Best Ryoteis in Kawagoe

Kilala ang Kawagoe sa tawag na “Little Edo” dahil sa mga lumang gusali dito na nagpapaalala sa buhay noong Edo Period (1603-1868). Kabilang sa mga lumang gusaling naipreserba sa loob ng maraming taon ang mga ryotei o “caretaker tearooms.” Noong Edo Period, dito nagpupulong ang mga pinuno ng mga makakapangyarihang angkan at mga opsiyal ng gobyerno. Sinsabing napakaekslusibo noon ng paggamit ng mga lugar na ito. By referral lamang tinatanggap ang mga taong nais kumain dito. Bagamat mayroon pa ring mga ekslusibong ryotei sa kasalukuyan, marami na rin ang tumatanggap ng mga walk-in. 

Kasama ng mahal na pagkain at pribadong mga silid noon ang serbisyo ng mga geisha. Subalit sa paglipas ng panahon, nawala na ang mga geisha at naging simpleng kainan na lamang ang mga ryotei. Gayun pa man, hindi nagbago ang mataas na kalidad ng mga pagkaing inihahain dito at ang metikulosong serbisyong ibinibigay ng mga nakai o mga babeng tagasilbi dito. Ang mga nakai ay nasa ilalim ng pamumuno ng okami na noon ay karaniwang asawa ng may-ari ng ryotei at siyang naninigurado na maayos ang pagsisilbi sa lahat ng mga kumakain dito. 

Mga magagaling na chef na may maraming taon ng karanasan sa pagluluto ang naghahanda ng mga pagkain sa ryotei. Dahil din deka-dekada na ang tagal ng mga ryotei na ito, nakabuo na ito ng mahabang kasaysayan at ekspertong paraan sa paghahanda ng kanilang mga specialty. Ang mga pagkain sa ryotei ay kaiseki o tradisyonal na Japanese multi-course meal na nangangailangan ng matinding kasanayan ng mga taong naghahanda nito.

Ang mga sumusunod ang ilan sa mga kilalang ryotei sa Kawagoe:

Subukan ang traditional hand-rolled sushi sa Kousushi Kawagoe. Unang nagbukas noong 1901, ang ryotei na ito ay mayroon nang mahigit sa 100 taon ng kasaysayaan sa paggawa ng sushi na nilalahukan nila ng pinakasariwang isda at seafood na nababagay sa bawat season. Mayroon silang 10 counter seats na nagpapaalala ng mga sinaunang araw ng pagbubukas ng lugar na ito. Maliit man ang silid na ito, gawa naman sa matibay na cypress ang mga upuan at lamesa na tiyak na magpapakomportable sa pagkain ng mga bibisita dito. Mayroon din silang mga pribadong silid na may magandang tanawin ng hardin kung saan maaaring magtipon ang mga pamilya, magkakaibigan o magkakatrabaho sa espesyal na mga okasyon. Mayroon din silang tatami mat room na mayroong mga upuan at lamesa na nakaharap sa hardin. Nagkakahalaga lamang ng halos Y2000 ang kanilang mga lunch meals. Mayroon din silang mga espesyal na menu para sa mga magrereserba ng pribadong mga silid na nagkakahalaga ng Y5000-Y15,000.

Subukan ang seasonal Kaiseki ng Yamaya. Nagsimula ang Yamaya bilang isang catering business na unang itinayo sa tabi ng tirahan ni Yokoto Gorobei, isang mayamang mangangalakal noong Edo Period. Noong 1868, binili ni Hambei, ang unang nagmay-ari ng Yamaya, ang isa sa mga magagandang guesthouses ni Yokota na siyang naging lugar ng kasalukuyang Yamaya. Ipinagmamalaki ng ryotei na ito ang kanilang seasonal kaiseki ryori na maaaring kainin habang pinagmamsdan ang magandang hardin. Nagkakahalaga ng Y1,500-Y3,000 ang lunch menu nila sa non-reserved rooms at Y4,500 pataas naman sa reserved rooms. 

Subukan ang inihaw na unagi sa Azumaya. Kilala ang Azumaya sa natatanging sarap ng unagi nila na maingat na inihaw sa uling at nilagyan ng espesyal na sauce. Unang binuksan ang lugar na ito noong 1868. Sa loob ng mahigit 100, napagbuti ng Azumaya ang pagluluto ng kanilang mga unagi na sinasabing malutong ang labas ngunit malambot at malinamnam ang loob. Bukod sa pagkain, huwag din kalimutang silipin ang magandang pond sa labas ng ryotei. Ang tubig mula sa bukal nito ay dating dumdaloy sa may Kitain Temple. Nagkakahalaga ng Y1700 ang unagi set nila. 

