How to Apply For a Japan Tourist Visa for FIlipinos

Applying for Japan Tourist visa is quite easy. The visa is actually free for Filipinos. However, it is not possible to directly apply for a visa at the Japan Embassy. All applicants should submit their visa application through the accredited travel agencies which has corresponding processing fees.

These are the accredited travel agencies:

1.  Friendship Tours and Resorts Corporation (Makati, Cebu)- 1,200 PHP

2. Universal Holiday (Makati)- 1,200 PHP

3. Reli Tours (Makati, Pasay, Mandaluyong, Binondo, Las Pinas)- 950 PHP

4. Rajah Travel (Makati, Manila)- 800 PHP

5. Discovery Tours (Makati, Cebu, Davao)- 800 PHP

6.  Attic Tours (Pasay, Cebu)- 1500 PHP

7. Pan Pacific Travel (Makati, Manila)- 1000 PHP

We applied for a Single-Entry tourist visa thru Friendship Tours and Resorts Corporation located at Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati. We passed the required documents for visa processing and waited for 2 business days and luckily we were approved.

The turn around time for visa processing is actually 2 to 5 business days.

If you wish to apply for a multiple-entry visa, you need to submit a form of reason for requesting a multiple-entry visa with documents to prove that you are qualified for a multiple-entry visa. A single (or double)-entry visa may be issued, depending on the result of the examination, even if you have applied for a multiple-entry visa.

Here are the necessary documents for Tourist Visa processing:

REQUIREMENTS

All documents must be original unless otherwise stated.

1. Philippine Passport

• Broken passport is not accepted. Passports must be signed and must have at least two (2) blank visa pages.

2. Visa Application Form

• Available at the Embassy website, at the entrance of the Embassy or at any of the accredited travel agencies.

• Application form should be filled out all items correctly, If item is not applicable, please fill in [N/A]. Embassy may not accept application with blank item, no signature or no date in the form; may deny the application that is filled out incorrectly or wrong information.

3. Photo

• Specs: 4.5cm x 4.5cm, with white background.

• Photo must be taken within 6 months.

• Please write applicant’s name and birthdate on back side of the photo.

• Photo must be pasted on the application form.

4. Birth Certificate

• IT must be issued within one year from PSA Main Office/Serbilis Outlet Center (Nationwide).

• If the birth certificate from Philippine Statistics Office (PSA) is unreadable, or has incomplete information, please submit the birth certificate issued by PSA together with a birth certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar.

• If the birth certificate is “late registration”, please submit in addition, a baptismal certificate and school record (Form 137) from high school or elementary and School Yearbook (if possible).

• If there is no record in PSA, please submit a “Certificate of Non-Record” from PSA together with a birth certificate from the Local Civil Registrar.

5. Marriage Certificate (if the applicant is married)

• IT must be issued within one year from PSA Main Office/Serbilis Outlet Center (Nationwide).

• In case there is no record in PSA, please submit a “Certificate of Non-Record” from PSA together with the Marriage Certificate from the Local Civil Registrar.

6. Daily Schedule in Japan (TAIZAI YOTEIHYO ）

[If applicant will shoulder part or all of his/her travel expenses]

7. Bank Certificate

Validity of Bank Certificate is three (3) month from the date of issue

8. Applicant’s Income Tax Return (Form 2316) clear Photocopy (latest).

REMINDER

Size of document for application should be A4 size only. If document is other size, please submit copy that is already adjusted in A4 size from its original and without staples or pasting pages.

Applicants are exempted from submitting (4) and (5) Indicated above if they can submit old/valid passports with used Japan visa.

It is applicant’s responsibility to ensure that he/she meet the requirements for the grant of a visa. Submission of any supporting documents not listed above is encouraged (e.g. applicant’s economic or social ties with the Philippines, urgent reasons for visit: medical certificate, wedding invitation).

For more information, please visit the Japanese Embassy website for further details.

http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/00_000035.html

http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/files/000232573.pdf

Japan, The Land of the Rising Sun

It was on the first week of November year 2014 when we went to Tokyo. It was during the autumn season so we have to bring clothes applicable for cold weather.

