oh{FISH}iee: Dear Diary | March 2023 Edition

Hello, March! ❤ || The highlight of the month is no other than my impromptu cherry blossom trip to Tokyo, Japan!

March has been a stressful month at work, due to some pressing deadlines. But hey, I thought let's not dampen the spirit and it's probably the best time to go for an overseas trip after so many Covid years! My last trip to Japan was in October 2019 (and the previous trip was in November 2018), and now it's time to set foot on the Land of Rising Sun again and unlock two new prefectures - Tokyo and Kanagawa!

It was an impromptu trip when I decided to book my flight ticket two weeks before flying off, after contemplating for some time due to the flight ticket price hike during the Sakura season. To some, there is always another time to travel. But to me, the best time is now. Don't wait because you can never predict what would happen next.

I am so glad that I made this decision because traveling always has this magical ability to expand our mind in a way we never realised is possible. I am happy to hear from some followers that they are inspired to travel solo to Japan too after seeing all my travelling stories on Instagram. Thanks all for the words of encouragement thus far :)

It is not easy to do certain things alone,

but it is necessary as part of self discovery.

Japan always has a special place in my heart.

A place which has been blessing me with many opportunities as a KOL.

A place where I finally gave myself a closure on the unfulfilled promise.

A place with magical charms that keep attracting me to revisit.

Tokyo-Kanagawa trip | 14032023 - 22032023 ❤

Throughout this vacation, I realise how my perspective has changed from my last two trips here. I feel so blessed that I am able to better immerse myself in every moment spent here --- to talk to the locals, indulge into the amazing food, pause and appreciate the culture-rich surroundings.

Here are some of the key highlights of my 8D7N trip which made it so memorable:

#1 Spending 3D2N in Kamakura and Enoshima Island

Thank you JNTO & JR-East Hotels for giving me this opportunity to explore Kamakura, a charming coastal town in Kanagawa Prefecture, less than an hour south of Tokyo. It was an amazing trip of hopping onto the Enoden railway and exploring the entire line:

❤ Kamakura

- To eat and shop along the vibrant Komachi-dori including the famous shirasu-don (whitebait fish rice), then visit the 800-year-old Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

❤ Hase

- To visit the Great Buddha i.e. Kamakura Daibutsu.

❤ Kamakura Kōkōmae

- For the famous Slam Dunk beachside stroll.

❤ Enoshima

- To eat while hiking the Nakamise Street, visiting the Enoshima Jinja trio temple cluster, and finally enjoying the bird's eye view of the beautiful island from Enoshima Sea Candle.

❤ Cape Inamuragasaki

- For one of the best sunsets in the whole of Japan overlooking the Enoshima Island. Being close to the glistening ocean and breathing the warm and salty air always bring me so much joy, so this is definitely my favourite part of this short getaway!

Thank you Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura for the great hospitality! ❤

#2 Mount Fuji Day Trip

Mt Fuji was initially not in my itinerary because I thought I have seen it so much on social media, until I decided to witness its beauty myself and I must say, it was totally worth the 4-hour train ride to and from Shinjuku.

The route was pretty straightforward: Take JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station to Otsuki then transfer via Fujikyu Line to Shimoyoshida Station and finally Kawaguchiko Station. The relaxing train ride was filled with excitements as it featured an amazing countryside view including Mt Fuji in the background.

Honestly, I left my heart at Lake Kawaguchiko. It is one of the most surreal places to be in the Fuji Five Lakes. Wish I could stay overnight here and visit Lake Yamanakako (for the closest view of Mt Fuji) too. ❤

#3 Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street

In the bustling Tokyo City, I enjoy my Ginza shopping therapy (for LV & Celine at cheaper prices) but my favourite part of the city is no other than the Tokyo's oldest temple - Sensoji Temple in Asakusa - which made me fall in love with the old charm of downtown Edo once again. ❤

I did my prayers and bought some talisman there, before indulging into various snacks along the carnival-like food streets. It is such a lovely vibrant place to spend half a day at.

#4 Sakura Viewing at Shioiri Park

I visited this large park on the banks of the Sumida River near Minami-Senju Station on the very first day upon landing in Tokyo. To my surprise, I was lucky to be there during the full bloom and it became my best cherry blossom experience in Tokyo throughout the entire trip. Being surrounded by lovely trees in pastel pink and white hues feels so dreamy to me.