It has been a while friends and I am finally sharing with you some of my experiences in Japan.
I’m sure you’ve come across a photo of your friend, colleague or relative in Japan through social media. And this may have convinced you to go too, right? I know that feeling. By the time you’re reading this, I hope you’re already planning your trip, or at least contemplating by now.
My first trip lasted 2 weeks. But really, when you’re having fun time flies very fast. There were still so much more to explore. Everyone who’s been there fell in love with the country. And I am no different from them. I in fact just came back from my second trip, 7 months after my first visit. Surely, you’ll also feel the same way.
To help you on your first Japan trip, here are the things I think you should know. Enjoy reading.
Secure a visa
Contrary to the old days, getting a visa to Japan for Philippine passport holders is now easy. And, you can process it yourself.
Let me share with you how I did it in 3 steps.
Step 1
I gathered the following requirements;
- passport in good condition, valid for at least 6 months prior to my intended visit and with at least 2 blank pages available
- neatly filled application form with photo pasted on it
- itinerary
- birth certificate
- marriage certificate (if traveling with spouse)
- bank certificate
- photocopy of latest income tax return (form 2316 or 1701) as a proof of income
Step 2
I submitted them personally to Reli Tours and Travel Company in Megamall. You may check other accredited agencies of Japan Embassy that is near you. After the staff verified and received my documents, I paid a processing fee of PHP 950 in cash as it is the only mode of payment accepted. I kept the receipt to show it upon claiming my passport. As early as 3 days after my application, I received a text message.
Step 3
Visa granted!
More details to know:
- When you go to a photo shop, just tell them it’s for Japan visa. Write your name and birthday at the back of the picture before pasting it on the application form.
- On my first application, I downloaded and filled up the form. When I reached Reli Tours, the staff asked me to fill up again using their application form. So that the second time around, I decided to just get the form directly from them and filled it up right there hand written. Don’t leave any question or detail unanswered. Write N/A (not applicable) if necessary.
- You don’t need to prepare a detailed itinerary. Just a daily schedule on your whereabouts will do.
- Birth certificate and marriage certificate should be original from Philippine Statistics Authority (previously NSO) issued not later than one year. Neither is required if you’ve been issued Japan visa before.
- Bank certificate should also be recent and should have a balance of at least the cost of your intended trip. Ideally, you should have this amount for at least 6 months because it’s this period that will be reflected in the certificate. Don’t deposit huge amount in the account suddenly as it will raise a suspicion by the one reviewing your application.
- The ITR as a proof of income will guarantee that you’ll return to the Philippines. If unavailable, it can be in the form of certificate of employment, approved leave of absence, or your travel history as shown in your passport.
- Make sure all requirements are original copies unless otherwise specified.
- If you’ll go through a non-accredited travel agency, it’s fine but you’ll surely be paying at least a thousand peso more and waiting period is longer.
- Because approval of the visa is upon the discretion of the embassy, getting a plane ticket or hotel accommodation ahead is not advised. But, from my experience I did both. Thank goodness my visa was granted. Or else, I wouldn’t know what to do. Hahahah.
- Generally, Japan embassy issues single entry visa on your first application. For your second time, you may request for a multiple entry visa. Ask for the form and fill it up. It’s easy. Put a check on the choices why you want a multiple entry visa. At the bottom you write your detailed reason/s to convince the embassy.
Buy a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)
If you’re going to Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto or other cities, getting a JR pass is worth it. The Shinkansen (Japanese Bullet Train) is the most efficient way to get to and from Tokyo. It can also be used around Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. Make sure to get it before your trip as it is a lot cheaper than buying it in Japan. Yes, you read it right. You can now purchase the pass in Japan, but still exclusive for foreign tourists. Choose from 7-day, 14-day, or 21-day (consecutive) pass. If you buy it in the Philippines (in your country), you need to show your Japan visa then you’ll be given an exchange order which you’ll exchange for the pass once you’re in Japan. I bought my pass from Reli Tours.
Update: You may now purchase the pass through Klook.
