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03/05 2016

A Muggle’s Guide to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Osaka, Japan

03/05 2016

I’m a big fan of Harry Potter. I can still clearly remember how excited I am everytime there’s a new book or movie coming up. I cried hard, both when Dumbledore died, and when I finished reading the 7th book- knowing that I won’t be looking forward to the next one… forever. Harry Potter made my highschool days as magical as it can ever be.

Hogwarts! !*&*^(*&(^&#@&

So, when I found out that there’s a Harry Potter theme park within Asia, I told to myself that I need to experience it A-S-A-P. Fast forward to November 2014, it all became a reality. My dream of becoming a witch “partly” came true.

Our USJ Tickets! I kept these 4 as a souvenir.

Hogsmeade with a back view of a lost elf and some Japanese students

I intentionally planned our visit to fall on a weekday- to avoid the crowd. Honestly, there are more Japanese tourists than foreigners because even the locals can’t visit USJ easily ( it’s in Osaka which is around 4 hr by bullet train from Tokyo). Based from the forum discussions, if the park has a lot of visitors, then USJ will setup a timed entry ticket which will indicate  the time that you’re allowed to enter the Wizarding World of Harry Potter area. This is my expectation upon entry in the park- and as funny as it may sound, me and my sister plus most of the park guests (~90%)  ran for our lives after entering USJ, and we all raced towards the Harry Potter area. Too bad I wasn’t able to take a photo, but I guess the hype during that time ( ~5 months after opening of HP area) is still there. In the end, we discovered that there are not much people (for them) during that day so timed entry tickets are not needed.

Long lines in queue (around 9AM)

Ollivander’s Wand Shop! Go inside and let the wand choose you! They even have a show for 25 participants where they will choose 1 lucky guest to experience being chosen by a wand!

The queue for the Butterbeer. You can go straight to Honeydukes where there is little to no queue for the drink.

Just a quick background, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is just an attraction inside The Universal Studios Japan theme park. Thus, you only need to pay for the 1-day Studio Pass of USJ of ~6,850 yen. Upon entry, just walk to your right and eventually, you will see the Harry Potter area.  Better to visit this firsthand in the morning upon entry, Continue Reading

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Posted by Marianne Dane Trinidad 2 Comments
Filed Under: Budget Travel, Kyoto, Japan, Osaka, Japan, Tokyo,Japan, Uncategorized Tagged: budget travel in Japan, harry potter, hogsmeade, hogwarts, how to go to USJ, Japan, japan trip, kyoto, Osaka, USJ, wizarding world of harry potter

12/09 2015

How to Apply for Japan Tourist Visa for Filipinos [Updated 2017]

12/09 2015

A lot of people are intimidated to travel to Japan because of the needed visa application along with its requirements. However, based from my experience, it’s quite easy and fast (2.5-5 days). It’s definitely one of the easiest visa applications you’ll ever have given that Japan is trying to increase its tourism- easier visa application translates to more tourists for them. I’ve had 2 Japan visa grants so far ( first is single entry, then second visa is multiple entry for 5 years), that I was able to use during my last 4 Japan vacations (Winter Feb 2014, Autumn Nov 2014, Autumn Oct 2015, Autumn Nov 2015, April 2016), and I’m going to share my experiences with all of you to ensure that you can also have a smooth and fast Japan Tourist Visa application.

Japan Tourist Visa application is routed via a list of its accredited agencies. Please take note that if the agency is not here, then it might be that they are just middle agencies who will then pass your applications to this list below. I highly recommend that you go directly with the following agencies below to avoid extra charges or even scams from unauthorized travel groups. They will not overcharge you and will even pre-check your requirements before submitting it to the embassy.

Sensoji Temple, Asakusa, Japan

List of Accredited Agencies by Japan Embassy to accept any kind of Japan Visa Application. You may also check the full details here.