Honmaru Goten in Kawagoe

Entrance to the Honmaru Goten 

This is the only remaining structure left of the Kawagoe Castle. The honmaru goten or the lord's residence was built in 1848 although the original castle was built 500 years earlier in 1457 by Ota Doshin and his son Dokan under the order of Uesugi Mochitomo. In the 1450s, the castle was held by the Uesugi clan, however, the Hojo clan seized it in 1537 as the latter started to expand its control in the Kanto region.When Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, conquered the Kanto area in 1590, he established Kawagoe as one of the main fiefs in his domain. Kawagoe became a military base for defending Edo and a commercial base for transporting goods to the center of Edo.

View of the garden

A Day Trip to Kawagoe: Remnants of the Edo Period

Kawagoe is popularly known as "Little Edo"  because of its well-preserved buildings that mirror the kind of life locals led in the Edo Period (1603-1868). The area where the historical sites are concentrated is not that big. Purchasing a day pass for the either the Co-Edo Loop Bus (Y500) or the Sightseeing bus (Y300) will surely be worth it. Although both buses stop in most of the historical sites, the Co-Edo Loop Bus has more trips in a day. There is one departing from Kawagoe Station every fifteen minutes or every so often on weekdays. 

Because I had very limited time on the day I went to Kawagoe, I decided to go straight to the places that interested me the most. There are a number of temples and shrines in the area that could cultivate varying degrees of interest in people but as for me, I chose to go to the ones that have very strong historical significance. Here are some of the highly recommended places that tourists must visit in a day trip in Kawagoe:

Visit Honmaru Goten of Kawagoe Castle. This is the only remaining structure left of the Kawagoe Castle. The honmaru goten or the lord's residence was built in 1848 although the original castle was built 500 years earlier in 1457 by Ota Doshin and his son Dokan under the order of Uesugi Mochitomo. When Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, conquered the Kanto area in 1590, he established Kawagoe as one of the main fiefs in his domain. Kawagoe became a military base for defending Edo and a commercial base for transporting goods to the center of Edo. 

Lunch in one of the ryoteis. A ryotei is a high class, luxurious traditional Japanese restaurant that used to cater to the heads of powerful clans in the Edo Period and government officials. It is also called "caretaker tearooms" because clan members usually bring their guests in these establishments for a private meeting. While geishas used to accompany customers in the past, the ryotei eventually became just a restaurant in the recent decades. Geishas might have disappeared in the scene but hospitable serving ladies called nakai still make sure that customers are well-attended during their stay. A ryotei usually serves a multi-course traditional Japanese meals called kaiseki. It is a full course meal that is prepared only by people who have garnered years of expertise in preparing this food. See this post for my dining experience in a ryotei and this post for the Best Ryoteis in Kawagoe. 

Indulge in sweets on Kashiya Yokocho (Penny Candy Lane). This small area composed of small, short alleys are lined with traditional sweet shops, candy shops and Japanese treats that will surely bring out the child in you. The shops also provide the passers-by with free samples of their treats. Do not miss the chance to sample the famous Kawagoe treats such as fugashi (wheat gluten snacks) and dango (skewered rice dumplings) glazed with sweet soy sauce. 

In one of the small alleys, there is also a small antiques shop that triggered my interests. It sells postcards from the pre-war period, cups and saucers, Japanese pencils from 1984, magazines with Beatles on the cover and other random stuff like telephones and watches from some decades ago.

Shop on Kura no Machi. This is a long street lined with Japanese homes that had once been storage places for household tools and storehouses of goods. These buildings are said to be fire resistant. Along this road, there are shops that sell traditional Japanese delicacies, a Hello Kitty shop that sells everything, of course, Hello Kitty from magnets to towels, from umbrellas to purses. Along this road, you will also find the Kurazukuri Museum, which used to be the house of tobacco wholesale dealer Bunzo Koyama; the Kawagoe Festival Museum, where the colorful floats paraded during the Kawagoe Festival are stored' and the Toki no Kane, a bell tower used in the Edo Period to announce the time (this happened to be under renovation when I visited). You can also take a leisurely tour around the area on a two-wheeled rickshaw.

