Pages

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
Facebook Instagram

The Travel Archives

  • Home
  • Local
    • Luzon
      • Aurora
      • Baguio
      • Batangas
      • Bicol
      • Bulacan
      • Cagayan Valley
      • Ilocos Norte
      • Ilocos Sur
      • Laguna
      • La Union
      • Mindoro
      • Palawan
      • Rizal
      • Zambales
    • Visayas
      • Bohol
      • Dumaguete
      • Iloilo
      • Siquijor
    • Mindanao
      • Camiguin
      • Lanuza
      • Davao
      • General Santos
      • Sarangani
  • International
    • Brunei
    • Canada
      • Toronto
    • Japan
      • Himeji
      • Kobe
      • Kyoto
      • Nagoya
      • Nara
      • Osaka
    • Thailand
      • Ayutthaya
      • Bangkok
      • Kanchanaburi
    • South Korea
      • Busan
      • Seoul
    • USA
      • Boston
      • Chicago
      • Connecticut
      • New York
Klook.com

Top Things to Do and See in Toronto for First Timers
Casa Loma

Toronto, the capital of the province of Ontario and the most populous city in Canada, is a vibrant and diverse destination that offers something for everyone. From its world-renowned cultural attractions and delicious cuisine to its beautiful parks and scenic waterfront, there's no shortage of things to see and do in this exciting city!

I visited Toronto just before the pandemic (year 2019), yet I assure you that the tips I will be posting here will still be relevant for your travels this 2023 (or even in the next few years).

Hop on and read through my recos on the top things to do and see in Toronto for first timers:

1. One of the top attractions in Toronto is the CN Tower, an iconic landmark that offers incredible views of the city and lake from its observation deck. You might want to try the thrilling "EdgeWalk" around the tower's circumference, 116 stories above the ground. I didn't try this though. Just seeing the tower with my Tita was enough!

CN Tower

2. Other must-see cultural attractions include the Royal Ontario Museum, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and the historic Casa Loma.

We visited Casa Loma and toured the majestic castle. It was the private residence of Sir Henry Pellatt, that's now owned by the City of Toronto. The castle costs $40 per pax to tour. To learn more about it, visit their website at https://casaloma.ca.

Casa Loma

3. Foodies will love exploring Toronto's diverse culinary scene, which features everything from traditional Canadian dishes to international cuisines. Some popular local specialties include poutine (french fries topped with gravy and cheese curds), peameal bacon sandwiches, and smoked meat.

For a unique dining experience, head to one of the city's many multicultural neighborhoods, such as Little Italy or Chinatown, where you'll find a wide variety of authentic restaurants and food shops.

4. Nature lovers will enjoy visiting the Toronto Islands, a group of small islands located just a short ferry ride from the mainland. The islands offer a peaceful escape from the city, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and picnicking. Other outdoor activities in Toronto include exploring the beautiful High Park, visiting the Toronto Zoo, and taking a stroll along the Lake Ontario waterfront.

5. No trip to Toronto would be complete without experiencing some of the city's vibrant nightlife. Whether you're looking for live music, comedy, or just a good pint of beer, Toronto has something to offer. Some popular nightlife hotspots include the Entertainment District, Kensington Market, and the Distillery District.

We did a quick street tour of Kensington Market in the morning, then passed by Graffiti Alley. It's a small street where you will find astounding street art that will delight artists and photographers.

Kensington Market

 
Graffiti Alley

Distillery District is also a unique and fun place to hangout. We, being Asians, tried sake and whisky tasting in some of their bars. You can also do some shopping there, and take lots of photos with its brick walls and lovely backdrops.

Distillery District



Overall, Toronto is a dynamic and exciting destination that offers something for everyone. I have more to share - but I'll do in another post - for this list of top things to do and see in Toronto will pretty much keep you happy and occupied, especially if it's your first time!

Enjoy!

0
Share

 

It's the 19th of June, year 2021. It's been 1 year and 4 months since the global war against COVID-19 started. For 1 year and 4 months, movement outside our homes have been very, very limited.

We cannot go out for leisure, travel, and to live a healthy, balanced life is an extreme challenge. People have to be creative on how they can cope given the surmounting restrictions on all types of movement - be it actions related to business or personal matters.