We already have our tourist visa and bought shinkansen or bullet train ticket good for 7 days that cost almost 15,000 PHP. We were able to use the said subway card all over Tokyo and as well as in Osaka and Kyoto where we stayed for a couple of days during our 9 days stay.

In Tokyo, we stayed at Anne's Hostel and it is a very affordable lodge to stay in plus there is a free breakfast included. It is a dormitory style accommodation which cost around 900 PHP per head per night. The hostel is near Asukasabashi Station and there are a few affordable restaurants nearby. 

To get to the hostel from Narita International Airport, you have to ride on the Narita Express and get off at Tokyo Station. Then, train transfer to Akahibara to Asukasabashi Station.

On our first day, we visited the Geisha district of Asakusa and its temples, and we also went to see the Tokyo Sky Tree.

We started our second day by visiting the Tokyo Tower and then started our DisneySea adventure which we truly enjoyed. The one day pass cost ¥7400 (3300 PHP). 

Our third day started with a bullet train ride to Kyoto. There were a few quick stops on our way and we are lucky enough to have a glimpse of the Mt. Fuji while riding on a Shinkansen. It was an awesome experience, the train ride was fast but smooth and we were seated comfortably. We stayed at K's House Kyoto in a dormitory type room with a free breakfast which cost around 800 PHP per person per night. After checking in we started our Geisha hunting by walking in Gion district. We also visited Kiyomezudera temple and shrine.

Osaka is our next stop on our fourth day. Of Course, we cannot miss to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Japan. We gulped on our Butterbeer while enjoying the view of the theme park.   

On our fifth day, we visited the beautiful scenery of the Golden Temple and listened to the rustling sound of the Bamboo Forest as we walked into it. We also got a chance to be a Ninja and Samurai as we enter the Ninja Dojo and store. Kyoto's takoyaki and matcha ice cream is my ultimate favourite in Japan. 

We crossed the busiest intersection which is the Shibuya crossing. We then, took a picture with Hachiko. Our sixth day was spent mostly on Tokyo's shopping district namely Harajuku, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Akihabara and Ginza to buy some souvenirs and things to take home.

I continued my seventh day by visiting a relative in Yokohama. It was a half day tour wherein I tried their ramen and gyoza which were truly scrumptious. The weather is getting really cold, the leaves change colour and fall off the tree. It was nice to roam around the area by foot. In the afternoon, I went back to Tokyo and visited Ueno Park and took a quick trip to Ikebukoro.

 On my eight day, I spend my remaining time in Odaiba for some photo ops, shopping and food trips. Late in the afternoon, I went back to the hostel and met some solo travellers from different countries and we decided to go out for dinner while walking around Asukasabashi. 

I woke up early on my ninth day since I have to catch my 11:45 am flight back home (Manila). I took a train to Tokyo station and then take the Yaesu exit. I choose to ride on the Tokyo shuttle going to Narita International airport since it's cheaper.  I arrived a little bit earlier at the airport so I still have time for some snacks and shopping.

Japan is truly unique top with the richness in culture and its future oriented society.

Learn the Chinese Way, Beijing escape

It was on the last week of October when my friend and I decided to visit Beijing  and the Great Wall of China.      

My flight was in the evening and I arrived at Beijing Capital International Airport, Terminal 2 at probably 1am. I waited for my friend to arrive because she will be coming from Singapore and will be arriving at around 6:30am in terminal 1. I rode a free shuttle bus from terminal 2 to 1. I waited for her arrival at Starbucks coffee inside the airport and watched the movies that I download at home. In China, most of the social media are blocked. I can only access yahoo mail through internet explorer, the other sites are not working. 

After my friend arrived, we headed to the train station so we could go to our temporary place to stay which is the "dragon king hostel". It was a spacious room good for two people. The linens are big and clean. The bathroom are clean and spacious too. The room rate is PHP 1500-1700 per night. We stayed for 4 nights in the said hostel. We were satisfied with the amenities and location.

Travelling to Beijing during Autumn season requires visitors to bring clothes that will help you keep warm. The temperature when we arrived dropped to 6 degrees celsius. Good thing, me and my friend are prepared for the very cool climate. 

