Our Day 3, my nieces would be bringing me to Kyoto to visit the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and the Hanami-koji Street. The latter in hope to catch a (real) Geisha.
Today, I would also be experiencing riding Japan's public bus. My nieces arranged that we take the train and the bus.
We walked our way to these landmarks. It is an uphill walk. The area has several stores--food stalls, souvenir shops, restaurants, etc.
On the way up, we paused for a snack. I tried a vanilla and matcha ice cream at Kyoto Kiyomizu Chigiriya.
We also stopped by Yuzen where I was able to buy chopsticks and have my name engraved on them. We will pick up the engraved chopsticks later.
Yuzen
We wanted to try Starbucks there because of the experience of drinking your coffee differently--while on the floor. But the coffee shop is full. It also has a different facade which matches with the area.
Starbucks
Took several photos near the Houkanji Temple and Yasaka Pagoda.
Yasaka Pagoda
For lunch, we ate at NinenzakaKamanza. I ordered the Teriyaki Chicken Bowl. 👍 It is also here where I tried using chopsticks. My niece taught me how.
Ninenzaka Kamanza
We then went back to Yuzen to pick-up our engraved chopsticks before proceeding to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, stopping from time to time to check stores and/ or buy items like in Kuroroku.
We entered the temple grounds and took several photos.
On our way out, there was a group of ladies donning the Geisha attire. Many people flocked around them and took photos.
Our next destination is the Hanami-koji Street where you can find real Geisha if you would be able to catch them. We walked our way there, stopping at Starbucks to refresh after all that walking.
Hanami-koji Street
We then went back to our hotel to rest a bit before having our dinner.
For dinner, we went to Fukutaro. When we arrived at the restaurant, there were already people waiting outside to be seated. We ordered their Negiyaki Mixed (pork, shrimp, squid) and Okonomiyaki Beef. 👍
The second day of our Japan vacation is to go around Namba area, buying the items in our wish list.
Before leaving the hotel, I ate my breakfast which we bought from 7-Eleven last night. My niece taught me how to eat it.
Mini-Altar at bedside table
Breakfast bought at 7-Eleven
Our first stop would be at Tower Knives. On the way, we stopped to take photos from time to time. That's when something untoward happened. Anyway, lesson learned. Maybe best to take photos with your cellphone (no sound) than a regular camera. Avoid taking pictures with people in them unless you are in “tourist” areas.
When we reached Tower Knives, it was still closed. It opens at 10 AM. We decided to have coffee in one of the stores nearby. Chose cafe du petit.
At cafe du petit
Before 10 AM, we went back to Tower Knives. It is a good experience as I have learned something new about knives. My niece chose the Santoku (a Japanese knife), and petty knives with different handles. The way to choose a knife is to use it and see how it feels in your hands when you are using it. The lady who assisted us also did some demo and gave snippets of information.
Do not push the knife down when cutting.
When cutting "hard" food, slice the knife back (Asian style) or slice forward (Western style). Best is slicing backward.
When cutting soft food like tomatoes, slice back then forward.
You can also have your name engraved on the knife. My niece did it by putting the Japanese name.
Engraving at Tower Knives
Next goal is to buy my On shoes. We would be going and walking our way to Abeno Q's Mall where the main branch of the shoes is located. On the way, passed by Tsutenkaku Tower. It is a 103-meter-tall landmark in Osaka’s retro Shinsekai district that serves as a symbol of the city.
Tsutenkaku Tower
Back to my shoes. They do not carry my size.
Since we were already there, we had our lunch at the mall's food court--Q's Kitchen. The serving was so big that I did not finish my food.
We went back to the hotel first, dropping off our purchases and to rest a little before our afternoon activities. This is my first train ride in Japan via Osaka Metro. My niece taught me how to get the icoca card and have it loaded up. It can be used for trains and buses.
Our first stop is at a Kimono rental where my nieces already made an appointment for the kimono rental and our hair was done. We walked our way to Osaka Castle wearing Japan's traditional dress. 😊
Osaka Castle
This is where we had a lot of photos taken. We no longer entered the castle. It is enough that we explored the grounds outside the castle, usually the castle as a backdrop of our photos. On our way back to where we rented the kimono, it started to drizzle. Thank You, God, for the rain did not fall hard.