As such, we cannot travel like we used to. Countries - even cities and provinces - have closed their doors to non-residents. The only recourse we have at the moment to connect with each other and with the world beyond our own homes is through technology - social media, video calls, travel documentaries.

But we all know it's not enough

I miss traveling. Our last trip overseas was in Japan, just before the pandemic officially started. We traveled Tokyo, Niigata, and Nikko. It was also the first time we tried snowboarding.

If we can't physically experience the world right now, I'll do so through my memories and through this blog while I still remember bits and pieces of it.

Cheers~

0
Share


I am currently doing the chore I hate most - placing clean clothes in my cabinet. I hate it. I wish I have someone who can do this for me.

Then I realized, in a snap, how petty of a concern this is. Compared to the plight of around 90% of my countrymen right now, I am lucky because I'm home. I am lucky because I don't have to be in a hospital, healing people sick from the corona virus. I am lucky because I am not in the higher ranks of the government, stressing my butt off so I can protect and save my country, only to be faced with hatred and criticism.

I am lucky, most of all, because I am alive, healthy, and safe, just as my family and loved ones are. We have shelter, our own transportation, and I know we have food to eat today, tomorrow, and the next months.

In this time of turmoil and unrest, let us all live to be the best versions of ourselves. Let's celebrate the simple things that we often take for granted, help our elders and neighbors, and give our bodies the love and care they're due.

Before I end, I'd like to thank our countrymen from the medical field and the government, and those in essential industries like food and drinks, medicine, water, electricity, banks, and so on. You've all been working so hard to keep us alive.

0
Share

I'm giving the gift of awareness this Christmas. No actually, it's a call to action for us to live smarter... For us to consider our purchases, lifestyle, and the way we do things every day.

If you think about how polluted our city, seas, or even your home is; how animals die because of our irresponsible use of plastic; the reality that Manila will be under water by 2050, and that Greenland's ice sheets are melting 7x faster than in the 1990s (So what? Read here.)... Wouldn't these rattle you to think of something to help extend the life of our dying world?

How will your sons and daughters survive, thirty years from now?

I hope we can act on this pressing issue the best we can. Probably the easiest and most practical way is to consume the least amount of waste and energy possible each day.

I'm not a saint and I'm having a hard time living sustainably as well, but I'm trying. I hope you can also start (or continue what you've already been doing).

Here are 12 practical ways to help you start living smarter:
  1. Act as if there's water shortage everyday.
  2. Place your purchase/s in your bag or pocket instead, if you can. Or just carry it with you, if feasible. Tell the cashier that you don't need a plastic or a paper bag anymore.
  3. Have an ecobag with you each time you go out. You'll never know when you'll need it.
  4. If you don't need new clothes/gadgets/things, don't buy.
  5. Bought a piece of clothing online that's packaged in plastic? Reuse that plastic!
  6. Buying coffee outside? Bring your tumbler. Other cafes offer discounts when you use your own glass.
  7. Simply avoid straws. You can drink from the glass instead (if the glass is clean).
  8. Using Ziploc in storing toiletries in your travels? Reuse that Ziploc! I've used mine for more than 3/4/5x already.
  9. Save on your day-to-day energy usage. Turn off the lights and unplug your devices when not in use.
  10. Don't waste food... There's more to your leftovers than you think.
  11. Stuck in line or in traffic? Educate yourself instead of browsing through Facebook/Instagram. Here's a good website to start. Or this. Or this.
  12. Be a good example and spread the word. There is an impact on every little thing you do.
Can you commit to at least 3? Make it a habit, then commit to another 3? This would be one of the best Christmas gifts you can give to your child.

Merry Christmas. :)


PS: In case you're thinking about it...this post is NOT sponsored by any business or website.
0
Share


Budget travelers get horrified by the thought of paying for accommodations in first world countries like the United States. But with the myriad of options nowadays in Airbnb, and the rise of hostel-type accommodations all over the world, renting out a temporary space in first world cities wouldn't really cost you as much.