Explore the Kitain Temple. The temple was founded by a monk called Ennin in 830 A.D. but was  burnt down during a fight in 1205 and was reconstructed in 1298 by the monk Sonkai. The Kitain became the main temple of the three-temple complex including the Nakain and Minamiin when Tenkai, a monk who became close to the first shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate, Ieyasu. There are several places of interest within the compounds of the Kitain temple such as the Toshogu Shrine, where Ieyasu was enshrined and honored; Remains of the Edo Castle including the room where the third shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu was born; the graves of five feudal lords or daimyo who ruled Kawagoe in the 18th and 19th Centuries; and the 500 statues of Rakan, each carved with a unique facial expression and pose.

Take a side street. Take a side street or a side alley on your way back to the station. There are other gems hidden behind the more touristy Kura no Machi. If you take a detour at one point, you would surely discover a place that would stir your interest. 

"Beaching" in Shimoda

Beaches in Japan might not compare to those in the Philippines but there are quite a few exceptional ones. Shirahama Ohama Beach in Shimoda, Shizuoka has a 700m long shore of white sand that rests beside blue-green waters with waves small enough to take a dip but sometimes big enough to learn how to surf. There are other beaches in the area such as Tatadohama, which is best for surfing, and Sotoura, which is quiet and more fit for relaxation. 

Travel from Tokyo to Shimoda takes 3-4 hours depending on the type of train that you would take. The Superview Odoriko does not only provide a fast and comfortable travel, its huge windows also allow you to see panoramic views of the ocean beside the track. Regular trains are slower and sometimes crowded, but they cost half the price of the Odoriko. 

There are a couple of things that you should try while in Shimoda:

Stay at a local home. There are a lot of minshuku or family-operated guesthouses scattered around the area. Most of them are found in the residential side of the island, which means it might take a few minutes walk from the beach to reach them. These places provide an “authentic” Japanese feel by letting you stay in a tatami room, sleep on a futon and use a shared bath. Some places charge as low as Y3,500 per person.

Learn how to surf. Shimoda has good waves to learn surfing. There are several surf schools near the beach where you can ask for an instructor and/or rent a surfboard. If you are not into surfing, there are other water sports to try like jetskiing, banana boating and kayaking.

Explore the town’s history. Shimoda is famous for the kurofune or the black ships. In 1853, the ships headed by Commodore Perry docked in Shimoda to force Japan to open its shores to foreign trade after its 250-year seclusion. To trace Perry’s journey, visit the monument marking his landing to the island, do a bay cruise in a replica of the kurofune for only Y1000, walk along the Perry Road, where Perry himself walked on his way to Ryosenji Temple, and buy souvenirs in the shops along the road. 

Eat kinmedai for lunch. Shimoda is a good place for fishing and it holds the record for having the biggest catch of kinmedai in the whole country. Restaurants offer different styles of cooking the fish depending on their own specialties. May it be grilled, simmered or raw, there will be something that definitely suits your taste. 

Join a local festival and watch fireworks from the beach. There is an annual fireworks festival at Shirahama beach that is worth traveling to see. There are beautiful fireworks leaping out of the water and taiko drum performances before and after the show. Food stalls selling different local food like yakitori and grilled oysters and lobsters make eating on the beach even more fun.

When your body yearns for the sun, sea and waves this summer, you know where to go!

*** Published in the August 2016 issue of the Filipino Japanese Journal

Kichijoji: Hanami at iba pa

Orihinal na inilathala sa April 2016 issue ng Pinoy Gazette

Simula 2004, nangunguna ang Kichijoji sa mga taunang poll ng mga lugar na pinakamainam tirahan sa Tokyo – hindi kamahalan, maganda ang lokasyon at maraming maaaring puntahan at pasyalan. Kilala rin ito sa mga jazz bars, street musicians, at mga hiphop dancers na matatagpuan sa iba’t ibang sulok.

Hanami sa Inokashira Park

           

Kilala ang Inokashira Park na isa sa mga paboritong puntahan ng mga tao sa Kichijoji lalo na kung spring season. Makikita ang magagandang cherry blossoms na nakapaligid sa isang maliit na lawa kung saan mayroong mga pinaparentahang mga bangka. Mainam itong pasyalan para sa buong pamilya sa kahit na anong panahon sa buong taon. Kung autumn season naman, napupuno ng naglalabang kulay dilaw at pula ang mga puno sa paligid ng parke.

