Top 5 Most Commented Articles of 2012

Japan Australia had another great year in 2012 and now that it is a new year in 2013, we thought we’d take a look back on the best posts from 2012.

The first in the series was the most popular articles based on total views, the second is the most commented articles based on total comments.

Here are the top 5 most commented articles from 2012

#5 Getting to Tokyo from Narita Airport

Published on July 21st this article received quite a lot of comments and feedback. The article highlighted some of the many options available for you to get to Tokyo from Narita Airport, including taxi, bus and trains. Read this post


#4 Find Cheap Flight Deals

Published on July 26th this post let out of the bag some of the little secrets in finding cheap flight deals. There are plenty of opportunities and deals out there if you just know where and when to book. Read this post



#3 Summer Activities in Japan

Published on July 2nd this was one of the most popular and commented posts of 2012. It highlighted a few of my favourite summer activities in Japan, including fireworks, festivals, mountain retreats, and onsen. Read this post 



#2 The Japan Rail Pass

Published on August 19th this post was all about that tourist gem that is the Japan Rail Pass. It is a must have for any traveller to Japan that is planning to do a bit of distance travelling on the shinkansen (bullet train). Read this post 






#1 10 Things to do on a Budget in Tokyo

Published on August 22nd this post was the most commented for 2012. It highlighted some of the many things you can do in Tokyo when travelling on a budget. The post also featured on GaijinPot and Japan Today and was one of the most successful of the year. Read this post

Top 5 Most Popular Articles of 2012

Japan Australia had another great year in 2012 and now that it is close to being a new year in 2013, we thought we’d take a look back on the best posts from 2012.

The first in the series will be the most popular articles based on total views. Here are the top 5 most popular articles from 2012 count down from 5 to 1.

#5 Winter Illuminations in Japan

Published on October 24th this is one of my recent posts that has proven to be quite popular. The illuminations are part of winter and Christmas in Japan and are a must see at this time of the year. The article highlighted some of the best places in Japan to see the spectacular night time illuminations including Kobe Luminaire, Nabana no Sato, and Shirakawa-go. Read this post

 #4 Japanese Miso Paste

Published on June 26th this post explained all about traditional Japanese miso paste, including the different variations and numerous health benefits. It also included a few handy tips on how to use miso paste and a great basic recipe for making miso soup a favourite Japanese dish. Read this post 


#3 Hina Matsuri Doll’s Festival

Published on March 1st this post all about Hina Matsuri (雛祭) shows how popular Japanese festivals are. I love this time of the year as it is around my birthday and is the start of the warmer months in Japan including the beautiful cherry blossoms that appear in spring. Read this post


 #2 Golden Week 2012 in Japan 

Published on April 25th this post highlighted and explained all about Golden Week, a holiday period in Japan based around several national holidays. It is one if the busiest travel periods in Japan and most tourist destinations are extremely crowded. The travel peak was around May 3rd this year. Read this post




#1 Okonomiyaki

Published on April 12th this post was the most popular for 2012. Japanese food posts have always been popular on Japan Australia, and this dish from Osaka is often called “Osaka Soul Food”. Okonomiyaki is a savoury pancake based on a batter containing a variety of ingredients and it is cooked on a hot plate. Read this post 


Thank you again everyone for supporting Japan Australia in 2012 and we look forward to a fantastic year ahead in 2013.

Spouse Visa for Japan

If you are married to a Japanese national, you can obtain a spouse visa for Japan. The visa allows you to engage in any paid activity in Japan and is usually granted in periods of 6 months or 1, 3 or 5 years. The visa is also extendable.

I recently went through the process of acquiring a spouse visa for Japan. The process was quite simple and straight forward and I have tried to outline the steps that I went through below. This application was processed in Australia, so it might be slightly different if you are in another country. I hope this helps for anyone who is interested.

Step 1

The first step is to pick up a Visa Application Form from the Japanese Embassy or Consulate. The application form is about two A4 size pages. The Consulate General of Japan in Melbourne is located at Level 8, 570 Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000.

