4 Days Self-guided Solo Trip in Winter Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar and the Great Genghis Khan's Monuments
February 16 to February 19, 2015

“Without the vision of a goal, a man cannot manage his own life, much less the lives of others…The ancients had a saying: ‘Unity of purpose is a fortune in affliction.’” - Genghis Khan

My 40th solo backpacking trip, 42 countries visited so far and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. This trip is the 1st part of the Northeastern Asian winter adventure with Mainland China.

Mongolia is a landlocked country located between China and Russia. It is a vast emptiness that links land and sky, and is one of the last few places on the planet where nomadic life is still a living tradition. The province of Inner Mongolia is geographically and politically separate and located in northern part of China yet it shares common borders with Mongolia. Genghis Khan founded the Mongol Empire, and his grandson Kublai Khan conquered China to establish the Yuan Dynasty. After the collapse of the Yuan, the Mongols retreated to Mongolia and resumed their earlier pattern of factional conflict and occasional raids on the Chinese borderlands. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Mongolia came under the influence of Tibetan Buddhism.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mongolia

4 Days Self-guided Solo Trip in Winter Mongolia (Genghis Khan Monument in Sukhbaatar Square)

Kansai Central last Part; Umeda Sky Building and other Osaka Spots

4 Days Revisiting Japan in Winter with my Mother

February 10 to February 14, 2015

Kansai Central 1st Part; Walking inside Osaka Aquarium

How to go to Umeda Sky Building Floating Observatory;
400 meters walk from Osaka station. Entrance fee of 700JPY. Photography and video taking is permitted, tripod not allowed.

Commanding 360-degree vista of Osaka City, Kuchu Teien Tenbodai (Floating Garden Observatory) in Shin Umeda City is a landmark of Osaka's Kita area. As you feel the wind 173 meters above ground, enjoya magnificent panorama of high rise buildings reflecting the sunshine, the sun setting in the twilight, and t he gorgeous night view of the city as the day turns into night.

On our last day in Japan, My mother concentrated our itinerary in the Kansai Central area of Osaka. From Umeda Floating Garden Observatory, we shortly visited the Universal Studios which I first did last June 2013, Dotonbori night before and finally the Osaka Tower ground where we spent our last meal and bought some nice Japan products.

Kansai Central last Part; Umeda Sky Building Floating Observatory

Kansai Central 1st Part; Walking inside the Osaka Aquarium

4 Days Revisiting Japan in Winter with my Mother

February 10 to February 14, 2015

Kansai East last Part; Walking inside Kodai-Ji

How to go to Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan);
600 meters walk from Osakako station of Chuo Subway line (not covered by JR Pass). Entrance fee of 2,200JPY. Photography and video taking is permitted, tripod not allowed.

What Kaiyukan treasures is Ring of Fire, Ring of Life.

The guiding principle of Kaiyukan is based on theory, "The Gala hypothesis" advocated by British Scientist James Lovelock, which proposes that "all organisms and their inorganic surroundings on Earth are closely integrated to form a single and self-regulating complex system". The "Ring of Fire" is the circum-Pacific volcano belt which surrounds the Pacific Ocean. It overlaps "The Ringof Life" with its high-desity biodiversity. With the concepts suggested  by these two "Rings", Kaiyukan recreates natural environment around Pacific Ocean as faithfully as possible. 

Marine Animals of Kaiyukan starts at Aqua Gate, Japan Forest, Aleutian Islands, Monterey Bay, Panama Gulf, Ecuador Rainforest, Antartica, Tasman Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Pacific Ocean, Seto Inland Sea, Coast of Chile and Japan deep.

Kansai Central 1st Part; Walking inside Osaka Aquarium

Kansai East last Part; Walking inside Kodai-Ji

4 Days Revisiting Japan in Winter with my Mother

February 10 to February 14, 2015

Kansai East 1st Part; Fushimi Castle and Arashima's Bamboo Forest

How to go to Kodai-Ji;
More than a kilometer walk from Guion-Shijo train station (covered by Kansai Thru Pass). Entrance fee of 600JPY. Photography and video taking is permitted, tripod not allowed.

