JAPAN KAWAII TRAVEL 1.0 :PLACES TO VISIT IN KYOTO

1. KINKAKUJI TEMPLE ( GOLDEN PAVILION)

The first temple in my itinerary for Kyoto. Kinkakuji temple is one of the many temples and shrines in Kyoto prefecture. The temple is completely covered in gold and set against a lush green background making it a picturesque site and among the most photographed place in Kyoto by visitors and locals alike.

bus station at Kyoto station

ESSENTIALS AND TIPS FOR A CONVENIENT JAPAN TRIP

 
1. RENT A WIRELESS ROUTER "POCKET WIFI"

In Japan , it is difficult to get a prepaid sim card unlike other Asian countries. To get connected to the internet while in Japan is a must especially for first time travelers. One can find it essential to have this device specifically for train  navigation , restaurant finds , places and tourist spots ,GPS and to update social networking sites in an instant.

The pocket wifi allows multiple gadgets to connect at once using unlimited data. 

One can choose to rent the device from any of the company counter offering at the airport. However , booking online before your departure to Japan may cost you less and  more convenient as you may choose to have the device delivered at your hotel and includes an envelop for return.

PUPURU wifi service for example offers 400 JPY/day . Please check their website for more information.

JAPAN KAWAII TRAVEL 1.0 : ARRIVAL AT NARITA AIRPORT JAPAN TO DOWNTOWN TOKYO

My childhood dream finally came true.. yehey <3 

As early as my childhood years , Japan has always been my dream destination and to finally see the Land of the Rising Sun with my own eyes is something I will forever be grateful and thankful for. The fusion of fast paced modernity, cultural Buddhist tradition , the politeness of people ,the beautiful tourist sites and landmarks, mouth watering  Japanese cuisine, and plenty of exciting array of vending machines makes this country a place like no other. 

When I finally arrived at Narita airport , it seems surreal that I really set foot in Japan. It was a fleeting moment for me as we disembarked from the plane.  

The international airport is located someway from the centre of Tokyo. As with most international airports, one can easily find currency exchanges , mobile phone rentals and local sim card stores. But only in Japan you can see plenty of vending machines even inside the airport vicinity with an array of hot and cold beverages and canned coffees. I bet Japan can also be called the land of vending machines. You can see it everywhere all through out Japan.

MY JAPAN TOURIST VISA APPLICATION AS PHILIPPINE PASSPORT HOLDER WITHOUT GUARANTOR

My dream to visit the land of the rising sun started so early in my childhood  when I became a fan of Japan anime's (Magic Knight Ray Earth,Sailor Moon) Hikari Sentai series like MaskMan , Bioman , Turbo Ranger, Mask Rider Black and Ultraman to name a few. I  even got myself addicted to Japan documentaries shown on RPN 9 and IBC 13 every afternoon on Japan life and culture that appeared either stuck in the past or way ahead of the times. Those days when the internet was not yet available and all I have were encyclopedias in my room gazing at the images of Japan; in reverie  that someday be able to ride the (shinkansen) bullet train, walk along the chaotic Shibuya crossing , be in awe by the captivating  vast neon lights of Shinjuku , see geishas, quaint japanese houses and serene shrines in Kyoto , explore rugged beauty of northern Hokkaido, indulge in a sumptuous meal at Yatai food stalls in Fukuoka , see the infamous Osaka Castle and many more. 

Japan visa was known to be strict with few number of applicants being  granted and huge number of denied visas for what and whichever reasons that the embassy will not disclose any explanation on what went wrong. However ,the relaxation of Japan Visa for the nationals of the Philippines , and other ASEAN neighboring  countries definitely gives clear hope for those aspiring to visit and experience the land of the rising sun.

Applying for a Japan tourist visa and provided that your documents are in order ; then there's nothing to worry about. As long as you gathered all the documents and with the purest intention of coming back to the Philippines when your visa is due.

MY ASIA MILES REDEMPTION : AIRPORT SINGLE JOURNEY TICKET LIMOUSINE BUS BETWEEN NARITA AND DOWNTOWN TOKYO

images courtesy of google and asia miles

Having a frequent flyer miles are awesome. Every airline has their own frequent flyer program usually billed as a loyalty program. These are free, and you can accumulate miles by flying with specific airlines.

For couple of  years of frequent traveling due to my short work/leave rotations.  I get to fly in and out from work to  home country and vice versa  as often as four times in a year or even more whenever I decided to spend my vacation abroad.

This July 29 ,2015 is my plan trip to Tokyo. Luckily , Asia Miles redemption travel rewards includes a single journey Limousine Bus ticket between Narita Airport and Downtown Tokyo for 4700 Asia Miles points. And since I will be staying in Shinjuku area . Thus, the reward comes just right in time. I plan to utilize my redemption ticket in my departure from Shinjuku Bus Station to Narita Airport.

I have accumulated Asia Miles points from years of handful  flights courtesy of Cathay Pacific.

THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO VISIT IN CAPE TOWN

According to Chinese Feng Shui - Cape Town is a perfect City by its geography . Those words introduces Cape Town when I rode the Red tour bus with my earphone plugged in at the commentary system available at every seat . 

Cape Town is the second largest populous city in South Africa. The locals called it Mother City due to it's breathtaking natural wonders with table mountain as the city's most prominent landmark. It's also home to bountiful vineyard, golden beaches, outdoor or indoor activities and everything in between plus deity looking guys and girls...yes! seriously they're everywhere in Cape Town . 

I was there for a week last February ; the best time to visit  and let me tell you I enjoyed every single minute of my stay. One week was not even enough.. wished I could have stayed longer. :(

Those planning and want to have ideas of what cape town has to offer . Here are my share of things to do and must visit places in Cape Town.

CAPE TOWN ARRIVAL AND GLIMPSE OF JOHANNESBURG AIRPORT

February 2015 ,  I was given the opportunity to travel  to Cape Town  in lieu of medical training sponsored by my company. Took a direct flight from Kolwezi to Johannesburg which lasted for three hours  and boarded a domestic flight from OR Tambo Airport to Cape Town for another two hours aboard South African Airways.

aerial view of Johannesburg South Africa