Step 2 

Fill out the application form and acquire the relevant documentation from Japan. See list below for details on the documentation. The documentation must be current and issued within the last 3 months prior to application.

Note: Don’t apply too far in advance as you must leave for Japan within a three month period of receiving your new visa.

You will also need to obtain a recent passport photo (taken within the last three months). Australia Post can do a set of 8 photos for AUD$15.95. You will only need one but it is always handy to have passport photos with you when you travel overseas.

Step 3

Lodge your documentation for the visa at the appropriate embassy or consulate. It usually takes 3 working days to process the visa application. I lodged mine on a Tuesday and it was ready for me on the Monday.

They will give you a small receipt with your name, a visa application number, and date when the visa will be available for collection. You must bring this in order to collect your visa.

They will also call you if they need further information/details or if they have any questions during this period.

Note: There is no FEE or CHARGE for Australian Passport holders in Australia.

Step 4

If all is good and you haven’t received a call, your visa is ready to be collected from the date given on the receipt. Remember to bring your receipt and show this at the counter to collect the visa in your passport.

They will also explain and provide you with some information about the New Residency Management System (Residence Card) in Japan.

Supporting Documents Required

1. A valid Australian Passport
2. Visa Application Form – completed and signed by the applicant
3. One Passport sized photo (taken in the last 3 months)
4. Official copy of the Japanese Spouse’s Family Register (Koseki Tohon) – these must also have be issued within the last 3 months prior to application
5. Letter of Guarantee from guarantor in Japan (spouse’s family / employer etc)
6. Documents providing Guarantor’s Financial capabilities to support you (Certificate of Income, Annual income statements, Tax Payment etc)
7. Guarantor’s Certificate of Residence (Jyumin Hyo)
8. Proof of Savings /Finance to support stay in Japan (necessary if guarantor’s financial capabilities are not deemed sufficient)
9. Original Full Birth Certificate (only for child of Japanese parents)

The most challenging part for me was proving that I could support my stay in Japan. This includes supporting my wife and any children that you may have. You can do this by supplying information and details such as:

• Bank Statements (Savings Accounts)
• Financial Statements (from guarantor in Japan)
• Letter of Employment (from company in Japan if you have work lined up)

The Consulate General of Japan in Melbourne

Address: Level 8, 570 Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

Office Hours: 
9:00 am to 12:30 pm
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Website: http://www.melbourne.au.emb-japan.go.jp/ 

Please leave me a comment or send me an email if you would like more information or if there is anything further I can add to help you.

Burger King Whopper with Bacon and Egg

Burger King in Japan have introduced a holiday special Whopper with bacon and egg. This is for a limited time only and is to celebrate Burger King’s 5th come back anniversary in Japan. The burger has been available from the 1st of December 2012. This will be the last burger in the come back campaign to celebrate this special anniversary for Burger King.

You may remember others in the come back campaign such as the Premium Kuro Burger (黒バーガー) that made an appearance in September this year.

The Whopper is Burger King’s most famous menu item and to this they have added two of the top three most popular toppings for this year, bacon and egg. The egg is meant to represent the new sunrise rise at Burger King. As a thank you present for the end of the year, Burger King will have this special holiday Whopper at a special price. The burger itself will be 430 yen, while a Mセットwill be 790 yen.

Visit the Burger King Japan website for more details

Christmas in Japan 2012

Christmas in Japan is celebrated a little different than from home in Australia. For a start the seasons are different, Winter vs Summer. Christmas is not a national holiday in Japan, and is just a regular working day if it falls on a week day. In Australia, it is a time to spend with family, while in Japan it is a romantic time for couples, kind of like a second Valentine’s Day.

Christmas Eve, rather than Christmas Day is the special day in Japan. It is usually a time for couples to go out on a romantic dinner date and restaurants and hotels are usually fully booked out during this time. Christmas Eve is celebrated with a fancy Christmas cake. The cake usually consists of a sponge cake covered in whipped cream and topped with strawberries.

