ASIA: Osaka, Japan 2016

Osaka is located in the Kansai region, close to Kyoto and Kobe. The city is renowned for its Okonomiyaki, the vibrant Dotonbori area (home to the famous Glico billboard and giant crab), Osaka Castle, Nara Park, Universal Studios, and much more! It's noticeably less crowded than Tokyo; during our train rides, we never encountered jam-packed carriages. Despite being a large city, Osaka still offers glimpses of authentic culture around every corner.

Japan will always hold a special place in my heart; it’s been my favorite country for as long as I can remember. Back in 5th grade, I was obsessed with collecting laminated pictures of my favorite anime characters, which I kept in an album I bought from Comic Alley at SM North Edsa. I was a total anime geek, and I dreamed of visiting Japan one day. I’d visit every store that sold anime merchandise.

As the years went by, my interests shifted. I transitioned from being that geeky anime girl into a more socially-focused person, getting into girly things like makeup, shopping, and sleepovers. But while I may not be the same anime fanatic I once was, I’ve definitely transformed into someone who will die for Japanese food! Ramen and gyoza are my favorites; they satisfy my cravings every time. If I get another chance to visit Japan, you can bet I’ll be all about the food tripping—no one, not even my mom, can stop me!

How to apply for a Japan Visa?

I only entrust my visa processing to Travel Specialist Ventures ever since my family and/or I started travelling. I actually applied for a single entry visa, and paid for only P 2,500 visa processing. Surprisingly, I got a multiple entry visa for 5 years! This only means, I could go back to Japan anytime, and I have been yearning to go back again actually.

Visa Requirements for tourism(Click here)
Visa Application form (Click here)
Visa Application form SAMPLE (Click here)

Note:
FILING OF APPLICATION
Application should be filed through accredited agencies. (Please see their website for the list of Agents or get one from FAX service by Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo, or get one from visa gate of the Embassy.)
※ The applicant may be required to appear in person for interview etc.

-I would suggest to get a visa from your preferred travel agency

How to get there?
I scored my booking for only P11,078.57 via Cebu Pacific. I did a multi-city booking, Manila-Osaka & Tokyo-Manila.

Where to stay?

We booked a small apartment thru airbnb for a cheaper stay in Osaka. We were 5 in a group and booked it for P13,058 (P3,264.50 each) for 5d/4n. A portable wi-fi is also included so that you can bring it while exploring the city. We stayed at Osaka Old Town, a 5-min walk going to Zuiko 4 Chome Train Station.

OSAKA SUBWAY MAP (Click here)

Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival at Osaka, Japan
Day 2
Nara Park
Todaiji Temple
Osaka Castle
Dotonbori
Day 3
Universal Studios Japan
Dotonbori
Day 4
Kyoto (separate blog)
Day 5
Flight to Tokyo, Japan via Peach

Places we visited in Osaka, Japan
1. Nara Station
Once you alight from the train and head to the exit, you can see lots lots lots of restaurants and shops. If you have not taken lunch before navigating your way to Nara Park and Todaiji Temple, this is the place to have a stop over.

Here, you can also find the famous Mochi at Nakatanidou. You can watch how they pound so fast in making mochis. It was really amazing, and the mochi was delicious too!

2. Nara Park

You can take pictures with deers, but have to bribe them first with crackers.
There are small stalls that sell "Deer Crackers" for only 150 yen.
Don't worry they don't bite. I guess?

2. Todaiji Temple

3. Osaka Castle

4. Dotonbori

A great place to shop, eat, party, take pictures, and buy pasalubong! The place is so crowded at night, especially on weekends - just like any other tourist place.

Looking for pasalubongs? Just find Don Quijote, and not worry anymore!

5. Universal Studios Japan
Entrance fee :
Adult - Y 7,900
Child - Y 5,400

What's exciting here is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! We queued for almost 2 hours just to get inside Hogwarts Castle, and ride the "Harry Potter and forbidden journey". It was all worth the sweat and leg cramps! So I would highly suggest to add this to your first-thing-to-visit-attraction list because you will need 2 to 4 hours just only for this place. If you are a Harry Potter fan, you must visit and enjoy each and every corner of this attraction; from the Platfrom 9 3/4, to 5972 Hogwarts Express, to drinking butter beer, to shopping at Hogsmeade, and all wizardy-ish things you can do -casting a spell, perhaps. You will definitely enjoy. I swear!