With this service, you can register your passport details for faster processing when you arrive in Japan. Note that from April 29, 2023, quarantine procedures are no longer in effect.
To register go to the Visit Japan Website at http://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en before your flight to Japan. You will need to create a new account and then enter the details of your passport, visa details, your contact details in Japan, and fill out the customs declaration form. The website has a feature that lets you take a photo of your passport info page and it will automatically read your details. However, if that does not work (as reported by some users), just type your information manually. You can see the entire process here:
After your details are registered on the website, your account will generate two QR codes: one to be used at immigration, the other for customs.
When you arrive in Japan, you simpy open this website and navigate to the QR codes and scan it at passport control and customs. If you’re worried that you might not have internet connection upon arrival, you can use the website offline by adding the site to your mobile device’s homepage, which will install the app. However, offline usage of the app limits you to just viewing the QR code. So might as well just screenshot the QR code in your phone as backup.
Aside from fast tracking through immigration and customs, this QR code also lets you fast track through tax-free shopping! When shopping at tax-free shops like Don Quijote, to claim your tax rebate after shopping, you would need to fill out forms at the tax-free counter.
With the Visit Japan Web, you can just show the QR code for your landing permission, and you’ll get your rebate with no fuss! No more fumbling for your passport and risk leaving it at the counter!
When you’re souvenir shopping at Don Quijote, make sure to use this discount coupon where you can get an additional 5% off your purchases. This is on top of the 10% tax free on your purchases above ¥10,000. To use the coupon, simply click on the banner above (or this link) and present it to the cashier when paying. Make sure to also show them your QR code to get your items tax-free!
Don Quijote has stores all over the Japan and has 24-hour stores in major cities. They accept payments in cash, major credit cards, and Gcash payments through Alipay+.
]]>This is made possible with the Alipay+ payment system. Open your Gcash account, tap on the QR code icon and tap on Pay Abroad with Alipay+. You’ll be presented with a QR code that you will use to pay for your good at any merchant accepting Alipay+ overseas. You can also use Alipay+ to pay using True Money Wallet, Kakao Talk, and TouchnGo.Isn’t that awesome?
Now you’ll be able to go all out with your shopping at Don Quijote, especially if you’re taking advantage of the discount coupon.
Get ¥1,000 off with Alipay+
If your shopping doesn’t meet the minimum for the Donki discount coupon, you can still get ¥1,000 off through Alipay+!
Cashback for JCB cardholders
JCB cardholders who purchase over ¥10,000 can get 5% cashback (maximum of ¥1,000) on their shopping.
Say for example your shopping total comes out to ¥12,000. You get 10% tax-free, which gives you a discount of ¥1,200. With the Don Quijote discount coupon, you get an additional 5%, which comes out to ¥540. You’ll be paying only ¥10,260. If you use a JCB card issued in the Philippines to pay for your purchases, you’ll be receiving an additional 5% cashback (around ¥513) that will be reflected in your next credit card statement.
Shopping at Don Quijote
Don Quijote is one of the largest chain stores in Japan that carries a huge variety of products from souvenirs, food, kitchen ware, clothing, to even second hand designer accessories.
They have a store in most cities in Japan, with 24-hour mega stores open in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka.
Just recently, Don Quijote opened the Kyoto Karasuma Shichijo store, which is only 3 minutes away from Kyoto station. Over at Sapporo, the Susukino store opened in one of the major entertainment districts in the city. This store is open from 1pm to 5am to cater to tourists who would prefer to shop at night.
Don’t know any Japanese? It’s no problem because Donki has recently started hiring more foreign staff to help non-Japanese speakers. They also have a three-way interpretation app that supports 14 languages to better assist tourists.
They have also installed cashless payment systems in both cash registers and self-checkout counters for credit or debit card payments.
Use this discount coupon where you can get an additional 5% off your purchases. This is on top of the 10% tax free on your purchases above ¥10,000. To use the coupon, simply click on the banner above (or this link) and present it to the cashier when paying.
]]>Don Quijote offers an additional 5% off on top of the 10% tax-free when you shop as a tourist in their stores. This discount coupon can also be used at their sister stores, Apita and Piago.
Similar to the previous Yokoso Pass, this coupon is available for all foreign tourists and Japanese citizens not residing in Japan.