We visited Chicago, USA a few months back and found a gem of a hotel called Freehand Hotels. It's a hip hotel that offers private rooms and dormitories for travelers. It seems to target the younger crowd (travelers, backpackers, young professionals), but I assure you, even your cool aunties would love it there.

We discovered the place through Booking.com. We read that Freehand Hotels in Chicago offer:
  • Affordable prices
  • A very strategic location
  • Clean accommodations
  • Security
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • A restaurant, cafe and bar
  • Loads of free stuff during breakfast (the early bird catches the worm!)
And most of all, they have very high ratings from their prior clients.

This led us to their website, found very convincing photos of the place, and ended up booking with them (via Booking.com).

I booked the dorm-type room, which Booking.com calls "Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room". It costs about P1,600 per night per pax. This is inclusive of:
  • Air conditioning
  • Private bathroom
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Seating area
  • Private restrooms with heating
  • Towels
  • Toilet paper
  • Breakfast (toasts with butter and jam, cereals, fruits, juices, coffee, yogurt - help yourself!)




I was lucky as I had the room to myself during the first 2 days. On my third day, a student joined me. We talked a bit and went on minding our own business afterwards. My companion, who booked a space in the 4-bed male dormitory room, shared the space with 2 people. One was a graduate student visiting his girlfriend, while one was an Asian on a business trip. He had the opportunity to get to know them a bit.

The room was spacious enough, in my opinion. (Compare it to Japan's accommodations, and you won't be disappointed.) It was carpeted, the bed and sheets were very clean and comfortable, and I had a good view of the city. The restroom was sparkling clean as well. The space for the shower was a bit tight, but no big deal.



Their bar called the Broken Shaker also serves very good cocktails. It was fully packed by 9PM (if I remember the time right). It clearly is the perfect place to recap your day with good lively music and a drink on hand.



I had a good experience at Freehand Hotels. It allowed me to easily access Chicago's tourist spots. It's in the heart of Michigan Ave., walking distance to Shake Shack, Portillo's Hotdogs, Eataly, and a lot more restaurants and cafes. The train station is within 100 meters as well (a very short walk!).

Freehand also has hotels in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami.

Enjoy!!!

0
Share
My home, Metro Manila, the Philippines' capital, is currently experiencing water shortage. I don't know what the real cause is -- mismanagement on the side of our water provider, government corruption, or the environment getting back at humanity's irresponsible acts.


Whatever it is, there is no turning back from the crisis we're facing. All we can do now is to help solve the problem, whichever way we can. Here are some practices all of us can apply wherever we are in the world:

  • Just use what you need, even if you're not in your own homes. Being in a hotel doesn't mean you can consume excessive amounts of water... Sure, you're privileged to use all the water that you want, but it's your duty, as a citizen of this world, to conserve our finite resources.
  • Report leaks when you see it (or try to fix it, if you can). Don't be shy -- ask the guard or the housekeeping crew for help. They'll be more than willing to attend to your needs.

I'd like to say I'm smart and wise on matters involving spending and saving -- be it on money, electricity, or material things. On most occasions, I don't over-consume. I know how to balance my expenses, necessities, and indulgences.

But this problem were facing made me wiser, not just in my consumption of water but other life-sustaining resources as well. It grounded me more, taught me to cut down on some luxuries, and to only consume what is needed in my daily life. Here are some scenarios which I hope would inspire you to do the same:

  • We were at a restaurant awhile ago, and while I can afford to buy an extra dish that I was sort of craving for, I chose not to because I'm 101% sure we've already ordered enough.
  • About 2-3 months ago, I gave (and threw) out a lot of clothes, accessories, and things that have no use in my life anymore. But this morning, as I opened my cabinet, I found more clothes that I wanted to let go. They are still in good quality, but I felt like giving them out because I haven't worn them for more than 3 months already. I made a mental checklist to donate these to people who might need them more. I'll update you on my progress.
  • I remembered this product I used 2 weeks ago. It's a bag from EcoNest that looks like plastic, but it's actually not. It's made from cassava plants, and will decompose after 180 days. I tried it out, brought it with me to my recent travels to Florida, and served as my go-to bag for spontaneous trips to the beach. I used one bag more than once, got it wet from my beach wear, and noticed how different it was from plastic. The bag stretched out a bit and its prints quickly faded away. It also retained some moisture from my wet clothes, which, I think, means that there's really no plastic content in it. It felt good to use something which I knew would just decompose back to the soil after 180 days... This clearly reduced my plastic footprint, and if everyone would do the same, imagine how much it will impact the environment. (Thanks, EcoNest! Click here if you want to learn how you can reduce your plastic footprint too.)
Looks like plastic, but it's not! Thanks @econestph :)

