Tokyo, Japan

I love to get lost in the beautiful country of Japan =)  Sashimi, ramen and shabu shabu are my favorites; watching Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations makes me more excited to explore Japan. It is one of the ten most peaceful countries in the world based on the latest Global Peace Index =)

Tokyo, Osaka and Sapporo are the famous cities for travelers but in case of a limited time and budget, one can try to stay first at one city and dwell with the locals . How does it feel to live in a 1st world country?  With all these things in mind, I have chosen Tokyo for my first Japan visit.

Tokyo city has a modern vibe yet still maintains its primitive charm. The old parks built centuries ago are just adjacent to the tall buildings of the metro district. Tokyo is a combination of skyscrapers,nature parks and interesting inventions.

Tokyo Travel Notes:

• House/Building walls in Tokyo are made of granite/tiles
• While riding the NEX train, you will realize that Japan has a large land mass (not congested yet)
• If I am not mistaken, there's already a sunrise at around 4-4:30 AM 
• Japanese people are independent, soft spoken and quiet in general. They are accommodating and they exert effort to help you in case you have inquiries or you get lost
• People are often quiet while inside the train or while eating inside a fast food restaurant; it is just odd to be quiet inside of a food chain
• Amazing subways, with several interconnections for various trains: but difficult to remember for foreigners. Various trains may use one railway! Its better to read the flashing tv screens
• I now understand why japanese are slim, lots of walking even within the train station....
• Best burger steak i've eaten so far, is inside the restaurant of Taka Shimaya Time square
• Ramen street - queing lines are blockbuster for those famous ramen shops
• Ramen  in Japan is really different from the ramen here in the Philippines (maybe it is in the broth, but both are delicious)
• Corporate office workers are in their formal business coat and tie like that of Harvey Specter in "Suits"
• Hot beverage insider a vending machine. you can also order a ramen/food using a vending machine
• Even when roaming around 12 midnight, I feel safe. My neighborhood in Arakicho near Akebonobashi station is peaceful.
• It is worth to visit the Tsukiji Fish Market if you have ample time. Try the fresh sushi/sahimi!