Japan Day 2 - Tokyo Tower and Meiji Shrine

We booked for a whole day tour around Tokyo on our second day in Japan. 

It was probably the best decision I had because our time was so compressed since we only booked for a 5-day trip.

Booking a tour here in the Philippines is so expensive. So we've decided to check other options that will be enough for our budget. From there, we found Japan Grey Line (www.jgl.co.jp). They have several packages you can choose from. Booking at their site is just easy and very convenient. You can also pay on the day of your tour using a cash or a card.
We got ours for only ¥9800 or roughly Php3750 per head. This package is a Full Day Tour in Tokyo with Japanese Lunch included. For us, it was already a good deal. 

Our first stop is the Tokyo Tower (東京タワー). It is the world's tallest, self-supported steel tower and 13 meters taller than its model, the Eiffel Tower. Tokyo Tower was the country's tallest structure from its completion in 1958 until 2012 when it was surpassed by the Tokyo Skytree. In addition to being a popular tourist spot, Tokyo Tower serves as a broadcast antenna.



Tokyo Tower

Our second stop is the Meiji Shrine (明治神宮, Meiji Jingū). This shrine is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. Located just beside the JR Yamanote Line's busy Harajuku Station, Meiji Shrine and the adjacent Yoyogi Park make up a large forested area within the densely built-up city.

Inside Meiji Shrine

Entry into the shrine grounds is marked by a massive torii gate, after which the sights and sounds of the busy city are replaced by a tranquil forest. You'll definitely hear cicadas all around the forest if you're planning to visit Japan during summer!

The Torii Gate in Meiji Shrine

There are also barrels of sake wrapped in straw in every Shinto shrine we've visited in Japan. They said that it is for consecration rites. Look at how colorful and organized they are:

Barrels of Sake Wrapped in Straw

In front of those barrels of sake are the barrels of wine from France given to Japan as a gift to consecrate the Meiji Shrine:

Barrels of Wine

As part of the Japanese culture, it is a common manner that before you enter the Shrine, you need to wash your hands and mouth before praying to the deities.

Cleansing Area before entering the Shrine

These famous spots are really amazing. Japanese culture is very rich and superb. I'm pretty sure that everyone, not just me, will definitely enjoy this. It is a bit tiring since we walked a lot in this tour, but the experience is totally fantastic! 

Any questions or comments are welcome. You may post it on the comment box below.

I'll be glad to answer it all. :)

#theittravellerblogs

#theittravellerinTokyo

Dani :)

VLOG.. How???

Video Log or VLOG is a form of blog for which the medium is video..

Setting-up a VLOG is just easy but hard at first, because you get to talk by yourself in a video while doing stuff. 

All you need is a video camera, walk around places, talk, edit the videos (I prefer a MacBook), post via YouTube and voila! You're now an aspiring YouTube blogger! :)

You also need to get some ideas from some of the famous YouTube vloggers. Honestly, they have become my inspiration to VLOG. I subscribe on their channels and watch on how they do it. They are also open to give you some ideas on how to create one like: what do they love about VLOG and more..

My husband and I will be travelling next year and so I'm very excited and nervous at the same time as I will be trying to create one. And hoping to receive a good feedback on this in the future..

These are some of the vloggers that have become my inspiration. Most of their VLOGs are all about Japan. (that is because I really love to explore Japan than any other countries).

1. Sharla in Japan / Sharla's Life - Sharla's quirky character and vlogging skills attracted most of her subscribers. She's a Canadian girl who loves Japan and she'll introduce you on what to do there, places to visit, what she eats, how it tastes, she also loves make-up / skincare and will give you tips about it. She's also doing collaboration videos with other You Tube bloggers.

2. Mimei / Mimei Land - She is known for her tagline 'O M G Japan!!!'. Mimei is a vlogger currently living in Japan with her husband Duncan. Together, they explore things around Japan and Korea. Like Sharla, Mimei is also fond doing reviews about her latest make-up haul. She also loves trying weird food stuff and will definitely give you feedback on how it tastes!