1.) UHI – http://www.universalholidays.com

Address: Mezzanine Floor Dusit Thani Manila Hotel Ayala Center 1223 Makati City

Contact Number: 02-859-3857 / 02-859-3858

2.) Discovery Tour Inc. – http://discoverytour.ph/japanvisatour

Address: Manila: Unit301G/Floor Sagittarius Building,H.V.Dela Costa Street,Salcedo Village,Makati City / Cebu: G/Floor Casinillo Buiding,Pajo,Airport Road,Lapu-Lapu City. / Davao: Door 3 L&R Building, Tulip Drive, Juna Subdivision Matina, Davao City
(near SM-Ecoland)

Contact Number: 02-892-2849 /032-341-1923 / 082-285-7188

3.) Rajah Travel Corporation – http://www.rajahtravel.com      

Address: 3/F Gercon Plaza 7901 Makati Avenue Makati City /Ground Flr., GLC Bldg., A. Mabini cor. T.M. Kalaw St. Ermita, Manila

Contact Number: 02-8940886 / 02-523-8801 to 07

4.) Reli Tours and Travel Agency – http://www.relitours.ph

Address: Mezannine Floor,Dusit Thani Hotel,Ayala Center,Makati City / South Entrance,SM Department Store SM Mall of Asia, Bay City, Pasay City / 5th Flr., Bridge way, SM MEGAMALL, EDSA, Mandaluyoung City / Basement Level,Door2,SM SOUTHMALL Alabang Zapote Rood,Laspinas City

Contact Number: 02-556-1447 / 0906-513-6222

5.) Attic Tours Phils Inc. – http://www.attictours.asia

Address: Unit 202 Coko Bldg.1,Patio Madrigal Compound,2550 Roxas Blvd.,Pasay City 1302 / Ground Floor,Traders Hotel Manila,3001 Roxas Blvd.,PsayCity 1305 / Cebu: Lobby,Waterfront Airport Hotel 1 Airport Road,Lapu-lapu City,Mactan Island,Cebu

Contact Number: 02-556-6301 to 6305 / 032-341-2299

6.) Friendship Tours and Resorts Corporation – http://www.friendshipmanila.com

Address: 3rd. Fllr., Dusit Thani Manila, Ayala Center, Makati City / Unit 101 Bldg. 1, Oakridge Business Park, 880 A.S. Fortuna St., Banilad, Mandaue City

Contact Number: 02-810-9622 / 02-893-8180 / 032-345-3459

Mt. Fuji view from Chureito Pagoda, Nov 2015

For all of our  Japan visa applications (my family, boyfriend, and myself), we routed it via Friendship Tours. Reasons are (a)they have really good reviews in an online forum, plus (b) it is very accessible – a stone throw away from Glorietta/SM Makati. So far, I can really attest to that since all of our applications went well and were delivered really quick, the shortest was 2.5 days. Their tourist visa handling fee is 1200 pesos (it is handling since Japan embassy itself doesn’t require payment, but the fee is for the processing and handling that the agencies are doing for the clients). Other accredited agencies might ask for the same or slightly different price depending upon their current promotions.

Now, for the requirements, please refer to the following: (based from Friendship tours’ website since this was my basis during my past 2 applications, plus some of my personal comments, and both were granted easily).

1.PASSPORT

  • Validity of more than 6 months / Signed Passport
  • Broken lamination of the Picture Portion will not be accepted / Must have at least 2 blank pages left in the passport.

2.VISA APPLICATION FORM

  • Available at the embassy website, or from the accredited agencies.
  • Make sure that all fields are filled up, no missing fields & signatures.If the item is not applicable, please put N/A.
  • Dane’s Note: You can get it here (click here)  just print, then fill it up.

3.PHOTO (1 Copy of 4.5cm x 4.5cm with white background.)

  • Dane’s Note: Remember to tell the photographer that this will be for Japan embassy.
  • Photo must be taken within the last 6 months.
  • Please write applicant’s name and birthdate at the back of the photo.

Shibuya, daytime

4.BIRTH CERTIFICATE (NSO issued with receipt and valid within (1)year.)
(Submission of NSO certificate is waived with submission of OLD USED JAPAN VISA.) Note: Receipt is also required so make sure to submit it as well

Applicants holding (old or valid) passports with used Japan Visa will be exempted from submitting of birth certificate.

