Anyone who has been to Japan
has nothing but praises. The people,
culture, sites, landmarks and the cuisine are flawless as they say. As early as my childhood years, I have been
hoping to visit the Land of the Rising Sun and currently even considered
settling there for good.
Visiting and much more
living in Japan is only for the wealthy.
Such statement has been inculcated in my mind as others speak of travel expenses. Not until a seat sale came and I immediately
grabbed the opportunity along with a good friend based in New York City.
Travel period? It was my birth month – the month of
September.
An early morning flight it
was.
The rising sun will be a
sight to behold for me literally. It
would be a day like no other (cliché sounding).
I have never slept for almost 24 hours and there I was at the airport
anxious and waiting to be on board.
Contrary to anticipated delayed flights due to flight cancellations and
rerouting on account of a typhoon that passed by the Philippines the day before,
our flight departed on time.
 |
| my first sight of Japan |
NARITA (TOKYO) INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Ohayo Gozaimasou! I wanted to shout and greet everyone in Nihonggo at the Narita Airport as we
disembarked. Exaggerated as it may
sound, but it was a fleeting moment for me – a realization of a dream.
As I wait for my travel
companion, coming from New York City, I strolled around converting the airport
into a park. Surrounded by varied
nationals, the overused surreal feeling emanated.
To make the vacation even
more efficient the next time around, a lot of lessons learned need to be placed
in the proper perspective. Thus,
planning is indeed vital and though I don’t usually make travel guides, the
succeeding may be of help.
ESSENTIAL THINGS TO DO AT THE AIRPORT:
a. Go to the Japan Rail Pass
Exchange Office. To obtain the Japan
Rail Pass, the Exchange Order must be turned in. Note
that a Japan Rail Pass cannot be purchased inside Japan.
The Exchange Order can be purchased online or
through the following accredited sales offices and agents: JTB Corp., Nippon
Travel Agency, Kintetsu International, Toptour Corporation, Japan Airlines, All
Nippon Airways, JALPAK and other associated agencies. It is further available only in: Asia, North America, Europe, Central and
South America, Oceania, Middle East and Africa.
Rates for the JR Pass as of 1 September 2014 are as
follows:
Type:
|
Green
|
Ordinary
|
||
Duration
|
Adult
|
Child
|
Adult
|
Child
|
7-day
|
38,880 YEN
|
19,440 YEN
|
29,110 YEN
|
14,550 YEN
|
14-day
|
62,950 YEN
|
31,470 YEN
|
46,390 YEN
|
23,190 YEN
|
21-day
|
81,870 YEN
|
40,930 YEN
|
59,350 YEN
|
29,670 YEN
|
There are two types of JR Pass. The green ones refer to the superior-class
green cars. In our case, we opted for
the 7-day ordinary JR Pass.
Honestly, the rates may look expensive. But this is the most economical way to stroll
around Japan. You would regret if you
purchase the JR tickets in Japan once you know how much it costs hopping from
one destination to another (especially from Tokyo to Osaka).
Note also that within three (3) months from the date
the exchange order was issued, the same must be turned in to obtain the Japan
Rail Pass. The passport needs to be
presented and a date should be specified as the start date for the pass. Once decided, it can no longer be changed.
b. Have your money changed in
Yen (Japan’s local currency) at a nearby foreign currency exchange center. Rates can be quite competitive amongst currency exchange centers, but it would be advisable to have them changed even
at the airport in order not to disrupt your intended itinerary - looking for
ATM machines, Post Office and foreign currency exchange center within the city.
Note that if
you are holding an HSBC Account – whatever type (savings, deposit or credit
card), there are no machines available in Japan. Online transactions can be made through the
use of the credit card but cash advance is not allowed. I speak from my own experience (speaking of
hassle! – it really pays to do advance research which I failed obviously)
As for foreign
issued ATM Cards, we can withdraw at any Post Office and only at 7 Eleven convenience store, Automated
Teller Machines (ATMs).
c. Rent a pocket Wifi
(optional). In this day and age where wireless internet connection becomes a
necessity, if you are on a short-term visit to Japan, it would be advisable to
rent a pocket wifi for an unlimited usage for a week. Mobile phones are
likewise available for rent. Booths are available at the airport.
In our case, we availed of the services of
XComGlobal. What are the
advantages? There are no roaming fees
and the cheapest as compared to other international carrier’s phone service
($14.00 per day). Since cost will be
divided, it was a lot cheaper as compared if I availed of the international roaming service
of my local service provider.
d. Have your luggage delivered
to your hotel (optional). There are
booths available at the airport as well for such service though we did not avail
one to be able to save money as well.
e. Download Hyperdia on your smartphone. This is the most efficient and helpful guide to know the routes and fare of the complex railway system of Japan.
e. Download Hyperdia on your smartphone. This is the most efficient and helpful guide to know the routes and fare of the complex railway system of Japan.
But before strolling at the airport, we Filipinos need to hurdle the visa application. With the leniency that the Government of Japan has extended, as long as documentary requirements for visa application are complete, then, the dream of wandering in Japan becomes feasible.
VISA APPLICATION
With the assistance of Viaje
Holidays Travel Services (Unit 2-C Door
#3 2nd Floor LY Bldg. Marasbaras, Tacloban City) courtesy of Ms.
Donna A. Batan (+639173049845), I got my Visa after two (2) days from
submission of documents at Reli Tours – SM MOA.
Documentary Requirements:
1. Philippine Passport – broken lamination of the photo part is not accepted. Must have signature and must have at least two (2) blank pages.
2. Downloadable Visa Application Form
3. Photo – 4.5cm x 4.5cm with white background and pasted on the application form
4. Birth Certificate of applicant
5. Marriage Contract (for married applicants)
Note: For (4) and (5), it
must be issued by the NSO Main Office within one (1) year. In case of non-record, submit certificate of
non-record together with the one from the Local Civil Registrar.
Exemption: if the applicant
has his/her passport (old/valid) with a used Japanese Visa.
6. Daily schedule in Japan (Taizai Nitteihyo)
7. (if visiting friend)
Documents or photos to prove relationship
8. Invitation Letter from
Guarantor in Japan – with downloadable format and must have handwritten
signature. This is not applicable for
package tours
9. Bank Certificate
10. Income
Tax Return (Form 2316)
Note:
(9) and (10) not required for applicants eligible for multiple entry
11. Residence Certificate (Juminhyo) – applicable if guarantor is Japanese
12. Foreign Registration Certificate from City Hall – applicable if guarantor in Japan is not Japanese and if guarantor shoulders any part of living/travel expenses
13. Guarantee Letter (Mimoto Hoshosho)
14. Income Certificate from City Hall (Shotoku Shomeisho), Tax Return Certificate (Nouzeishomeisho: form2), Bank Certificate or Kakuteishinkokusho Hikae (Yokin Zandaka Shomeisho)
11. Residence Certificate (Juminhyo) – applicable if guarantor is Japanese
12. Foreign Registration Certificate from City Hall – applicable if guarantor in Japan is not Japanese and if guarantor shoulders any part of living/travel expenses
13. Guarantee Letter (Mimoto Hoshosho)
14. Income Certificate from City Hall (Shotoku Shomeisho), Tax Return Certificate (Nouzeishomeisho: form2), Bank Certificate or Kakuteishinkokusho Hikae (Yokin Zandaka Shomeisho)
Armed with all the
necessities, then we’re off to explore The Land of the Rising Sun – Japan it
is!
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