When I travelled to Japan last year, I knew in my heart that it was not the last. Some parts of me wanted to come back to experience again the culture and tradition of Japan. I wanted to experience again the humility and kindness of Japanese, their amazing transportation and all the conveniences their country offers. Who will forget their delicious delicacies too?

So, when Taylor Swift announced that she will have her Eras Tour in two Asian countries which were Singapore and Japan, I never hesitated to try my luck in winning lottery tickets for the concert. Luckily, after a general sale in her Japan leg, I got a VIP ticket! 🥰🥰🥰

After all the pre-planning that included applying visa, DIY itinerary, flight and accomodations selection, outfit checks and all, last February I got the chance again to travel to Japan! 😍🥰🤩🥳

Though the main purpose of this travel was to attend the concert, I added in my itinerary some new places that I haven’t travelled to. It was indeed an amazing and magical moment in Japan. I will never ever forget this era!

If you are planning to travel to Japan, I hope my itinerary can help you. 🥰🥰🥰

Day 1 – Osaka

Apart from the concert, I added Hiroshima and Kyoto in my itinerary. So, it was better to stay in Osaka for some days before heading to Tokyo.

I spent some time again in Dotonbori for dinner and wander around in this place just like a stranger again. 🥰

Where did I stayed?

Before my flight, I booked Hostel OGK via Booking.com in Osaka. Since I will be travelling to Kyoto, Hiroshima and to Tokyo, I decided to stay in Osaka for 4 nights. Hostel OGK is a 10 to 15 minutes walk from Osaka City Station. I was happy to find it by the help of the Information Center at the train station.

Though it was a bit far for me from the train station, I enjoyed my stay here as my capsule bed is very comfy. Their common area to eat is spacious. You can cook your own meal or just simply re-heat your kombini food.

There was a laundry area as well and common shower rooms for female and male travelers. Overall, I enjoyed my stay in Hostel OGK. I might book this place the next time I visit Osaka.

Travel Tip: If you are using a BPI Debit Card, you can withdraw cash from 711 ATMs only. I tried to withdraw cash in Lawson and FamilyMart ATMs but I got worried as it prompted me to contact my financial institution. Good thing, it worked in 711.

Day 2 – Hiroshima

It was a life-long dream to visit Hiroshima. As you know, I am a history geek who is fascinated with the stories of World War II. So, it is a must to visit Hiroshima in one day.

It was heartbreaking to see the actual stories of the victims of war. But you can never face the future if you cannot look in the past. I hope this will be the last time a nuclear energy will be used to destroy lives.

Day 3 – Miyajima Island

I was fortunate enough to visit another face of Hiroshima. Apart from the bombing, Miyajima Island is another famous spot in Hiroshima. From Hiroshima Station, it will take you an hour to reach Miyajima.

Day 4 – Travel from Osaka to Tokyo

I spent this whole day to travel and just stay in my new hotel in Tokyo. It took me 2 hours to reach Tokyo from Osaka. But oh, the view was really beautiful. 😍😍😍

Where did I stayed?

For another 4 nights, I stayed at S-Peria Inn Nihombashi Hakozaki. This hotel has a very convenient location for me. It is near the Suitengumae Station. It was also near to T-CAT terminal, the airport limousine bus that can take you to and from Narita and Haneda Airports. There were nearby local grocery store and Lawson too.

As I arrived in the hotel, the staffs were very accomodating. They provided me my keys and toiletries. I stayed in a single room with own bathroom. I chose this room as I need to pack a lot and outfit check for the Eras Tour concert. 😁😁😁 It will be very uncomfortable to pack with all of the pasalubong too if I will stay in a hostel only. I was really lucky to find this hotel as hotel rates near the Tokyo Dome became higher.

The actual hotel was very lux for a solo traveler like me. The bed was very comfy. I got my own table and chair to fit my luggages. A small refrigerator and a safety deposit box were available. The comfort room with bath tub was very clean too.

I loved my stay in S-Peria Inn so if ever I got the chance to return (for the 3^rd time), I will choose this hotel again. 😍🥰😍

Day 5 – The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour

I spent my entire day here to visit the Wizarding World again. Unlike on what I saw in Universal Studio in Osaka, this place has more Harry Potter settings and props! It was like living in Harry’s world. It was fun and magical day! 😍✨😍

Day 6 – DIY City Tour in Tokyo

I travelled to limited places in Tokyo as this was my second time here. On that day, I went to Tokyo Skytree, Sensō-ji Temple, Akihabara and Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue. Plus I need to buy pasalubong before I leave Japan. 😭😭 I shopped at two Don Quijote stores in Akihabara and Shibuya. Overall, that sum up my 27k steps! 😅😂😅

Day 7 – Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour

Finally, the climax of this travel! I got a VIP 3 ticket to see Taylor!!!! 😍🥰😍😍🥰😍😍🥰😍 It was a surreal moment! It was an amazing night! It was very special one and truly one for the books! 😍🥰😍😍🥰😍😍🥰😍😍🥰😍😍🥰😍😍🥰😍😍🥰😍

Day 8 – Departure from Tokyo

As I leave Japan, again, the same thoughts came in my mind on when I will return? I hope that will be soon. 😌😁 Nevertheless, this Japan leg for Taylor was magical! 😍✨😍😍✨😍😍✨😍

I was very fortunate and blessed to be part of Taylor’s tour in Japan. But Taylor didn’t knew that I also had my own era in this travel. This time around, it was more exciting and satisfying. ❤️❤️❤️

I hope that by sharing this blog series, you will also have the courage to travel solo and fulfill your dreams. It may be a travel local or international, but, please, once in your life, try it!

Just like Taylor sung in my favorite 1989 era “grab your passport and my hand”! Until my next travel blog again! 💜💜💜