I hope everyone has a fresh start of the year!
(01JAN25) I literally travelled on New Year’s Day to Japan with my whole extended family. Most of them was their first time to visit Tokyo so we did a basic 1-week itinerary to tour the capital. This trip was certainly one for the books as even if I went to same locations from my previous visits, I had new experiences and one of them is going to TOKYO DISNEYLAND! ⭐️
So here’s a “Japan Tales” entry highlighting some tips for a first-timer to Tokyo and some additional attractions that you might want to try on your next visit! My previous tips are still applicable at this current period which you can read here.
FLIGHT
Half of my family travelled via Air Asia while the other, via Cebu Pacific in which both offer low-cost flights. A flight from Manila to Tokyo approximately takes 3-4hrs so I’d say that these budget flights are quite a steal especially for a big group.
I truly loved the new look of Narita airport! I was told that ever since Japan tourism has boomed nowadays, the country refurbished their infrastructures with designs that highlight on what they are known at. Like in this case, indeed, they are the home of anime and manga 😍
If you have Priority Pass, you can check out this cozy KoCoo Superior Lounge! Apart from its Studio Gibhli art collection, they have a variety selection of food and a huge space while you wait for your flight.
HOTEL
Again, we stayed in Hotel Gracery Shinjuku as it is convenient in terms of proximity to public transport and shops. This Godzilla-themed hotel never fails to inspire however, its breakfast buffet is under maintenance during our stay so they only offer an ala carte intercontinental meal.
I’d say that Shinjuku is the best town for accommodation in Tokyo especially if you are travelling as a group.
WIFI & E-SIM
Generally, most towns in Tokyo have free public wifi (the fastest is obviously, in Akihabara) but I know it’s important that we still have our own as it is essential for navigating purposes! You can rent a pocket wifi via Klook and claim a 5% discount using this link.
Use my referral code: JULIA2362 to get GBP2.50 off on your first purchase!
Or you can buy an E-sim by downloading the airalo app. I, myself have been using an e-sim during shorter trips as it is cheap and easy to install.
ITINERARY
I will just be sharing some of the new attractions that we’ve tried on this trip. When it comes to Asian holidays, I usually book our tours via Klook for discounted rates!
Is January the best time to visit Japan?
Personally, I think it’s one of the best times to visit the country especially if you want to experience the winter season. Although the downside of that, is it’s also flu season due to extreme cold—but you can always brave this out by dressing warm, comfy clothes, have a hot drink or don’t go out when it’s raining hard or too windy.
In addition to this, winter is also a great season to see Mt Fuji (even if it’s always covered in snow all-year round haha).
Fuji-ten ski resort has been a popular site to see the mountain besides the opportunity to participate in ski activities. Admission is free if you’re only going here for picture-taking.
Then along the way before going back to Tokyo, we had an amazing gyudon bento for lunch.
One of the tourist-y things I’ve done for this visit was to dine-in at a Maid Café.
There are a lot of these adverts in Shinjuku and Akihabara wherein you have to pay ¥800 for their admission/talent fee. My cousins were so keen to try it—but mind you, I just really came for the food 😝 Moreover, their service is actually good. These maid servers do a cute-sy thing whenever they serve a meal. They also perform when a customer requests them to do so which comes in an additional fee.
I paid for the cute and tasty food which they nailed it! I had a simple katsu curry rice. My cousins ordered omurice with a ketchup art presentation.
Then at the end, we were given these ‘passports’/little maid gift—a steal for their own marketing purposes. I’d say that this experience would be more appealing for teenage boys.
The very highlight of this trip is definitely, our day in Tokyo Disneyland!
When travelling by train, you need to board the Disney train via Maihama station going to Tokyo Disney Resorts.
Among all the Disneylands that I’ve been so far (LA, HK and this), Tokyo-D has been the best. Being on that place really felt magical from the kind staff, beautiful ambiance and organized service.
There are Disney parades that occur thrice a day until the fireworks’ show(Unfortunately, there was none on that due to the very cold weather ☹️ ).
To my mind, I did expect about Baymax’(Big Hero 6) appearance as it is Japan’s pride. Their parade float is certainly spectacular. You can view the rest of my videos and pictures of the parade on my Instagram.
Another thing that’s unique in Tokyo-D is they have an electrical parade in the evening! It’s a different set of characters apart from Mickey and friends and it’s incredible. I can’t choose which ones are the best as they all have a variety of elegant parade floats! ♡
View the full map here.
So basically, I’d say that one day isn’t really enough to tour the whole area especially if you’re keen to explore the rides/attractions. Most rides have a long queue with a 60-minute waiting time (despite that you can avail an express pass). There is a lot of fascinating things to do from souvenir shopping, dine-in like a Disney character or visit the wonderful town of Mickey Mouse and friends.
We went inside Minnie Mouse’s house which is quite a girl’s dreamhouse—except for the fact that her fridge is full of cheese. 😂 Sometimes, you can have a photo-op with the Disney character here though they appear on random times. These characters are everywhere so keep an eye on it!
As for the rides, I’m not a fan of rollercoasters but I heard from my cousins that "The Big Thunder" it’s a must-try. Another that I would recommend is “The Haunted Mansion” which you can only have it here in Tokyo! They have a holiday motif this time and the effects are still amazing.
Of course, first time goers shall not miss “A Small, Small World”; the hymn might be your last song syndrome as you see dolls dressed from different countries.
You cannot leave without a piece of souvenir at hand whether it’s a headband or a keychain! Everything is just so kawaii!
Whilst for the restaurants, each have a theme depending on which part of the park you’re in. I’ve tried the ones in Tomorrowland and Fantasyland and their special set is delicious.
This is from Gaston’s Tavern so go for it if you wanna go Be My Guest—the Gaston way.
Overall, I would loved to come back and now if I was asked between Disneyland or Disney Sea, both are amazing! Although, Disney Sea has more attractions for adults so I would favor this. Either way, Disney Resorts is the happiest place in the planet, indeed!♡
And that’s a wrap for this entry! I hope y’all learned something on my experience and stay tuned for my next trip as I’m back in Europe as of this writing😉
‘til then!