To use the coupon, click on the banner or this link to open the coupon page. You have to do this at the cashier before paying. Once the page has loaded, scroll down to tap on the coupon to get the unique code that will be scanned to get the discount.
Here’s the fine print of the Don Quijote Discount Coupon:
- You automatically get 10% tax-free for purchases over ¥5,500. To get the additional 5% off, your total must be ¥10,000 and above.
- Alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, POSA cards, and high ticket items (priced at ¥100,000 or more before tax) are not eligible for discount.
- It cannot be combined with other discount programs or services.
- You cannot use a screenshot of the coupon or the bar code. You need to load the link on your mobile phone at the time of use to click on the link that generates the bar code.
- This discount is limited to one use per device per day. So if you’ve used the coupon to pay for your purchase and went back to the store for another round of shopping within the same day, you cannot use the coupon again.
- This discount coupon can be used at Don Quijote stores in Japan, Mega Don, Apita, and Piago stores. See all the
Disclaimer: Just Wandering earns a commission for each use of the discount coupon from this website.
What is Don Quijote?
Don Quijote is a chain of discount stores found across Japan and in some countries in Asia and some states in the USA. They carry a wide range of goods from kitchen items to second-hand luxury items. Sometimes called Donki, it is also where you can buy some regional souvenir products from different prefectures. They also have their own home brand, Jonetz or Jonetsu Kakaku, which delivers great value at affordable prices. They also offer tax-free shopping, which makes it very popular among foreign tourists in Japan.
So why is Don Quijote popular among Filipino tourists in Japan?
Pinoys find it hard to say no to a bargain! Aside from the low prices and wide range of products available, some of the Don Quijote stores in the big cities in Japan are open 24 hours. This means shopping at any time of the day or night, without having to sacrifice precious sightseeing and selfie time.
So when planning for your Japan trip, ask your travel agent to include Don Quijote in your itinerary. Visit their website to find the nearest store in the cities you’re traveling.
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If you’re planning a trip this year, this is the place to get amazing and exclusive deals from airlines, tour agencies, hotels, resorts, and other travel service providers.
Don Quijote, one of Japan’s biggest retailers returns to this year’s expo with a booth on Aisle K, across the Amazing Thailand exhibit.
The Don Quijote booth at SMX has plenty of guides for many of Japan’s major tourist destinations, to help you plan your next trip.
The Don Quijote booth has a small sample of goods that you can buy from their stores in Japan, and you can even take your chance at winning one of these goods. They have set up a darts game, and if you hit the target, you win a prize!
There’s even a Tokyo shopping map for all you shopaholics. Of course, if you want to sightsee AND shop, you can drop by any of the 24 hour Don Quijote stores after you have exhausted all the sights during the day!
Get ¥2,000 off your purchases (before tax) when you shop at any Don Quijote store in Japan with these FREE Yokoso Coupons. This is a digital coupon, and you need to open this page on your mobile device and present it to the cashier when paying.
The Yokoso Coupon has been discontinued since March 31, 2022. The coupon is not valid anymore. There is a NEW Don Quijote Discount Coupon.
Please note the following conditions:
- This coupon can only be used 1 time at 1 store per day.
- Coupons can only be used by foreign visitors to Japan.
- It cannot be used to purchase alcohol tobacco and prepaid cards.
- Cannot be combined with any other discounts.
This is not a sponsored or paid post, but I do earn a commission when you use the Yokoso coupon at Don Quijote.
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Click on the property name to view the listing on Airbnb, and take note of the date of stay. The property would have probably changed since then!
Green Oasis in Casablanca, Morocco
Date of stay: October 2011
Our first Airbnb experience! It’s a gorgeous house — one of those kinds that you see in magazines, and it looks exactly like it. We were unable to meet Christina, our host, but she made sure that we were taken care of.
Pros: Nice accommodation, really gorgeous bathroom, very accommodating host.
Cons: It’s a bit hard to find (back then), and it’s away from the main tourist drag, which would be hard if you plan to do some sightseeing.
Eleanna’s in Mykonos, Greece
Date of stay: October 2013
A cozy room in the center of Chora, the center of Mykonos. There were three of us staying in this space, and it was a good fit for us. There is a small kitchenette so we were able to prepare meals while we were there.
