My Mt. Fuji Guide: Lessons learned, mistakes to avoid, and quick tips for your first climb

Currently planning my next Mt. Fuji hike this summer! I wanted to share a few practical takeaways and adjustments from my last climb to help anyone else preparing for the upcoming season:

• Accommodation Tip: Stay in Kawaguchiko (I used Hostel Michikusa-ya) for 3 nights to use as a luggage base camp. Having a bed close to the mountain right after a brutal descent is a lifesaver compared to traveling all the way back to Tokyo.

• Hut Timing: Don’t start too early. I got to the 5th Station at 6:40 AM and spent way too long waiting around. Start your hike around 12 PM - 1 PM so you hit your hut right around dinner and sunset.

• Hut Location: Try to book the 8th or 8.5 station. The 7th station is a bit too low if you plan on making a push for the summit.

• The "No-Rush" Summit Alternative: If you are too sleep-deprived for the midnight rush, don't force it. Watch the sunrise from your hut, then hike to the summit in the morning. You’ll enjoy warmer weather, better trail conditions, no crowds, and you won't need a headlamp.

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DIY VS TRAVEL AGENCY : THE POOR TRAVELER PODCAST EPISDODE

 Had an opportunity to guest at The Poor Traveler's Podcast and I didnt realized that it is going to be a debate. But the whole recording was fun and a at some point became competitive haha. 

Happy to have shared the episode with our good friend KEM. 

Hope you can check this out at the Poor Traveler's Youtube Channel 

MUJI HOTEL GINZA TOUR (VLOG))

 

I’ve always dreamed of booking a room at the Muji Hotel Ginza, and I’m so happy I finally got the opportunity. Thanks to Muji Philippines and Philippine Airlines

Here’s a quick rundown of how my flight to Tokyo went, plus a tour of my Muji Hotel Ginza room.

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SPENDING NEW YEAR IN CHIANG MAI

 Wait for a while… crying in SEPANX 🥹

Welcoming 2026 in Chiang Mai felt unreal. It’s one of those experiences you can’t fully explain until you’re there. The lights, the energy, the stillness in between. Pure magic, and the most beautiful way to spend New Year’s Eve.

I really needed this trip to gently close 2025 and step into the new year feeling refreshed, inspired, and full again.

If you’re thinking about where to spend your next New Year’s Eve, Chiang Mai is it. Everything was well organized and the experience felt complete no matter the ticket tier. Sulit talaga. Just go and book it.

THANKS TO INTERNATION JOURNEYS FOR MAKING THIS TRIP POSSIBLE

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Where I Stayed in Bangkok: Discover The Residence on Thonglor

 

When I was planning my quick weekend trip to Bangkok, I knew I wanted something comfortable but not over the top. A place where I could rest, maybe work a bit, enjoy a nice breakfast, and have the option to chill by the pool. I didn’t want to just book any random hotel. I wanted one that felt like a little home base in the city.

So, I listed down my must-haves:

• Mostly positive reviews on Agoda

• 4 to 5 star ratings

• Around 2,500 to 3,500 PHP per night (the sweet spot for Bangkok 4-star hotels)

• A pool (gym is a bonus)

• Buffet breakfast

• Close enough to a train station that I could walk, say within 20 minutes

After browsing through Agoda for a bit, one listing stood out: 

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GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE - JOURNAL

This was my second time wearing a hanbok during this trip to South Korea, but it felt extra special because it was my first time at Gyeongbokgung Palace. To make it even better, I was with friends this time, which honestly makes the whole hanbok experience way more fun than when I first tried it in Jeonju.

If you’ve ever dreamed of living out your K-Drama fantasy, Gyeongbokgung Palace is the perfect place to do it. The moment you put on a hanbok and step inside the palace grounds, you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. It’s such a surreal experience to walk through the grand gates, wander the courtyards, and imagine the lives of royals and nobles from centuries ago.

What makes it even more exciting is that you won’t be the only one in costume. Tourists and even some locals stroll around the palace in their colorful hanboks, striking poses, snapping photos, and enjoying the vibe. The whole atmosphere feels festive and alive, almost like being on the set of a historical drama.

MUJI FESTIVAL MALL - OPENING DAY

 

Hello Southies!!! My favorite lifestyle store, Muji Festival Mall is now open. The first Muji store location south of Metro Manila and the 9th store in the Philippines.

If you are from the South or just passing by the area, check out Muji Festival. 🥰

LAKE KAWAGUCHIKO JOURNAL

 

Finding Magic in Kawaguchiko Before Climbing Mt. Fuji

Before my Mt. Fuji climb, I decided to make Kawaguchiko my base. I booked a guesthouse for four days, though, in reality, I only had one free afternoon to actually explore the town. Still, that short window turned out to be enough to remind me why I love traveling.

Where I Stayed

I checked into a cozy guesthouse in Kawaguchiko, HOSTEL MICHIKUSA-YA, which gave me the perfect access point not just to Mt. Fuji but also to the peaceful charm of the lakeside town. The vibe was quiet and laid-back, a perfect contrast to the intensity of preparing for a mountain climb.

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When you finally get why people hike Mt Fuji

Excited to share my detailed guide for hiking Mt Fuji soon.

For now just trying to remember and reminisce that feeling. The drama of the sun setting and the warmth of the sun rising! Definitely worth every step ( and a few muscle pains after).

Quick sunrise run in Uji Kyoto

 Woke up early to enjoy the morning sun around UJi! Ran around the quiet neighborhood and experience warm greeting from early bird locals. 

Such a nice way to start the day in a new city. I am here to learn and explore more about matcha. Awuw. As a matcha gurlie haha

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