Showing posts with label Tokyo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tokyo. Show all posts

TOKYO: Nanaya Aoyama in Shibuya has the Best Matcha Gelato in Matcha No. 7

January 7, 2023


TOKYO: Nanaya Aoyama in Shibuya has the Best Matcha Gelato in Matcha No. 7

Matcha in my mind tonight! In all my travels where I try find the best matcha ice cream in town, Nanaya Aoyama in Shibuya, Tokyo still remains the best. Nanaya Aoyama has matcha levels 1-7. Of course, I got matcha no. 7. I wasn't disappointed. Its the full-bodied, intense matcha flavor that I like. We visited the gelato shop in 2018. As Google maps will show, it's still open. So, for matcha lovers who are visiting Tokyo. Make sure to visit Nanaya Aoyama. It's a one-of-a-kind matcha gelato shop.



Nanaya Aoyama
+81 3-6427-9008

 
My matcha No. 7 gelato


Matcha No. 1 to Matcha No. 7


Matcha No. 2, 5, 7


This is the 2018 price list. 
The current price is 620 yen for matcha no. 7 
and 400 yen for others. 



Google maps photo showing photos uploaded 8 days ago. 




TOKYO: Where to Find the World of Miyazaki's Spirited Away at the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Museum

January 8, 2020



TOKYO: Where to Find the World of Miyazaki's Spirited Away
at the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Museum

There are several places claiming to be the setting of Hayao Miyazaki's famous film Spirited Away. One of them is Jiufen in Taipei. But an interview with Hayao Miyazaki in May 2001 by Animage, a Japanese anime and entertainment magazine, finally confirmed from his own words that the world he sought to recreate in Spirited Away was a world depicted at the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Museum.


 The transcript of the interview is shown below:



Why did you set the story in the present time?



 M: It's a world like this Edo Tokyo Tatemonoen (Edo Tokyo Museum, Building Park*) rather than our modern world. I've always been interested in the pseudo-Western-style buildings** you can find here. I feel nostalgic here, especially when I stand here alone in the evening, near closing time, and the sun is setting--tears well up in my eyes. (laughs)



 *Edo Tokyo Tatemonoen: A park with Japanese houses and shops from the Meiji and Taisho era (about 120 to 70 years ago). Miyazaki-San loves the park and often visits there. The interview took place in the park.



 **Pseudo-Western style - A style of Japanese architecture in the early Meiji era. It's a mixture of traditional Japanese design and Western design.



 I think we have forgotten the life, the buildings, and the streets we used to have not so long ago. I feel that we weren't so weak...for example, a life in that house you see there (pointing at one of the buildings in the park) was a modest one. They ate a small amount of food, enough to fit on a small table in a tiny room. Everyone thinks our problems today are the big problems we have for the first time in the world. But I think we just aren't used to them, what with the recession and all. Well, it's enough since everyone is talking about these current problems. Rather, let's cheer up (laughs). I'm making a film with such a feeling.



WHERE TO FIND THE WORLD OF SPIRITED AWAY 
AT THE EDO-TOKYO OPEN AIR MUSEUM

Below is the Layout of the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Museum:

This is the layout of the Edo Tokyo Open Air Museum.

You can find it in the link below.

The areas I encircled are the areas/buildings that inspired the buildings in Spirited Away.
Make sure to click the photo to get the full view.



To follow the story of Spirited Away, you only need to visit the East Zone and the Center Zone:

East Zone



E3. Bar Kagiya (information) (virtual tour)


Bar Kagiya is the inspiration for the restaurant in this scene:





This is Bar Kagiya at the Museum







E6. Stationery store (information) (virtual tour)


The stationery store is the inspiration for workplace of Kamaji, the boiler-man:



This is inside of the stationery store at the Museum






E4. Public Bathhouse (information) (virtual tour)

The public bathhouse is the inspiration for this scene:


The front of the Public Bathhouse in the Museum




Inside the Bathhouse




Inside the Bathhouse at the Museum




Center Zone


C3. House of Korekiyo Takahashi (information) (virtual tour)


The House of Korekiyo Takahashi is the inspiration for this scene:









The House of Korekiyo Takahashi at the Museum


Check out the windows similar to the one in the film.






Outdoor exhibit


City train model 7500













Inside the train






JAPAN: How to use the JR pass on the Chuo Line limited express train WITHOUT reserved seats

May 18, 2019


How to use the JR pass on the Chuo Line limited express train WITHOUT reserved seats

All cars on the limited express train are reserved seating only. But if you are a holder of a JR pass or limited express unreserved tickets, this is how to ride the train.

