> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://raven.com.ph/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # A Southeast Asian’s First Winter Experience - URL: https://raven.com.ph/a-southeast-asians-first-winter-experience/ - Published: 2026-10-09T00:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-09T23:54:48.000Z - Author: Raven Icban - Tags: Albums ## Everybody goes to Japan, as people say. I also embody that by choosing Japan as my first international travel destination. I got to experience winter for the first time too along the way. ### This is a compilation of photos from my very first vacation in Japan — I consider myself privileged that this was my first out-of-the-country vacation ever. I've carefully crafted an itinerary around Tokyo and Nikko — all for the first time. ## Preface It was a short 5-day trip from the 20th to 24th of February 2025 — in the middle of winter. I was tasked to do the itinerary because I've been reading and watching a lot about Japan prior, and I can't help to mention, I'm also studying Japanese. I have a deep love and awe for Japan so I volunteered immediately. Not only that, but I was joined by my two best-of-friends whom I have known since high-school. Here's how our journey went. Most photos in this Album was taken on an iPhone and DJI Osmo Pocket 3 as the original intention was to use these was for social media. Additionally, I still lack a proper camera at this time, so the best I can do was to take photos and videos in raw and LOG formats. #### Written by a Human I believe in human ingenuity and our capability to be creative — this is one of those cases. Generative AI was used to: - ****Nothing** — No Gen AI, in any level or capacity, was used in writing and creation of this work, including all media materials. This means no providing feedback, making an influence, nor rewriting parts of the story. Machine Learning was used to: - Perform a grammar and spell check. ## Day 1 — Arrival & Tokyo No fancy flights here, we booked the cheapest ticket we can find. I specifically chose February to be our travel month because winter is a low-peak season — there are fewer tourists, and of course, cheaper flights. ![](https://raven.com.ph/content/images/2026/10/053ae5de-3ebf-43c1-87ef-0d4707b68ede.jpg) A ride above the clouds on flight 5J 5054 #noportfolio Being frugal did not excuse me from trying the well-regarded *beef adobo* from Cebu Pacific's pre-order meals for the 4-hour flight to Tokyo. ![](https://raven.com.ph/content/images/2026/10/6d0b85e1-d8ae-4911-802c-267db6f7947c.jpg) Adobo, a common Filipino dish traditionally made from pan-frying and stewing garlic, some kind of protein, soy sauce and vinegar together, served with garlic rice and side of fried potatoes #noportfolio After arriving at Narita International Airport in Chiba, we're still kilometers away from Tokyo, so we grabbed essentials like cash, pocket Wi-Fi and transit cards — before taking the one-hour train ride to our accommodation near Akasaka, Tokyo. ### Shibuya Crossing It was dawn by the time we settled down thus we hastily traveled to Shibuya to watch and experience the most famous pedestrian crossing of all pedestrian crossings — Shibuya Crossing. A little known fact about the place is that there are several live cameras watching the hectic crossing of dozens of people and cars. We of course took comical advantage of this as seen from the video below. 