Kodai-Ji Temple, formally known as Kodaijusho-zenji Temple, is located in the Higashima mountains of Eastern Kyoto just south of Yasaka Shrine. It was established in 1605 by the noblewoman Kita-no-Mandokoro in memoryof her late husband, Toyotomi Hideyoshi.This temple was ravaged by series of fires after 1789, and all that survive of its original buildings are the Otama-ya, Kaisan-do, etc. Fortunately, these remain in an excellent state of preservation, and have all been designated "Important Cultural Properties" by the Japanese Government.

Kansai East last Part; Walking inside Kodai-Ji

Kansai East 1st Part; Fushimi Castle and Arashima's Bamboo Forest

4 Days Revisiting Japan in Winter with my Mother

February 10 to February 14, 2015

Kansai West last Part; Kobe's Gigantor and Harborland

How to go to Fushimi Castle;
Around 700 meters walk from Momoyama-goryomae train station (covered by Kansai Thru Pass). No admission fee within grounds only. Photography and video taking is  permitted.

Fushimi Castle, also known as Momoyama Castle, is a castle in Kyoto's Fushimi Ward. The current structure is a 1964 replica of the original built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

How to go to Bamboo Forest / Groove;

Less than 500 meters walk from Arashima train station (covered by Kansai Thru Pass). No admission fee within grounds only. Photography and video taking is  permitted.

Kansai East 1st Part; Fushimi Castle

Kansai West last Part; Kobe's Gigantor and Harborland

4 Days Revisiting Japan in Winter with my Mother

February 10 to February 14, 2015

Kansai West 2nd Part; Cable Car to Mt. Rokko's Snowpark

How to go to Harborland;
For Kobe subway (covered by Kansai Thru Pass) bound to Minato Motomachi Station. Free entrance fee in the Harbor grounds but not in the Kobe Tower. Photography and video taking is  permitted.

Kobe Port Tower is a 108 meter red tower in the shape of a drum is the world's first pipe construction and is the symbol of the Port of Kobe. The observation deck affords a sweeping view of the Kobe City, Mt. Rokko and Awaji Island, and it also has a unique rotating cafe, which makes 360-degree turn in 20 minutes. It also looks beautiful at night as it is illuminated.

How to go to Tetsujin 28-go / Gigantor / Iron Man #28 Monument;

For Kobe subway (covered by Kansai Thru Pass) bound to Shin-Igata Station. Free entrance and 24 hours access. Photography and video taking is  permitted on the grounds. Illuminated at night fall until 2130H.

The 18-meter high giant monument of the Tetsujin 28 was built to commemorate the great achievements of Japan's leading manga artist, Yokoyama, in his hometown in Kobe. Special exhibitions and various events are held at the site.

Kansai West last Part; Kobe's Harborland

Kansai West 2nd Part; Cable Car to Mt. Rokko's Snowpark

4 Days Revisiting Japan in Winter with my Mother

February 10 to February 14, 2015

Kansai West 1st Part; Revisiting Himeji's Taiyo Park

How to go to Mount Rokko National Park;
From Rokko train station, ride bus #16 going to Mt. Rokko Cable Car (not included in KTP). Snow Park combo fee is 2,380JPY that includes roundtrip cable car ride and Snow Park admission. Photography and video taking is  permitted.

Mount Rokko is the ideal visitors' spot close to the cities of Kobe and Osaka, also in short distance from Arima Onsen Springs. The scene and  the four seasons of the mountain are a must to enjoy here. Since this is my mother's firsttime to experience snow, this place is very ideal for her. There is an exciting slope for snow sledges and snowy play field where we can build snowman and make snowballs. Unfortunately, snowstorm occurred exactly on time of our visit. Thus, very limited photoshoot and adventure.