We then went to Dotonbori for some (window) shopping and to have our dinner. We ate at Tempura Makino Namba. My nieces have already researched where to eat so I can try them. It is my first time in Japan. They have been to Japan several times. I ordered their Tamago-Ten-Tsuki. It is a shrimp tempura set meal with egg tempura. The food is very good. I have not finished the food because I am already full.
Tempura Makino Namba
Inside the Tempura Makino Namba
For dessert, we tried the Strawberry Mania. Tried their Daifuku Daifuku.
Strawberry Mania
I also had my picture taken in front of the Glico Man billboard. They said if you haven't done so, you have not been to Osaka. LOL. The Glico Man is a famous, 33-meter-tall LED billboard in Osaka's Dotonbori district depicting a runner in a victory pose on a blue track. Installed in 1935, it symbolizes the energy-boosting properties of Ezaki Glico's caramel candy, with the "running man" mascot representing the 300 meters of energy provided by one piece.
Glico Man
We passed by a Gashapon. My nieces wanted me to try it. They chipped in with coins and guided me how to do it (enter the three coins one at a time, turn the dial fully to the right, pick up your "prize").
Gashapon "prize"
Before going back to the hotel to call it a day, we passed by Don Quixote for some souvenirs. They said, it is a must to experience buying at Don Quixote. And again, we went to 7-Eleven.
Today, we (me and my two nieces) would be leaving for a Japan vacation. It is my nieces' gift for me. I am looking forward to this. This is my first travel after my retirement.
We should be at the airport for four (4) hours before our flight. So we left the condo around 9:30 AM with my niece, wearing my Casio G-Shock on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right. We will be picking up my other niece in her condo.
Everything went smoothly on our check-in.
My two nieces have free access to the airport lounge. I don't have it. They paid (PhP 3,000.00) so that all three of us would be relaxed while waiting for the flight. Thank you! ❤
PAGSStop Lounge at Terminal 1
When we are on our way to Gate 4, that is when we learned that it is the last call for the passengers in the flight. But we did not hear it announced at the lounge?! So we ran. LOL
I think our flight only took less than 4 hours.
Manila from the plane
While on the flight, it is when I remembered I forgot the PIN of my GCash Visa Card. Then, I forgot the MPIN of my GCash app!!!
Upon landing in Japan, the processing is efficient--everything is automated. My nieces also rented a WiFi we can use. The van who will bring us to our hotel is already waiting for us.
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
It is about a 15 minute ride to ChaYa Hotel. The instructions on how to get in our hotel room have been sent. There is no receptionist where we have to do our check-in. Nice.
ChaYa Hotel
After leaving our things, we went out to have our dinner at McDonald's. I tried their offering which is not available in the Philippines--the Bai Teriyaki McBurger.
McDonald's
We then crossed the street to 7-Eleven to buy food for breakfast. Our hotel room has a mini-kitchen. It is also here where I withdrew money using my GCash Visa Card. Be sure to choose "no forex conversion".
7-Eleven
Then, we walked back to our hotel where I tried to do some night photography.
I will be one of the principal sponsors for this March wedding. Thus, I asked my niece to help me buy a dress and accessories. It should be Filipiniana beige gown. Actually, last Saturday, when she was at the mall, she already looked for dresses.
Left the condominium past 10 AM with my Rado Captain Cook Automatic on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right. Picked-up my niece at her condo before proceeding to Ayala Land.
We were dropped off at Glorietta and we went directly to SM's Kultura. My niece picked up the dresses ably assisted by the saleslady of Kultura. The saleslady is very good. Just by looking at me, she already knows my size. And her recommendations are also classy. And so are my niece's choices.
Not a gown but I really like it. One of the dresses picked by my niece.
Shared the images to my other niece. She said this is like Vietnamese but Filipiniana. LOL.
Also checked shoes and bought pink and old rose corsage.
For lunch, we went to Chili's at One Ayala.
Before going home, dropping first my niece at her condo, passed by National Bookstore.
Finally, the final computation has been approved. Now, I just have to submit a signed, notarized quitclaim so that my previous company can start processing to credit my separation pay. At least, everything in relation to my retirement has been completed, or for completion, prior to our Japan trip.
Brought the document to the Ortigas office.
