went back to sleep.

On this trip, I tried to be as chill as possible. No pressure, no packed schedule—just doing whatever made me feel good and alive. After all, it was my first solo international trip.

Today is Window Shopping and Cinema Day! 🎬

Started my day with an onsen.  It had officially become my morning and night ritual. I wasn't shy anymore. My mindset was, "We're all just characters from Attack on Titan." HAHAHA. An onsen really takes away all the heaviness and tiredness, so I was making the most of it while I could. After that, I headed to Ueno Park, had lunch, and did a bit of window shopping.

Finally got to try Gyukatsu Motomura. I'd give it an 8/10! 🥩

It was so cold every single day. I ended up buying a couple of pants and jackets from GU because I only packed two pairs of pants, and most of my tops were sleeveless. One of the coolest things about GU is that they alter the length of your pants for free. While waiting for mine, I treated myself to some snacks. 😋 I also found these super cheap KitKats for around ₱75 each, so of course I bought a bunch. I would've bought even more if someone had been there to carry them for me, u know.

Went back to the hotel to drop off all my shopping bags (so much for window shopping 😂), took a quick nap, then headed to the cinema. Mind you, the cinema was only a 2-minute walk from my hotel, and your gurl still managed to be late. 🤦🏻‍♀️

The most frustrating part? The movie package I bought didn't include popcorn. 😭 I was already running late, so I couldn't think straight and just accepted it without checking/translating, biggest mistake. Meanwhile, my seatmate was happily munching on her popcorn the entire movie while I sat there frustrated and low-key jealous. 🍿😭

But if you know me, you know I don't give up easily. 😂 I kept thinking, "What if the popcorn was actually included and they just forgot to give it to me or maybe I just didn't understand?" Mind you, the ticket cost around ₱1,900, so I had to make sure. I NEED ANSWERS! During the movie, I waited for a scene where I could stand, I rushed outside to ask, but no one was at the counter, so I waited asdfghjklmnop. Finally, someone came over... and the answer was still no. There really wasn't any popcorn included. 😭

Went back, I cried so much in my heart. HAHAHA. I didn't want to buy one anymore because everything was already so expensive. After the movie, I just took every brochure available to somehow pacify my heart. If I couldn't have popcorn, at least I got souvenirs. 😂 The consequences of insufficient research. lol

CORE MEMORY!!! 🍿

Before heading back to the hotel, I made another konbini run.  Then it was onsen, anime, dinner, and sleep. It was such a good day. I'm so happy, except for the popcorn. HAHAHA.

Morning came! I still had some leftover pasta from the night before, so I heated it up for breakfast. That became my little routine during the trip. I wanted to eat out more, but I could never finish the meals I bought at konbini, so the leftovers usually became my dinner or lunch the next day. I also discovered that 7-Eleven sold lumpia. Happy me! I'm a big lumpia girl. I love lumpia. I could eat it anytime, anywhere, anyhow.  

Another reason I picked this hotel was because I wanted my room cleaned every time I went out. I also had my laptop with me, so I was a little anxious about leaving it behind. Every time I left the room, I'd place my mini Bible on top of my laptop. Hehe. When you're alone, you have so much time to think, and somehow you come up with the craziest and funniest little things. Solitude is bliss!

Day 4 screamed for lots of walking. So many mirror photos too, lol. Siri, play Just Fine.  Today's itinerary was Daikanyama, Nakameguro, Marunouchi, Gotokuji, Shimokitazawa, then Shinjuku. I don't even remember if that's the exact order anymore, but somehow I managed to visit all of them in one day. No taxis—just trains and a whole lot of walking. I love walking in Japan. It feels safe, peaceful, and the air is so fresh. I could honestly do this every day.

So many photos babyyyy!

Lunch was from Curry House CoCo Ichibanya,and it ended up being my favorite meal of the entire Japan trip. Easily a 100/100.

And on to more walking! Do you see how empty the streets were? I wasn't even afraid to walk around by myself. I can't really explain the feeling. It's like eating your favorite chocolate without worrying about gaining weight. That's what walking here felt like to me. I could just keep walking for hours and never get tired of it.

My favorite thing I did on my solo trip to Japan was walk. Walk despite doubting Google Maps. Walk through quiet streets with no one around. Walk without knowing exactly where I was. Walk until I got lost, found my way back, and kept walking.

Went to Gotokuji temple!

More more pictures!

