Autisticjen

7 days Japan itinerary for first time traveler: Osaka-Kyoto-Hakone-Tokyo

Japan has a lot of things to offer for first-time visitors. You’re probably wondering when is the best time to go to Japan, what destinations to visit while you’re there, and how to get around. We visited Japan in an autumn season. Here, I will share the perfect Japan itinerary for the first-time traveller in 7 days.

We purchased 7 days JR Pass a day before our flight as we read JR Pass is convenient to travel around Japan but we didn’t realize that most of the trains/subway going to the places that we want to visit weren’t accepting JR Pass. Anyway, we used our pass in shinkansen bullet trains.

I recommend Suica instead.

DAY 1: OSAKA

5:10 PM: Arrive in Osaka

We collected our JR Pass at the airport. We also rented wifi for the whole duration of the trip for us to access google maps to avoid getting lost in the city.

How to get to the Hotel:

From KIX take the Haruka to Shin-Osaka station a journey of about one hour.
At Shin-Osaka, transfer to a local train to Shinsaibashi station.
From Shinsaibashi station walk approximately 500m to the Hotel.

Fares:

KIX to Shin-Osaka: with JR Pass free of charge
Shin-Osaka to Shinsaibashi: 230 yen

8:00 PM: Check-in at Nest Hotel Shinsaibashi

15 minutes walk from Hotel to Dotonbori area

9:00 PM: Stroll around Dotonbori Area and had our yakiniku dinner at Sexmachine. (i recommend this restaurant for awesome food, great atmosphere, good service and friendly staff.

Midnight: back to the hotel and rest.

DAY 2: OSAKA

7:00 AM: Breakfast

Osaka Castle

How to get there:

From Hotel 3 minutes walk to Nagahoribashi Station then take Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line going to Osaka Business Park station approximately 10 minutes travel time.
about 20 minutes walk from OBP to Osaka Castle Park.

FARE: 230 yen

Timing: 9-5PM

Entrance Fee: 600 yen

Universal Studios Japan

How to get there:

From Osaka Castle 20 minutes walk to Morinomiya station then take Osaka Loop line going to Nishikujo Station
Get off the train then take Sakurajima Line going to Universal City Station follow the crowd to Universal Studios.

Fare: JR Pass free of charge

Timing: 8:30 AM- 9:30 PM (timing may differ depending on the date. Please check their official website

Entrance Fee: 7,400 yen (Prices may differ depending on the date)

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Universal Studios Japan

9:00 PM: Dinner in Zunduoya (the best ramen in Osaka)

11:00 PM: Back to the hotel and rest

DAY 3: KYOTO

7:00 AM: Breakfast

9:00 AM: Check out and head to Kyoto

From the hotel walk to Nagahoribashi Station then take Sakaisuji Line going to Awaji station.
Get off from Awaji station then jump off to Hankyu-Kyoto Line going to Karasuma Station. Walkabout 7 minutes to Hotel.

Fare: 630 yen

11:00 AM: Check-in at Smile Hotel Kyoto Shijo

Arashiyama

How to get there:

travel to Arashiyama from the hotel. walk approximately 10 minutes from the hotel to Karasuma Station take Hankyu-Kyoto Line going to Katsura Station
Change to Hankyu-Arashiyama Line going to Arashiyama Station.

Fare: 230 yen

Timings:

Arashiyama Bamboo: 24hrs/day
Kameyama-Koen park: 24hrs/day
Tenryuji temple: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Nonomiya Shrine: 9 AM – PM
Togetsu-Kobashi Bridge: 24hrs/day

Entrance Fees:

Arashiyama bamboo: 500 yen
Tenryu-ji Temple: 500 yen
Kameyama-Koen park: 550 yen
Nonomiya Shrine: Free
Togetsu-Kobashi Bridge: Free

Roam around Arashiyama shopping street, Monomiya shrine and Arashiyama Togetsu-Kobashi Bridge

taxi to Kinkakuji (it’s raining that time that’s why we took taxi)

Kinkakuji Temple

Timing: 9 AM – 5 PM

Entrance Fee: 400 yen

5:30 PM: Head back to Hotel

7:00 PM: explore the city/mall/dinner

10:00 PM: Back to Hotel and rest

DAY 4: KYOTO

8:00 AM: Breakfast

Fushimi Inari

How to get there:

From the hotel, walk to Shijohorkawa Bus stop take Shiei 9 going to Kyoto Ekimae Bus stop
From Ekimae Bus stop proceed to Kyoto Station take Nara Line going to Inari Station.

