Kawaii Japan (Part I - Preparation)

Hello.. :)

This is my first time went to Japan. I've never thought, (not even once) to go to that country before. However, my life is like unpredictable, it's such a mystery somehow.

Started by joining a competition from "Kokoronotomo", a new television program in Indonesia, I won return ticket Jakarta - Tokyo - Jakarta by Garuda Indonesia and 3 days accommodation stay at Sunshine City Prince Hotel in Ikebukuro - Japan, as the winner first week.

Special thanks to: Follow Me Japan, Perdana Travel & Tour, Garuda Indonesia, Sunshine City Prince Hotel and Kokoronotomo

 Although it noticed 3 days, but the winner can extend the amount of day for staying. So I (and another winner, named Retno) decided to stay in Tokyo for a week. It because both of us never been there before, so it must be our first time.

Well, for you who wants to go to Japan, I am more than happy to share my experiences here.

The first thing that we have to do is making a Japan Visa indeed. I read some articles earlier from another blog how to make Japan visa for Indonesian, it told me that regularly, to get Japan visa need a week (5 days working). Honestly, I was so worried at that time because I just started to apply visa at 27th May 2013 though. So, when I count-down when my visa will be ready, it might be finished at 31st May 2013.

But, in my own experience, I applied on Monday, 27th May 2013 and it already done on Wednesday, 29th May 2013 and able to take on Thursday, 30th May 2013. I didn't even think that it might be done so fast though! (as I expected it need 5 days working). Praise to Lord..

Anyway, the documents should be prepared to apply Japan tourist visa are:

1. Passport (at least  valid for 8 months onwards);

2. Japan visa application form (for temporary visitor visa it consist of 2 pages);

3. Recent photo (size 4,5 x 4,5)

4. Copy of student card (if you are still in school or collage);

5. Copy of ID card;

6. Return airplane tickets;

7. Copy of birth certificate;

8. Copy of family card;

9. Itinerary form whilst staying in Japan (it consist of 3 columns: date, place you will visit, and place you will stay at). Make sure you also attach the voucher booking hotel as proven to the embassy.

10. Bank account statements. I do believe it would be approved as long as you can afford yourself staying there. Japan embassy expect the living cost in Japan for tourist per day around 10.000 yen / USD 110 / IDR 1.000.000,-.

11. Sponsor letter from company you work in (if you are an employee like me).

When I applied visa, unfortunately my first photo was rejected. So, I learnt that for photo, it must be 80% focus in face, no soft-lens.

My first photo was rejected

Accepted :)

For Indonesian, to get further information for applying temporary visitor visa, you can access below the link: (Official Japan Embassy website):

http://www.id.emb-japan.go.jp/visa_7.html

So, when my documents were completed, I paid IDR 450.000 / 4500 yen / USD 50 (it because I used travel agent).

But, if you prepare your visa by yourself, please take note about the office hour of Japan Embassy.

Applying visa: 08.30 am up to 12.00 pm

Taking passport: 01.30 pm up to 03.00 pm

Also, for apply Japan visa for Indonesian, Japan embassy is divided based on the place of the passport has been issued. Like mine, because my passport was issued in Malang, East Java, so I have to apply my visa in Japan Embassy in Surabaya (head office for East Java area). That was why I used travel agent, because I have no time to go to Surabaya by myself.

Tadaaaaa, here my Japan visa was granted.. Woohoo.. :)

Japan Visa as temporary visitor

When the visa and return ticket on my hands, I was sooooo ready to go to Japan. It was exactly on Wednesday, 05th June 2013 I decided to get new experience there.

To know my unforgettable experience day by day in Japan, I will post it one by one for sure.. Stay tune on my blog :)

"Welcome In Japan!!"

Love,

Aditha