3. Rachel and Jun - they are the cutest couple vlogger in Japan. Rachel is an American while her husband Jun is a Japanese. Together, they share tips about Japan like: before you travel, culture advice and their lifestyle. You'll be amazed by these two!

4. Melodee Morita - a Fuji TV news reporter from NY / Professional Ballerina / vlogger - This girl will definitely inspire you with her lifestyle. Her statuesque beauty will encourage you to do exercise at home and try products she have tried. She will also give you proper advice on some skincare and make-up like: Ingredients that are not good for your skin, etc. She knows how to cook and will give you healthy tips and recipes that you might try.

5. Mark Wiens (migrationology.com) - Mark is a food blogger who loves to travel around the world and provides good reviews on the food he eats. He and his wife Ying are both residing in Thailand. Check out his VLOGs in playlist form, I'm sure that you'll enjoy his mouthwatering experience for every country he had visited.

How about you? Have you tried vlogging? Share us some of your tips!

Message in the comment box below and will try to answer everything. :)

#TheITTravellerBlogs

Dani :)

Japan Day 1 - Gundam Front Tokyo

Our first stop is the Gundam Front Tokyo!!! ガンダムフロントとょ！^_^

Before we arrived in Japan, my husband and I already searched for the location of this life sized robot. From Tamachi (the station near Celestine Hotel), we went to Daiba Station. 

There are 8 stations, 1 transfer (From Shimbashi to Yurikamome Line). The estimated travel time is only about 24mins.

Prepare your cameras (but be silent inside the train) when you reached the Rainbow bridge. It features a stretched and beautiful shape like a rainbow over Tokyo Bay as its name suggests. You can snap a photo of it or just look at it. It is absolutely gorgeous!

This bridge is officially called as "Tokyo Wan Renraku-kyo" (Tokyo Bay Connector Bridge).



The Rainbow Bridge

At the main entrance of Diver City Tokyo stands the Mobile suit Gundam (RG 1/1 RX-78-2 Ver. GFT) piloted by character Amuro Ray (if you're a Gundam fan, I'm sure you know it). It is lit up everyday from 5:00pm to 11:00pm with steam spewing from its chest. My husband and I we're so fortunate enough to be there at around 6:00pm that time. 



My husband and I in Diver City

At hours of 7:30pm, 8:30pm and 9:30pm you can watch him test his pilot skills. However, due to lack of time, we're not able to wait on it anymore. Probably on our next visit this April. 

Mobile Suit Gundam at night

After we took pictures of the world's only full-sized Gundam statue, we checked out a food stall inside the Diver City Mall named: Tokyo Crepe Girl. To tell you honestly, there's something about the Japanese Fresh Cream that made it so famous: From Hattendo to Paper Moon to Tokyo Crepe Girl.. These creams are so tasty and delicious paired with fruits in a pastry. And some are mixed with cacao, like Royce's Nama Chocolate. So when in Diver City, don't forget to drop by at the Tokyo Crepe Girl. They have the most delicious crepe I've ever tasted! It is worth a try.

Strawberry Fresh Cream Crepe

Overall, the place was totally awesome! There are also other shops near Diver City that you can check out. Watch the Gundam at night, stroll around the park outside the mall or take pictures of the Rainbow bridge from afar.

More blogs from Tokyo on my next post! Can't wait to share it all to you guys.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please put it at the comment box below and will answer as soon as I can.

Dani :)

 

Japan Day 1 - Narita Airport to Celestine Hotel

Our Japan Day 1 was indeed a very memorable one..

When we arrived in Japan, everything was very fast-paced and convenient. We're excited but at the same time we're afraid that we might get lost because we don't know their language and the train map is very complicated.

A friend of ours suggested me to download a free mobile application City Rail Map which will guide us to all train stations around the world without any hassle. The downside is that the free version of this application is not available offline so you need to have an internet connection in order to use this. 