Kansai West 2nd Part; Cable Car to Mt. Rokko's Snowpark

Kansai West 1st Part; Revisiting Himeji's Taiyo Park

4 Days Revisiting Japan in Winter with my Mother

February 10 to February 14, 2015

Kansai South last Part; Cable Car to Koyasan

Himeji's Taiyo Park and 3D Photo Studios (June 2013)

How to go to Taiyo Park;
From Himeji station, walk away around 50m towards the bus terminal which is exactly infront of the exit. Ride bus #43 with fare fee of 490JPY. Bus timings is every hours basis, Tourist office inside Himeji train station has a schedule copy. Travel time is around 30mins, alight to Ushikoshi-Shinden bus stop. Park visiting hours is 0900H-1700H with entrance fee of 1,300 JPY ($13) and 600 JPY for children. Bus ride is not included in KTP and no admission discount.

Until now, most foreign tourists don't know about this place because it's tucked away in the countryside and is quite remote. The park is like a journey around the world, this the reason why I revisited this place for my mother's fascination. There was also an added excitement while touring the park which is collecting the 8 stamps placed on the world-renowned tourist spots. Of course, we completed the stamps together with the 3D photoshoots for around 3 hours of strolling.

Kansai West 1st Part; Revisiting Himeji's Taiyo Park (stamps of 8 major spots completed)

Kansai South last Part; Cable Car to Koyasan

4 Days Revisiting Japan in Winter with my Mother

February 10 to February 14, 2015

Kansai South 1st Part; Wakayama Castle and the Porta Europa

The year 2015 marks the 1,200th anniversary of the establishment of Koyasan.

How to go to Koyasan;
Koyosan can be reached by train, cable car and bus covered by Kansai Thru Pass. Alight to Gokurabashi Station then ride a cable car going to Koyasan Station. Then Nankai bus bound to Kondo Mae stop. Free admission on the grounds. Photography and video taking is  permitted inside the grounds.

The Kongo Rikishi (Guardian Deities) statues are keeping their eyes peeled at the gate in the sky. This is the Great Gate of Koyasan. Walk through it and you will see the Danjogaran area, one of the two largest holy places in Koyasan, where there is religious world the priest Kukai built (known as Kobo Daishi). Keep going to the east and you will find 117 temples and souvenir shops. Finally you will reach the other holy place, Okunoin that is subtle and profound space. Okunoin is surrounded by several-hundred-years-old cedar trees and immense graveyard for Japanese imperial family members. Currently, there are as many as 52 temples ad lodgings that can be used as accommodations.

Kansai South last Part; Cable Car to Koyasan (Konpon Daito)

Kansai South 1st Part; Wakayama Castle and the Porta Europa

4 Days Revisiting Japan in Winter with my Mother

February 10 to February 14, 2015

Kansai (Osaka) International Airport Arrival at night

How to go to Wakayama Castle;
Wakayama Castle is around 20mins walk from Wakayamashi Station Exit. For Wakayama bus (covered by Kansai Thru Pass) terminal just outside Wakayama train Station, ride bus #8 going to Koen-mae stop. Entrance fee is 300JPY, discounted admission for KTP holders. Photography and video taking is  permitted only in the grounds and on the viewing deck but not inside the castle.

Wakayama Castle and Castle keep history goes back to 1585 when Hideyoshi Hashiba ordered his brother Hidenaga to build the castle. A panoramic view of Wakayama Citycan be enjoyed from the castle keep. When the castle was originally built on the west summit of Mt. Torafusu by the House of Asano, Wakayama Castle was very similar to its current state. In 1935, Wakayama Castle was designated as national treasure. However in 1945, it was burned to the ground during the air bombing. Subsequently in 1958, it was rebuilt in reinforced concrete.