On our First Day, we visited Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City (Entrance Fee= CNY 40), and Jingshan Park (Entrance Fee= 2 CNY). At night, we went window shopping and food tripping at Wangfujing. This is the place where you will see some of the exotic street foods of Beijing like the scorpions which we didn't tried. Before sleeping, we drunk a bottle of beer at Lee's cafe which is inside our hostel. Beer prices are reasonable. 

On our Second Day, we woke up early, prepare ourselves and have a heavy breakfast for we are about to climb "The Great Wall". It was confusing when we took off at the train station because there were signs in Chinese characters that we cannot understand. There were also some contractors along the sidewalk who will offer you a transportation going to the Great Wall but it is too pricey. We continue to walk for about 5-10 minutes from the train station. And there we found the bus terminal going to the Great Wall of China in Badaling. The Bus number is 877 which you will find in a parking lot a few blocks from the train station near it. The price of the transportation if by cash is 12RMB and if using a smart card, it is 5RMB. The is an entrance fee of 45CNY/RMB and a discount for senior citizens and students, too bad me and my friend are already working.

We enjoyed every scenic view while climbing the Great wall. It was really worthy once you reach the top. 

We decided to have a few shopping at Sanlitun Mall and ate our shabu-shabu dinner there too. Afterwards, we roamed around the area and decided to have a few drinks at one of the Sanlitun pub nearby. We went home late, no more buses along the way so we rode a taxi instead.

On our Third Day, we visited the Summer Palace and we payed 30CNY/RMB for the entrance fee. It was a place where you would see the beauty of nature when it changes its color. We appreciate the Fall season since we don't have it in the Philippines. Afterwards, we went to Sanlitun Yashow Clothing Market for some shopping. Then, dropped off to Nanluoguxiang Hutong for our dinner and a glass of beer.

On our Fourth Day, we roamed around zhangzizhonglu area and went back to Nanluoguxiang Hutong for a never ending shopping. This is the shopping area where you can find the cheapest things in Beijing. I bought my 10,500 MAH powerbank here for approximately 300 PHP. You can also find some food stalls and restaurants here as well as milk tea shops. At night, we ate dinner at Sijiminfu so we could taste the famous "peking duck" that is  a must try when you are in Beijing. However, we waited for more than an hour for an available table.

After our dinner, we head back to the hostel to get my things and head to the airport for my midnight flight back to Manila. Good thing train station is still open until 11:30 pm. 

The Pine City of the Philippines, Baguio...

If I am not mistaken, I have travelled to Baguio three times already on my entire life. 

The first instance was during my elementary days with my relatives.  Second one was during my Senior High School Years as one of the delegates of our school. The last but not the least was back in 2010 with a special friend.

Baguio City brought us to a different side of the Philippines, where in we had experience a very chilly climate. During those years, visiting the City in the North of Manila took us 6 to 7 hours travel time by bus.  The customer service experience in the City was outstanding. Taxi drivers were very polite and honest.  First time I saw a mall which does not use air con. The ukay-ukay there was filled with branded clothing and accessories. We were able to visit the Strawberry Farm,   Mines View, Teachers Camp, Camp John Hay to name a few.  We even went out late at night where we found that the City nightlife was  awesome.

The meal cost us around 80 PHP to 500 PHP depending on the location and the type of foods you craved to eat.

The accommodation I have been too was quite different from the first to the last visit. The first one was a private home with dormitory type of accommodation and it’s free of course. The second is at teacher’s camp, dormitory type again, miscellaneous fee at school. The last was a guesthouse a few minutes down town.  It cost around 1000 to 1500 PHP per room.

Overall, it was a worth it long drive away from home. It was different from the usual feeling to be in the Philippines.  It feels like we were overseas on a vacation. 

A Year End Trip to the Island of Boracay....

