Sep 9, 2016
USJ Day! A 15-minute walk to Shin-Imamiya Station going to Universal City Station.
USJ Day! A 15-minute walk to Shin-Imamiya Station going to Universal City Station.
We got off at the wrong station going to USJ. So while waiting for the next train, we (or I) had time for photo op.
Universal Studios Japan
We bought Express Passes online because I read from other blogs that waiting time for popular rides could take up to 2-4 hours! Especially the waiting time for the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride. We wouldn’t want to waste time so we bought the passes for another Php 3,000 each (refer here for a step-by-step guide on how to buy Express Passes online). A total of Php 6,500 per person for the park entry ticket plus the Express pass. Expensive. To think that our roundtrip tickets to Japan costed us Php 6,200 each. Anyway, no time for regrets.
We bought Express Passes online because I read from other blogs that waiting time for popular rides could take up to 2-4 hours! Especially the waiting time for the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride. We wouldn’t want to waste time so we bought the passes for another Php 3,000 each (refer here for a step-by-step guide on how to buy Express Passes online). A total of Php 6,500 per person for the park entry ticket plus the Express pass. Expensive. To think that our roundtrip tickets to Japan costed us Php 6,200 each. Anyway, no time for regrets.
We rode Hollywood Dream: The Ride first.
Then we went to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and took LOTS of photos.
Second ride: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
SIDE NOTE:
When I was trying to buy our Express Passes online, we had the option to choose what time are we able enter the wizarding world. I chose the earliest time available which was 11:50 AM. After choosing the time, another time will be given for us to be allowed to ride the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. In our case, it was 12:10-12:40 PM. One thing that I learned from our USJ experience is that, I should have chosen a later time to enter Harry Potter world. Maybe around 6 PM would be perfect. The line was short when we got there so we weren’t able to utilize the full potential of our Express Passes. And I’ve also read that the Harry Potter world is best viewed at night. I can only imagine. Sayang talaga. I felt that I wasn’t able to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at its best. I could have taken better photos. I say this because we also went to DisneySea and stayed there until closing time (10 PM). DisneySea at night was magical. We left USJ early (around 6 PM) because we’re already done with the 7 rides that we planned and so we weren’t able to experience USJ at night. Oh well.
When I was trying to buy our Express Passes online, we had the option to choose what time are we able enter the wizarding world. I chose the earliest time available which was 11:50 AM. After choosing the time, another time will be given for us to be allowed to ride the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. In our case, it was 12:10-12:40 PM. One thing that I learned from our USJ experience is that, I should have chosen a later time to enter Harry Potter world. Maybe around 6 PM would be perfect. The line was short when we got there so we weren’t able to utilize the full potential of our Express Passes. And I’ve also read that the Harry Potter world is best viewed at night. I can only imagine. Sayang talaga. I felt that I wasn’t able to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at its best. I could have taken better photos. I say this because we also went to DisneySea and stayed there until closing time (10 PM). DisneySea at night was magical. We left USJ early (around 6 PM) because we’re already done with the 7 rides that we planned and so we weren’t able to experience USJ at night. Oh well.
JAWS for our third ride.
Ang medyo nakaka-turn off nga lang talaga eh yung mga rides na ang voice-over eh Japanese language. Although maganda yung visual, hindi mo fully ma-appreciate kase hindi mo maintindihan yung sinasabi. Tulad nung ride na to. Nakaupo kayo sa isang medyo malaking boat at may tour guide kayong kasama tapos biglang may shark na a-attack sa inyo. Medyo actor ang peg ni kuyang tour guide dito kase kunwari binabaril nya yung shark tapos mega acting sya sa pagma-maneuver nung boat para maka-iwas dun sa shark. Yung buong ride na yun, nagsasalita sya in Japanese na wala kaming maintindahan. Nagre-rely na lang kami sa mga nakikita namin at sa facial expressions nya. Mas na-enjoy siguro namin kung may naiintindihan kami sa mga sinasabi nya.