How to go to Porta Europa;
For Wakayama bus (covered by Kansai Thru Pass) terminal just outside Wakayama train Station, ride bus #21 from Wakayama Castle going to Marina City stop. Entrance fee is 1,300JPY, discounted admission for KTP holders. Photography and video taking is  permitted inside the grounds.

Porta Europa, a theme park in Marina City of Wakayama, is a faithful recreation of the streets of Medieval Europe. The park filled with attractions, and it holds many events throughout the year such as fantastic fireworks shows. The theme park featuring the reproduced Mediterranean fishing village in the Middle Age. Full of attractions which both adults and children could amuse themselves.

Kansai South 1st Part; Wakayama Castle 

How to Apply for Japan Tourist Visa as Philippine Passport Holder

an adventure of Pinoy backpacker in processing travel documents

general info:

* 3 months validity after issuance with under 15 to 90 days period of stay

Starting July 1 2013, Filipinos can apply for multiple-entry visas in Japan for short-term of 15 days, and the visas will be valid for up to 3 years (conditions apply). Furthermore, as of June 17, 2014, multiple-entry visa requirements will be substantially relaxed, and requirements for single-entry tourism visas will be relaxed to a quasi-exemption-equivalent level when applied via specified travel agencies.
http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/visiting/new%20visa/multi_entry.htm

APPLYING FOR JAPAN VISA AS ORDINARY CITIZEN IN THE PHILIPPINES

http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/visiting/new%20visa/tourism.htm

requirements:

1. Philippine Passport - broken lamination of the photo part is not accepted. Must have signature and have at least two (2) blank pages.                  

2. Visa Application Form (Apr. 2013) - also available at the entrance of Embassy or through accredited agency.
3. Photo - 4.5cm x 4.5cm (2x2 in) with white background must be pasted on the application form.

4.  Birth Certificate of applicant
5. Marriage Contract (if the applicant is married)
(4 and 5 must be from NSO issued within one year.)  In case of non-record, you must submit certificate of non-record together with the one from Local Civil Registrar.) Exemption of birth certificate and marriage contract if the the applicant has his/her passport (old or valid) with a used Japanese visa)
6. Daily’s schedule in Japan - self-guided itinerary samples, JR pass bought only after visa confirmation. (1)7-days during Summer(Hiroshima-Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka)(Jun.2013) (2)5-days during Summer for Mt. Fuji Solo Climb(Nagoya-Mt.Fuji-Tokyo)(Aug.2014) (3)4-days during Winter with my Mother(Kansai Region)(Feb.2015)
7. Bank Certificate
8. Income Tax Return (Form 2316) original and photocopy

Japan visa as temporary visitor, single entry (June 2013)

4 Days Revisiting Japan in Winter with my Mother

Wakayama - Hyogo - Kyoto - Osaka family tour (Kansai Region)
February 10 to February 14, 2015

“Japan never considers time together as time wasted. Rather, it is time invested.” - Donald Richie 

"When you look at Japanese traditional architecture, you have to look at Japanese culture and its relationship with nature. You can actually live in a harmonious, close contact with nature - this very unique to Japan." - Tadao Ando

My 3rd visit to Japan (1st visit was last May 2013 and 2nd visit was last Aug. 2014), 15th family trip, 41 countries visited so far and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure.

Kansai is the western region of the main Japanese island of Honshu, second only to Kanto region of Eastern Japan in population. The area is also known as Kinki District, literally "near the capital" (referring to ancient capital Nara and Kyoto), and its three big cities — Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe — as Keihanshin. Differences between Kansai and Kanto (the eastern region dominated by Tokyo) are slight but numerous. Kansai people speak a distinctive dialect of Japanese, ride on the other side of escalators and are renowned for humor and their food.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Kansai

Seasons in Japan are scheduled annually as follows;
Winter: December, January, February
Spring: March, April, May
Summer: June, July, August
Autumn: September, October, November

4 Days Revisiting Japan in Winter with my Mother

7th OFW Vacation; From Winter Northeastern Asia to Summer Homeland

Winter Japan - Mongolia - Mainland China to Summer Philippines

February 6 to March 13, 2015
37 days winter-rific and summer-rific vacation as an OFW 