FARE:

Nara Line- JR Pass free of charge
Shijohorkawa to Kyoto Ekimae: 230 yen

Timing: 24hrs/day

Fee: Free

Kiyomizu-Dera

How to get there:

From Inari walk to Inari station take Nara Line going to Tofukuji Station
From Tofukuji station walk to Tofukuji Bus stop and take Shiei 207 going to Gojozaka Bus stop
From Gojozaka Bus stop walk going to Kiyomizu-Dera approximately 15 to 20minutes walking.

FARE:

Nara Line- JR Pass free of charge
Tofukuji Bus stop to Gojozaka Bus stop: 230 yen

Timing: 6 AM to 6 PM

Entrance Fee: 300 yen

Nishiki Market

How to get there:

From Kiyomizu-Dera walk to Kiyomizu-Gojō Station take Keihan Main Line going to Gion-Shijo Station then walk to Nishiki Market

Timing: 9:30 AM – 6 PM

Entrance Fee: Free

Nishiki Market – a foodie heaven with all kinds of mouth watering snacks

10 minutes walk to pontocho alley

6:00 PM: Pontocho Alley

Pontocho Alley – one of the most atmospheric street in Kyoto

9:00 PM: Back to Hotel and rest

DAY 5: HAKONE

7:00 AM: Breakfast

8:00 AM: Check out head to Hakone

How to get there:

From hotel walk to Shijo Station take Karasuma Line going to Kyoto station.
From Kyoto station take Hikari Shinkansen going to Odawara station a journey of about two hours
From Odawara Station take the bus going to Kowakien Bus Stop. 3mins walk to the hotel.

Fare:

Shijo Station to Kyoto Station: 220 yen
Kyoto station to Odawara: JR Pass free of charge

12 Noon: Check-in at Hakone Hotel Kowakien

12:30 PM: Hakone Ropeway thru Sounzan Station

How to get there:

From Kowakien Bus stop take a bus going to Kamigorairiguchi Bus stop then walk to Sounzan Station.

Fare: 200 yen

1:00 PM: Owakudani Station for a volcanic zone with Sulfurous vapours and Black Eggs experience

Fare from Sounzan Station to:

Owakudani Station: 840 yen

Togendai Station: 1370 yen

Black Egg (5 eggs for 500 yen) – eating one is said to add seven years to your life

2:30 PM: Hakone sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi

about an hour roundtrip cruise on the lake Ashi from Togendai port.

Fare: Roundtrip cruise: 1,930 yen

4:00 PM: Back to Hotel

6:00 PM: Dinner

9:00 PM: Experience the Onsen bath in the hotel

10:00 PM: Rest

DAY 6: TOKYO

7:00 AM: Breakfast

8:00 AM: Check out head to Tokyo

How to get there:

From Kowakien Bus stop take a bus going to Odawara Station
From Odawara station take Kodama Shinkansen going to Tokyo station
From Tokyo station transfer to Marunouchi Line going to Ginza Station.
approximately 10 minutes walk from Ginza station to the hotel.

Fare:

Kowakien to Odawara: 850 yen
Odawara to Tokyo: JR pass free of charge
Tokyo to Ginza: 170 yen

11:00 AM: Check-in at Ginza Bay Hotel (Capsule Hotel)

Shibuya crossing and Hachiko statue

Getting to Shibuya:

From Shinbashi station take Ginza Line going to Shibuya station
3 minutes walk to Shibuya crossing and Hachiko statue

Fare: 200 yen

Timing: 24hrs/day

Entrance Fee: Free

Shibuya Crossing- one of the busiest crossing in the world

Odaiba

Getting to Odaiba

from Shibuya station take Ginza Line going to Shimbashi Station.
from Shimbashi station transfer to Yurikamome going to Daiba station.
From Daiba station 5 minutes walk to Odaiba Statue of Liberty Replica