My husband and I are aware that roaming will incur us a lot of charges. So we tried to check other options on which we can save. Luckily, we found out via online that there is a Wi-Fi rental service in Japan. This can be purchased via online before you travel and they will give you an option if you will just pick it up at Japan Post Office inside the airport or deliver it to where you'll stay. Their internet was very fast, the one we purchased was already 75mbps.
 

We bought our Narita Express ticket going to Tokyo Station and got our wifi at Japan Post Office in the Airport. We also bought our Train Cards. You can use either Suica or Pasmo card in order to travel around Tokyo. These cards are reloadable depending on your stay.

Note: Suica and Pasmo cards are just the same train cards you can use to travel around Tokyo. They only have different companies.

The Suica can be used on JR East lines in the Tokyo metropolitan area as well as for subways, buses and the Tokyo Monorail that connects Haneda Airport with Tokyo. In addition to the Tokyo area, the Suica can be used for certain transportation systems in the Sendai and Niigata, Hokkaido, Tokai, West Japan and Kyushu areas. I prefer Suica than Pasmo, but it depends on your preference.

We checked in at Celestine Hotel in Minato, Japan. The hotel is very clean and the staff were very accommodating. Their rooms were a bit small but I guess this is common to all hotels in Japan, they want to it be nice and compact.

A view of Celestine Hotel

They also serve Coffee, Tea and Biscuits at the 14th floor of the hotel. In addition to that, their breakfast was totally good and fresh. The location is a business district area but is close to all famous spots in Tokyo such as Tokyo Tower and Shibuya.

 

#TheITTravelleratTokyo

#TheITTravellerBlogs

Dani :)

Tips on how to get a Japan Visa (for Philippine residents only)

We just came from a trip to Japan last August. 

My husband and I were so excited to share with you some tips on how to travel to Japan without getting lost knowing that there is a language barrier especially if you don't know some basic Japanese language. 

We bought our roundtrip ticket on sale last April 2015. However, it's a bit risky since we still don't have a Japan Visa yet that time. 

Tip #1: Always wait and check-out promo fares! Cause without the promo, the roundtrip fare will cost you a lot. We applied for our visa 3 months before our flight and were granted by the embassy a Multiple Entry for 5 years.

Tip #2: Ready all the requirements before you apply for a Visa.

Tip #3: Check-out hotel good deals via www.booking.com or www.agoda.com 

If planning for a group trip, visit www.airbnb.com, for nice and clean rooms or apartment. Famous Capsule hotels and Traditional Japanese Ryokan are also a good choice.

Tip #4: Learn Japan's culture via online, you may check www.japaninfo.com for updated details about the country or buy a travel handybook as you may need this if you want to start basic conversation with a Japanese.

Tip #5: Rent a pocket Wi-Fi via online before you travel. This is optional. We recommend Global Advanced Communications.

Check this site for details:  http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/guide/service/list/svc_19_1.html#t2

Tip #6: Prepare a detailed itinerary.

Tip #7: They don't use credit cards that often. So prepare cash especially when buying ticket trains.

Tip #8: If you are planning to go from Tokyo to Osaka, Osaka to Kyoto or to any prefectures in Japan: buy a Japan Rail Pass ticket. This ticket is exclusive for tourists only and can be bought in any of the accredited travel agencies in your country.

If you are planning to tour at Tokyo only, there's no need to buy a JR Pass ticket. You just need to buy either a Suica or Pasmo card  which you can use anywhere in Tokyo and these cards are reloadable.

There are other countries wherein Japan does not require a Visa. But if you're a resident here in the Philippines, you need to have one. Here are the requirements you need for a Japan Visa: (for Tourists only)

1. Bank Certificate

2. Income Tax Return

3. Certificate of Employment (optional)

4. NSO certified Birth Certificate (issued within the year)

5. NSO certified Marriage Contract, if married applicants (issued within the year)

6. Passport size 2x2 picture for Japan visa application form

8. Japan Visa Application form - you may download it via online or you may drop by at their office or to any Japan accredited travel agencies.