1st OFW Vacation; Comeback to my Homeland

2nd OFW Vacation; Pinoy Backpacker China Invasion
3rd OFW Vacation; Summer Solo Tour from Malaysia to Japan
4th OFW Vacation; Ultimate Solo Trip from Central Europe to Promised Land 
5th OFW Vacation; Winter Birthday Get-away from Georgia to Myanmar
6th OFW Vacation; 2nd Ultimate Backpacking across 3 Continents

"If your work requires you to travel, you will understand that there's no vacation destination like home." - Park Chan-wook

7th vacation as an Overseas Filipino worker for more than 3 years of stay in Kuwait. The image below shows the converted jpeg of calendar of events on my entire 37-days vacation journey. The countries included were 3rd visit to Japan, 2nd visit to China and 1st time in Mongolia.

Getting away does not necessarily imply flying south or anywhere else for that matter. The key is to find a setting that will allow you to leave all your worries behind. Some people manage to do it from home, although a change of surroundings often helps one to disconnect from daily concerns. Simply turning off the cell phone and opening a book under a tree in a city park can be a great getaway! Some studies have found a positive relationship between vacations and intellectual function.

7th OFW Vacation; From Winter Northeastern Asia to Summer Homeland

How to Apply for DMW (POEA) Balik-Manggagawa OFW E-OEC

expediting the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) process to return to country-of-work.

Update as of April 2023; All OEC application is through Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) online services. Sign-up / log-in to E-Registration part of the website.

“E-OEC” refers to the Electronic Overseas Employment Certificate generated from the use of the BMOPS which will serve as the travel exit clearance and tax and terminal fee exemption certificate. "Overseas Filipino Worker or Migrant Worker” refers to a person who is engaged, or has been engaged in a remunerated activity in a state of which he or she is not a citizen. The aim of this service is to expedite the processing of BM workers who wish to return to their country-of-work. BM Online Processing Service can be availed by Overseas Filipino Workers who were on vacation, rehired and returning to the same employer with existing record in the POEA database. BM workers who do not have a previously issued OEC/E-Receipt under the same employer/principal will be directed to the APPOINTMENT PAGE for regular processing of the OECs on their appointment date and time. 

How to Apply for POEA Balik-Manggagawa OFW eOEC (update as of 2023)

The Viewing Deck Collections; Grand Europe Churches

A church is a building used for religious activities, particularly worship services. The term in its architectural sense is most often used by Christians to refer to their religious buildings but can be used by other religions. In traditional Christian architecture, the church is often arranged in the shape of a Christian cross. When viewed from plan view the longest part of a cross is represented by the aisle and the junction of the cross is located at the altar area.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_%28building%29#Medieval_times

The Viewing Deck Collections; Grand Europe Christian Churches

The Viewing Deck Collections; Medieval Europe Castles

A castle is a type of fortified structure built in Europe during the Middle Ages by nobility. Scholars debate the scope of the word castle, but usually consider it to be the private fortified residence of a lord or noble. This is distinct from a palace, which is not fortified; from a fortress, which was not always a residence for nobility; and from a fortified settlement, which was a public defense – though there are many similarities among these types of construction. Over the approximately 900 years that castles were built, they took on a great many forms with many different features, although some, such as curtain walls and arrowslits, were commonplace.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle

The Viewing Deck Collections; Medieval Europe Castles

The Viewing Deck Collections; Imperial Japanese Castles

Japanese castles (Shiro) were fortresses constructed primarily of wood and stone. They evolved from the wooden stockades of earlier centuries, and came into their best-known form in the 16th century. Castles in Japan were built to guard important or strategic sites, such as ports, river crossings, or crossroads, and almost always incorporated the landscape into their defense.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_castle

The Viewing Deck Collections; Imperial Japanese Castles