Fare: 500 yen

Timings:

Odaiba Statue of Liberty replica: 24hrs/day
DiverCity Tokyo Plaza: 10 AM – 9 PM
Fuji TV Building: 10 AM – 6 PM
Museum of Maritime Science: 10 AM – 5 PM (closed every Saturday)
Rainbow bridge Tokyo: 10 AM – 6 PM

Entrance Fee:

Odaiba Statue of Liberty replica: Free
DiverCity Tokyo Plaza: 1,200 yen
Fuji TV Building: Free
Museum of Maritime Science: Free
Rainbow bridge Tokyo: Free

Odaiba Statue of Liberty and Rainbow Bridge

Akibahara

Getting there:

from Daiba station take Yurikamome going to Shimbashi station.
from Shimbashi station Keihintohoku Line going to akibahara station

Fare:

Daiba to Shimbashi: 330 yen
Shimbashi to Akibahara: JR Pass free of charge

Timing: 24hrs/day

Entrance Fee: Free

**Akibahara- District for electronic and otaku goods**

Asakusa

Getting there:

from Akibahara station take Tsukuba Express going to Asakusa station.

Fare: 210 yen

Timings:

Kaminarimon (Kaminari Gate): 24hrs/day
Sensoji Temple: 6 AM – 5 PM
Asakusa Shrine: 24hrs/day
Nakamise Shopping Street: 10 AM – 5 PM

Entrance Fee:

Kaminarimon (Kaminari Gate): Free
Sensoji Temple: 1000 yen
Asakusa Shrine: Free
Nakamise Shopping Street: Free

Roponggi – we had our dinner at Ichiran one of the most popular Ramen chain restaurants.

Getting there:

from Asakusa station take Ginza Line going to Ginza station
from Ginza station take Hibiya line going to Roppongi Station.

Timings: 11 AM – 6 AM

11:30 PM: Back to Hotel and rest

DAY 7: TOKYO

8:00 AM: Breakfast

9:00 AM: Check out but we leave our bag in the hotel for safekeeping as our flight is at 12 midnight

Imperial Palace

Getting there:

from Ginza station take Ginza Line going to Nihombashi Station.
from Nihombashi Station take Tozai Line going to Takebashi Station
3-5 minutes walk to the East Garden of Imperial Palace

Fare: 170 yen

Timing: 9 AM – 5 PM

Entrance Fee: Free

Zojo-Ji Temple

Getting there:

From Takebashi station take Tozai Line going to Nihombashi station
from Nihombashi station take Asakusa line going to Daimon Station.
minutes walk to Zojo-ji Temple

Fare: 280 yen

Timings:

Zojo-Ji Temple: 9 AM – 5 PM
Tokyo Tower: 9 AM – 11 PM

Entrance Fee:

Zojo-Ji Temple: Free
Tokyo Tower: 900 yen

Tokyo Skytree

from Tokyo Tower 15 minutes walk to Daimon Station.
from Daimon station take Asakusa Line going to Oshiage station “sky tree”
10 minutes walk to Tokyo Skytree

Fare: 220 yen

Timing: 8 AM – 9 PM

Entrance Fee: 2100 yen

5:30 PM: Back to Asakusa and Don Quijote for souvenir

from Oshiage station take Asakusa Line going to Asakusa station

7:00 PM: Back to the hotel to pick up our luggage

10 minutes walk to Higashi-Ginza station
From Higashi-Ginza station take Asakusa Line going to Haneda Airport.

Fare: 460 yen

8:00 PM: Airport to catch our 12:30AM flight back to Dubai.

HOW TO APPLY AN SCHENGEN TOURIST VISA IN DUBAI

***whoah! got my 3 months Multiple Entry Schengen Visa in 2 days!***

Dreaming to go on a trip to Europe? keen on skiing in the Alps or see the Eiffel Tower in the city of love. How about sipping gluhwein at 3883 meters altitude on the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise or maybe visit Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland. Don’t get excited yet, hold on from packing your things up as you will need to apply for a Schengen visa first.

