Hitting up Manila and Tokyo

[MetroStyles]

Hello friends,

I'd love to hear some ideas on cool things to do while in Manila and Tokyo in January. Of course, one will be tropical (80 degrees) while the other will be just like NYC, weather-wise.

Please don't crucify me, but I am not interested in shopping. Nor overly touristy things. Things in or within a day of each city are good. Please share your experiences and ideas.

My budget is pretty good. Nothing too extraordinary, but I am not looking to save money either. Thanks!

 

[Tokyo Slim]

Originally Posted by MetroStyles

Hello friends, I'd love to hear some ideas on cool things to do while in Manila and Tokyo in January. Of course, one will be tropical (80 degrees) while the other will be just like NYC, weather-wise. Please don't crucify me, but I am not interested in shopping. Nor overly touristy things. Things in or within a day of each city are good. Please share your experiences and ideas. My budget is pretty good. Nothing too extraordinary, but I am not looking to save money either. Thanks!
Tokyo = food. Eat. Wander (Dress warm!) Check out the nightlife.

 

[Maharlika]

Lobby of the Manila Peninsula Hotel

Stayed at the Peninsula last November and had a good business trip. I would recommend Fort Bonifacio High Street for shopping / dining. Did you say a day? Warning: Manila/Makati traffic is notorious. Plan ahead.

 

[MetroStyles]

Originally Posted by Maharlika

Lobby of the Manila Peninsula Hotel

Stayed at the Peninsula last November and had a good business trip. I would recommend Fort Bonifacio High Street for shopping / dining. Did you say a day? Warning: Manila/Makati traffic is notorious. Plan ahead.

To clarify, I meant I was interested in some day-trips as well as the usual city fare. Five days in Manila (although business-related) and four days of pleasure in Tokyo. I will definitely hit up Fort Bonifacio for food with the expense account.

 

[dtmt]

I highly recommend Kamakura, although I don't know exactly you consider as "touristy." In any case, there won't be many people there in January.

Also, go to an onsen if you have time. The best ones are up in the mountains and at least several hours by train from Tokyo, but if you can't make it that far you can try this one in Tokyo: http://www.fulbrightmemorialfund.jp/...OdeoOnsen.html

 

[MetroStyles]

Originally Posted by dtmt

I highly recommend Kamakura, although I don't know exactly you consider as "touristy." In any case, there won't be many people there in January.

Also, go to an onsen if you have time. The best ones are up in the mountains and at least several hours by train from Tokyo, but if you can't make it that far you can try this one in Tokyo: http://www.fulbrightmemorialfund.jp/...OdeoOnsen.html

Ooh, good call! I read about that in a magazine. How much do the ones in the mountains cost?

 

[Maharlika]

Originally Posted by MetroStyles

To clarify, I meant I was interested in some day-trips as well as the usual city fare. Five days in Manila (although business-related) and four days of pleasure in Tokyo. I will definitely hit up Fort Bonifacio for food with the expense account.

For day trips, Tagaytay is popular and not really that touristy. I was there for a little over a week but didn't really have time to go outside of Metro Manila.

 

[bbaquiran]

Originally Posted by Maharlika

Lobby of the Manila Peninsula Hotel

Stayed at the Peninsula last November and had a good business trip. I would recommend Fort Bonifacio High Street for shopping / dining. Did you say a day? Warning: Manila/Makati traffic is notorious. Plan ahead.

The military drove an APC into the Manila Pen front entrance last November to force out some mutinous soldiers that had taken over the hotel. I'm sure they've fixed it by now. AFAIK nobody was hurt.

 

[Maharlika]

Originally Posted by bbaquiran

The military drove an APC into the Manila Pen front entrance last November to force out some mutinous soldiers that had taken over the hotel. I'm sure they've fixed it by now. AFAIK nobody was hurt.

It happened the day I was leaving the country. Good thing, I've already checked out of the Peninsula. It was raining, wet and again, traffic is legendary.

 

[bbaquiran]

Re: Manila... If you have the time, I recommend taking a walking tour of Intramuros or other historic places with Carlos Celdran (http://celdrantours.blogspot.com/). For live band schedules and other events in the metro, check ClickTheCity.