Our current crisis on water gives us the right to rant all we want, but I hope we can spin something better out of it too. The problem already occurred, so what's left for us to do is to help solve it in our own way, and practice a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle to hopefully prevent further shortages in the future.

0
Share

I went to Wisconsin, USA for a 2-day business trip last month (February 2019). Since I was already in the States, I thought of visiting my cousin and uncle afterwards in Orlando, Florida. Of course, I had to book my own flight, so I researched for the cheapest airfare I could find!

I used Google Flights and Expedia to search for cheap flights.

And I found that Spirit Airlines had the cheapest airfare, and its flight schedule fit mine perfectly. It had a direct flight to Orlando (from Chicago), while others had 2-hour or even 5-hour layovers in other states.

So I researched for reviews about Spirit Airlines and found the following:

IT'S THE WORST AIRLINE IN AMERICA.

This rattled me, so I researched for more reviews on YouTube, trusted travel sites like TripAdvisor, and various personal blogs.

What I've read worried me even more. I'll summarize the main points below:

1. Delayed and/or cancelled flights. Others missed a number of days from their vacation due to flight delays and cancellations.
2. Rude and unhelpful staff. Some just left customers hanging clueless.
3. Unjust fees for extra bags
4. No complimentary food and water in the plane

So I asked my cousin for tips. He's been in the US for a number of years and has already experienced a lot of domestic flights. And all he told me was,

"Just book the cheapest flight!"

So I booked Spirit.

And my experience was nothing near the horrible reviews I've read online!!! It was, rather, pleasant! Nothing fancy. I got what I paid for, with only a 25-minute flight delay (versus the ones I've read online).

Waiting for my seatmates!

Of course, I had to be vigilant and prepared so I can minimize costly errors along the way. Here are some of my experiences, tips, and insights so you can be assured that

IT IS OKAY TO BOOK WITH SPIRIT.

1) To beat flight cancellations, book from a high-traffic airport.

In a high-traffic airport, you can be assured that there are more passengers boarding your flight; hence, less chances of it getting cancelled (due to low passenger count).

(I'm not saying that Spirit cancels low-volume flights; this reco is just to keep you 101% assured that your flight will not be cancelled!)

You can also predict passenger volume from the number of flights an airline has per week. Spirit has flights every day from Chicago to Orlando. So in case of unforeseeable delays or cancellations, at least you have the next hours or the next day to board.

2) Plan your baggage.

Book your baggage before check-in, and make sure your bags' size and weight fit the requirements of Spirit Airlines (click here to learn more). Additional baggage during check-in can cost a lot.

Question A: What is Spirit's maximum weight requirement for carry on luggages?

Actually, none. Just make sure you're able to carry and store it in the overhead compartment by yourself. Also, make sure the overhead compartment can handle the weight of your bag. Most domestic airlines in the US don't really care about the weight of your carry on luggages. Rather, they're more particular about the size (LxWxH).

Question B: Is my "personal bag" different from my "carry-on luggage"?

Yes, they're different. Your flight via Spirit Airlines allows you to bring a free personal bag. If you want to bring a carry-on luggage, extra charges will apply.

Take note that "carry-on luggage" is different from "checked-in luggage." If you're checking in something else (say, a bigger luggage), that's another additional cost. Maximum weight for a checked-in luggage is 40 lbs. Click here to learn more.

3) Check in online a day before your flight, and print your boarding pass! This saves you a lot of time in the airport.

If you don't have a printer at home, you can print it through Spirit's electronic standalone kiosks in the airport. If you print through Spirit's gate agents, this will cost you additional $10.