Sa halagang ¥400 ay maaari nang bisitahin ang dalawang zoo na nasa loob ng parke. Kasama sa koleksyon ng Inokashira Zoo ang ilang species ng mga hayop na matatagpuan lamang sa Japan. Sa isang bahagi ng zoo makikita ang duck sanctuary at sa isang bahagi naman ang iba pang hayop kabilang na ang kinagigiliwan ng mga bata na si Hanako, isang Thai Elephant. Huwag rin kalimutang bisitahin ang Benzaiten Shrine na itinayo para sa Japanese Buddhist goddess na si Benzaiten. Dahil napapaligiran ng tubig at cherry blossoms, litaw na litaw ang ganda ng matingkad na pulang kulay ng shrine.

Sa hindi kalayuan, makikita ang Ghibli Museum na nagpapakita ng mga likha ng isa sa mga pinakapopular na animation studios sa Japan, ang Ghibli. Kung fan ka ni Totoro o ni Princess Mononoke, mga karakter na pinasikat ni Hayao Miyazaki, tiyak na ikatutuwa mong makita ang malaking estatwa ni Totoro sa labas palang ng museo at ang replica ng cat bus na matatagpuan naman pagpasok.

Shopping galore

Matatagpuan sa paligid ng istasyon ang magkahalong malalaking malls tulad ng Marui at Isetan at maliliit na mga independent boutiques at vintage shops tulad ng Ragtag. Katabi ng train station makikita ang dalawang mall, Atre ant Kirarina, na may kanya-kanyang floors para sa mga damit, gamit pambahay, sapatos, at mga specialty stores.

Pero higit sa mga karaniwang tinda sa mga malls na ito, mas magandang tuklasin ang mga maliliit na tindahan sa paligid ng istasyon na nagbebenta ng mga kakaibang bagay tulad ng mga gamit para sa mga alagang aso, stationery shops at iba pang hobby shops na doon lamang makikita sa Kichijoji. Kung maswerte, makakabili ka ng mga branded second hand items sa napakamurang halaga.

Murang kainin

Ang Harmonica Yokocho ay unang nakilala bilang isang flea market matapos ang WWII pero ngayon ay mas kilala na ito sa mahabang linya ng mga yakitori restaurants na nagsulputan noong 90s. Mayroon din itong mga specialty shops na nagbebenta lamang ng mga Japanese delicacies tulad ng yokan at taiyaki. Makakakain din ng masarap na pizza sa Kichijoji sa halagang ¥500.

Bagamat nakatago sa isang maliit na iskinita, puntahan ng mga tao ang Garage 50 dahil sa Roman-styled thin crust pizza nito. Maganda rin ang ambience ng restaurant kahit maliit dahil sa VW camper na ginawang kitchen ng may-ari kung saan inihahanda niya ang order ng mga customers. Ang Village Vanguard naman, mas kilala bilang American goods shop, ay mayroong restaurant sa Kichijoji na naghahain ng burger at beer.

Masarap na kapihan

Kung miss mo na ang mga duyan sa Pilipinas, isa sa mga relaxing café na pwede mong puntahan ay ang Mahika Mano Hammock Café. Sa halip na mga ordinaryong upuan, mga duyan ang nasa loob ng restaurant. Hindi nga lang maaaring magtagal masyado rito kahit mapasarap na sa pagkakaupo dahil may time limit lamang na dalawang oras ang bawat stay dito. Hindi rin maaaring magsama ng maliliit na bata dito.

Dahil showroom din ang café na ito ng Hammocks2000, isang kumpanya na nagbebenta ng mga duyan, maaaring bumili mismo sa café na ito ng kaparehas na mga duyan kung gugustuhin mo. Ang Deva Deva Café ay patok naman para sa mga mahilig sa healthy food. Naghahain sila ng vegetarian at vegan dishes.  Hindi rin mawawala ang cat café sa Kichijoji. Mayroong 15 pusa sa Cat Café Calico na maaaring mong laruin habang nagkakape. Bawat oras ay nagkakahalaga ng ¥1000 at ¥150 naman ang mga inumin.

Makinig sa jazz

Ang SOMETIME ay unang binuksan noong 1975 at hanggang ngayon ay paborito pa rin itong puntahan ng mga jazz enthusiasts. Kilala ang Kichijoji na jazz town noong 60s-70s pero sa paglipas ng panahon ay marami na rin nagsarang mga jazz bars sa paligid nito. Isa ang SOMETIME sa mga matatag na naiwan sa mga ito. Halos bawat gabi ay mayroong live music dito. Ang pinakahighlight ng lugar ay ang malaking grand piano sa gitna ng bar.