What is Schengen Visa?
Schengen is a mutual agreement on eliminating border checks between certain countries of the European Union. A Schengen Visa is a short-stay up to 90 days of tourism or business purposes, it allows you to travel or pass freely across countries or transit through international transit areas without any border controls of the Schengen States.

Schengen area consists of 26 states. The 26 Schengen countries are;

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Here I will share how I applied and got my approved Schengen tourist visa;

PRAY, have FAITH and CLAIM IT!

Step by step guide in processing a Schengen tourist visa in Dubai;

The first step to do is to basically have to make up your mind which country would you want to visit. If you already have an itinerary in mind the better as it will help you to decide which Embassy you’ll be applying for your visa. Since my point of Entry/Exit is Lyon and will staying longer in France, I applied for Schengen visa for France.

The second step is to schedule an appointment. You can schedule your appointment online thru VFS Global website then select the country you’re planning to visit. Once you’ve done so, you may proceed on preparing the supporting documents needed for your visa application. It is recommended that your appointment be set as early as possible since the earlier schedule you get, the better. It means you’ll have more time for the visa application process.

Please note that not all the European countries are being handled by VFS.

Below are the example;

Italy – Cox & Kings Global Services

Spain – BLS International

Please be guided accordingly.

The third step you may start preparing the necessary supporting documents for your visa application.

Documents required for Schengen Visa Applications for Tourism purposes:

Fill out an application form– since I am applying for a Schengen visa for France I choose France from the VFS global website to get an application form.
Original Passport and photocopy of the Passport- (at least 3 months valid from the date of travel issued within the previous 10 years) and must contain at least 2 consecutive blank pages.
Original and Photocopy of Residence visa– Residence visa must be valid for at least 3 months after the intended date of departure from the Schengen Area.
Photocopies of your previous Schengen visas -(if any). I also photocopied all visa and immigration stamps for all of my travel as additional supporting documents.
Two recent passport photo with a white background– (not older than 6 months). The photos need to display a full frontal view of the face with neutral face expression (no smiling) Both photos should be 35mm in width and 45 mm in height. About 70-80% part of the photo must be filled by the applicant’s face, with an acceptable face height of 32-36 mm including hairstyle.
Cover Letter– stating the purpose of a visit to the chosen country and itinerary

Documents to prove the ability to pay for travel expenses;

Medical Insurance for travel– Covering the entire period of intended stay, valid for all Schengen States. it must cover any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent health attention and/or emergency hospital treatment or death. With a minimum coverage of at least 30,000 EUR.
Confirmed flight tickets.
Proof of Accommodation reservation
Copy of bank statement– must need last 6 months bank statements to prove that you are financially capable of supporting yourself for the period of your stay . I also attached my 3 months payslip.

(Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay. when applying for France Visa must be ably attesting to the France Embassy or Consulate possessing the daily money amount of 120€ if holding no proof of prepaid accommodation. If the applicant has a prepaid hotel, then this amount reduces to 65€/daily for the period of covered hotel accommodation, while the rest is 120€. Also, in case the applicant proofs cheaper forms of accommodation the amount decreases to 32.25€/ day)

Source: http://www.schengenvisainfo.com

Certificate of Employment or Salary Certificate – must indicate the position, monthly salary and leave period of the applicant to be stated. (Dated within the 4 week period immediately prior to your application date)
I also attached NOC (No Objection Certificate) from my company and a copy of my approved Leave application.

The fourth step is to visit VFS Global Office along with your confirmed appointment letter and submit all necessary documents to the specific VFS office country of your destination. (Schengen visa for France address written below)

Wafi Mall
Level 2, Falcon, Phase 2
Umm Hurair 2, Dubai, UAE
+971-4-2055999
Email: info.franceuae@vfshelpline.com
Website: http://www.vfsglobal.com/france/uae/

The VFS Global staff will check if your requirements are all in order and they will also get your biometrics at the same time (fingerprints and photo). Once done, they will give you a receipt attached to one of your passport copies which you must keep with you will need this when you collect your passport.

