Pinky Promise (The Beauty of Cherry Blossoms) by Nanette Celedonio

This was my first trip to Japan and my itinerary was really simple: to witness the beauty of cherry blossoms, to take a picture with Hachiko, to take a photo and video of Shibuya crossing and to eat sushi!

Cherry blossoms along the street near  the hotel.

It was a very short 3-day trip but I was able to maximise my time very well.  I even had problems with my visa and vacation leaves prior to the trip and I thought that it would not push through but thankfully I was able to resolve the issues.  And I was very fortunate to be able to use my husband's reward miles.  Since this is Japan's peak season, airfares have rocketed really high and I was so lucky to be able to book my airfare for free...paying only taxes!
Prior to the trip, I was able to contact a friend who took time out to tour me around Tokyo. If not for her, I wouldn't be able to experience a lot of things in that short period of time.  My biggest problem going around Tokyo is that I don't understand the language and most of the signages are in Japanese and it's difficult to ask around because people don't speak much English.

Up close with these short-lived but amazing flowers.  That fleeting moment when you are on a high experiencing God's  creation.

Was able to ride the Shinkansen, one of the world's fastest trains...

Met up with Hachiko, the famous dog and one of the landmarks in Shibuya