Narita, Japan (March 2016)

I had an 8-hour layover in Narita en route to Chicago last March 05, 2016. My flight routes were Manila to Guam-Narita-Chicago. Yep, That was a long and exhausting flight trip (but totally worth it!). I had less than 2 hours connecting time in Guam (just the right amount of time for U.S. Immigration clearance). I arrived past 9 in the morning in Narita International Airport. My next flight wasn’t until 5:30pm. Since I already got my multiple entries Japan visa, why not explore a bit of Japan with enough time to spare? Immigration queue was a bit long and I had to exchange some $$ for ‎¥¥. I planned few days before my trip on what to do with my 8 hours in Narita. Closest attraction to go was Naritasan Park and Shinsoji Temple. The park was only two stations away from my arrival&departure airport terminal. I took JR train from Narita Airport Terminal 1 to Narita Station. It costs ¥240 per way (about Php100).

Vendo machines are everywhere! I mean like… even in the middle of nowhere/countryside of Japan.

How to use vendo machines #likeaninja.

Japan train/transportation system is just… amazing. Set the camera to self-timer, et voila! xD #SOLOFLIGHT #foreveralone (hopefully not!)

Going to the park/temple, I passed by Omotesando street with numerous stores, souvenir shops and restaurants. Here comes a group of Japanese men in their kimono. *kilig* xD

Narita-san Shinsoji Temple! What made my short trip memorable was my first experience of Japanese plum blossoms! They were just starting to bloom. Cherry and plum trees blossom in Tokyo area around mid-March to mid-April. But I was really glad and grateful to see these.

Lifetime To-Do List:

[✓] To see Japanese cherry or plum blossom in person

They call it “ume” in Japanese.

So cute and pretty. :3

Here’s Unari-kun, Narita’s mascot. You know, Japanese being Japanese. Kawaii ne. :3 It was still pretty chilly when I went there, 14°C. I love the weather! They were actually giving free hot amazake (sweet drink from fermented rice).

I could’ve waited for the traditional Japanese musical instrument mini concert but I might miss my next flight.

Of course, when in Japan, one must eat RAMEN. (and tempura). I opted going to one of the restaurants serving sushi and more traditional Japanese food but I cannot read the menu and I was worried that my tummy will churn or something. I still have a 12-hour long flight.

Hot tea and hot noodles perfect for cold weather (for only ¥1000).

MANEKI NEKO charms I saw from the souvenir shops in Omotesando on my way back to the train station. Each color of the cat has its own significance. Like gold for money/wealth, blue for career/studies, pink for love/relationship.. Can’t resist the cuteness, I got a teeny-tiny one. Guess what color. xD I should’ve got each color! HAHA!

I got back with a couple of hours to kill. Narita is one of the best airports in the world so I enjoyed roaming around. I also got the chance to stay and enjoy few of the amenities and food (edamame!!!

See you soon Japan!