Schengen Visa Fees:

Adult- 60€
Child between 6-12 years of age- 35€
VFS Service fee -AED100
VFS SMS service – AED5
VFS courier service – AED30

I recommend you to pay for the SMS service so you’ll be able to keep track of what’s happening with your application.

The final step is to wait for your visa approval stamp. I got my approved visa after 2 days. They normally advise that it will take about 15 working days on some cases (off-peak season) for the visa to be released.

Whoah!! Europe here I come!

How to apply an Indian e-Visa for Filipino

whoah! Got my double entries granted e-visa within 24hrs.

Taj Mahal in India is one of my bucket lists to visit. I am fascinated by how the mausoleum built and interested in the love story behind it as it is also known as the Monument of love. Since, I’m interested not only in the Taj Mahal but also in Indian culture, cuisine and other tourist attractions, I have decided to visit India to experience, try their food, learn their culture and to cross out one of my bucket lists. Here I will share how I applied and got my approved e-Visa to India;

PRAY, have FAITH and CLAIM IT!

First, prepare the following requirements needed in applying E-visa online

Scan your Passport bio page in pdf format. Size should be minimum of a 10KB maximum of 300KB.
Scan your 2×2 Photograph in jpeg format. Size should be 10KB to 1MB with a minimum of 350 pixels both dimensions
Payment ( $80 for visa + 2.5% banking charge = $82)

Continue reading “How to apply an Indian e-Visa for Filipino”

HOW TO APPLY AN IRISH VISA FOR FILIPINO RESIDING IN DUBAI

yipeeee! i got 1 year multi visa to Ireland!

Fancy about Irish accent? Keen to witness the beauty of Ireland? Wanted to experience the unpredictable weather or maybe wanted to meet friendly Irish people? Sure after you experience all of that, visiting Ireland would be your CUP OF TEA!

I just want to share how I successfully got my 1 year multiple entries Tourist/Visit Irish Visa;

PRAY, have FAITH and CLAIM IT!

First, you need to do online Visa application, I recommendthat your Passport and details of any previous passports – number, date ofissue/expiry, details of any previous Irish visa applications is ready with youlike the first part of the questions are about your passport details.

You can download the application form here:

During the application process, you can save your application, just make sure that you note down your application ID. Exit the online form and return later to complete it (within 30 days).

Then, prepare the following required documents that you need to submit to your Tourist/Visit Visa application:

Passport (at least 6 months valid from the date of travel)and must contain 2 empty visa pages.
Copy of Passport bio page, all visa & immigration stamps for all travel including UAE residence visa page
Visa Application Form (please don’t leave any blank,just put N/A if not applicable and double check if everything you wrote in the form is correct)
2 recent passport-size Photograph showing full face with white background (35mm x 45mm with the head centered in the frame. The Head measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin should measure at least 30 mm)

Documents to prove the ability to pay for travel expenses;

Copy of Bank Statement – must need last 6 months bank statement to prove that you are financially capable of supporting yourself for the period of your stay in Ireland. (I also attached my 3 mos. Pay slip)
Certificate of Employment or Salary Certificate- must indicate the position, monthly salary and leave period of the applicant to be stated. (Dated within the 4 week period immediately prior to your application date)
I also attached NOC (No Objection Certificate) from my Company and a copy of my approved Leave application
Travel Insurance
Invitation Letter if any or Cover Letter indicating the reason for your travel to Ireland

Since my boyfriend is an Irish National, he made a letter of invitation, inviting me to celebrate Christmas and New Year with his family. He also mentioned in his letter our other plans of visit in Ireland for the next year and a guarantee letter that he will take responsibility while I am in their home country.

I also attached his Passport, Visa and Emirates ID copy along with his letter.

Once all the requirements are completed, login with your application ID online, double check all the details if correct and submit your application. Print your application form and obtain your signature.

You can now submit your Visa application along with your requirements in your preferred date.

You may book an appointment at a visa application centre or you can walk-in during the submission times.

Where to apply:

VFS 
Wafi Mall, Level 2
Falcon, Phase 2,
Umm Hurair 2, Dubai, UAE

Please note that the Visa application submission is onlyfrom 9 am to 3 pm and for the collection of passport is from 4 pm to 5 pm only.Sunday to Thursday. Please check first their list of holidays before going.

