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

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

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

• You can print the pdf pplication form at https://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/files/000163096.pdf
• Print the application form in A4 size paper.
• Fill up the application form having in mind the following rule: 

• 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

• You can find in word format the sample schedule of stay form that you can fill up at: https://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/00_000035.html

• For sample itinerary, CHECK OUT MY POST:

• 7 days in Osaka: My Travel Guide and Itinerary
• 7 days in Tokyo: My Travel Guide and Itinerary

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

• You can find in word format the sample guarantee letter form that you can fill up at: https://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/00_000035.html

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

• Fill up the following letter request form: https://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/files/000386521.pdf

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.

Cheap Places to Eat in Japan

Cheap Places to Eat in Japan

If you're on a strict budget, it will not be difficult to find cheap places to eat meals in Japan. 711 stores are everywhere. You can easily find fast food gyudon restaurants like Matsuya and Yoshinoya anywhere. You can get delicious meals for as low as 290 yen at Matsuya. You can live off 711 the whole duration of your stay because of the variety of delicious meals and desserts you can find in their stores. 

To give you an idea of prices and what kind of meals are available, here are some photos:

711

These photos were taken in Osaka.

From 119 to 165 yen (Note: Click the photo to see the whole picture)

365 to 491 yen (Click the photo to see the whole picture)

112 to 425 yen (Note: Click the photo to see the whole picture)

Sandwiches at 213 to 276 yen (Note: Click the photo to see the whole picture)

DESSERTS

MATSUYA


These photos were taken in Osaka.

Gyumeshi Beef on Rice (Regular: 290 yen)

Sausage and Egg Set Meal (400 yen)

Push button machine where you order

Inside Matsuya

YOSHINOYA

These photos were taken at Narita airport branch.

Beef bowl with toppings of green onion (Medium 520 yen)

Grilled Beef Rid in Cheese Bowl (Medium 680 yen)

OSAKA: Must Try Food at Kuromon Market (What We Liked)

OSAKA: Must Try Food at Kuromon Market (What We Liked)

There are a lot of fresh seafood and meat to try in Kuromon market. But these are the food we liked and would recommend you to try. As shown in the map below, these merchants can be found in just one street. 

CLICK TO ENLARGE MAP
www.kuromon.com

1. MARUZEN BUTCHER

Open 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM, 7 days a week

What to eat: Kobe beef

Melt-in-your mouth Kobe beef
Price: 2000 yen

Maruzen butcher stall
There are seats where you can enjoy eating the beef they cook for you.

We chose Kobe beef diced steak.

They cook the beef in front of you.

They give a certificate of authenticity that they served you Kobe beef.

MY TIP: Avoid meal time hours. This stall is very popular. We went there meal time hours and lines are long. There were less people when we went there 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. 

2. KITAO SENGYOTEN

Open 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Closed Sundays and holidays

What to eat: Fresh Uni, Grilled Giant Scallops

Fresh and newly opened uni eaten straight from the shell is heavenly.
There is an aroma that fills your mouth that you won't experience tasting unless you eat it out of the shell.
Price: 1500 yen

The grilled giant scallops is so juicy.
Price: 1500 yen

The front of the stall
You can identify it through the green sign and the no.59 sign

You choose your scallops.

They cook it in front of you.

You choose your uni.

This is how they open it.

3. PRODUCE MARKET YASUI

Open 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Sundays and public holidays until 3:00 PM only

What to eat: Cremia ice cream

Soft serve Cremia ice cream

The front of the stall where you can buy the ice cream

You can see this sign in front of the stall.

4. SENNARIYA

Open 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Closed New Year's day

What to eat: Sushi, eel, etc

Front of the stall
(Photo taken from the Kuromon market site)

There are seats and a variety of food stalls inside Sennariya.
(Photo taken from the Kuromon market site.)

MY TIP: They slash down prices of sushi at 2:00 PM. Apparently, the fish is no longer "fresh" by their high standards starting at 2:00 PM. My daughter bought sushi before 2:00 PM and noticed a few minutes after she bought her sushi, the vendor slashed down prices.