Japan is one of the well-known country in the World and listed in everyone’s bucket list. It is famed as the home of Manga, Anime, mouth watering cuisines and awe-stunning attractions. So here’s a simple guide if you are planning to visit the land of Rising Sun and places you must include during your trip.
Japan is called Land of the Rising Sun because the country was so close to where the sun rises.
We visited on the 1st week of May and it is the perfect time for us to enjoy the mild weather but since the Philippines is a tropical country and we only experience dry and wet season, the weather is still bit cold for me. So it’s up to you if what kind of clothes you’re going to bring since it depends on your cold tolerance.
- Winter (December-February)
- Spring (March-May)
- June-August (Summer)
- September-November (Autumn)
So here are the places we visited for 5 days and ideas about what you can see and to expect.
1.Teamlab Boarderless
It is a group of artworks that form one borderless world wherein the art moves freely that will take 3-4 hours to explore. Be camera ready because the whole place is too instagramable and you will be mesmerized by the beauty of lights which is mostly showcased in this museum. Just expect queue from the entrance and in every exhibition.
Better if you will buy tickets ahead of time, it is available in Klook for just PHP1500/person (Subject to change)
2. Nezu Shrine and Azalea Garden
The next place we visited is the Nezu Shrine which is one of the oldest shrines in Japan where you can witness beautiful Torii gates like Fushimi Inari which is in Kyoto.
There are estimated 80,000 shrines in Japan and people visit shrines in order to pay respect or to pray for good fortune.
Inside the Shrine, you can also witness the stunning and beautiful flowers of Azalea Garden. This garden will show you over 3000 Azalea plants of 1000 varieties including rare breeds. You can just buy the tickets in the attraction itself for around 300 yen only.
3. Mount Fuji
I’m really excited when I realized that I will be able to witness the World’s famous and Japan’s tallest peak (Mount Fuji). Its real beauty is beyond my expectation and we are blessed to witness it since in some cases, tourists weren’t able to see it because of the weather conditions and fog.
It is 2 hours drive from the city but since traffic is part of our daily lives, it took us 4 hours before we reached the area. Don’t forget to bring a thick jacket because it’s really cold due to the area’s high elevation.
4. Lake Kawaguchi
The next place we visited is the Lake Kawaguchi, this is a few minutes away only from Mt. Fuji and 2nd largest of the Fuji five lakes. We took a cruise to explore the area and from there, you can witness the beautiful view of Mt. Fuji from afar.
Fuji Five Lakes is a region at the base of Mount Fuji, Japan.
5. Izakaya Alley
It is one of the famous Japanese bars for tourists and locals. This is the best place to experience the drinking culture in Tokyo and the best area for bar hopping. Be patient since most of the time, the area is fully booked especially at night.
6. Sensoji Temple
It is Japan’s oldest temple and most visited by tourists to take photos of the iconic Kaminarimon gate. Around the area, there’s a lot of stalls selling a variety of Japanese street foods and traditional dishes which you can try. It is the best place also if you are looking for souvenirs (Keychains, clothes, goods)
You can also witness locals wearing Kimono and we grabbed the chance to take pictures with them and yes, they’re so approachable!
7. Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya is one of the World’s busiest crossing and most of the tourists is can be found here. Compared to other areas, it is more alive at night. You can witness large amazing billboards, the biggest shopping malls to buy Authentic goods, and areas to hang out like bars, and cafes.
8. Hachiko Statue
Do you remember how many times you cried when you watch the true story of Hachiko? Yes! You can find its remarkable statue as well near the Shibuya Crossing
Hachiko was a Japanese Akita dog remembered for his remarkable loyalty to his owner. He continued to wait for over nine years to his deceased owner.
9. Tokyo Tower
It is the symbol of the city and from the top, you can see the amazing view of the whole place.
10. Tokyo Disney Resort
Who would not love to visit the “Happiest Place on Earth?”
11. Ichiran Ramen
You should not miss this one if you visit Japan! it is one of the famous places to taste the real Authentic Japanese Ramen and though its price is pretty bit expensive, you will still not regret it.
Expect a long queue since they usually have limited seats and small areas.
12. Akihabara
For Anime lovers, surely, this is your dream place, this is the area where you can find all anime and rare anime figures in a cheaper price and it is also known as the home of the electronic shops in Japan.
13. Pokemon Center
I couldn’t believe that Pokemon Center is actually real. You can see different Pokemon stuff and figures here. They also have Pokemon restaurant as well but it is on a reservation basis that’s why we failed to dine. Haha!
There’s a lot of places we visited but this is my recommended spots that you should not miss and it will surely make your visit a memorable one.
For the visa, here are the lists of requirements you have to prepare.
1. Duly accomplished and signed APPLICATION FORM (A4 Size)
2. Original Passport – 6 MONTHS VALID PRIOR TO DEPARTURE DATE
3. 2 pcs. Colored Picture with WHITE BACKGROUND, 45 x 45 mm or 2×2
4. Latest Income Tax Return
5. Original Bank Certificate
6. NSO Authenticated Birth Certificate (issued within a year)
7. NSO Marriage Contract (issued within a year – if married)
8. Authorization Letter (for Visa Filing and Pick-up)
9. Daily Schedule in Japan
For Employee:Original Employment Certificate
Approved Leave of Absence
For the Bank account balance, no specific amount needed as long as it is sufficient to support all your travel needs. There’s no need to buy and book tickets prior to your visa application, you can just input your preferred Airline and Hotels to avoid any cancellation charges if in case there is a visa denial.
In terms of budget, better if you will prepare more than your expected travel cost since everything in Japan is a little bit expensive especially the food. So if you want to save more, better if you will buy your meal from a convenience store. Don’t worry it’s Japanese food as well but a normal meal is ranging from Php300-500/person.
If you love shopping, prepare more budget since Japan is a shopping haven for everyone. It is the home of Daiso and Japan Home Centre which we often visit to buy useful and unnecessary stuff as well (guilty).
And don’t worry to get lost because the locals is very approachable and helpful if you will be needing some help in terms of directions. Japanese are known for their good attitude and being hospitable.
My whole Japan trip is truly one of my unforgettable experience and l am looking forward to come back, soon!
You can watch this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaC-nQ6lI6Y&feature=share
C'est la vie 
loved this! 🙂 very informative and engaging. Hoping to travel in Japan too.
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