Last year (October 12, 2017), I embarked on a journey toward the Land of the Rising Sun. This trip was not planned at all. But it was a demonstration of God's amazing grace. A week after my thesis defense, my parents told me that I would be joining them. They helped me book my flight in Jetstar through Traveloka. A month after, I was sitting on one of the most comfortable plane seats I've ever had: A1. Talk about convenience! I had lots of leg room, close proximity to the toilet, and primary access to enter and leave the plane. My carry on luggage and check-in luggage were also overweight. But the lady at the counter permitted me. I didn't deserve this at all. God worked in every detail.

Our last day in Japan consisted mostly of shopping since we had to buy Japanese goodies for family and friends back home. We got lucky because there was a supermarket nearby that sells Japanese goodies like sembei/senbei (rice crackers), chocolates like different flavors of KitKat, nori (seaweed), etc. Also, there were a lot of convenient stores where we could buy some chocolates.

Dad wanted to buy a new camera lens for his Canon 40D because his default lens was malfunctioning a few years ago. I was more than happy to visit Yodobashi at Akihabara with him. After circling around the rows of lens: Nikon, Canon, Tamron, and Sigma, we decided to buy a Tamron lens instead. It was a good thing that I could also use it for my 500D. Buying the same camera brand is more practical for a family because sharing lens would not be that difficult.

Dad bought AF18-200MM on the right

Oh, hello there Yuki!

On our first day in Japan, one of the main reasons why Dad and I went to Akihabara was to find the Hakuhinkan store with Studio Ghibli products where my Dad bought his gifts for me before. However, it was under construction. So we visited the Hakuhinkan Ginza branch instead. It was only a 10-minute walk from our hotel. I didn't buy much. I only bought a chibi-Totoro, the mini white Totoro. I wanted to buy a chu-Totoro or Zuku (blue Totoro) but I hesitated because I was not sure of the size.


My O-Totoro or Miminzuku (grey Totoro) was 16 inches. When I got home, I found out that I had to buy a 8-10-inches blue Totoro. I bought the smallest white Totoro on the left that could be seen in the picture above. I should buy the blue Totoro with a bag on the middle right NEXT TIME. I wanted them all to be proportional in size. OC lang!

My Totoro babies ((:

One of the things I admire in my Dad is his heart for God. Seeing one of the persons he reached out to share the Word of God in Japan was a blessing. We had a wonderful opportunity to meet Tito Joel during our last night in Tokyo.

Now walking to the famous Shibuya Crossing

Dad and Tito Joel

Me and Dad

Passing by the most profitable Starbucks Coffee shop in the world.

Searching for SUSHI!

Here are some old photos that I found with Tito Joel. Some were photos when Dad was still single.

Spot me, Tito Joel, Paul, and Mom ((((:

Awww ((:

Since Tito Joel had to go to church for a meeting, we parted ways after dinner. It was really kind of him to instantly make time for us despite his busy schedule. I pray that Tito Joel and his family would continue to be mightily used by God in Japan.

The moon looking like an eye (:

Dad and I did some shopping since most of the shoes were on sale. He bought Paul a pair of the classic white low-cut Converse sneakers. I, too bought myself a pair of the classic black mid-cut Converse sneakers. I had been planning to buy one back in the Philippines so I just bought one in Japan instead.

Converse made in Japan vs. made in China.

The difference between the Made in Japan Converse and the Made in China converse were obviously the quality. Those Made in Japan were leather and high in quality. Pulido ang pagkagawa. No glues sticking out. Fine finish. The difference can be seen up-close.

Dad and I checked out the H&M store nearby. We bought clothes and accessories for Mommy, Paul, Luke and for ourselves. This was the time when Dad discovered his favorite polo checkered shirts. Take note: This is one of the bessst H&M shops I have ever seen. There were so many floors. Each store has one category. I wanted to buy many but I could not really shop that much. Clothes were not in the priority list. But I would really go back to this H&M branch when I get back to Tokyo. It is one of the best H&M branches in the world.

After H&M, Dad and I split up. He went around to find a hobby shop and I just looked around the Shibuya stores and took pictures.

Happy Halloween! ((:

Of course, Dad and I could not leave Shibuya without visiting the famous dog Hachiko in front of the Shibuya station exit. The faithful dog, chuken Hachiko, was an inspiration to us. His story inspired us to love Akita dogs. That is why we have Akita dogs named Yuki, Sachi, and Hachi (now deceased).




He was truly a life-size representation of the dog. I first thought it was a big statue. But the size was just right. I could not resist asking my Dad to take a picture of me with him.


Hachiko figures were even decorated on the wall in front of the station.




And that was our wonderful night spent in Shibuya. I wish to explore this place more in the future and take better pictures such as get to the 2nd floor of Starbucks and take a picture of the Shibuya crossing (friend's recommendation haha). That would be really nice!

Next: Slipping Away