Pros: Great location, lots of shops, and restaurants nearby. Walkable from the port and to the windmills.
Cons: A bit hard to find, but you can ask for a pick up at the port.
Semi-one Bedroom apartment in Bangkok, Thailand
Date of stay: October 2015
Booked this when I attended the Travel Blogger Exchange in Bangkok, which was held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. The room is quite big, spacious for one or two people staying there.
Pros: Spacious room, full size closet, kitchen, fridge.
Cons: Location is a bit hard to find. It’s a bit of a walk to the nearby eatery, but there are plenty of motorcycle taxis passing by that you can hail to take you to the nearest station or mall.
Highlight ideal location studio in Taipei, Taiwan
Date of stay: November 2017
An apartment inside a mid-rise building in Zhongshan. Roomy for two, but can feel cramped if there are more of you in the room. It’s walking distance to the Huangshan 1916 Creative Park, which was the main purpose of our trip.
Pros: Family Mart on the side of the building, and plenty of eateries and shops nearby, including a weekend market across the street.
Cons: It’s right smack in the middle of two stations, and it’s a fair bit of walk to get to either of one. At the time we visited, they were having problems with some leaks, so there was water inside the apartment, but the hosts made sure we had a dehumidifier in the room.
Central Park Modern Suite in Melbourne, Australia
Date of stay: May 2019
A private room inside a high rise condominium right smack in the middle of the Melbourne CBD. The host lives in the other room, and we have access to the kitchen and was able to put stuff in the fridge. Our room also has an ensuite toilet, and its own TV.
Pros: Building with very good security, walking distance from the Southern Cross station. It’s also within the free tram zone, so getting around the Melbourne CBD is very cheap and easy.
Cons: Because it’s a high rise, there’s a wait for the lifts during peak hours, especially when two of the three elevators conk out.
Have you tried staying at an Airbnb property yet? You can get $20 off your first qualified booking if you sign up using my invite code!
Click on the property name to see its listing on Airbnb, and please also note the date of stay. The property would have probably changed since our stay.
Treehouse by Taal Lake in Mataasnakahoy, Batangas
Date of stay: February 2015
Very quaint way to experience Taal Lake, surrounded by nature and plenty of fresh air. Important to note that (at the time we stayed) there is no toilet in the treehouse. So if you need to go to the toilet in the middle of the night, you’d have to climb down the ladder, and make your way in pitch black darkness to the toilet.
Pros: Very close to nature, and located in an environmental conservation center.
Cons: It’s a bit hard to get to, especially if you’re commuting. Also, nature = bugs and insects, so watch out for that.
Beachfront House in Bantayan, Cebu
Date of stay: January 2015
Right on the shore, so you have a gorgeous view of the turquoise waters right from the patio.
Pros: You can swim right there, there’s a small patch of beach right below the sea wall, or walk a bit for a broader shoreline.
Cons: It’s a bit hard to find, so ask for a pick up at the port. There’s very little shoreline, so if it’s high tide, the water goes right up to the sea wall.
F2M Tower across Pacific Mall in Legazpi, Albay
Date of stay: November 2018
Very convenient location, walkable to other malls in the area (Ayala Mall, Yashano Mall, SM, etc.) Some rooms have views of Mayon from their window. Good sized room for 1 with a work area, but can feel very cramped if there are two of you.
Pros: Lots of places to eat nearby, terminal is also within walking distance.
Cons: It’s up on the third floor, which can be a challenge if you have luggage (no elevator in the building).
Last installment coming up next week! Airbnb stays in Greece, Bangkok, and Melbourne!
Click on the property names to visit their listing on Airbnb.
2 Bedroom condo at ACE Hotel and Suites, Pasig
Date of stay: March 2018
Right smack in the middle of Kapitolyo, it’s a great place to stay if you plan on hitting all the restaurants in the area, or attending an event at the Bayanihan Center. The furnishing may look sparse, but if you’re with an elderly in a wheelchair or using a walker, this is a good option (though there are no safety handrails in the toilet).
Pros: You just have to take the elevator down and you’re at Ace Water Spa!
Cons: You need the key for the elevator, so you have to go down to pick up guests or other people staying with you.