  • IN CASE OF NON-RECORD OF REGISTRATION OF LIVE BIRTH
  1. Non-Record in the NSO. Need certificate of Non-Record from the NSO and BIRTH CERTIFICATEfrom the LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR.
  2. Non-Record in the NSO and LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR. Need certificate of Non-Record from the NSO�@and the LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR.
  • IF NSO ISSUED RECORD IS NOT CLEAR
  1. BIRTH CERTIFICATE from the LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR.
  • IF BIRTH CERTIFICATE IS LATE-REGISTRATION
  1. Birth Certificate from the LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR.
  2. Original Baptismal Certificate, School Record (Form 137 or report card) School Year Book.
    (Need contact tel # of the church,and contact tel# of the school)

5.MARRIAGE CONTRACT (If Married) NSO issued and valid within (1)year.
(Submission of NSO certificate is wived withsubmission of OLD USED JAPAN VISA.)

Applicants holding (old or valid) passports with used Japan Visa will be exempted from submitting of marriage contract.

  • Incase of non-record.You must submit certificate of non-record together with the one from local civil registrar.

Arashiyama Bamboo Path, Kyoto, Nov 2014

6. DAILY SCHEDULE INJAPAN (TAIZAI YOTEIHYO)

  • Prepared by the applicant or the travel agency.
  • Dane’s Note: You can use the format suggested by Friendship tours here.
  • Dane’s Note: Please refer to the screenshot below for the sample itinerary we recently used. No need for very detailed itinerary, just give them an idea on the highlight destination of your day.

Sample Itinerary for Japan Visa Application

7.BANK BALANCE CERTIFICATE

  • Dane’s Note: No minimum amount specified, but based from my personal experience, an amount of around 50,000 should be enough. Remember, their main purpose of getting this is to check if you have sufficient funds to cover your trip and will not run out of money when you’re in Japan already.
  • Dane’s Note: Bank Certificate doesn’t show your history, even daily or monthly balance. It just shows your current balance as of the time that you applied for it. This has a fee as well ( 100 php for BPI).
  • Should be within the last 3 months.

8.INCOME TAX RETURN (Form 2316 or 1701) Original and (1) photocopy.

  • Dane’s Note: If you don’t have your latest ITR, just submit your most recent ITR, and just provide an explanation letter why you don’t have the latest one (i.e. the latest copy is not yet released etc).

9.OTHER REQUIREMENTS

  • Dane’s Note: This is not really mentioned in the embassy nor in the website of accredited agencies, but you can always add these documents for extra credentials: Certificate of Employment (COE), better if it has salary details- to serve as a proof of your source of funds and reason to go back to Philippines, Flight itinerary (if you have already booked your flights), Hotel/Hostel itinerary (if you already booked your accommodation), and Certificate of Enrollment for Students.
  • Dane’s Note: For applicants who doesn’t have a job, business, and bank accounts, you would need to provide an Affidavit of Support from the person who will fund your trip.

Legit Takoyaki in Dotonbori!

After completing the requirements, just go to your chosen accredited Agency for Japan Visa and submit your application. Make sure to call them first to check their operating hours.

Spot The Madaldal Kid in Hogsmeade!

Finally, just remember the golden rule when applying for visa to any country: As long as you have complete and legal documents, you have nothing to worry about 🙂 If you have any questions, feel free to post a comment below ( I may not be able to answer your individual DMs, so a comment is better). Cheers and enjoy your upcoming travel to Japan!

Tenryuji Temple traditional garden in peak Autumn colors

Read more about my Budget Travel Osaka Adventure:

  1. Part 1- Japan Travel like a Ninja for only 12,000 pesos – Personal Tips and Notes 
  2. Part 2- Day 1-Japan Travel Like a Ninja for only 12,000 pesos – Arashiyama Bamboo Groves, Tenryu-Ji Temple, and Umeda Sky Building
  3. Part 3- Day 2-Japan Travel Like a Ninja for only 12,000 pesos – Osaka castle, Tenma, Pokemon Center Osaka, Dotonbori
  4. Part 4- Day 3-Japan Travel Like a Ninja for only 12,000 pesos – Kyoto, Kinkakuji Temple, Botanical Garden, Osaka Castle, Denden Town
  5. Part 5- Day 4-Japan Travel Like a Ninja for only 12,000 pesos -Namba, Dotonbori, Ichiran,Shinsaibashi
  6. Part 6-Japan Travel Like a Ninja for only 12,000 pesos-Itinerary and Budget
  7. Japan Travel in a Budget:Osaka-Nikko-Kyoto-Tokyo Autumn Highlights
  8. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Universal Studios Japan Experience
  9. How to Apply for Japan Tourist Visa

Tokyo/Kanto Budget Travel posts:

  1. Hitachi Seaside Park – Japan’s Best Autumn Spot
  2. Chureito Pagoda, Shimo-yoshida- Great View of Mt. Fuji

Going to Japan soon but don’t know where to start? Try to avail of my customized budget itinerary to learn and be able to tour Japan alone! Just click here.