0:00 /0:13 1× Archived recording of Shibuya Crossing live feed #noportfolio ### LOST Bar If you've done your planning and research (as you should) about visiting Japan, it's impossible that you haven't come across Chris from *Abroad in Japan* — an influencer and documentary filmmaker on YouTube. He owns a bar close to Shibuya Crossing aptly named 'LOST*'* — a pun about getting *lost* finding this bar, or any specific businesses around the maze-like streets of Tokyo. As if that gag wasn't enough, the door to the bar is also a *gatchapon* machine, further emphasizing how hard is it to find. It is located on the 2nd floor of the *Grand Tokyo Building*, in front of *GU*. ![](https://raven.com.ph/content/images/2026/10/7ab9c67d-1164-4078-8533-d82cba220178.jpg) We booked the VIP Room and ordered a mix of light alcoholic drinks #noportfolio Unfortunately Chris wasn't around when we visited, but I met Ryotaro — an often recurring character from the Abroad in Japan MCU! ![](https://raven.com.ph/content/images/2026/10/db1a8bb5-799a-4c39-85e6-e7b565976aa3-1.jpg) #noportfolio After this is when we traveled back to our hotels to end our day as we have a lot planned for the following day. ## Day 2 — Trains & Tokyo We decided to split for the first half of the day to accommodate each other's interests. I wanted to see one of the only two suspended monorails in Japan called *Shonan Monorail*, and the charming *Enoshima Electric Railway* — both in *Kamakura*. Whilst I made sure the rest have tickets for *teamLab Borderless*, an interactive museum. ### Shonan Monorail Shonan Monorail is located in Kamakura — roughly 50 km south of Tokyo, and it takes an hour and a half to get there by commuting by rail. It is a beautiful seaside city known as the political center of medieval Japan. It is also iconic for appearing in several *anime* shows like *Slam Dunk*. I did an entire Shonan Monorail vlog where I talked about how to get there and the experience, so please check it out: [The Upside-Down Train Vlog — Shonan MonorailThere are a lot of unique trains in Japan, suspended monorails, which there are only 2 operating left in the country, was one I got to ride during my vacation. Watch my video detailing the experience, and how you can ride one, too! AI Disclosure I believe that AI-use![](https://raven.com.ph/content/images/icon/raven_favicon_black_png_512px_v2-768f99a0-0b81-42af-9c07-48dd7acaeed8.png)Raven — A Personal Blog and PortfolioRaven Icban![](https://raven.com.ph/content/images/thumbnail/4890e42a-6bd2-497d-bac7-d8d7cb02f93f-40a3b65f-ca62-4390-8f2f-2a4dea890f6c.jpg)](https://raven.com.ph/the-upside-down-train-vlog-shonan-monorail/) ### Enoshima Electric Railway Famously known as *Enoden*, is a scenic historic rail line also in Kamakura. Riding this train will treat you with coastal views and stupendous, yet astounding, narrow tracks that almost touch residential houses on both sides. *Kamakurakokomae Station*, probably its most famous station, is known for its scenery. It's small in size, but walk along and you'll see views of the Pacific Ocean, Enoshima Island, and if you're lucky, even Mount Fuji on a clear day — it has it all. ![](https://raven.com.ph/content/images/2026/07/4930dd15-34e1-464f-a330-7c06678e6718.jpg) ![](https://raven.com.ph/content/images/2026/07/7420e057-cde0-4571-8cea-1668833a35a1.jpg) ![](https://raven.com.ph/content/images/2026/07/4e4ba940-8d69-4d14-bfa2-a31215882e3c.jpg) An Enoden train on Kamakurakokomae Station bound to Kamakura with the view of the Pacific Ocean and Enoshima Island in the background | A wide view of the Kamakurakokomae Station and its surrounding neighborhood | The Pacific Ocean view in between two narrow houses near Kamakurakokomae Station The rail tracks are also close to sidewalks and streets where people, like me, can admire *Enoden* up close. 0:00 /0:10 1× Me (safely) next to Enoden as it pass through Kamakurakokomae Station bound for Fujisawa 0:00 /0:17 1× Train crossing next to Inamuragasaki Station I quickly grabbed a hot coffee drink from one of the vending machines as it was chilly that morning, then I headed off back to Tokyo. ![](https://raven.com.ph/content/images/2026/10/4c5fc46c-3c0b-4d23-959d-fee8041a1606.jpg) Riding the famous and rare unmanned train on the Yurikamome Line headed to Odaiba #noportfolio The rest of the day was rather uneventful, consisting of getting on a ferry, shopping, and having lunch and dinner around Asakusa. 