Christmas food in Japan includes traditional KFC fried chicken. Kentucky Fried Chicken has become synonymous with Christmas in Japan since they launched their advertising campaign in the 1970s. You will usually see the Colonel dressed up in Santa gear around this time. There are long lines at KFC on Christmas Day and many people pre-order their Christmas feast well in advance to avoid missing out.

The retail stores and shopping malls scattered all around Japan have been the most enthusiastic about Christmas, with large Christmas trees, Santa Clauses and seasonal decorations out in force several weeks or months in advance.

Over the last few years, more and more people are starting to celebrate Christmas like we do in the west. They are taking up traditions such as decorating their home, exchanging gifts and having a nice Christmas dinner. The Winter Illuminations have become a big deal during this time with magical displays put on by several places. My favourite has to be the Winter Illuminations at Nabana no Sato in Mie Prefecture.

How to spend a Festive Christmas in Japan like back home 

There are several places in Gifu/Nagoya, my home in Japan that have the goodies you need to make a Festive Christmas just like at home.

Plant6 in Ogaki has a range of cheeses, party foods, snacks, cookies and meats.

Amika in Akenabe-cho and Masaki has a large range of frozen meats including whole chickens.

FrancFranc in Nagoya Parco has lots of different Christmas decorations as well as Tokyu Hands in Takashimiya Nagoya.

Loft in Gifu City and Sakae Nagoya also has lots of Christmas decorations and stationary like Christmas cards.

Kaldi in Diamond City and Masa21, has lots of different imported food such as chocolate, candy and snacks for those Christmas stockings.

In the Tokyo area, check out places like

Precce for a variety of cheeses, party foods and speciality items for Christmas.

Nissin World Delicatessen for whole turkeys and fixings for stuffing.

Kinokuniya has several traditional style Christmas decorations.

Seijoishi import grocery store has lots of different imported candy and cookies.

Ikea last year was selling real Christmas trees for ¥1990 and also have a good range of Christmas decorations.

FrancFranc and Tokyu Hands have loads of Christmas tree decorations.

Loft also has lots of Christmas decorations and stationary like Christmas cards.

Hope you all have a Merry Christmas

Light Tunnel at Nabana no Sato

November 2012 on Japan Travel Advice

November has been another great month on Japan Travel Advice. We managed to cover some of my favourite places in Kyoto as well as build upon our content.

The site will continue to expand, and in the meantime, please enjoy a recap of our new articles for November 2012.

Please feel free to visit the site and leave a comment or rate any of the sights you see.

Kanazawa Castle

Kanazawa Castle was built in 1583 by the powerful Maeda clan and is located in Ishikawa Prefecture. It is right next to Kenrokuen Garden, which originally formed the private outer garden of the castle. Kanazawa Castle is classified as a hilltop castle. Read More

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple was first built in 798 and is considered one of the most famous landmarks of Kyoto. The name Kiyomizu-dera literally means “Pure Water Temple” and it takes its name from the pure waters of nearby Otowa Waterfall. It is located in the hills east of Kyoto and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Read More

Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle in Kyoto was built in 1603 as the official Kyoto residence of the first Tokugawa shogun, Ieyasu. It is not your typical Japanese castle, but more of a palace style castle. Nijo Castle was constructed as a demonstration of the shogun’s power and prestige and to signal the demise of the emperor. Read More

Heian Jingu Shrine

Heian Jingu Shrine has a short history but is still considered a must see attraction in Kyoto. It is a rarity as a modern shrine in Kyoto, which is famous for its shrines, which are hundreds of years old. It was built in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto.  Read More

Shichi-Go-San

November 15th is Shichi-Go-San (Seven-Five-Three) in Japan. It is a ceremony for 5 year old boys and 3 and 7 year old girls to celebrate their growth. It is a day of prayer for the healthy growth of young children and to pray for their future. Why the ages Seven-Five-Three? These ages are odd numbers and are considered lucky in East Asian numerology. Shichi-Go-San is not a national holiday and is usually celebrated on the nearest weekend to the actual date.