The Madaldal Kid

 

 

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Posted by Marianne Dane Trinidad 10 Comments
Filed Under: Kyoto, Japan, Osaka, Japan, Tokyo,Japan, Uncategorized Tagged: Friendship Tours, How to apply for Japan Tourist Visa, Japan Budget Itinerary, Japan Budget Travel, Japan Tourist Visa, Japan Visa

09/13 2015

Bangkok Budget Travel – Highlights

09/13 2015

Last June 2015, I decided to go to Bangkok with my parents. I’ve long been planning to visit this bustling city since it’s one of the most famous destinations within Asia, plus, it has been a location for one of the most hilarious movies ever- The Hangover 2. Fortunately, my business turned into personal trip in India (check my post here) had a stopover in Bangkok, Thailand, so I immediately grabbed the opportunity to have my post cutover celebration there with my parents.

Bangkok trip will not be complete without Pad Thai!

The moment my plane landed, I never felt foreign. Rice paddies all over the place and folks who look almost exactly like Filipinos… it’s simply like Philippines. The only difference is that they have a different way of speaking and writing. But of course, this didn’t stop me from feeling excited with exploring a new country again!

Milk tea in the making… it’s like watching a live dance show!

So, let me share with you my Bangkok Budget Travel Highlights! I will also share the budget itinerary and other details in my upcoming Bangkok posts.

1.Must-try Bangkok Streetfood

Bangkok is every budget foodie’s dream. Wherever you go, there will always be streetfood vendors selling tasty snacks. During our visit, we had our first dinner in Soi 38, where we had a taste of nearly everything! Pad Thai, Prata (banana crepe), Fried Chicken, Wonton Noodles, Yong tau fu soup noodles, Mu Ping (grilled pork BBQ), and a lot more! My favorite of course is the Sticky Mango Rice. For a refreshing treat, don’t forget to drink Iced Thai Milk tea!

Supper yummy Thai Pork BBQ! It’s like the combination of PH BBQ + SG Bak Kwa

With the friendly Lechon Kawali store owner in Soi 38

Fried Chicken in the food bazaar in front of Central World

Sticky Mango Rice with Krispies!!!! I want this now please

2.Temples or Wats

Bangkok has a lot of temples worth visiting, which includes Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Mahathat. If you’re wondering what does “wat” means, it pertains to a “temple”. With over 400 Wats scattered all around Bangkok, it’s nearly impossible for you to visit all of them. So, make sure to visit the most famous ones. Personally, we liked Ayutthaya, which is technically a city of ruins once full of majestic temples. The rustic feel surrounding the ancient city is just so touristy.. and photogenic.Continue Reading

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Posted by Marianne Dane Trinidad 2 Comments
Filed Under: Budget Travel, Thailand, Uncategorized Tagged: Ayutthaya, Bangkok, Bangkok Budget Itinerary, bangkok streetfood, Budget Travel Bangkok, soi38, thai milk tea, Thailand

08/23 2015

My Ultimate Wanderlist

08/23 2015

Sometimes, oh well.. most of the time, I have daydreams of going to far away places. Being the traveler-at-heart slash street photographer that I am, achieving my travel targets is simply my Neverland. It’s my fantasy that I’m always turning into reality. It lets me fly off for a while in the busy streets of life and work.

Now that I’m officially crossing the border of my mid-20’s (ughh), I think it’s the perfect time to share with you my ultimate Wanderlist! Hope you get inspired and create your own too!

Note: As a traveler, I’m more of a photo explorer/ experience type and not the adventurer one. You will notice this in my dream destinations- where I’m more after the food, experience, magic, scenery, so there will be less or no beaches/extreme adventure places.

