Our 5-Day Japan Adventure
Our much-awaited trip to Japan finally began! We departed from Manila via Philippine Airlines (PAL), bound for Haneda Airport. The flight was smooth, and we were filled with excitement as we landed in Japan. However, the real challenge started when we made our way to our Airbnb accommodation in Yachiyo, Chiba.
Navigating Japan’s transportation system for the first time took longer than expected, and by the time we arrived, exhaustion had settled in. After checking in, we took some time to rest before heading out to explore the surrounding area. We found nearby convenience stores and local restaurants, where we grabbed a quick but satisfying dinner before calling it a night.
If you travelling with family to Japan for the first time it is best to take train as your main mode of transport, Japan is well known to its very well connected trains stations going from and to different locations specially tourist areas. We apparently took a private car, on our arrival from the airport which took us longer due to traffic, we did not anticipated well. What we could have done better with children is took earlier flights so we can avoid traveling too long. It is also very important to mind your luggages, with four children we are carrying huge luggages. However, when navigating Japan it is more easier if you’re carrying lighter baggages.
Tips: Get a Suica Card at Haneda Airport to make traveling around Japan easier, I highly recommend getting a Suica card as soon as you arrive at Haneda Airport. You can purchase one from the ticket vending machines or kiosks at the train station. This prepaid IC card allows you to tap in and out of trains, buses, and even convenience stores, making transportation and small purchases seamless. I also suggest to choose nearby accommodations according to your itineraries, (when i say near by, means eg. ETA 30 mins approx always include traffic calculations so you will have an idea) Finally, give yourself a time to explore and allowing mistakes on your traveling eg. lost in trains technically, directions and more, as navigation in Japan was truly not easy, yet! one of our many unforgettable memories that was cherished and super enjoyable! ❤️
Having mentioned the (allowed mistakes to happen )🙋♀️ One of our must-visit places was the Ghibli Museum, but unfortunately, we made a huge mistake, we forgot to book our tickets in advance. Since tickets sell out quickly and must be purchased online before arriving in Japan, we had no choice but to change our plans. We decided to make the most of our day by visiting Inokashira Park instead.
From Yachiyo, Chiba, it took approximately 1.5 hours by train to reach Inokashira Park, but the trip was well worth it. The park was stunning, with scenic walking paths, a lake with swan boats, and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for unwinding. It was a pleasant alternative, and we still got to experience a bit of the Ghibli vibe, as the park is closely associated with Studio Ghibli’s aesthetics. The park is massive enough to explore with bikes were available to rent if you wish. Large trees, a beautiful green sceneries which I believe sakura trees are best to visit during cherry blossoms season. There is a temple too, that we have passed by and prayed. On the way back to Yachiyo we visited all the small shops on the way. We discover different types of food we could in Japan. We walked in different stores, and checked out unique memorabilia we can find.
Tip: Buying Ghibli Museum Tickets in Advance If you’re planning to visit the Ghibli Museum, make sure to purchase your tickets as early as possible. Tickets go on sale on the 10th of each month for the following month and can be bought through authorized platforms such as Klook or Trip.com. Availability is limited, so planning ahead is crucial to secure your spot.
Day 3: A Scenic Escape to Sakura Furusato SquareWe had originally planned something else for the day, but after realizing how long travel times were in Japan, we decided to explore somewhere closer. That led us to a hidden gem—Sakura Furusato Square, located in the northern part of Chiba Prefecture.
This beautiful area was just a short trip from our accommodation in Yachiyo. We traveled by train on the Keisei Line to Keisei-Sakura Station, then took a local bus to the entrance of the farm. As soon as we arrived, we were captivated by the picturesque scenery—endless fields of sunflowers, a traditional Dutch windmill, and the crisp autumn breeze.