Inokashira Park in Spring

Isang Araw sa Gifu Park

Kapag nababanggit ang Gifu, karaniwang pumapasok sa isip ang UNESCO World Heritage Site na Shirakawa-Go na matatagpuan sa hilagang bahagi nito. Binubuo ito ng mga lumang Gassho-styled houses na napanatiling maganda at maayos sa loob ng mahabang panahon. Bukod dito, mayaman sa kasaysayan ang Gifu. Maraming lugar dito ang minsang naging sentro ng mga castle towns noong 1500s. Isa sa masasabing kayamanan ng Gifu ay ang Gifu Castle na makikita sa tuktok ng Kinkazan.

Ang Gifu Castle

Ang Gifu Castle ay orihinal na itinayo ng pamilyang Nikaido noong 1200s. Naging higit na kilala ito dahil dito namalagi si Oda Nobunaga, isang daimyo o feudal lord noong 1500s, sa loob ng siyam na taon bago siya lumipat ng Azuchi Castle sa Shiga. Dahil sa magandang lokasyon at istilo ng pagkakagawa ng castle town, naging modelo ito sa iba pang mga itinayo noong panahon na iyon. Mula sa tuktok ng castle makikita ang napakagandang view ng Gifu City, ang kahabaan ng Nagara River at ang mga bundok na nakapaligid sa Gifu. Hindi mo mapipigilang mamangha sa ganda ng tanawin at mapapaisip kung paano naitatag ng mga sinaunang tao ang castle na ito sa tuktok ng bundok.

Upang makapunta sa Gifu Castle, maaaring sumakay ng Kinkazan Ropeway na tumatagal lamang ng tatlong minuto. Ang istasyon nito ay matatagpuan sa Gifu Park na nasa paanan ng Kinkazan. Bawat 15 minuto ay mayroong biyahe ang ropeway paakyat at pababa ng bundok. Para naman sa mga mas gustong akyatin ang bundok, mayroon din na mga hiking trails na maaaring sundan paakyat.

Sa labas ng Gifu Castle makikita ang Gifu Castle Archives Museum na nagtataglay ng ilang mahahalagang artifacts mula sa Gifu Castle. Makikita rito ang ilang lumang sandata, baluti at helmet na ginamit noong 1500s. Kasama na sa ticket ng Gifu Castle ang pagpasok sa museum na ito.

Makikita naman pagbaba ng ropeway sa tuktok ng Kinkazan ang Squirrel Village. Ito ay tila maliit na zoo na puro squirrel lamang ang kanilang inaalagaan. Maaari mong pakainin ang mga squirrel sa iyong kamay. Mababait ang mga squirrel at hindi takot sa mga tao. Mayroon din na mga staff na palaging nagbabantay kaya walang dahilan upang matakot sa pakikipaglaro sa mga squirrel. Mayroon din pinapahiram na gloves upang protektahan ang iyong kamay habang pinapakain ang mga ito.

           

Matatagpuan rin na nakakalat sa iba’t ibang lungsod sa Gifu ang mahigit kumulang 13 pang castle. Ang ilan dito tulad ng Kiyosu Castle, Ogaki Castle at Sunomata Castle ay nagkaroon ng mahalagang papel sa Battle of Sekigahara noong 1600.

Ang Gifu Park

Ang Gifu Park ay isang malaking parke sa paanan ng Kinkazan kung saan maaaring mamasyal at magpahinga habang pinagmamasdan ang iba’t ibang halaman at bulaklak sa paligid. Makikita rin dito ang iba’tibang atraksyon tulad ng:

           

Gifu City Museum of History. Dito malalaman ang mayamang kasaysayan at paraan ng pamumuhay sa Gifu. Makikita rin dito ang ilan sa mga tradisyunal na produkto ng Gifu at mga lumang artifacts na nahukay sa ilang bahagi ng Gifu na tinatayang ginamit pa ng mga sinaunang nanirahan sa Gifu may ilang libong taon na ang nakakalipas. Mayroon din ditong replika ng free market na pinasimulan ni Oda Nobunaga noong 1500s.

Nawa Insect Museum. Ang museum na ito ang unang insect museum sa buong Japan. Pinasimulan ito ni Yasushi Niwa, ang nakadiskubre ng isang uri ng paru-paro na matatagpuan sa Gifu na binansagang “Gifu Butterfly.” Makikita rito ang halos 300,000 specimen ng 18,000 uri ng insekto.

