Travel Challenges
Traveling from the Philippines to Japan comes with more challenges than your average international journey, and so it’s important to be aware of the requirements and conduct extensive research before setting out. While there’s no shortage of convenient flights, there are some important steps travelers must take.
First, Filipino travelers must apply for a short term visa. There are two options: a tourist visa, which is valid for up to 15 days; and a business visa, which can last up to 90 days. To get either, travelers must submit the necessary requirements including a flight itinerary, hotel reservation, evidence of financial stability and proof of visa fees payment. Once the visa has been approved, travelers can then board their flight to Japan.
Travel to the Airport
The second challenge is getting to the airport. Airports in the Philippines are few and far between. Although the main international airports — Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manilla and Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) in Cebu – offer international flights to Japan, many travelers may need to take a domestic flight to get to these hubs.
Travelers must be mindful of the stringent safety measures in place at airports. Passengers must abide by the instructions of airport security personnel, and they may be subjected to random security checks at any time.
Transportation Through Japan
Once travelers arrive in Japan, transportation is the next challenge. Though Tokyo’s highly efficient mass transit system is renowned, many destinations may require travelers to rent a car. It is important to note that driving in Japan is on the left side of the road, and all travelers must obtain an international driving permit in advance.
Cultural Differences
While the Japanese culture is welcoming and generous, travelers must be mindful of the cultural differences. From food to personal interaction, there are many behaviours that are considered unacceptable in Japan such as talking too loudly in public, not standing in line and failing to greet people when entering a building.
Luggage Requirements
The last challenge travelers must be aware of is the strict luggage requirements. All liquids, aerosols and gels in containers of more than 100 ml must be placed in a sealed, transparent bag. Additionally, travelers are limited in what items they can bring in the cabin, such as sharp objects, flammable liquids, and firearms – all of which must be surrendered at the check-in counter.
Covid-19 Protocols
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, travelers must also consider its implications. All travelers must take a PCR test within 72 hours of their flight and must provide a negative result for COVID-19 when they arrive at the airport. Additionally, travelers may need to provide proof of their residency status, depending on the length of their stay.
Conclusion
Traveling from the Philippines to Japan is not for the faint of heart; there are many steps and requirements that must be taken into consideration. It is important to research the visa application process, get to the airport with enough time, book rental cars in advance, familiarise oneself with the local customs, and be aware of the luggage limitations. Lastly, travelers must take into consideration the new COVID-19 protocols in place, which is sure to make the journey all the more difficult.