0:00 /0:07 1× Tokyo Cruise ride from Odaiba to Asakusa ![](https://raven.com.ph/content/images/2026/07/c8dfc0c0-7b59-4af2-8ce0-7109738f1070.jpg) Asakusa, Tokyo ## Day 3 — An Early Cherry Blossom? This day was the "chill, I want to relax" kind-of day. From all the chaos of previous days of jetlag and trying to get used to Japan's magic — we just want to explore in a more peaceful pace. ![](https://raven.com.ph/content/images/2026/10/63292c57-435f-49f9-bbae-a002c7ac40e3-1.jpg) At a ramen house, a man enjoying his hot bowl of noodles We were in Shibuya for the first half of the day visiting the *Meiji Jingu* park and shrine, and *Yoyogi* Park. We went quite early — basking in the morning sun and fog — which I have to say, was an underrated and pleasant experience. ![](https://raven.com.ph/content/images/2026/10/e2855bc3-a8fc-4206-8126-eb881f5a90e1.jpg) Called **ema*, these wooden plaques are often located in shrines and temples used to write prayers, wishes, or expressions of gratitude and hang them up so the spirits or gods can receive them There were pink plum trees blossoming around the time we visited. A specific section of the park was dedicated to it, and as expected, there was a lot of people taking pictures. Predicable, which is why we joined as well. ![](https://raven.com.ph/content/images/2026/10/cc3e803d-442c-45fc-b219-9972e3a706c3.jpg) #noportfolio I know it's not the same... but it still makes me think of cherry blossoms so I'll count it as one (sue me). Regardless, it was still beautiful. One day, I'll visit Japan in April to experience the *real* cherry blossoms — but for now this will do. ![](https://raven.com.ph/content/images/2026/10/205c3810-bc1e-4d0d-92e5-fee0b4e24f82.jpg) A beautiful plum tree blossoming in a cemetery After having lunch and trying conveyor belt sushi for the first time, we headed out to visit select known places that appeared in several *anime* to take photos and videos. Unfortunately, the search is not over and there are still a lot of places to visit so I won't be showing them today. They're listed somewhere, and I will try to complete them as I visit Japan for the next couple of years — I'll make sure to share when they're ready! We concluded our day in Akihabara to dine at a maid café, and *oh boy*, it was... *an* *experience* to say the least. The café we went to was a family-friendly one, but it's still lively with performances, lights and blaring idol music. And not to mention, overpriced food. We weren't allowed to take photos of the "maids" without permission, so with permission I did (and had to pay the price, literally). ![](https://raven.com.ph/content/images/2026/10/807a7bce-c071-49d1-a5d1-5bd4b9064e19.jpg) Blurry Polaroid photos of me with two of the maids performing and serving customers that night #noportfolio ## Day 4 — My First Snow in Nikko Finally, this was the part of the trip that I was most excited about. Snow! After getting my winter gear all assembled, we headed off to Nikko. If you're staying in Tokyo; Nikko is an easy hour and a half destination for autumn and winter — which is exactly why it's in the itinerary. This boy is about to have his first snow experience. As we left the metropolis, packed buildings of Tokyo, mountain tops full of snow with a landscape of barren fields and trees slowly appeared from the distance. When we arrived, it was windy and -4 friggin degrees C outside (24.8 F°) — and I loved every second of it. ![](https://raven.com.ph/content/images/2026/10/5d20ecd5-fcb5-4942-bba5-aeeee1d2ca7a.jpg) ![](https://raven.com.ph/content/images/2026/10/30bfa864-7a20-4e1e-9e29-edefbf44ce35.jpg) In a train to Nikko, my first time seeing mountains in the near distance full of snow | An intersection near **Tobu Niko* Station where we got off, with a backdrop of snowy mountains ![](https://raven.com.ph/content/images/2026/10/65fa4052-33c5-4b6b-b925-06bfe9bbab57.jpg) Reception area of **Nikko Senhime Monogatari*, the hotel we stayed at After arriving at the hotel, we left almost immediately to go to the mountains. I made a mistake of booking this trip on a holiday, so most attractions are closed. We planned to ride the cable car for example, but there's