  1. Italy

If you’ve watched the 2010 movie Eat, Pray, Love starring Julia Roberts, you’re probably with me on wanting to go to this place, to “eat”. But literally, I really want to go here to eat a perfect, authentic Pizza Margherita and loudly say “Delicioso!”. One more good reason is to tour around the landmarks mentioned in Dan Brown’s novels (I’m a huge fan!) and look for the mysterious, hidden symbols mentioned in his book.

photo by: www.colliers.com

photo by: www.colliers.com

Photo by: ahpizz.com

Photo by: ahpizz.com

photo by: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jellybean/2370780109/

photo by: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jellybean/2370780109/

Target Year: 2016-2017

2. Greece

Greece is the perfect destination for a romantic, picturesque getaway. I want to start the day with an early morning photowalk in Santorini’s signature white & blue themed villages, have a buffet of olive, wine, and cheese,  then watch the best sunset of my life in Oia. I will also spend several days touring around the country for a Greek Mythology tour. Hopefully this long trip in Greece will turn me into the Goddess of Travel.

photo by: www.travel-to-santorini.com

photo by: www.travel-to-santorini.com

photo by: http://talkephotography.com/p892467343/h1034f363

photo by: http://talkephotography.com/p892467343/h1034f363

Target Year: 2017-2018

3. Paris

Though it might be cliche, and too mainstream for a dream destination, having a picture with the Eiffel tower is still a heart jumping experience for me. But probably, one more reason I want to go here is to experience and eat as much good bread as I want! My plan is to wake up at around 6 AM, bring my camera, walk down a street full of bakeshops, try to feel and smell all of the oh-so-good breads, then eat random pastry + food at every store! For lunch, I will try a Ratatouille, inspired directly from the Disney movie itself. Who knows- it might be Remy who cooked it, right?

20140602122905-paris

photo by: www.indiegogo.com

photo by: aparisguide.com

photo by: aparisguide.com

Target Year: 2016-2017Continue Reading

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Posted by Marianne Dane Trinidad 4 Comments
Filed Under: Budget Travel, Everything, Osaka, Japan, Tokyo,Japan, Uncategorized Tagged: Eat Pray Love, Greece, Hokkaido, Italy, Japan, Lavender Furano, Norway, Paris, Ratatouille, Sapporo, Shibasakura, ultimate travel bucket list, wanderlist

07/19 2015

Myeongdong Wonder Dogs Cafe

07/19 2015

Seoul is quite famous for its themed cafes- library, cat, rabbit, costume, fish, camera, and many more! Name it, and you will find a cafe specific for your interests! During my Feb 2014 visit, we had a fun and cuddly experience in Myeongdong’s Cat Cafe. So when I went back last December 2014, we then tried a Dog Cafe for a different adventure.

Pandadog named “Panda” inside Wonder Dogs Cafe

Wonder Dogs is just one of the several dog cafes in Seoul. Most of it are located in Myeongdong, which is one of the most visited area in the city. We actually planned to visit another cafe, but we had a hard time finding it, so we ended up visiting the first dog cafe signage that we saw.

Wonder Dogs Cafe, Myeongdong

Entrance fee is ~8000 krw, which is inclusive of a drink and playtime with the cute dogs.  Upon entering, you will be surprised because all of the dogs will gather in the gate looking and barking to you. They know if there’s a new visitor since there are door chimes in the entrance.

See how they all rush to the door whenever there’s a new visitor?

After getting our drink, we sat down in one of the corners and immediately played with the dogs. Wonder Dogs has a skateboard with a fancy floor decor that appears like a real road. Continue Reading

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Posted by Marianne Dane Trinidad 8 Comments
Filed Under: Budget Travel, Seoul, Korea, Uncategorized Tagged: Budget Travel in Seoul, Dog Cafe, Myeongdong dog cafe, Seoul, seoul Budget itinerary, Wonder Dogs Cafe Myeongdong

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About The Madaldal Kid

Marianne is a Filipino budget traveler based in Germany,who simply wants to explore the world, experience unique food and culture, and take breathtaking pictures. She wants to inspire more people to travel and fulfill their dreams..in a budget.

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