It is tradition on Shichi-Go-San for children to dress up in traditional Japanese clothing such as a kimino and hakama and visit a shrine to celebrate and be blessed. It is usually the first time for many to wear such traditional clothing and is a popular time for formal pictures to be taken at a professional photo studio. In more recent times, many children are increasingly wearing Western style clothing such as dresses and suits. 

The celebration is said to have started during the Heian period (794-1185) when nobles celebrated the growth of their children. The practice became popular among commoners during the Edo period (1603-1868) and evolved to what it is today during the Meiji era (1868-1912).

After the visit to the shrine, parents usually buy special candy for the children called chitose-ame (longevity candy). The character for chitose-ame is 千歳飴 and it literally means thousand year candy. Not that it is a thousand years old, but it symbolizes healthy growth and longevity. The candy is shaped like a stick and comes in a bag decorated with cranes and turtles, which both symbolize long life.

Chitose-ame

Some other popular Japanese festivals include:

• Hina Matsuri (雛祭) Girls Day
• Kodomo no hi - Children's Day

October 2012 on Japan Travel Advice

October has been a busy month on Japan Travel Advice. The site was launched on the 1st of October and we have been busy posted new content on a weekly basis. I still have some interactive Google Maps that I've been developing and hope to launch these soon.

In the meantime, please enjoy a recap of our new articles for October 2012.

Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle is one of the most visually stunning castles in all of Japan. The castle an original is known as kurasu-jo (Crow Castle) because of its black exterior. Matsumoto castle is a flatland castle (hirajiro) built on a plain rather than on a hill or mountain. It is located in Matsumoto city, in Nagano Prefecture. Read More

Kinkakuji Temple

Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, is one of Japan’s best known sights. Located in Northern Kyoto, the original building was constructed in 1397 as a retirement villa for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Read More

Todaiji Temple

Todaiji Temple in Nara is an awe-inspiring sight and should be at the top of any sightseeing trip to Japan. The temple was built in 752 during the Nara period (710 – 794 AD) at the behest of Emperor Shomu, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Read More

Kenrokuen Garden

Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa is considered to be one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. The other two are Korakuen Garden in Okayama and Kairakuen Garden in Mito. The garden is conveniently located outside the gates of Kanazawa Castle. In its original form Kenrokuen Garden formed the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle. Read More

Winter Illuminations in Japan

During the colder months in Japan a lot of places put on spectacular night time illuminations. The illuminations usually start late autumn and last until early February. Most are FREE and definitely worth checking out as they are a highlight of winter in Japan.

Some of the most popular and spectacular are:

Kobe Luminaire in Kobe, a light festival, this is the original and most famous. The illuminations run for two weeks in December and are turned on for a few hours each evening. They are truly spectacular with each light individually hand painted. Kobe Luminaire is dedicated to the memory and recovery of the Kobe Earthquake in 1995.

Nabana no Sato located in Kuwana City in Mie Prefecture, it is a theme park dedicated to flowers. They have one of Japan’s finest winter illuminations that runs for about 4 months from mid-November to mid-March. The highlight is the spectacular light tunnel.

Nabana no Sato 

Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its gassho zukkuri farmhouses. This place has been famous for years due to its thatched roof farmhouses, but the beauty is raised to an even higher level when the houses are lit up in the snow. Spotlights illuminate the snow covered thatched roofs and runs from mid-January to mid-February.

Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido, this annual snow festival also called the Sapporo Yuki Matsuri is a winter favourite. It is held each year in early February with dozens of large and amazingly elaborate ice and snow sculptures. The event will be held from February 5-11 in 2013 and the amazing ice sculptures are lit at night creating a winter fairyland.

Tokyo has quite a few seasonal illuminations spots including:

• Shinjuku Southern Terrace, south of JR Shinjuku Station
• Ginza, Christmas trees along Chuo Street and store illuminations
• Odaiba, has the “Daiba Memorial Tree" in Odaiba Kaihin Park
• Tokyo Dome City, has an impressive collection of illuminations
• Maranouchi, the Nakadori Street is lit up with illuminations

Most places in Japan will have some kind of winter illuminations, so wherever you are in Japan, you will be able to enjoy this winter tradition.