The serene waves of Boracay and the night life in the Island excite my inner self.  Away from the bustling city life, we decided to explore what the Island has to offer.  We initially plan our trip by the time Typhoon Hagupit hit the Visayas Region.  For safety reasons, we cancelled our trip and rebooked it for free provided that it has to be 7 days from the date we originally chose.  We left our home early in the morning because we were anticipating a huge traffic going to NAIA Terminal 3.  Our morning flight seems fine, no delays, and no hassle. We arrived 10am at Kalibo Airport and it was not a great day because it’s raining. There are private vans going to Caticlan for PHP200.00 per pax (if you are in a group), but for individuals there is a van which cost at around PHP165.00 per person, the boat transfer fee of PHP 25.00 is included.  The approximate travel time from Kalibo to Caticlan is 80 minutes to 100 minutes.  At the Jetty Port Terminal, there is a Terminal Fee of PHP 100.00 and an Environmental Fee of PHP 75.00. The Boat Ride from Caticlan to Boracay is around 10 to 15 minutes. At Boracay Port, there are huge tricycles, and mini vans. Some luxurious hotels have free shuttle van. The tricycles cost PHP 100.00 and the van cost PHP 250.00. I already pre-booked our hotel via www.booking.com as an assurance we have a place to stay.   The tariff rate is PHP 2500.00 per night in Facebook Resort but I only got it at PHP 1,8750.00 per night. It was a huge room, I think almost the same space as La Carmela de Boracay, comfort rooms are clean, toilet and showers is working fine. They just do not have a swimming pool.

On our First Day, after we checked in at our permanent place to stay, we roamed around the Island. We had our delicious late lunch nearby "Siam Chilli", a thai-cuisine located in Station 2 near Shakey's (250 php). Afterwards, we headed back to our resort and changed to our swimming outfit. Dinner time, we ate somewhere near, a buffet restaurant which cost PHP 280.00 per pax. They served a couple of dishes but not pure sea foods.

Second Day, we ate our breakfast at the beach front restaurant which cost us (120 php), Pancake and Cappucino. We started our activities which cost us (PHP 1,100 per pax). Our activities are, Helmet Diving, Banana Boat Ride, ATV Ride or Buggy Car Ride, Sky Cycle, Trick Art Museum, Bird Farm, View Deck Scenery Spot. We ate our lunch at Andok's (PHP 100 more or less). At night, we bought some drinks at the convenient store nearby. We had our dinner at Sbarro,  a little bit pricey compared to the price in Manila.

Third Day, we ate breakfast at Mcdo which includes: pancakes, sausage, hashbrown, and hot choco which cost approximately 150.00 PHP. We had a non-stop picture taking at the beach and our final swimming before heading back home later tonight. We ate our lunch at Pamana's, a well-deserved Filipino Cuisine (400 PHP per person). We also bought some souvenirs, very budget-friendly.

Then, it's time to leave the Island of Boracay, We went back at our guesthouse and get our things. We ride a tricycle going to the Jetty Port from Station 2 which cost PHP 100.00 to PHP 125.00. Again, we had to pay 100 Terminal Fee and PHP 25.00 for the boat ride. We rode a private van which cost PHP 200.00 per person. At the Kalibo Airport, there is a PHP 150.00 Terminal Fee too.  We ate rice in a box at the airport for our early dinner; we also waited for about 2 hours because our flight to Manila from Kalibo is delayed via CebuPacificAir.

“Applying for a Chinese Visa for the First time”

I and one of my good friends decided to visit Beijing for vacation. However, entering China needs a valid visa. It was my first time applying for a Chinese Visa. I was not that nervous anymore because I already had an experience with another country.  I would say that applying for a Visa in Chinese Embassy is quite easy. The processing time is fast based on my experience. 

Here are the steps in Applying for a Chinese Tourist Visa:

1.       Gather the entire requirements needed for the Application.

Here is the link to the Chinese Embassy website:  click here 

-          Original Passport (at least 6 months validity)

-          Photocopy of Passport’s front page (2^nd Page) and emergency contact page (last page)

-          Latest Passport sized colored photo in white background

-          Fully Accomplished Application Form

Here is the direct link: click here

-          Round Trip Airline Ticket

-          Hotel Reservation  

-          Travel Itinerary or Plan, if any

-          Bank Certificate with original receipt of request and include a copy of the 6-months transaction history

-          Income Tax Return (ITR)

-          For Employees: Original Certificate of Employment (COE); For Business owner: Business Registration issued by SEC or DTI

-          Old Passport, if any

2.      Once you completed the above requirements, you may go to the Chinese 

      Embassy located in front of Mapua Institute-Makati. The exact address is below:

   Chinese Consular Office

   2^nd Floor The World Center Building

   330 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue,

   Salcedo Village, Makati City

Notes:

        Application form must be neat and completely filled out (put N/A for not         applicable and never leave blank space).