1. All cars on the train indicate they are reserved. You can board any car except the green car, which is the first class car, unless of course you have a green car JR pass.

2. Find any vacant seat, which is indicated by a red light on the overhead bin. If it turns yellow in the middle of the journey, it means someone will board and take the seat in the next stops.

The limited express train I rode from Shinjuku to Kobuchizawa has restrooms in cars 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 11.



Peering inside the limited express train

Car shows reserved seat sign. 
Car 1, where we are seated has a restroom.

The red light indicates that seat 5c is vacant.

The green light indicates that the seat is reserved.



Generous legroom 

Snacks can be bought on the train

JAPAN: My Guide on How to Apply for a 5-Year Multiple Entry Japan Tourist Visa

January 9, 2019


JAPAN: My Guide on How to Apply
for a 5-Year Multiple Entry Japan Tourist Visa

Before you start applying for a visa, these are the things you should know first:

1. You can only apply for a visa through an accredited travel agency.


The Japanese Embassy site states that "Effective 30th July 2007, all visa applications except cases indicated in (2) below must be coursed through travel agencies accredited by the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines." (see the exceptions HERE)

This is the list of accredited travel agencies given by the Japanese embassy in Manila: You can access it HERE

I applied for a visa through Rajah Tours and Travel. They charge 1500 pesos as assistance fee and 84 pesos for pick-up and delivery fee (depending on location of pickup and delivery). The Japan visa is free.

The agency charges assistance fee for assessing the documents and evaluating if it's complete. They also make suggestions on what documents to add based on your situation to give you the best chance being granted a visa. That's why I personally think not all agencies are the same. You have to find an agency with a great deal of experience in this respect, with people who will actually assess your unique situation, keep your financial documents secure and private, take care not to lose or misplace your passports, especially the ones with visas attached.

The agency delivery fee covers picking up the passport and the required documents from your stated location and returning the passport to you after the Japanese embassy has returned it to the travel agency.


I highly recommend Rajah Tours. If you wish to make inquiries, you can contact Sandy at jpsese@rajahtravel.com

2. Apply only 3 months before the end of your travel.

If the last day of your visit to Japan is on June 1, make sure that the EARLIEST time that you will submit your application is March 1. I tend to apply for a visa very early but I was advised by the travel agency to submit it only 3 months before, since it's not certain that the Japanese embassy will issue a multiple entry 5-year visa.

Apparently, upon submission of the passport and documents, they immediately evaluate and issue the visa. In the experience of the travel agency, if they issue a single entry visa, the usual duration of the visa is only 3 months. So if the last day of your visit in Japan is June 1, and you submit your visa application on March 1, even if they immediately issue a single entry visa good for 3 months, that would be from March 1- June 1. This means the whole duration of travel will be covered by the duration of the visa issued.


REQUIREMENTS FOR THE JAPAN VISA APPLICATION:




Click this for Japan Tourist Visa Requirements from the Japanese Embassy


BELOW IS THE SAMPLE VISA CHECKLIST FOR A FAMILY: THE EMPLOYED HUSBAND, THE NON-WORKING WIFE, AND THE CHILD

VISA CHECKLIST FOR THE EMPLOYED HUSBAND:



1. CURRENT VALID PASSPORT 

This means you need an unexpired passport that is valid 6 months from date of travel. For example, if you're leaving the country on December 1 and returning December 8, 2019. You need a passport that remains valid until June 8, 2020. Although Japan allows entry of tourists as long as their passports are unexpired, Philippine immigration and airline check in counters are very strict and does not allow passengers with passports less than 6 months valid to leave the country.

2. ALL OLD PASSPORTS

Although not required by the Japanese embassy site, Rajah tours requires it. The reason perhaps is to give additional information on previous travels that may help in requesting a visa.

If you have a valid US visa, include the passport with the US visa and all passports between the US visa and your current visa.


3. COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM

  • All items should be filled out. If an item is not applicable, put N/A. 
  • It must be signed and dated. 
  • View this sample application form to guide you how to fill up the application form: https://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/files/000163097.pdf
  • If you're applying for a multiple entry visa, in the portion asking for intended length of stay, write in the blank "no. of days - Requesting for multiple entry". For example, 7 days - Requesting for multiple entry.