What is funny, the guard assigned to the floor I went to knows me. He knows my office before at is North Tower but I am dropped-off/ picked-up at South Tower. He even asked if I still walk in place--which I do to meet the 10,000 steps. Must be because I like talking to guards, salesperson, janitor, etc. Often while walking in the mall, someone smiles at me. I smile back thinking what store/ shop did I meet him/ her. Hehehe!
Walked my way to SM Megamall where Edgar has the car parked, passing by The Podium. I also asked him to look for the medicine in the mall.
I was able to buy one and we had our lunch at Conti's.
Roast Beef in Mushroom Sauce
From Megamall, we went to Ayala Land. I was dropped off at Glorietta 5 so I can go to Uniqlo. I was able to buy additional shirts. I then went to SM Makati to go to Miniso where I was able to buy an eye mask. Bought permanent markers at National Bookstore. I was supposed to buy cloth marker; but it is not available. The saleslady suggested the oil-based Sharpie permanent marker.
Started my bullet journal (if you can call it that) on December 20, 2025. Why? Because I want to use my fountain pens as much as possible. LOL. And also, because of this video.
It is simple yet you already have your...
to-do list or actions;
- thoughts or learnings;
= feelings, both physical and emotional (this, I think, some items I cannot write in this blog); and
¢ events.
I make sure I write every day. I also write at the top of the page a Bible verse found in any of the (Catholic) Bible readings (reading/s and Gospel) for the day.
And with my thermal label printer, added pictures when necessary. I think this actually triggered again my interest in photography (although I don't think it really waned) especially instant printed images.
Since it is not grocery day and I have no plans in the morning, left around 2:30 PM with my favorite Omega Speedmaster 38 mm on my left wrist, and my Apple watch on my right, to attend the anticipated Mass at Greenbelt Chapel.
I was dropped off at The Landmark since there is still time to tick-off some of the items on my list that I plan to bring to my Japan trip. Went to the supermarket to buy those items. Then, visited the Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel.
After, proceeded to Greenbelt Chapel. I was able to pray the Precious Blood of Jesus chaplet and join the community to pray the Divine Mercy chaplet and the Rosary.
The anticipated Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
All the readings are connected.
The first reading gave the very context of the two readings to follow. This reading is on the sin of Adam and ever. The serpent tempted them. It is the story of our life: us wanting to be independent from God, we make ourselves as a god, a way of idolatry; disobey God and defy what God wants us to do; we want to attain want we want and not the will of God.
The second reading is about Jesus, and Mama Mary's, obedience. The second Adam and Eve. Through the disobedience of one man (Adam), many are made sinners. With the obedience of one (our Lord, Jesus Christ), many will be righteous.
The Gospel is the temptation of Jesus Christ by the devil. During Jesus' baptism, God's voice will be heard in (through) Jesus.
"Command the stone to become loaves of bread." The Scriptures may be used by anyone, including the devil. God's Word will make us contented in this life and beyond.
"Throw yourself down for the angels will protect you." "You shall not put the Lord, Your God, to the test." This is about popularity. Jesus does not want people to follow because of His popularity; but, for them to follow because they want to have a relationship with God.
"All things I will give to you if you prostrate before me." "Only the Lord, your God, you will worship."
All these temptations because Satan wants Jesus to disobey His Father, to be derailed of His mission.
Point of the Church for this Lent: repentance and obedience to the Lord.
After the Mass, went to Peri-Peri to buy food-to-go. While they are preparing my order, left to go National Bookstore and SM Stationary to buy pens I can use for my Instax film (Sharpie ultra fine point permanent marker) and for checks (uni-ball signo). Also went to Watsons to buy band-aid and medicine. The medicine is not available.
Since Edgar, the driver, is still not around since he brought my niece back to her condo, picked up my food and went to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf where I had a frappuccino.
As soon as Edgar arrived, brought my purchases to the car. Left him to buy medicine. I went to Mercury Drug at The Landmark but there are many people on the queue. So crossed to the branch of Mercury Drug at The Link. The medicine is also not available. They kindly called other branches in the Makati area; the medicine is out of stock. (sad)
While waiting for the feedback which branch the medicine is available, I asked Edgar to go to me, get the receipt so he can pick up the bag I had repaired.
I asked Edgar to check in the Pasay area the availability of the medicine. Also on Monday, to remind me to check the Ortigas area since I will be going to (my former) office to submit the requirement for my separation pay so that they can process it already.
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