If you want to save on paper and don't want to print your boarding pass, ensure that your pass' bar code appears properly through your mobile phone or tablet. Take note that the boarding pass' bar code doesn't work well in the Gmail and Outlook android apps. If this is the case, print your boarding pass instead.

In printing your boarding pass via your personal printer, ensure that the bar code isn't split into 2 pages. You can do this by lessening the margins on the page, by using a legal-sized paper, or by printing it in a landscape (versus portrait) format.

Sample boarding pass from a mobile phone. Credits to Spirit Airlines' official website for this photo.

4) Check your email for flight updates. I received a flight update, telling me that the flight will be delayed by a few minutes.

5) Read and pay attention to instructions and reminders.

6) Eat and drink before your flight if you don't want to purchase refreshments in the aircraft.

7) Be on time.

8) Make sure to have a credit card with you during check-in or bag drop.

In case you have to pay for additional baggage, take note that Spirit's check-in/bag drop counters at the Chicago airport (ORD) do not accept cash.

9) Do not believe everything you read online. What may be negative for others may not be negative for you. What may be true for them may not be true for you.

We all live in different societies and cultures so it's just natural for people to react differently to things.

I've flown a lot via budget airlines in the Philippines, so I know what it's like to fly without a complimentary meal or water. I know what it's like to fly with small seats and legrooms. I've experienced flights with more than an hour (or 4 hours!!) of delays. I'm not saying it's okay; delays are horrible. I just want to point out that I've experienced a lot of economy (or "below-economy" flights, if there's such a term), so I had my expectations in place.

Wide leg room! I'm 5'4" tall.

So how was my overall experience with Spirit Airlines?

It was generally good!!! Seats were bigger than most planes I've boarded in the Philippines. Spirit Airlines also had a promo during our flight that gave a lucky passenger 5,000 worth of free travel miles!

Also, all of their staff from the airport to the aircraft were NOT rude. The pilot even apologized for the 25-minute flight delay as they came from the busy La Guardia Airport which had heavy airline traffic. Yet despite the delay, we were still able to arrive in our destination 4 minutes earlier than our original ETA!!! (They were approved a shorter route, per the pilot.)

Our plane from Chicago (ORD) to Orlando (MCO). Flight took less than 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Should you book with Spirit?

Yes, why not! If you want to save on cost, go ahead!

If you want something more than the basics, then book a different airline instead.

Hope this helps!


***This is NOT a sponsored post.***
***Photos taken from mobile phone***
0
Share

I've been to Davao numerous times, but it's only last December 2018 when I got the chance to visit the picturesque and adventure-filled Eden Nature Park and Resort.

Eden Nature Park and Resort is dubbed as the Baguio of Davao. It's populated with a lot of pine trees, green landscapes, and seemingly untouched forest grounds. The air in this 80-hectare mountain resort is also refreshingly cool, especially during the Christmas holiday season. I'm not sure, though, if it's still cold in Eden during the summer months.


Eden Nature Park and Resort also has a lot of amenities and adventurous activities lined up for its guests. They have a swimming pool, a fishing village, and a forest trail for hiking, to name a few. They also have a cafe named Cafe Vista, in case you just want to relax over a warm cup of coffee (and a delicious serving of pasta).


For those with extremely daring hearts, you'll be thrilled to play in Eden Resort's playground - the best in Davao, I believe. They have a 95-foot giant swing, a 200-meter bicycle path over a sturdy rope that's 60 feet from the ground, a zipline course, and a lot more! Click here to find out.


Eden Nature Park and Resort offers simple and basic accommodations for small and big groups. They're located in separate areas around the resort. Some are really far from the "mainland" (where the cafe, restaurant, and events place are), so you'll be needing a car (or your athletic body) to reach each destination. If you don't have a car, you may ask for Eden Resort's free shuttle rides whenever you need it. They're also frequently roaming the place, and you may hitch any time.

The room we had was really simple, and looked kind of old. However, this didn't really matter as everything was clean and functional. Our room was also very spacious for 5 pax. It was far from the mainland, which turned out to be a plus, as it gave us a really peaceful and solitary time with the nature surrounding us.


Eden Resort offers abundant servings of food at the Vista Restaurant, where they serve their standard breakfast and dinner buffet. They also have hydroponic greenhouses filled with organic lettuce! If you want to taste it, you're very lucky as they serve these fresh in their restaurants and cafes.