Went to Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory in Setagaya. The way there was incredibly peaceful, quiet streets, little turns, and the kind of scenery that makes you feel lost in the best way, even when you’re not.

Then to the Bocchi the Rock! location in Shimokitazawa. My Bocchi heart was so happy! I brought a small tripod, and it worked so well. While I was trying to film myself, people kept walking in and out of the door. I didn't even care anymore. Then there was this one guy who stopped for literally five seconds, took a quick photo of the location, and immediately ran off. It was so funny.

More pictures!

Going home, I tried to stop by OIOI Shinjuku. Used my tripod here too, I'm so galing. The Dr. Stone pop-up makes me so happy. My lovesss!

The next day, I went to Yokohama. When my sister and I visited Tokyo before, this was one of the places we didn't get to see, so I made sure to visit it this time. I spent the day just roaming around, having lunch, and hunting for my favorite Vitamin C drink. I've been drinking it every single day since I arrived. I swear it fueled all the walking I did throughout the trip. I think some of my powers came from that little bottle. Hahaha. That burger steak rice I had at the food court was 95/100!

I also found a My Hero Academia pop-up where you could wear their school uniform. I belong there, I just know it. 😂

I was so happy! I used a tripod to capture myself, and after 1,232,334,334 photos, one finally turned out well. HAHAHA.

Then walk to CupNoodles Museum.

I made my own Cup Noodles, and this made me so happy! 🤍 I can't believe this little cup could bring me so much joy.

Maybe it's because I really did my best with the doodles. As someone who never doodles, lol, I surprised myself. While I was deciding what to draw, I found myself reflecting on all the memories I'd made during the trip so far. It unexpectedly made me a little teary-eyed.

Up until now, I still haven't opened or eaten the noodles. HAHAHA. I like my doodles too much.

Then I took a little walk to the Red Brick Warehouse. There were so many stores inside! I stumbled upon Milk Marche, and it ended up being the most delicious treat I had on the entire trip. It was so, so good.

I also found a pop-up for The Apothecary Diaries. I didn't go inside because the entrance fee was a bit expensive, but I still tried to take a photo with the standee at the entrance. Looking back at it now, I looked like shit. Hahaha.

Went home. I stumbled upon the cutest escalator handrails and a tiny amusement park along the way. Cute set-up! Finished the day by picking up some ramen, takoyaki, and dessert near my hotel. Had a relaxing onsen, then watched some anime. Simple days like this end up becoming some of my favorite memories.

Today was meeting-my-tito and shopping day!  I brought all the pasalubong my mom picked out for him from Manila. We had a nice meal, caught up over lots of chika, then I headed back to the hotel to drop off all my shopping bags. (Those will remain off-camera. lol.) Before catching the train, I treated myself to Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory ice cream. Easy 9/10. Also, the Salt & Camembert cookies is currently one of my favorite desserts now. It's expensive in Manila, but every time I'm at Megamall, I can't help but buy myself a box. It's my little treat.

After that, I headed to Akihabara, with every intention of just roaming around.

I did not but I'm under control. HAHAHA.

This mirror train selfie on my way home is my favorite train photo. I always have my favorites, lol. I remember feeling a little emotional because my trip was almost over. But at the same time, I felt so proud of myself. This solo trip proved that I can make things happen even when I'm on my own, and that I can truly have fun by myself. I think that's something I'll always carry with me.

For dinner, I still had some ramen and takoyaki left from yesterday, so I just heated them up in the oven. I also grabbed some smoked tongue from 7-Eleven to go with it since I'd already eaten all the meat yesterday.

Believe me, For dinner, I really wanted to eat outside, but I always ended up with leftovers, and I didn't want to waste any food. The portions weren't even that big, I just eat a lot less these days. Not forcing it or anything, that's just how my appetite has been. On my way back to the hotel, I grabbed some apple waffles and this milk. Aaaah... they were so good!!! Somehow I always have room for dessert. HAHAHA.

Last day before flying back to Manila! 🤍

Since it was Sunday, I wanted to start the day by going to church before heading to Ueno. Sunday is the Lord's Day. One principle I've always tried to live by is that I can do whatever I want afterward, as long as I choose to spend time with God first.

Even back home in Manila, I want to keep choosing Him above everything else. I wouldn't have gone on this trip, or be happily sharing these memories today, without Him in my life. That's why putting Him first will always be my number one priority. Of course, that doesn't mean I can't miss a Sunday service, but as much as possible, I want to be present. I decided to attend CCF Tokyo since it was close to Ueno.