Napansin nyo din ba na nag-Tagalog na lang ako. Hirap mag-English eh. Nakaka-drain.
Napansin nyo din ba na nag-Tagalog na lang ako. Hirap mag-English eh. Nakaka-drain.
SIDE NOTE:
There's another lane for some rides. There's the regular one, the express, and the singles. If you're in a group and fall in line on the singles lane, chances are, you won't be sitting together. But if you're in a hurry and don't mind being apart, then please go ahead.
There's another lane for some rides. There's the regular one, the express, and the singles. If you're in a group and fall in line on the singles lane, chances are, you won't be sitting together. But if you're in a hurry and don't mind being apart, then please go ahead.
Fourth ride: Flying Dinosaur. Three words. Best. Ride. Ever.
Instead of the usual roller coaster na nakaupo ka, dito nakadapa ka. Medyo kakaiba yung feeling. Pagbaba namin dun sa ride, hindi pa din ako maka-move on dun sa experience. Basta ang saya. Si Kenneth medyo takot yun sa heights pero super nag-enjoy sya. Sulit daw yung 2.5 hours na pila. Matagal yung pinila namin dito kasi hindi na sya kasama sa Express Pass namin. Kung alam ko lang, sana yung Express Pass na may Flying Dinosaur na lang yung kinuha namin.
Jurassic Park: Ride (forgettable) and The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman (same concept with Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey pero mas ok to) for our 5th and 6th ride.
Jurassic Park: Ride (forgettable) and The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman (same concept with Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey pero mas ok to) for our 5th and 6th ride.
Our last stop was Space Fantasy: The Ride. This one surprised us.
Shunga Moment #3:
Basing from its name, we thought it was a kiddie ride. We almost didn’t want to continue because we couldn’t figure out how to lock the locker compartment (so we could store our bags there during the ride). The attendant told us to insert ¥100 coin. It turned out we were inserting the coin in the wrong coin slot. There's this machine nearby the lockers and I thought that's where we could get a ticket or something for us to utilize the lockers. When I inserted a ¥500 coin, the machine dispensed five ¥100 coins. Ang labo. Kenneth already refused to continue with the ride. We were already tired. But I asked the attendant again (for the last time). If we won't be able to figure it out, we will leave already. I even suggested to put our things inside the locker even without a lock because that's how I trust the Japanese people. Kenneth refused. Upon asking, the attendant accompanied us and showed us how. Turns out, the coin slot for locking it was beside the keyhole of the locker compartment. The machine's purpose was to exchange your money in case you don't have ¥100 coin available because it's only accepting ¥100 coins. Ay sus. Buti na lang natuloy kami sa ride kasi it was unexpectedly awesome.
A few seconds into the ride, it was slow. We were like, “Ho-hum. Boring. Pambata.” But after a minute, we were transported into space. Ang galing nung effects! The stars seemed real and the pace was going fast. Hay super ganda. I will not forget the exploding sound at the end of the ride with matching explosion of stars. Parang milky way. Hay ang ganda talaga. What a great way to end our USJ visit. Off to Dotonbori!
Basing from its name, we thought it was a kiddie ride. We almost didn’t want to continue because we couldn’t figure out how to lock the locker compartment (so we could store our bags there during the ride). The attendant told us to insert ¥100 coin. It turned out we were inserting the coin in the wrong coin slot. There's this machine nearby the lockers and I thought that's where we could get a ticket or something for us to utilize the lockers. When I inserted a ¥500 coin, the machine dispensed five ¥100 coins. Ang labo. Kenneth already refused to continue with the ride. We were already tired. But I asked the attendant again (for the last time). If we won't be able to figure it out, we will leave already. I even suggested to put our things inside the locker even without a lock because that's how I trust the Japanese people. Kenneth refused. Upon asking, the attendant accompanied us and showed us how. Turns out, the coin slot for locking it was beside the keyhole of the locker compartment. The machine's purpose was to exchange your money in case you don't have ¥100 coin available because it's only accepting ¥100 coins. Ay sus. Buti na lang natuloy kami sa ride kasi it was unexpectedly awesome.