One of the highlights of our visit was indulging in the best matcha ice cream we had ever tasted! We spent the afternoon strolling through the farm, taking in the serene atmosphere, and capturing beautiful photos. As the sun began to set, the golden hues made the landscape even more breathtaking. It was the perfect way to end a well-spent day before heading back to our Airbnb at night.
In July, Sakura Furusato Square will host the Windmill Sunflower Garden event, where around 15,000 sunflowers will be in full bloom. Among them is the Vincent sunflower variety, named after the renowned Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh.
Entry to the event is free, but if you'd like to take home some sunflowers, bring some coins, picking two flowers from the designated area costs 100 yen.
A trip to Japan wouldn’t be complete without visiting Tokyo Disneyland! We woke up early and rented a car to drive back to Tokyo. Although the journey from Yachiyo was long, the stunning scenery made the trip enjoyable.
To make the most of our Disneyland experience, we decided to stay for one night at the Disney Ambassador Hotel, which allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the magic of Disney. Upon arrival, we were astonished by the sheer number of visitors—by the time we reached the gates, it was already packed with excited families and Disney fans.
Inside the park, we enjoyed an amazing lunch at Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall, where the whimsical Alice in Wonderland-themed setting made dining extra special. Of course, we couldn’t miss trying the famous disney ice pops, a refreshing treat that was perfect for the warm weather.
We spent the day hopping on various rides, enjoying the attractions, and soaking in the enchanting atmosphere. We initially planned to stay for the fireworks, but since Tokyo Disneyland doesn’t have fireworks during the summer. However, the Nighttime Electrical Parade completely made up for it! Watching the dazzling lights and beloved Disney characters come to life was an unforgettable experience, especially when we finally got to see Mickey Mouse in person.
We stayed until the park’s closing time, making sure to fully experience the magic of Disneyland at night before heading back to our hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Tip: Buying Tokyo Disneyland Tickets in Advance If you're traveling with a family, especially a group of six like us, it’s crucial to buy your Tokyo Disneyland tickets ahead of time to avoid long lines and ensure entry. Tickets can be purchased online through the official Tokyo Disney Resort website or via authorized travel agencies. Keep in mind that Disneyland enforces a strict ticketing policy—each ticket is assigned to a specific date, and re-entry is not allowed. Also, be sure to check park schedules for any seasonal closures or changes to events, such as fireworks displays.
Also for families with children when traveling to Japan during summer, bring your water bottles, hats, umbrellas with you and drink plenty of refreshments. Japan do not have many trash bins everywhere, might as well bring your own DIY plastic bins to carry out with you along travel.
Day 5: Discovering the Magic of Harry Potter at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo
After a restful night at the Disney Ambassador Hotel, we decided to take it slow in the morning and enjoy the hotel’s family-friendly amenities. We checked out at a leisurely pace and grabbed a quick breakfast from a nearby 7-Eleven, which had a great selection of delicious and affordable meals.
One of the highlights of our Japan trip was visiting the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter.
From Tokyo Disneyland, we traveled by train from Maihama Station to Ikebukuro Station, then took another train to Toshimaen Station, where the studio is located. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted warmly by the staff, and the excitement truly kicked in when we entered the studio.
The tour was massive and incredibly detailed. We saw everything from the Hogwarts Express to the Great Hall, and even Hermione’s iconic Yule Ball dress. It was fascinating to learn that many of the original items from the films were transported to Japan to create an authentic Harry Potter experience.
Tip: Booking Tickets for the Harry Potter Studio Tour To visit the Harry Potter Studio Tour Tokyo, tickets must be purchased in advance online through the official website. The tour operates on a timed-entry basis, so be sure to select a slot that fits your schedule. Since it’s a popular attraction, tickets can sell out quickly—especially during peak seasons—so early booking is highly recommended.
Our Japan trip was truly unforgettable, filled with magical experiences, breathtaking scenery, and valuable travel lessons. From exploring Tokyo Disneyland to stepping inside the world of Harry Potter, every moment was special, making this journey one of the most memorable adventures for our family.
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