Light Tunnel at Nabana no Sato

Teatopia Festival in Kyoto

The two day Teatopia Festival in Kyoto, will be held on Saturday November 3rd to Sunday November 4th. The 茶源郷まつり or Chagenkyo matsuri is an ancient agricultural festival that has been held annually for almost 30 years.

There will be tea from 30 tea farms including tea from India, Indonesia, Taiwan, Korea, and all over Japan. There will also be tea culture and seminars featuring tea soap making, history of tea and Wazuka, kabuki theatre, tea ceremony and tea storytelling.

Some amazing tea inspired food will be available including Matcha Curry, Green Tea Sweets, and Ochazuke (rice with tea).

Event Information 

Date / Time: Sat November 3rd – Sun November 4th 2012 from 10am to 4pm
Location: Green Tea Wazuka Town, Kyoto
Address: 35 Hazama, Shirasu, Wazuka Town, Soraku, Kyoto, Japan
Price: Admission is FREE

Note: A shuttle bus to the event location will be available from JR Kamo Station

Japan Travel Advice

I am really happy to announce that my latest project Japan Travel Advice has just been launched. This has been a labour of love for me the past year as I have planned the site and gathered the required material from my 10 years in Japan.

The site has lofty ambitions as can be witnessed by the Japan Travel Advice slogan “The Complete Japan Travel Guide”. We have aimed high and realize that in no way the current content is up to our desired goal. We have the basic structure for the site in place and will continue to build upon what is in place. Over the coming months we will continue to post new content on the specific destinations and attractions in Japan to build up the site and reach our goal of being the complete Japan travel guide.

I would love for you to visit the site and let me know what you think. You can do that by clicking on this link Japan Travel Advice

You can leave comments here below and we welcome all feedback from you about the site. We know that it is not perfect at this stage, but will strive to meet our goals and ambitions of being the complete travel guide.

You can also follow Japan Travel Advice on Social Media

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Google+

The Premium KURO Burger

Burger King Japan is just about to release the Premium KURO Burger (黒バーガー) to celebrate their 5th come back anniversary in Japan. The limited edition Premium KURO Burger will hit the Burger King menu on Friday, September 28th.

The burger features a Whopper sized paprika flavoured beef patty, and is topped with tomato, onion, lettuce and pickles. The sauce features mayonnaise and a special dark ketchup coloured and flavoured with garlic and squid ink (いかすみ). The burger’s buns are also blackened with the use of bamboo charcoals (たけすみ).

The burger will be priced at 450 yen (AUD$5.50) for just the burger, or 790 yen (AUD$9.60) for a medium size set (Mセット).

If you purchase a Premium KURO Burger medium size set (Mセット) with a Coca Cola Zero for 790 yen (AUD$9.60) or a Premium KURO Burger and drink set for 670 yen (AUD$8.20) you can refill your Coca Cola Zero for free.

Visit the Burger King Japan website for more details

Premium KURO Burger

Tsukimi - Moon Viewing

The Japanese custom of Tsukimi (月見), moon viewing is traditionally held in mid-September when the moon is at its best and most beautiful in Japan. This custom is celebrated throughout Japan and is believed to have originated in China and introduced to Japan during the Heian period (794-1192).

Japanese people usually celebrate Tsukimi by displaying autumn flowers and susuki (pampas grass) in a vase. They also offer dango (dumplings) and satoimo (taro potato) to the moon in an altar. People also enjoy looking at the moon and enjoying its beauty at this time of the year. With the clear autumn sky and crisp days and nights the moon appears especially beautiful.

Burger King Japan Hot Jamaica

Burger King Japan has launched a new 2012 summer campaign called Hot Jamaica. The reason behind the campaign is to celebrate the 50th anniversary of independence for Jamaica.

The campaign features two types of burgers on the menu, which are the Angry J Chicken Burger, and the Angry J Whopper.