A few seconds into the ride, it was slow. We were like, “Ho-hum. Boring. Pambata.” But after a minute, we were transported into space. Ang galing nung effects! The stars seemed real and the pace was going fast. Hay super ganda. I will not forget the exploding sound at the end of the ride with matching explosion of stars. Parang milky way. Hay ang ganda talaga. What a great way to end our USJ visit. Off to Dotonbori!
But first. Ride ratings:
Dotonbori
- Hollywood Dream: The Ride ★★★★☆
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ★★☆☆☆
- JAWS ★★☆☆☆
- Flying Dinosaur ★★★★★
- Jurassic Park: Ride ★★☆☆☆
- The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman ★★★☆☆
- Space Fantasy: The Ride ★★★★★
Dotonbori
We were so excited to eat ramen in Japan. We're ramen lovers you know? So upon searching Google, it shows very good reviews for Ichiran which is located in Dotonbori. Unfortunately (or fortunately), I liked Ramen Nagi better (which is easily accessible). Ramen Nagi's broth is richer and their noodles are firmer.
SIDE NOTE:
Wasn't able to sleep well because I was up late crying (cry baby). After eating ramen, we saw a Don Quijote store and I got excited. Based from the numerous travel blogs I've read, everything here is cheap. Madaming mga nag-bilin samin ng mga gusto nilang ipabili (perfume, collagen powder, wallet, green tea, etc) so I gathered all the strength I have left to do some partial shopping. Para at least sa mga susunod na days konti na lang yung bibilhin. Sobrang pagod na pagod na pagod na talaga kami. Hindi na ko makalakad ng maayos. Pinilit ko na lang talaga. Tapos eto pa yung mangyayari. 😔
To cut the story short, I bought 6 pieces of collagen powder for my officemates. 1 piece is around 800 pesos. When we got home and upon reviewing the receipt, 10 pieces na collagen powder yung na-punch ni ateng cashier. I paid for 10 but I only got 6. Grrr. Kayo na bahala mag-compute. Medyo madami kaming pinamili kaya di ko na naisip i-check yung receipt bago umalis. Japanese language pa yung resibo. Sobrang siksikan din mga tao dun sa store kaya hindi mo na talaga maiisip. Lesson learned. You can learn from my mistake as well. Just be careful and double check everything.
Okay Kyoto naman bukas!
Day 3 - Kyoto: Arashiyama & Fushimi Inari-taisha
SIDE NOTE:
Wasn't able to sleep well because I was up late crying (cry baby). After eating ramen, we saw a Don Quijote store and I got excited. Based from the numerous travel blogs I've read, everything here is cheap. Madaming mga nag-bilin samin ng mga gusto nilang ipabili (perfume, collagen powder, wallet, green tea, etc) so I gathered all the strength I have left to do some partial shopping. Para at least sa mga susunod na days konti na lang yung bibilhin. Sobrang pagod na pagod na pagod na talaga kami. Hindi na ko makalakad ng maayos. Pinilit ko na lang talaga. Tapos eto pa yung mangyayari. 😔
To cut the story short, I bought 6 pieces of collagen powder for my officemates. 1 piece is around 800 pesos. When we got home and upon reviewing the receipt, 10 pieces na collagen powder yung na-punch ni ateng cashier. I paid for 10 but I only got 6. Grrr. Kayo na bahala mag-compute. Medyo madami kaming pinamili kaya di ko na naisip i-check yung receipt bago umalis. Japanese language pa yung resibo. Sobrang siksikan din mga tao dun sa store kaya hindi mo na talaga maiisip. Lesson learned. You can learn from my mistake as well. Just be careful and double check everything.
Okay Kyoto naman bukas!
Day 3 - Kyoto: Arashiyama & Fushimi Inari-taisha