4. PHOTO

  • One (1) 2 inches x 2 inches or 4.5cm x 4.5cm recent colored photo, with white background.
  • The applicant's dress code for the photo: decent, colored top with sleeves (If you're not dressed properly when having the photo taken, Great Image studio lets you choose from a list of outfits they can photoshop in the photo)
  • Photo must be recent and taken within 6 months of submission of visa application.
  • The photo must not have been previously submitted to the Japan embassy.
  • Write applicant’s name and birthdate on back side of the photo.
  • Photo must be pasted on the application form, NOT STAPLED.


5. NSO ISSUED BIRTH CERTIFICATE
  • It must be issued within one year from date of application from PSA Main Office/Serbilis Outlet Center (Nationwide). You cannot cheat this requirement. The barcode on the lower left portion of the birth certificate reveals the date of issuance of the birth certificate.
  • 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
  • The NSO issued birth certificate is not required if the applicant can submit old or valid passports with USED Japan visa
You can apply for an NSO birth certificate online at PSASerbilis.com. It's best if you have a xerox copy of your old birth certificate when applying online so you can refer to it when typing all the information. Typographical errors can lead to failure to find records at the NSO. 



6. NSO ISSUED MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE (if married)
  • IT must be issued within one year from date of applicationfrom PSA Main Office/Serbilis Outlet Center (Nationwide). You cannot cheat this requirement. The barcode on the lower left portion of the birth certificate reveals the date of applicaton for birth certificate.
  • 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. 
  • The NSO issued birth certificate is not required if the applicant can submit old or valid passports with USED Japan visa

7. DAILY SCHEDULE/ITINERARY OF ACTIVITIES IN JAPAN

  • For sample itinerary, CHECK OUT MY POST:


8. FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS

IF APPLICANT WILL SHOULDER ALL OR PART OF HIS TRAVEL EXPENSES:

a. Original bank certificate
  • Validity of Bank Certificate is three (3) month from the date of issue.
  • According to Rajah Tours, savings account is the preference of the Embassy of Japan.
  • If you are applying for a multiple entry visa under the category of abundant financial capacity, Rajah tours recommends that the savings account must exhibit at least 7 digit figures.
b. Clear photocopy of the applicant’s latest Income Tax Return (Form 2316)


IF GUARANTOR WHO LIVES IN THE PHILIPPINES WILL SHOULDER PART OR ALL OF THE APPLICANT'S TRAVEL EXPENSES:

a. Guarantee Letter signed by the guarantor
b. Proof of relationship between guarantor and applicant like birth certificate, marriage certificate, employment certificate, etc.

c. Original bank certificate of the guarantor with the same requirements as the bank certificate mentioned above

d. Clear photocopy of the guarantor’s latest Income Tax Return (Form 2316).



9. LETTER REQUEST FOR MULTIPLE ENTRY VISA

10. OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT YOU THINK WILL SUPPORT YOUR APPLICATION

THE JAPAN EMBASSY STRESSES: 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).

Although optional, I also submitted a certificate of employment stating position, tenure of service with gross annual income.



VISA CHECKLIST FOR THE NON-WORKING SPOUSE:

1. Current valid passport
2. All old passports
3. Completed application form
4. Photo
5. NSO issued birth certificate
6. NSO issued marriage certificate
7. Daily schedule/itinerary of activities
8. Guarantee Letter of the Husband who is covering the travel expenses
9. Original bank certificate of the husband/guarantor
10. Clear photocopy of the husband/guarantor’s latest Income Tax Return (Form 2316).
11. Letter request for multiple entry visa



VISA CHECKLIST FOR THE DEPENDENT CHILD:

1. Current valid passport
2. All old passports
3. Completed application form
4. Photo
5. NSO issued birth certificate
6. NSO issued marriage certificate of parents
7. Daily schedule/itinerary of activities
8. Guarantee Letter of the parent who is covering the travel expenses
9. Original bank certificate of the parent/guarantor
10. Clear photocopy of the parent/guarantor’s latest Income Tax Return (Form 2316).
11. Letter request for multiple entry visa




WHAT DOCUMENTS OR REQUIREMENTS YOU CAN PREPARE: 

6 MONTHS BEFORE SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION:

Note: Do not fill up the date of the document until it's near the day of the application.

1. Current valid passport
2. All old passports
3. Completed application form
4. Photo
5. NSO issued birth certificate
6. NSO issued marriage certificate
7. Daily schedule/itinerary of activities
8. Guarantee Letter
9. Clear photocopy of the latest Income Tax Return (Form 2316).
10. Letter request for multiple entry visa

2 MONTHS BEFORE SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION:

Note: Do not fill up the date of the document until it's near the day of the application.

1. Original bank certificate of the applicant or guarantor.

  • The bank certificate is considered only valid for 3 months.