            Filing of Visa is open from Mondays to Fridays, except Holidays, 9am to             11 am only.

        First come, first served basis. No appointment is needed.

        Make sure to bring at least 2 valid ID’s because at the building’s front 

       desk, you will need to surrender an ID and they will give you a guest pass         before you can enter the premises located at the  2^nd floor.

        Near the entrance, at your right side, there is a desk and an officer who 

        will check your documents, and give you an applicant number if

        everything is complete. 

        There is a number written on each window, which serves as your guide 

        on where to fall in line

        to submit your requirements.                                           

        The Embassy personnel will give you a pink claiming slip which 

        includes the date of passport

        release.

        You’ll pay for your visa fees when collecting passport.

           Here are the Visa Fees:

            Single-entry Visa: Php. 1,400

            Double-entry Visa: Php. 2,100

                 Multi-entry with 6 months validity: Php. 2,800

                 Multi-entry with 12 months validity: Php. 4,200

             The regular processing time is 4 working days.

        The pickup time for visa release is from 9am to 11am only.

        The visa application validity is for 3 months from the date of issuance.

        Hope everyone will have what they hoped for and be able to enjoy your 

        vacation in China.

South Korea journey continues… Exploring Jeju Island

(Third Day) It was spring time when we visited Jeju Island, South Korea on April 2014. We came from the Gimpo Airport in Seoul and landed to Jeju Airport in Jejusi. We stayed at Vision guesthouse which is a very cozy place to leave in.

Our first agenda is to visit the Southern part of Jeju. We visited Mt. Hallasan, Jungmun Beach, Mysterious Road, Oedolgae Rock, Jeongbang falls, Saeseom Island Saeyeongyo Bridge, Jusangjeolli Cliff and of course my favorite place Teddy Bear Museum where some of the scenes in Princess Hours was shot. Sue, our tour guide/driver/manager/owner/maintenance/cook of the guesthouse is a superwoman. She is so welcoming and took us to the best restaurants in Jeju so we could taste authentic Korean’s cuisine.  Every meal we had is truly “simot-sarap”. The meal cost us 500 to 800 PHP per head but it’s worth the price my dear. She accompanied us to the Jeju's traditional markets Dongmun market for our delectable dinner and some window shopping.

(Fourth Day) The Next day, we ate our breakfast and explore the Western part of Jeju. We went to the West coast line, Hallim Park, Buddhist Temple visit with the Big Buddha, we had an orange picking session, head to the Health and Sex Museum and of course Love land.  It was a day of admiring the trees, fruits and flowers Korea has to offer. A religious and nature escapade in deed with some naughty side trips that will make our green minds loiter. My most awaited activity of the day is eating. During our lunch we ate at a seafood restaurant and the main dish is the “Abalone” which we ate dipped in vinegar. The cost of our meal is 500 to 800 PHP per head.  At night, we ate street foods which can be found near our guesthouse.

(Fifth Day) The Following day, after our breakfast, we wander through the Eastern part of Jeju. We climbed the Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, went inside the Manjanggul Cave, visited Seopjikoji, and enjoyed the Miniature Park. It was a day of adventure and fun. We had to literally climb a thousand of stairs to reach the peak which is truly worth it because of its awesome view and feeling of accomplishment. I will never fail to commend our delicious meal from lunch to dinner. We tried the Black Pork for our lunch which is one of the delicacies in Jeju.

(Sixth Day) The Final day, we had to go back to Seoul in the morning after we ate our breakfast. We were very much accommodated by EastStarJet on our round trip flight from Jeju to Seoul, and vice versa. The ticket price cost PHP 5,400- PHP 6,000 round trip.