Helpline: +97142055912

You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before your preferred travel date to Ireland.

Visa Fees:

Single Entry: AED270

Multiple Entry: AED450

VFS Service Fee: AED180

Premium: AED945 (including the Multiple entry Visa fee,courier service and SMS fee to update you in your visa processing, water,coffee while waiting)

Please note that they’re accepting cash only. So prepare your payment by cash.

After 10 days, I received my Passport copy with 1 year multi entry visa stamp to Ireland.

Note: This is my second approved visa to Ireland, the first one i applied before directly in the Irish Consulate.

How to apply Japan Visa for Filipino residing in Dubai

Planning to visit the land of the rising sun? imagining you’re in the middle of cherry blossoms, eating black egg with the view of Mt.Fuji or soaking yourself in an Onsen bath. Wondering how to get a Japan Visa especially if you’re living in Dubai?

I wanted to share you how I successfully got my 15 days tourist visit Japan visa.

First: PRAY, have FAITH and CLAIM IT!

Prepare the following required documents that you need to submit in your Tourist Visa application:

Passport (with more than 2 blank visa pages, at least 6 months remaining validity)
Copy of Passport (including UAE residence visa page)
Visa Application Form (please don’t leave any blank, just put N\A if not applicable and double check if everything you write in the form are correct)

You can download the application form here http://www.uae.emb-japan.go.jp/application%20form.pdf

Photo (1 recent clear photo taken within 6months, size should be 4.5cm x 4.5cm (2×2) with white background and it must be pasted on the application form. Please do not staple or else they will not accept it.
Copy of confirmation for Flight Booking (if you dont have credit card you can book your ticket to any travel agencies near in your place.)
Copy of confirmation of Accomodation ( i booked my accomodation in booking.com, lots of hotel accomodation offers free cancellation of booking so you can cancel the previous booking and choose again if you find a cheaper one and it is free of charge. However, you can book your hotel through travel agencies if you dont have credit card).

Schedule of stay in Japan or Travel Itinerary (you can also check my schedule of stay below for your reference.

you can download the template here http://www.dubai.uae.emb-japan.go.jp/visa_j/visadocument/schedule_of_stay_eng.pdf

Documents to prove ability to pay for travel expenses;

Certificate of Employment- must indicate the position, monthly salary and leave period of applicant to be stated.
Copy of Bank Statement- must need last 3 months bank statement to show that you are financially capable of supporting yourself for the period of of your stay in Japan.

Proof of current Address (Etisalat or Du landline bills or DEWA bills etc. even if it’s not under your name it is ok. I dont think it is mandatory because they only check mine but didn’t collect it. But better to provide to be sure.

For those who will get short term business visa or visit visa purposes, you can check http://www.dubai.uae.emb-japan.go.jp/visa_e/visa_e.html

Where to apply:

What’s good here in Dubai is booking an appoinment for visa application is not required. You just need to go directly in Consulate General of Japan here in Dubai. It is located at 28th floor Dubai World Trade Centre Dubai, UAE P.O Box 9336 just a 5-10 minutes walk from World Trade Centre station.

Contact no. +97143319191 (8am-3pm) Fax no. +97143319292

Email add: ryouji@du.mofa.go.jp

Please note that visa application is only from 9am to 12pm and for visa collection is from 12pm to 1pm only. Sunday – Thursday but better to check first their list of holidays before you go to the Consulate. http://www.dubai.uae.emb-japan.go.jp/aboutus_e/aboutus_open_e.html

Once you reached the Consulate they will check your belogings,collect your mobile phone (phone is not allowed inside) and register your name so be ready with your ID. Go directly in the machine and get your number, wait for your number to be called. Just relax and make sure that you know everything in your itinerary as they will ask few questions regarding to where and why do you want to visit Japan, your job in Dubai and how long have you been working in Dubai. It will take approximately 5-10 minutes. after collecting your requirements they will give you a receipt and sticker with number with the date of collection of your passport.

The best part is you don’t need to pay anything as visa application is FREE for Filipino. I got my visa after 6days. Japan here i come! 😊