In Narita Airport, you can exchange it in the JR East Travel Center (office) located at basement 1. While in Haneda Airport, the office is found outside the arrival hall near the entrance of the monorail. Mind you that it can’t be used for travel on Nozomi and Mizuho trains (the super, super fast trains).
Stay connected
If you’re staying in an Airbnb, most hosts provide pocket Wifi for free. Staying connected will be useful specially in navigation without worrying about the phone bill when you get back home.
We stayed in 2 hotels in Tokyo on my second trip, Shibuya Granbell Hotel and Premier Cabin Shinjuku. Both hotels provide smart phone with data connection. I’m not sure how well it works, because I bought a 4G sim card with unlimited data for 8 days through Klook for only PHP 1,601 (USD 29.92). I really recommend you do the same instead of carrying wifi device. Getting a sim is hassle free. You’ll enjoy the same fast connection like the locals. As for the handy phone, I’ve tried one during my latest Hong Kong trip that was also provided by the hotel. Personally, I’m not comfortable when it’s not my phone. And, it’s an addition to my already heavy handbag.
Download Google Translate app
Most restaurants don’t have English menu and most Japanese don’t speak English as well. Everything you buy is also in Japanese characters. You’ll find yourself clueless at times. Thank goodness Google Translate was there to guide us. The translation is grammatically challenging but you’ll get a hang of it. You can download the application for free. Good luck.
Find out if you need to book things in advance
Some popular restaurants need reservation ahead of time. Just like the Robot restaurant in Shinjuku. It was a quick and easy reservation I made through Klook. You may also ask your hotel reception for assistance like what we did in Gonpachi. Be very careful as well when making a reservation as a restaurant may have a lot of branches just like Ichiran Ramen. My friend did the reservation online only to find out that it was in a different location. Because they went early (for the supposed schedule), they were able to get seats as walk in guests.
Treat yourself a drink
I’m so used to free house water in the Philippines regardless of the season. It’s more of saving my health than saving money <defensive> you know. Anyway, in Japan you need to buy your drink. Some restaurants even require you to order a drink even if you brought your own water. This was autumn. But during the summer, free water is over flowing. We didn’t need to ask. It’s immediately served once you get seated. Fair enough, right.
Forget the tip
I like this part. Tipping is not practiced in Japan. It’s considered a rude attitude. So don’t even try. Wohoo.
Relax in the toilet
Everywhere in Japan is clean including public toilets. For no additional fee you can enjoy a toilet equipped with unlimited tissue rolls, undiluted hand soap, and of course their ever ‘techy’ toilet seats which they’ve been famous for. Everything is push button. You can customize the temperature of the seat and the water. You can also choose how you want to be washed. There’s a button where you can play a sound to distract your neighbor and not to hear you *** (whatever).
Also in Japan, toilet paper is water soluble. So it is thrown directly in the toilet bowl. The extra small bin is for other trash like sanitary goods, diaper, and other kinds of paper.
Use the tray
When paying, always place the money on the tray provided since disregarding it is somewhat rude.
Don’t eat or drink
In public places specially when walking or in the train, eating or drinking is frowned upon.
Avoid noise
Also when in the train, avoid talking. Japanese people are soft spoken. No matter how busy it is in some parts of Tokyo, you’ll never encounter a noise.
Plenty of outlets
You won’t run out of battery. Most of us rely on our phone for the camera, hence it would easily consume battery life. When in a Shinkansen or a bus for an out-of-Tokyo trip, electric outlet beside the seat is provided. I still recommed though that you bring your power bank for that last resort kind of situation.
It is safe
Overall, Japan is safe. I didn’t have to worry about my backpack. In other countries, I avoid using backpack because of my fear of getting pick pocketed. There are no security guards either. You can go in and out of a shop without your bag being checked. It’s really hassle free. I even saw school children take the train by themselves. When hubby allows me to travel alone (still on my bucket list), I’ll do it first in Japan.
That’s about it. I hope you learned something from this post. Let me know in the comments if you have anything to add.
Thank you for reading and enjoy your trip!
With love,
Sugar
Wondering on how to go about your trip? This might help you – Tokyo Travel Guide