If you happen to be in Davao City, take some time to experience this lovely mountain resort. I believe they accept day tours as well. I was able to experience Eden in December, and I suggest you do too - just don't forget to bring your jackets!

Eden Resort is located in Toril, and about an hour and a half away from the city via car. For more information, visit their website at https://www.edennaturepark.com.ph.



Note: All photos were shot using my mobile phone, except for the first photo posted in this write-up
0
Share


Tortuga is your newest island getaway in the jungle of Poblacion, Makati City. It is a Caribbean-inspired restaurant-bar that offers really tasteful dishes, cocktails and lots of tequila shots in a cool, artsy, tropical ambiance. If you want to travel somewhere new in the vicinity of the city, Tortuga's a definite must-try.



Yuppies, corporate workers around Makati's business district, millenials fresh from college, backpackers, and even expats frequent the place. Tortuga in Poblacion officially launched on November 29, 2018, and they're expecting an even bigger crowd and client base that spans even the older generation of foodies and party-goers.

Early night in Tortuga. Expect this to be really crowded by midnight.


Tortuga opens its doors at 6PM. This is the perfect time for a mouthwatering dinner in their relaxed, air-conditioned dining space. Their Jungle Pumba and Jerk Chicken are definite must-try's. They ooze with flavors from the Caribbean, and will seriously leave you wanting for more.

Jungle Pumba, P350. Thick-cut pork belly slow-cooked to tender perfection, then grilled for a charred finish.

Jerk Chicken. A crowd favorite.


Pair these mains with Pork Skewers as your starter, or for fun bites in between.



As the night nears 10PM, you'll notice the place getting more crowded. By 11PM to 12AM, expect it to be jam-packed with party goers -- a young and vibrant crowd. You'll also see shots of tequilas being served from table to table. Well, why not, when each Jose Cuervo shot costs only P50 from 9PM to 11PM! They also have affordable Don Papa Cocktails at P100 per glass from 7PM to 12AM.



Aside from this, Tortuga also serves tiki-inspired cocktails to complete your island beach vibe. Try their best-selling Espaniola and Sol Swizzle! Each carefully-prepared glass costs P240.

Espaniola, P240. A Tequila-based aloe vera cocktail with pomelo pulp.

Sol Swizzle, P240. Aromatic rum and guyabano topped with pineapple juice and a dash of bitters.


They also have a lot of interesting cocktails in their menu, such as the Sneaky Tiki, an island style sweet tea infused with vodka, bourbon, and raspberry.



Of course, your drinking session won't be complete without your good-old finger food. Tortuga offers Nachos, Jamon Croquetas, and of course, their best-selling Chicken Skin. Their Chicken Skin is savory and crisp, with just the right balance of umami.

Chicken Skin, P180. A best-seller.


Tortuga used to be located in Katipunan Avenue, home of the Philippines' most exclusive schools. Currently, this hip Caribbean-inspired restaurant-bar conveniently sits in the heart of Poblacion, Makati's newest and hippest haven for foodies, backpackers and party-goers. (A good move, we must say.)

So if you feel like you're missing out on some sun, sand and sea; if you want to air your stress out with sights of relaxing tropical greens; if you're craving for flavorful Caribbean meals; if you want to dance to some good music with a tasteful cocktail on-hand, you'd definitely want to visit Tortuga.

Tortuga is located at the 2nd Floor of Lokal Hostel, Ebro St., Makati City. They're open from Tuesdays to Saturdays, 6PM to 2AM. Follow @tortugaph on Instagram for their latest updates -- especially now that they're revamping their menu with dishes that are better than ever. You may also check them out on Zomato by clicking here.

0
Share

Nagoya isn't a very popular tourist destination in Japan and is voted the most boring city according to some surveys, yet it is the "biggest money-making region" in the country. They say that Nagoya does not have the cultural appeal of Kyoto and the sophistication of Tokyo, and they only have Nagoya Castle to look forward to. We met a Taiwanese traveler in our hostel and he also said that you only need to stay overnight to enjoy Nagoya; otherwise, it'll bore you out.

