Japamazing! The 8 Best Things

All the pathos and irony of leaving one’s youth behind is thus implicit in every joyous moment of travel: one knows that the first joy can never be recovered, and the wise traveler learns not to repeat successes but tries new places all the time.” – Paul Fussell

8. The People

We know for a fact how respectful Japanese are. But I've never imagined how human they are. At one point of being lost, a Japanese man, in his tuxedo and a case in his hand, (probably an accountant or banker) was rushing, passing us by. Moments later, he came back, and helped us by giving directions. He was then having a hard time to speak English. Nevertheless, he helped us. This situation happened twice. Japanese are honest in earning money. When we were to ride a taxi going to the Imperial Palace, the driver told us that the location can be reached by foot. In places where there are no trash bins, expect no litter. When the bin says "Bottles Only," expect nothing from the bin but bottles. They wear masks not because their air is polluted. They wear masks because they are not feeling well and that they do not want that "feeling" to spread, to avoid others from not feeling well also. I have never felt so safe, and welcome and respected (even more than in my own country).*sigh

TOTAL JAPAN BUDGET

So sulit that I will definitely go back. Actually, I have already booked a flight to see Sakura and Mt. Fuji! Next posts will be : Kawaguchiko (Mt Fuji and Five Lakes), Suicide Forest experience, Hakone, Nagoya, and the Sakura trees! 

Osaka (Shitennoji and Dotonbori) Itinerary
Universal Studios Japan and Disney Sea Tokyo
Tokyo Itinerary
Kyoto Itinerary

Japamazing! Exploring Kyoto

The Secret Garden was what Mary called it when she was thinking of it. She liked the name, and she liked still more the feeling that when its beautiful old walls shut her in no one knew where she was. It seemed almost like being shut out of the world in some fairy place -  Frances Hodgson Burnett

Osaka (Shitennoji and Dotonbori) Itinerary

Universal Studios Japan and Disney Sea Tokyo

Tokyo Itinerary

The Best of Japan

Japamazing! Exploring Tokyo

The world unwraps itself to you, again and again as soon as you are ready to see it anew - Gregory Maguire

Osaka (Shitennoji and Dotonbori) Itinerary
Universal Studios Japan and Disney Sea Tokyo Itinerary
Tokyo Itinerary
The Best of Japan

Japamazing! Universal Studios Japan and Disney Sea

“When I examine myself and my methods of thought, I come to the conclusion that the gift of fantasy has meant more to me than any talent for abstract, positive thinking.” ― Albert Einstein

Enjoying Universal Studios Japan (Osaka)

The top favorite rides in USJ have average waiting time of 120 up to 240 minutes (2 to 4 hours). Limited number of Express passes are being sold (separate payment) at the entrance gates and it can go sold out as early as 10 am. The park opens at 10 am. The strategy to maximize the park is to experience the rides first, then go for the park photo-ops after (as this will not entail any waiting time).

For Harry Potter fans, it can be suggested that one should first get a scheduled entrance pass (the booth is inside the park, and already included in the 7,200 Yen ticket) for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter as the volume of tourists increases in the afternoon. This entrance pass is valid only once, and to re-enter, a new entrance pass should be procured. Queue for the Harry Potter-The Ride. This may eat 2 hours. Inside the Wizarding World, there are various attractions, like the sorting, buying of wand (which I experienced!), etc. There are also lots of magical shops to buy souvenirs. Experience as well drinking the famous Butterbeer (one can purchase the mug for souvenir) and tasting Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans and chocolate frogs from Honeydukes. There are also musical performances and characters roaming around the Wizarding World. 

Enjoying Disney Sea (Tokyo)

Like in USJ, the waiting time for each ride averages 2-4 hours. It is best to enjoy the rides first before having photo-ops.

Sengakuji

The temple is famous for its graveyard where the "47 Ronin" (also known as Akoroshi, the "masterless samurai from Ako") are buried. 

In March 1701, lord Asano Takuminokami of Ako (today's Hyogo Prefecture) attacked lord Kira Hozukenosuke at Edo castle. Asano lost patience after repeatedly being provoked and treated arrogantly by Kira, but failed to kill him in the attack. On the same day, Asano was sentenced to commit seppuku (ritual suicide), while Kira was not punished at all, despite the contemporary custom of punishing both parties in similar incidents. In addition, the whole Asano family was removed from power, leaving Asano's samurai without a job and a strong will to avenge their unfairly punished master.