no one there. We knew that the seemingly lack of cars on the road was a telltale sign, but on the bright side, there's next to no tourists but us, so taking pictures and getting to places was easy! We played a lot in the snow, there were two of us there that held and hugged (and ate) it for the first time. It was the closest I experienced being a 12-year-old again. I know people complain how winter is only fun for exactly 3 days, then it becomes infuriating — and I saw how that can be the case. I experienced this firsthand during my trip in Hokkaido and spoiler alert... yes it's annoying to *live* where it snows. I couldn't care less about that during my first trip though, and I kept annoying the group to stop the car so I could play wherever I saw a bank of snow. ![](https://raven.com.ph/content/images/2026/10/89ea75a2-b1b8-4c62-8424-46edd90d9261.jpg) ![](https://raven.com.ph/content/images/2026/10/4cc12e9b-3d19-426a-a2ed-14ae7223df07.jpg) ![](https://raven.com.ph/content/images/2026/10/6a4adc87-975c-410d-9598-9698ac64cc53.jpg) More pictures of me in the snow, courtesy of my friends #noportfolio #small All good things must come to an end, so did my first and last winter wonderland of the trip. We went to a rustic, humble restaurant serving grilled meat and vegetables for dinner, then traveled back to our *ryokan* accommodation to settle and bathe in a hot, but relaxing *onsen* bath. ## Day 5 — My First Japan *Sayonara* After we woke up, we were greeted with the gentle sun. Still wearing our k*imono*, a traditional Japanese wear, we took the opportunity to take more photos. ![](https://raven.com.ph/content/images/2026/10/6bf4a827-61f8-417a-9298-195fd06df63b.jpg) ![](https://raven.com.ph/content/images/2026/10/bf11e95c-c400-43ce-846b-71920149a2cd.jpg) A shack next to a river — the view from our hotel room We checked out early so we still had time to get souvenirs for our friends back home, given this was our last day. We returned the rental car, grabbed a quick breakfast from a *konbini*, then hopped on a train back to the airport... or at least that was the plan. 0:00 /0:10 1× The face of someone in Japan that refuses to go home #noportfolio The team decided to separate for a bit, our flight is scheduled far in the night and we have different priorities for the last day. I went to Tokyo Skytree — it is an attraction but is also connected to a huge mall. This is where I bought souvenirs, and exclusive items that I can only get in Japan for myself — I'm of course talking about *anime* merchandise. ![](https://raven.com.ph/content/images/2026/10/da1ddab8-1992-4e20-a5f4-0cd0571aaa82.jpg) The Jump Shop in Tokyo Skytree selling **Haikyuu!!* merch #noportfolio I have a cute moment and can't help to share — I was at the Jump Shop looking for merchandise that is not from the *Shonen Jump* series, which the store is exclusive for. So I reached out to one of the staff — her English wasn't very good, and so is my Japanese so she pulled this little note with frequently asked questions and its English and Japanese versions. I said it was adorable and asked if I could take a photo. ![](https://raven.com.ph/content/images/2026/10/ed893f1e-148c-4c34-ae47-b85f54959413.jpg) #noportfolio After a much-needed but short solitude, I rode my very last train bound for Narita International Airport, and ate *tonkatsu* curry — my very last meal in Japan. ![](https://raven.com.ph/content/images/2026/10/7f35cdd3-3f00-40bc-8981-b2dd84705670.jpg) Tonkatsu Curry is made with Japanese-style curry, topped with a bed of rice, and fried pork cutlet #noportfolio ## Conclusion I hope you enjoyed reading because I enjoyed writing it. My first Japan experience was definitely a blast and worth all the effort I invested into it. I've been researching for close to a year in preparation for this trip, and seeing locations and having first-time experiences as they happen was a core memory. But 5 days weren't enough, which is why I went again — for 2 weeks. Story about this soon! Thank you for reading.