9. Japan Itinerary Form - download it via Reli Tours online or drop by at their office or to any Japan accredited travel agencies.

10. And of course, your passport

You may check out Japan Embassy page online to know their accredited travel agencies.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to post on the comment box below. I will be very happy to answer all your questions.

Dani 

Eau Thermale Avene and Evian Brumisateur Facial Spray

Our weather here in the Philippines is so unpredictable - Sometimes it's rainy and it's sometimes sunny.

If your skin is so sensitive that it tends to overreact to various factors that a normal skin would not react or if you want your skin to get hydrated whenever it feels dry, i think it's time to visit a nearest drugstore for a facial spray..

Evian vs Avene

Eau Thermale Avène

I once bought this product last year in HK due to the severe hot weather there that I almost finished the whole bottle. The travel size bottle is so handy that you can bring it anywhere you go without hassle.

Before, I had skin irritations and few pimple marks on my face and sometimes it's so itchy that I want to scratch my face off! (but of course I did not tried.. coz I know it will only turn red). After using Avène, it soothed and calmed my skin and surprisingly there's no itchy feel at all after first use.

The product has many uses:
1. The contents are pure (as it comes from the Spring) and dermatologically tested having the right PH level. 

2. Avène really works for all skin types. I really love this product and will repurchase it over and over again! :)

Evian Brumisateur Facial Spray

I had this one just recently wanting to try a more cheaper version of Avène as I thought it will have the same effect on my skin..

Properties: Awaken your skin and your senses with Evian Facial Spray. Used daily it hydrates your skin, helps fix your make-up, freshens and purifies. Originating from the heart of the Alps, this natural mineral water benefits from a balanced mineral content, is pH neutral and is suitable for all skin types.

Well yes, I saw some make-up artists using this facial spray to set and retouch make-ups. The product is good as it really moisturizes dry, flaky skin especially to those who spend most of the time in an air-conditioned room particularly in the office or even at home. 

However, I can only recommend this if you don't have any skin irritation or acne problems, as it has no effect to soothe or calm the skin.  

How about you? What works for your skin? Tell us more about your answer in the comment box below.

Dani :)

Shu Uemura Anti/Oxi Cleansing Oil and Andalou Naturals BrighteningCleansing Milk

Hi there! Maybe you're asking what product is the best cleanser to use for your skin? A cleansing oil or a cleansing milk?

So far these are the best cleansers I've tried and it really works for my sensitive skin: Shu Uemura and Andalou Naturals

Shu Uemura and Andalou Naturals

Shu Uemura Skin Purifier Anti/Oxi Cleansing Oil 

I have read a lot of good reviews about Shu Uemura's Cleansing Oil as it really removes dirt and make-up easily including your mascara, eyeliner and everything on your eye area.

It's True. No wonder many girls raved about this product.

I don't have a car so whenever I go to work I only commute. My face is usually exposed not just to harmful sun rays but also to pollution. And the thing is after heading home, you're bound to have a polluted face which can cause possible acne.

This product is really the best solution!

Here's the proof:

1. It has antioxidants which will make your skin younger. 

2. It is anti-dullness. This product promises a brighter skin every after use. It doesn't clog pores even if it is an oil-based cleanser.

You may also watch this Shu Uemura product testing video for their Anti Oxi Cleansing Oil:

http://youtu.be/pPdgFF3MeWQ

Andalou Naturals Creamy Cleansing Milk 

I recently discovered this at Healthy Options which I think can be a good alternative to my Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil. 

This product really smelled citrusy and has a moisturizing effect after washing my face and what I really love about it is that all of its ingredients are organic and safe for sensitive skin. It contains Manuka Honey, Meyer Lemon and Rosehip Oil. 

How about you? What do you prefer? a Cleansing Milk or a Cleansing Oil?

I would love to answer your comments.

Dani :)