OSAKA, Japan — The customs guy had one last question before I made my way out of the airport when I got here last Wednesday.

“Why so many (Japanese arrival) stamps?” he said in his thick accent.

I looked surprised at first but smiled at him and told him exactly why.

“I love going here.”

For a split-second, he looked puzzled, perhaps trying to understand what that meant.

Then he put on a toothy smile, finally realizing how great his country is that the dude from Manila just can’t help but go on frequent visits.

“Enjoy your stay,” he said.

“Arigato gozaimasu,” I told him.

So here we are on our fifth trip here in the last 18 months and probably the 20th overall stretching back to 1994 when I was relatively new to this trade called sportswriting.

Lately, tourist arrivals here have been phenomenal. The numbers are simply massive.

On the plane from Manila to Kansai, there were a good number of Filipinos traveling with friends and families.

There was a time when Japan wasn’t a preferred destination for Filipinos.

It used to be expensive going here.

Not anymore.

The last few years, tourists from all over the world have been converging at the Shibuya Crossing and here in Dotonbori, enjoying anything Japanese.

The food ain’t really expensive unless you dine at the high-end restaurants in chic places.

Their fast food is superb.

Craving for tendon or that succulent beef bowl from Yoshinoya or Matsuya?

Go ahead. Don’t worry about going over budget.

For as little as 500 Japanese Yen (P194), you can get a taste of the beefy goodness of gyudon and a serving of miso soup.

If you want to splurge a bit, get the set meal for 700 Japanese Yen (P272). You’ll get a nice serving of salad and a slightly bigger bowl of gyudon that would keep you going for hours.

Tempura?

No need to worry. You can have a big bowl of rice for as little as 900 Japanese Yen (P349) and you’ll have shrimp, fish, sweet potato, eggplant, greens and a soft-boiled egg.

Feel like having a drink after all that food?

Then, head to Lawson, Family Mart or 7 Eleven and select from a wide variety of beers.

Wanna try Kirin White? Pay a measly 268 Japanese yen (P105) for a cold 500 ml can.

Longing for the Okinawa-brewed Orion Draft? Grab one for 205 Japanese Yen (P80) for a small can.

The list goes on and on and on.

And at the end of the day, you won’t regret every second of your stay here.