Lokasyon ng dating tirahan ni Oda Nobunaga. Sa paanan ng Kinkazan matatagpuan ang ruins ng dating tirahan ni Nobunaga na ngayon ay binubuo na lamang ng mga natirang pundasyong bato.

Hindi man kasing kilala ng ibang lugar tulad ng Osaka at Kyoto, mayroon din na mga natatagong pasyalan ang Gifu na masayang tuklasin at bisitahin kahit anong panahong pa ito, mapa-spring man o winter pa.

How to Apply for a Japan Tourist Visa

Published in the February 2016 issue of the Filipino-Japanese Journal.

See the rest of the pages here: https://issuu.com/filipino-japanesejournal

          The rising popularity of anime, cosplay and JPop in the Philippines has attracted a lot of potential tourists to Japan. People are drawn to Japan’s extreme image of eccentricity and traditionalism that are, surprisingly, blending harmoniously in its landscape. As part of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s economic plan, Japan is targeting to attract 18 million tourists in 2016, 2.5 million of whom are projected to come from Southeast Asia alone. An even more ambitious goal is to raise this number up to 30 million in 2030.

In support of this initiative, Japan has recently relaxed its strict visa restrictions for Southeast Asian countries. Tourist visas for Malaysians and Thais were recently waived. Unfortunately for the Philippines, Filipinos are still required to apply for a visa to enter Japan.The good this is, multiply entry visas that would allow tourists to stay for as long as 15 or 30 days are now being issued to Filipinos. With affordable low-cost carriers operating between Manila and Tokyo and other areas in Japan like Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka, the dream for Filipinos to visit Japan is now within reach.

            It is important to take note that tourist visas are only being processed through certain travel agencies accredited by the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines. The application would be smooth and hassle-free if the required documents are complete upon submission. Here are some simple tips to remember:

• Visit the website of the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines for accurate information. This sounds too basic and simplistic and yet this is the step that most people forget. While friends and family members can give substantial tips and advices on how to apply for a visa, the website gives you official information. It provides the list of documents to be submitted and the contact numbers of accredited agencies. Forms can also be downloaded from the website. (www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp)

• Get in touch with an accredited travel agency. Make sure that you are contacting the correct agency. The Japanese Embassy does not accept applications from other agencies not accredited by them. The visa application is free but the travel agencies charge a processing fee that ranges from P1000-P1800 for individual applicants and P2000-2500 for those with guarantors.

• Make sure your documents are complete upon submission. Some of the basic requirements to be submitted are: valid passport, visa application form, proof of previous travel to Japan or other countries (old passport stamps), Certificate of Employment, Letter of Explanation for requesting a multiple entry visa, Bank Certificate, Income Tax Return (ITR). Please note that there might be additional documents that are required to be attached apart from the above stated depending on your situation. For example, those applying for a tourist visa to visit relatives or those applying with guarantors might need to attach documents proving their relationship to the person they are visiting.

• Check the date of issue of the documents. The birth certificate and/or marriage certificate to be submitted should be officially issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) within one year. If you thought that they would not check it, well, sorry to say, but they surely will. If your copy is more than a year old, you should request a new one through the NSO branches or online.

•  Bring the complete documents to the agency and pick it up upon release. Tourist visas are released through the agencies within 5 days. You don’t directly pick it up at the Japanese Embassy. If the documents submitted are insufficient, the agency might request for additional attachments. To avoid hassles, make a checklist of all the required documents to make sure that you will not miss anything. It would be a total bummer if you exerted an effort to bring the documents to the agency only to find out that you forgot some. If you do not have time to pick up the passport at the agency, you can check if they offer delivery services through courier companies. 

With an easier and smoother visa application process, coming to Japan is no longer a far-fetched dream for those who want to see real cosplayers in Meiji Jingumae or take photoshoots under the sakura trees.

What to do in Tokyo: Learn to Bat

After watching a baseball game, there's no better way to end your day other than learning how to bat yourself. At the back of Tokyo Dome, where baseball games are usually held in Tokyo, you can find a 5-story sports center where you can try your hands on a real baseball bat.

Batting area

For only Y400 for 20 balls, you can practice batting and know what it feels like to hit a ball with a speed of 80km/h. This is the slowest among the speed of the machines. If you want to challenge yourself, you can try faster machines. You can try something as fast as 130km/h. It's also exciting that you can see Japanese baseball players pitching for you on the screen right in front of you. 

If you get tired batting, you can also try bouldering, golf and bowling in the same building. 