Such negative light has been put into this city, but for a traveler like me, it wasn't that big of a deal. Due to our cancelled flight back home, I had the chance to stay another night in Japan and tour Nagoya for a day - a sweet bonus to a 12-day trip.

Here's how it went:

Day 12, Tuesday: Hello Nagoya
  • Arrived 9:30 PM at Nagoya from Kyoto via the JR Bus. The trip took us 2 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Walked and checked in to our pod at Guest House Wasabi. It's conveniently located near the bus station, as well as the train station that'll lead us to the airport the next day.
  • Late dinner
  • Chilled at the outdoor area of the hostel. They have free, unlimited tea and juice you can enjoy.




Day 13, Wednesday: Nagoya Castle, Goodbye Japan
  • Checked out from our pod before visiting Nagoya Castle. We left our luggages there for a minimal storage fee.
  • Breakfast at Little Mermaid Cafe. I noticed that the food was cheaper here as compared to Osaka and Kyoto. I'm not sure if it's generally more affordable in Nagoya, or was it just Little Mermaid Cafe?
  • Nagoya Castle. The main tourist destination in Nagoya. We traversed this via their subway lines. You may also reach the castle via bus. Just open Google Maps from your smartphones and it'll easily give you the proper directions.
  • Soba for lunch, since we haven't tried legit Japanese soba yet.
  • Nagoya is famous for tebasaki, or fried chicken wings! You may also try it out at the recommended restaurants in this link.
  • Visited Don Quijote to see what the hype is all about (and shop for stuff to take back home). It's where Filipinos or tourists usually buy "pasalubongs."
  • Went back to our pod to get our luggages, walked a few meters to the station, and boarded the train to Nagoya airport.
  • We then returned our very reliable and affordable pocket WiFi from KKDAY upon arrival at the airport. (DON'T FORGET THIS!)
  • Our last Japanese treat was in this restaurant called Tonkatsu Wako. We thought we were done with the culinary goodness of this country, but Japan showed us this last meal that gave us a harder time saying goodbye.









To see the first part of our itinerary (Osaka for 2 days), click on this link.
For the second part (Himeji, Kobe, Nara for 2 days), click here.
To learn more about the third and longest leg of our travelogue (Kyoto), click here.
To see our introduction which states our general tips, click here.

0
Share
Older Posts Home

About


The Travel Archives is our personal collection of travel tips, guides and adventures in the islands of the Philippines, and beyond. It aims to make the lives of our fellow travelers easier, and to inspire and push them to JUST GO.

We also want to be of help to local businesses and persons we get in touch with in our travels. A small feature about them would be of big help to their endeavors.

Welcome to our site, and we really hope you pick up something useful from our travel archives! To contact us, email travelarchives10@gmail.com.

♥ Camille of The Travel Archives

Klook.com

Popular Posts

  • Weekend Day Trip: Sierra Madre Hotel and Resort in Tanay
  • Isla Jardin del Mar in Sarangani
  • Cost Comparison: Korean Beauty Products in South Korea vs Philippines
  • Tips: US Visa Application in Manila
  • How to Go to Caramoan from Cubao

See Them All: Local

Albay Anilao Antipolo Aurora Baguio Bais Baler Batangas Bicol Bohol Burot Beach Cagayan North Calatagan Caliraya Camiguin Catanduanes Coron Davao Donsol Dumaguete General Santos Ilocos Ilocos Norte Ilocos Sur Iloilo La Union Laguna Lanuza Legazpi Mabini Mindoro Nasugbu Pagkilatan Pagudpud Palaui Palawan Puerto Galera Puraran Rizal Sarangani Siquijor Sorsogon Surigao del Sur Tagaytay Tanay Tuguegarao Vigan Virac Zambales

See Them All: International

Boston Brunei Busan Chicago Connecticut Himeji Japan Kobe Kyoto Nagoya Nara New York Osaka South Korea Thailand USA

Groups







Read more from
The Backpacker Guide

Travel & Leisure - Top Blogs Philippines

Instagram


Follow @the.travel.archives on Instagram for real-time updates!

Copyright © 2018 The Travel Archives

Created By ThemeXpose