Here are some of the snacks I tried throughout the day. I had yakiniku for lunch, did a bit more shopping, and picked up some pasalubong for the fambam. For dinner, I went with McDonald's. Ooooh, that chocolate shake could be the death of me. It was absolutely perfect. 🤤 There's just nothing like a Tokyo McDonald's chocolate shake. I still think about it sometimes. HAHAHA.

Time to go home!  I spent almost two hours packing the night before just trying to fit everything into my luggage. I'd say I was ready... but also a little nervous.  Just in case my bags ended up overweight, I even bought a box cutter and some packing tape so I could repack everything at the airport if I had to. I also brought a luggage scale with me, so I already knew I was way over the baggage limit. HAHAHA. I was ready to face reality, but I was still secretly hoping everything would somehow work out. A little faith never hurts.

Selfies and mirror selfies to say babye.  I decided to wear two side ponytails that day because it felt cute.

Babye bed, babye APA, babye Ikebukuro, babye Shinjuku... babyeeee, Tokyo! I cry my, heart!!!

Crazy things always happen whenever I'm going back to Manila. HAHAHA. But God was with me on this trip, so His grace was still extended.

I arrived at the airport very early and waited for my train. Suddenly, it was already time for the train to arrive, but it still wasn't there. It was crazy because trains rarely come late in Tokyo. Anddddd... all this time, I was waiting on the wrong platform. It was already 9:06 AM.

I ran with the heaviest baggages ever, and I saw that my right train was still there. The only way to get to it was by taking the long stairs. ASDFGHJKLMNOP. So of course, I started with the smaller luggage first with my hand carry but doesn't feel like it, taking it down the stairs. Then came the heaviest one... it almost killed me. It was soooo heavy!!! The hardest part? I was literally running. Imagine sprinting while dragging 45 kilos of luggages.

And when I finally got on the train, it left. IT LEFT. THE TRAIN LEFT THE EXACT MOMENT I GOT IN. Thank You, Lord. This is why I can confidently say, God is good all the time, not just in the moments when I need Him.

I was so relieved when I finally got seated. 😂

I arrived at the airport, and this time, what I was praying for didn't happen. But that's reality. Sometimes faith works in the ways we hope for, but when you already know something isn't right, why would you still expect it to happen?

Yes, I was over the baggage limit. At that point, I didn't have much energy left, so I decided to just pay the fee—around ₱5,000. I had already expected it, it honestly didn't hurt at all. I didn't complain because it was the right thing to do, after all.

I used up the Japanese yen I had left to buy a sandwich, then grabbed some chocolates and cookies at the airport before boarding.

Boarding time! I watched two movies on the flight home. A nice way to end an unforgettable trip. ✈️

Hello, Manila! Thank you Lord!

I knew I was back because I started sweating the moment I stepped outside. HAHAHA.

My parents were there to pick me up, and my sisters couldn't wait to see me... you already know why. 😂 The whole fam was so excited about everything I brought home. We're the kind of fambam that really appreciates gift-giving, so seeing everyone happy made me even happier.

The second to the last photo shows all the anime figures I bought on this trip. I was under control, if you compare it to my last trip. Good job, self. HAHAHA. My cats— Torchy, Nami, and Simba got treats too, of course. I know they missed me so much, and I'd like to believe they were happy to have me back. HAHAHA.

Thank You, Lord. 🤍

This entire trip was only possible because of God's grace. I wore my cross necklace every single day because it made me feel safe. Funny enough, with these nails, putting it on was probably one of the hardest parts of every morning. As I flew back home, I didn't feel sad—I felt inspired. I was actually excited to go back to work because I realized how grateful I am for the job God has given me. It was through this work that I was able to experience this solo trip.

If time allows, I'd definitely love to do another solo trip someday. But my prayers have changed over these past few weeks.

For now, I'm simply thankful—for God's protection, His provision, the lessons He taught me, all the craziness and fun times, and every memory I'll treasure from this solo trip. This blog took a while to finish because I poured my heart into every single line. Japan, thank you again for the adventure. Until next time. 🤍

Oh, and my favorite songs from this trip were "As for Me & My Home" by Brandon Lake and "I Want Crazy" by Hunter Hayes. There's a deeper reason why these two songs became my favorites—not just because of their lyrics. But I'll keep that story to myself for now. lol. Every time I hear them, they'll always remind me of my First International Solo Trip. 🤍  

Thank you for reading!