Where to get your coins to play

You can purchase your tokens from this machine. You will put insert the token in a small machine inside the batting booth and you can choose the height of the balls - whether you want them pitched high or low. You can get a discounted rate for 3 games for only Y1000.

I mist say, this is not only a fun activity for baseball fans but it is also a great way to relieve stress and release after a kong day at work. 

A Geek's Afternoon Walk at Nakano Broadway

Today, I decided to go for a walk at Nakano Broadway, a four-story building outside the South Exit of Nakano Station - a so-called haven for geeks of all ages and interests like me. Here you can find shops selling different kinds of goods that cater to different fan bases and collector groups. There are those selling anime and manga goods, from figurines to very old collectible cards; idol goods such photos, concert goods, CDs/DVDs, and other memorabilia; manga, books and magazines, both new and secondhand; clothing stores selling costumes for cosplay or everyday street wear; vintage shops selling dolls, accessories and collectibles; and other specialty stores catering to specific interests like train model kits, create-your-own-doll-kits, and vintage samurai film posters from the 1960s.

Entrance to an otaku wonderland

Akihabara is the first place that pops into mind when the word anime is mentioned. Indeed, Akihabara is home to a lot of specialty stores catering to different otaku subcultures. However, if you don't want to get lost in that bigger world called Akihabara, you can just wander around Nakano Broadway (I warn you, it is a jungle in itself!). As expected, you can spot an anime and manga shop after every two shops, sometimes, they are right next to each other you don't know where to go first! I must admit I got so overwhelmed I din't get to take a lot of photos! 

A cosplay shop

Of course when we talk about anime, along comes with it is cosplay. There are specialty shops in Nakano Broadway that sells not only costumes but also accessories. So if you are into cosplay and you want to add amazing details to your costume, you might want to drop by in these shops and purchase your much-needed sunglasses, pin, hair accessories and other important pieces to complete your ensemble.

Gacha gacha land

Dragon Ball Z gacha gacha

I am addicted to gacha gacha machines, I can't help myself from trying it once I saw one. When I passed by this shop, I was so excited I didn't know what to try until I found my pick at the bottom of the row. The last time I tried gacha gacha (and yes, it was also a Dragon Ball Z gacha gacha), I spent thousands of yen because I couldn't get Vegeta's 3D sticker! So I dropped two Y100 coins into the machine and waited for my toy to come out but it didn't! I didn't know if the machine was broken or what but I feel too lazy to talk to the guy in Japanese and tell him that his machine ate my precious Y200 and there were a lot of people too asking him questions. So I just let it pass and I lost Y200 and a precious chance to get a DBZ memorabilia! Maybe it's also a good thing because the heavens thought that I might overspend again if I didn't get Vegeta the first try.

Baseball goods

Create-your-own-doll Shop

I also found a store that sells baseball memorabilia and oh boy, these items are so precious it will really make you spend Y60,000 for a signed ball. Another interesting shop sells different toy body parts that you can use to create your own doll. A head or a torso costs around Y1600.

A table full of V6 goods

I also went inside some shops that sell idol goods but I didn't find anything good to purchase but I was so happy to find this table especially dedicated for V6! The shop is even playing one of their old concerts and there was a message on top of the TV greeting Morita Go a happy birthday! When I went to another shop, there was also another girl who was so engrossed in selecting nice photos of Okada Junichi, I wasn't able to look at it! 

sushi shop outside Nakano Broadway

Bar Zingaro in Nakano Broadway

There are also a lot of restaurants inside Nakano Broadway, which I must say I was surprised to find because I thought that this building is all for anime and manga goods. I decided to have an early dinner at one of the sushi places right outside Nakano Broadway. You can find it at the end of the long stretch of shops right before you enter the main building.

One cafe that is definitely worth a visit is Bar Zingaro, a cafe on the second floor of the building. This cafe was produced by the company Fuglen togethr with contemporary Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, who recently had his exhibit at Mori at Museum. See my post here. Takashi Murakami opened Bar Zingaro as the latest addition to the Zingaro Galleries, a chain of contemporary art galleries that he is running in Nakano Broadway such as Kaikai, Hidari, Ox and Pixiv.

If you are into more artsy fartsy stuff, you can have your caricature drawn by a young artist outside Nakano Station. She looked so happy when she was drawing this other girl. 

A small alley outside Nakano Broadway

A young caricature artist outside Nakano Station

However, if you are feeling a little adventurous, you can explore the smaller alleys around Nakano Broadway that can lead you to more interesting and quainter cafes and restaurants that are off the beaten path.