Bright Balcony Studio at Greenbelt Radissons
Date of stay: June 2018
Nice sized kitchen and toilet. It’s advertised as being able to fit up to four, but with the sofa bed out, it feels a bit cramped for three people staying.
Pros: Great location, pretty much walkable anywhere.
Cons: The blower for the inverter air-conditioner is in the balcony, and blows hot air right where the seats are, so you can’t really enjoy being outside if the aircon is turned on.
Central Location at Beacon Tower 3, Makati City
Date of stay: July 2018
This unit is owned by the same host as Best Location at Beacon Tower 1 in my Makati post, so it’s similarly designed (but with cats!), and has the same features (as well as pros and cons).
Pros: Keyless entry, which means you and your host don’t have to wait for each other to get access to the unit.
Cons: It’s exactly how it appears in the photo, including the table setting, which frankly, to me is pretty annoying because I need to use the table, and I have to take several minutes to clear out the crockery and cutleries just so I can work.
Fully Furnished Studio in Manhattan Heights, Quezon City
Date of stay: November 2018
Located right across Alimall, this is a good location if you are planning on taking a bus to and from Cubao. Lots of great restaurants in the area, and there are places that are open 24/7.
Pros: If you’re taking a bus from the Araneta Bus Port, this is the perfect place to stay.
Cons: Awkward location of the entrance, especially if you are walking and have luggage.
Stylish Suite at Palm Tree Villa 2 at Newport City, Pasay
Date of stay: July 2019
Nice designed and layout. Very comfortable bed. They have a smart lock, so it’s keyless entry. It does require you to use an app on your phone, and they are generous enough to give you the unit’s Wifi login, so you can access the app even if you don’t have mobile data on your phone.
Pros: Right across NAIA 3. Some walk going to the Runway, but it’s a very cheap taxi or Grab ride if you’re feeling lazy.
Cons: Erratic Globe reception in the building, but fine outside. It’s in a low floor too and overlooks the pool, so it may get noisy if there are plenty of people outside.
1 bedroom flat at Mosaic Tower, Makati
Date of stay: August 2019
With four of us staying and 1 friend visiting, it still did not feel cramped. Perfect place to stay if you’re into Wizards Unite/Pokemon Go/Ingress, because there’s plenty of fortresses, inns, and greenhouses nearby. The high floor also makes your GPS wonky, so your avatar ends up walking all around Legazpi village, even if you’re just sitting on the couch.
Pros: Two toilets!
Cons: It feels sparse, like there’s not enough places to sit, specially if you’re a big group staying.
Coming up next: Airbnb places I’ve stayed at outside of Manila!
Due to horrible Manila traffic (and my friends being scattered all over the metro, I’ve taken to booking an Airbnb whenever I’m in the city and have errands, appointments, and people to meet. I usually time it for times when I have to go to the airport, or have to take a bus, so I look for places near those places to make it more convenient for me. Here are some of the properties I’ve stayed at in Makati City.
Click on the property names to visit their listing on Airbnb.
Makati CBD Condo at Beacon Tower 2, Makati
Date of stay: January 2017
My first time to stay at the Beacon Tower, and I quickly became a fan of the location. Most of the time, my friends and I would meet up for lunch or dinner at Little Tokyo, so this is very well located for meeting with them, as well as going for appointments and errands in the Makati CBD.
Pros: Very good location, roomy studio unit, good bathroom layout.
Cons: The Beacon Tower is now pretty much fully occupied, so the building is always busy, and there is often a wait for the elevators.
2 bedroom Family Condo at Mosaic Tower, Makati
Date of stay: April 2017
Booked this for a get together with friends. It’s actually a one-bedroom suite that they converted into a two-bedroom. The master bedroom is very roomy and has an ensuite toilet. The kitchen is tiny, but you can do some light cooking.
Pros: Beautifully decorated space that feels both luxurious and homey. This is great if you’re looking for a place to stay as a group.
Cons: If you’re planning on cooking, double check with the host if they have the items you would need for cooking. When I was there, they didn’t have a chopping board.
Restful spacious studio at BSA Suite, Makati
Date of stay: May 2017
It’s one of the older buildings in the city, but that means bigger cuts of rooms. There’s plenty of space for two people, and I appreciated how they made a makeshift walk-in closet from the extra space on the balcony. Nice sunset views from the balcony, too.