The Angry J Chicken Burger features grilled chicken, lettuce,and tomato, and is topped in a spicy Jamaican jerk sauce.

The Angry J Whopper features a beef patty, cheese, lettuce and tomato with the spicy Jamaican jerk sauce.







Burger King Japan

Tokyo Whiskey Bars

Seen all the main sights in Tokyo and want something new to experience. How about visiting one of Tokyo’s famous Whiskey Bars.

Scotland may be the home of Whiskey, but there is no better place on the planet to sample this liquid of the gods than Tokyo. Tokyo’s whiskey culture is at another level with dozens of small bars offering thousands of top quality whiskies. The Japanese have a broad taste in Scotch, American Bourbons and locally produced whiskey.

There are a multitude of bars in Tokyo. Some are tiny, dark basements others more stylish places with bow-tied experts mixing drinks.

The following are some of Tokyo’s highly recommend whiskey bars

10 Things to do on a Budget in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan’s modern capital is one of the most exciting places on the planet, but this doesn’t mean a holiday to this amazing destination has to break the bank. Like most places in the world, a trip to Tokyo can be done either in luxury or on a shoestring budget. I’ve been lucky to have been able to travel around most of Japan in my ten years of living there and overall I have found Japan to be an incredibly affordable holiday destination.

If you are planning a trip to the land of the rising sun, be sure to check out these things to do in Tokyo, for people travelling on a budget!

The Japan Rail Pass

Japan’s rail services are one of the best in the world. They are extremely efficient and go just about everywhere in Japan. If you plan to do a lot of travelling in Japan then you should consider the Japan Rail Pass. The pass allows for unlimited travel on the national JR network, including the shinkansen (bullet trains) excluding the Nozomi superexpress.

This pass can only be purchased outside of Japan and will save you travel money in Japan.

If you plan, like most tourists to travel the Golden Route of Tokyo – Kyoto – Osaka – Hiroshima it is well worth looking at this pass. You must be travelling in Japan under the visa status of “temporary visitor” to be eligible.

Japan Festivals August 2012

Summer in Japan is the time for festivals and August is one of the hottest months for Japanese festivals and events with lots happening around the country. The hot weather is the perfect excuse to head outdoors and enjoy these spectacular events.

Some of the big festivals and events include:

Find Cheap Flight Deals

How do I find cheap flight deals? There are a few little secrets to help you achieve this and plenty opportunities out there if you know where and when to book. The list below has been complied with the help of Escape.com.au.


The following is the ultimate guide for finding the best deal:

Getting to Tokyo from Narita Airport

There are a few options available for you to get to Tokyo from Narita Airport and these include taxi, bus and trains.

Taxis are the most expensive means with a taxi to downtown Tokyo costing between 20,000 yen – 30,000 yen depending on the final destination and traffic.

Bus is a cheaper option at around 3,000 yen. A regular limousine bus service (www.limousinebus.co.jp) runs between Narita and Tokyo City Air Terminal in central Tokyo, to Tokyo and Shinjuku stations. They also run to most major hotels in Tokyo. Tickets can be purchased at the airport after clearing immigration and customs. The buses leave every 20 minutes and usually take 2 to 3 hours to arrive at central hotels.

Trains are usually the quickest and cheapest way to reach Tokyo. There are two train alternatives into Tokyo: Japan Railways (JR) Narita Express (www.jreast.co.jp) and the Keisei Skyliner (www.keisei.co.jp) they are twice as fast as taxi or bus, but not as convenient as you must find your own way around the city once at a station.

The Narita Express has more connections stopping at JR stations in Chiba, Tokyo (station), Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Yokohama. It costs around 3,000 yen for a regular ticket. Tickets can be bought in advance or at the station.

The Keisei Skyliner stops at just Ueno Station and nearby Nippori. Tickets cost around 2,000 yen and can also be bought in advance or at the station. 

Check out my Tokyo post to discover what you can see and do in Tokyo

These are some great resources to help you explore Tokyo