Delicious looking bread at Paul Saint-Germaine

You can also explore the other side of the station by passing under the train tracks and going to the North Exit side. There are other shops and restaurants around that area. Not very far from the station is Paul Saint-Germaine, a bakery that sells fresh and delicious bread. Even though I just had an early dinner, I bought a few pieces of bread when I saw the bakery. I guess, that is how good the bread looks like. It's so inviting! So whether you're planning to buy something or just want to look around and amuse yourself with what weird things people get crazy about, then going to Nakano Broadway for an afternoon walk is a good idea to kill time.

Cafes in Jimbocho

Jimbocho is famous for being the haven of new and secondhand books in Tokyo. If you are a bookworm and can read kanji without twitching, then Jimbocho is a place for you. However, if you are a mere traveler who has limited time in Tokyo, then this area might not be on top of your priority list. However, bookshops are not the only interesting thing in Jimbocho. It is also the home of several interesting cafes that are scattered around the area that would make the visit more worth it. Here are some of the cafes that you might want to check out when you visit the area.

Sabouru. This cafe is situated right outside Exit A7 of Jimbocho Station. It is difficult to miss before it would catch your attention right away with its detailed architecture outside. This place was used as a filming location for the movie Shitsurakuen (Lost Paradise), which was released in 1997 and was based on Junichi Watanabe's novel with the same title. Order their classic milk shake for Y500 and enjoy it as you chill and people watch as it is said that writers and actors usually frequent the place. If you are up for a bigger meal, you can transfer to Sabouru 2, which is right next the cafe, that serves Neapolital Spaghetti for Y650.

A Cafe called Sabuouru outside Jimbocho Station

Paper Back Cafe. If you want to sit and read while enjoying a cup of coffee, this cafe is highly advised. This cafe is in the same building as Toyodo Bookshop so you can shop for books then drink coffee after. The English books are situated in the second floor of the building, although the selection is not outstanding. They only have a few art and photography books. It is still worth checking out. The cafe also has a few seats on the counter facing the street, which is a nice place to people watch.

Paper Back Cafe is in the same building with Toyodo Bookshop

Big Boy. Jimbocho is also home to a few jazz cafes, Big Boy being one of those. You can find Big Boy a few shops away Sabouru, in a small alley right next to Exit A7 of Jimbocho Station. As you near the cafe, you can already here the melodious jazz playing inside as if inviting you to come in. You can get a cup of coffee for Y650 while listening to relaxing jazz. They were playing instrumental jazz when I came in. The wall behind the counter are lined with hundreds (or maybe thousands) of old vinyl records. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing. The old man, I suppose he's the owner of the cafe, if friendly and jolly. He can speak a little English and he's always enthusiastic when serving customers. See my full review of the place here: Jazz Bar in Jimbocho: Big Boy

Entrace to the jazz cafe Big Boy

Jazz Bar in Jimbocho: Big Boy

Jimbocho is known as the book town of Tokyo - home to several bookshops that sell both new and secondhand books. However, apart from that famous tag, Jimbocho is also home to a number of interesting cafes. Big Boy, a jazz cafe, is one of those.

Big Boy is found in a small alley right next Exit A7 of Jimbocho Station. As you walk along that alley, you can gradually hear the smooth jazz playing in the cafe, seducing you to come in and relax.


I ordered tea for Y650. The drink is not that special but the place is. It is a small place but a relaxing one. The owner of the cafe, an old man, is a very friendly and jolly man. When he served me my complimentary water, he jokingly said that it's white wine. I didn't get it right away. Realizing the silliness of his own joke, he laughed at himself. He also very friendly with the other customers. He would chat with them from time to time and ask them if they are okay. When he served my tea, he asked me where I came from and I told him that I am from the Philippines. He just smiled. He's running the place with his wife who is helping him serve drip coffee.

Tea time runs from 1:00pm and closes at 5:00pm. It opens again at 7:00 for its bar time. I suppose more people are coming in the evenings to relax and listen to jazz after a long day's work. When i came in the afternoon, there were only two other customers apart from me.

There are a hundreds (or maybe thousands) of old vinyl records lining the wall behind the counter and there are two large speakers on each side providing a smooth sound. There are also several records lining the windows for display. There are also some old CDs for sale for Y800. I didn`t get to look at them because the cafe was already closing that time so I had to leave immediately. 

The old man was all smiles when I paid my bill. I said thank you and he said, "see you next time!" I think there will surely be a next time. I will come back to this cafe, listen to jazz and watch the old man happily serve his customers.