For over one and a half year, the samurai prepared the avenge under difficult circumstances. On December 14, 1702, the remaining group of 47 ronin under their leader Oishi Kuranosuke finally succeeded to avenge their master by killing lord Kita in his mansion. Afterwards, they carried Kira's head to Sengakuji, and were later sentenced to commit seppuku. - source: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3000.html

Osaka (Shitennoji and Dotonbori) Itinerary
Tokyo Itinerary
Kyoto Itinerary
The Best of Japan

Japamazing!, Exploring Osaka (Shitennoji and Dotonbori)

"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe" - Anatole France

Places of Interest:

Shitennoji (四天王寺, Shitennōji) is one of Japan's oldest temples and the first ever to be built by the state. It was founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku, who supported the introduction of Buddhism into Japan. - source: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4011.html

Dotonbori is both a shopping haven and gastronomists' town. This place is filled with restaurants and shops. Aside from Osaka Castle, this seems to be a symbol of Osaka. 

More pictures here :)

                                          


Where I book (Hotel Shinosaka)

Ever since I started traveling, I always book my hostel using booking.com. It is convenient for me and very helpful when I do my itinerary. The site does not need any reservation fee, and can also be cancelled 2-5 days prior the reserved date, without cancellation fee. Some of the hostels require credit card information (just to secure the booking, but no charges will be made), but some need only the name and personal details of the one making the reservation. It is safe, as I have been using it since 2011 and my credit card has never compromised. 

The site can be accessed by clicking the link found within the page. 

Universal Studios Japan and Disney Sea
Tokyo Itinerary
Kyoto Itinerary
The Best of Japan

Japamazing! It started with a ... VISA (Japanese VISA Application)

It all started with a ... dream. A dream which is followed by self-commitment. Yes! I finally booked that flight to Japan! What separated that dream from reality? Of course, "VISA".

Research indeed helped me in processing my VISA application.

A filipino citizen cannot enter Japan without a valid VISA. A budget traveler who has no sponsor nor relatives in Japan, can apply for a 15-day single entry VISA.

The requirements (Mandatory) are:

Philippine Passport - must be valid (valid at least 6 months prior expiration)

Application Form - Can be accessed from this site: 

http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/visiting/consular_j/new%20visa/visa%20application%20form%202012.pdf

Photo - 4.5cm x 4.5cm with white background. This must be PASTED (not stapled) on the application form.

Birth Certificate - must be from NSO Main Office/Serbilis Outlet Center (Nationwide) issued within one (1) year

Marriage Contract (if the applicant is married) - must be from NSO Main Office/Serbilis Outlet Center (Nationwide) issued within one (1) year

Daily Schedule/Itinerary - Exactly on this format (proforma file can be downloaded from http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp):

I used the below Schedule (though I did not follow it)

Bank Certificate - BDO charges 100 pesos per copy of Bank Certificate. The important information to be included are: Opening date of the account, balance of the account as of the date of Bank certificate request (no need for the daily average balance).

Income Tax Return (Form 2316) original and photocopy

Additionally (optional), Certificate of Employment and Certificate of Leave of Absence can be submitted together with the mandatory documents.

Validity of Documents is three (3) month from the date of issue.

Reference: http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/visiting/new%20visa/tourism.htm

Japan Visa can only be applied through accredited agencies. I applied mine through Friendship Tours for only 1,200 pesos. Their office is located at 3F Dusit Thani Manila Ayala Center Makati city Philippines. They are open from Mondays to Saturdays. Other information are available from their site: http://www.visa.friendshipmanila.com/

My Profile:

Provided all the mandatory documents and the optional ones like COE and Certificate of Leave of Absence.

Bank Certificate Balance: 75,000 pesos, account opened 2011

ITR - Annual Income not less than 500K

COE - Employer is an investment bank, employed since Sept 2012.

Got my VISA after two days!

My Ever Dearest, Singapore

Singapore Suggested Itinerary with Budget

For maps, click here
For more pictures, click here
For Kuala Lumpur itinerary, click here
For Melaka itinerary, click here
For Penang itinerary, click here