Pros: It’s right across a really good and popular Jolly Jeep, so if you’re hungry and want to stay in budget, you’re covered.
Cons: There was just a small hold up when we were checking in at the reception, but it was quickly fixed.
Chic Urban Living at Beacon Tower 3, Makati
Date of stay: December 2017
Cozy, has everything you need, and very accommodating host. The building has a communal area where you can hang out if you have guests over.
Pros: When I stayed there, Tower 3 still wasn’t fully occupied, so there weren’t a lot of people around.
Cons: Weird layout of the closet, which made it seem cramped and spacious at the same time.
Best Location at Beacon Tower 1, Makati
Date of stay: January 2018
Beautifully designed, love the colors, and really appreciated the the extension cord.
Pros: Keyless entry, which means you and your host don’t have to wait for each other to get access to the unit.
Cons: It’s exactly how it appears in the photo, including the table setting, which frankly, to me is pretty annoying because I need to use the table, and I have to take several minutes to clear out the crockery and cutleries just so I can work.
More Manila properties coming up, as well as Airbnb properties I’ve stayed at around the Philippines and overseas!
]]>The Yokoso Coupon has been discontinued since March 31, 2022. The coupon is not valid anymore.
If you’ve just started planning your first trip to Japan, open up Google Maps and search for the nearest Don Quijote store to your hotel. For the uninitiated, Don Quijote is basically like a department store that has everything you think you’d need (and then some). Both locals and tourists alike flock to Donki because of the wide variety of things you can buy there at very reasonable prices.
As tourists, we love going there because it’s an all-in-one shop where we can buy all our pasalubong for our family and friends back home, as well as find stuff for ourselves. Whether it’s regional souvenirs, household items, clothes, or toys, there’s a high chance that Don Quijote in Japan has what you’re looking for. Best of all, you can get goods there tax-free, and if you’re using this FREE Yokoso! Discount coupon, you get as much as ¥2,000 of your total!
Not all Don Quijote shops are the same though: some are Mega Donkis, which are multi-storey stores that have a dizzying array of goods, some are open 24-hours (usually those in the big cities), while some are mostly stocked with goods that you’d need if you are living in Japan. Here’s a small glimpse into the Nakasu branch of Don Quijote in Fukuoka.
Traveling to Kanagawa prefecture soon? The Don Quijote store in Takamatsu is offering a ¥500 discount coupon when you book a roundtrip shuttle bus ride from Takamatsu station. You can use this discount coupon alongside the FREE Yokoso discount coupons. This means if you used the discount coupon for your ¥30,000 shopping, you get a maximum of ¥2,500 off with the shuttle bus discount! On top of that, you can still claim a tax refund, if you’re a tourist and you’ll be taking your goods out of Japan. How awesome is that?
If you do end up having a bite at Kura Sushi after shopping at Donki, presenting your bus ticket gives you one free plate, providing your individual bill is over ¥1,000. Not bad, eh?
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To be honest, I don’t want to write too much about the play itself, because I want to #KeepTheSecrets. Though the script of the play has been published as a book in 2016, it’s really just a very very small part of the entire production. You NEED to watch the play and experience the magical world of Harry Potter once again. I’m not even exaggerating. It’s really something else — it’s not like any stage production I’ve ever seen before. That’s the thing, it’s not just about seeing it: even now, while recalling the experience, I started feeling overwhelmed by emotions that the play evoked in me. It’s that powerful.
So I’ll just share some tips about watching the play in Melbourne, if you ever decide to watch it (and you should!)
Both parts in one day, or Part One on Thursday and Part 2 on Friday?
Since it’s a two-part play, you have the option to watch both on the same day (Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays), or on two consecutive nights (Thursdays and Fridays). Each part is about 2.5 hours long.
Personally, I was glad I booked the two consecutive evenings, because it gave me time to process all the ~feelings~. Part One ended on such a high that I was so pumped after leaving the theatre and was still riding that high the following morning. But if you’re only in Melbourne for a limited time, go for both parts on the same day.
Buying tickets and choosing the best seats
Tickets can be booked through the official Harry Potter and the Cursed Child website. Ticket prices start at AU$65 and goes all the way up to AU$175 for just one part. I was able to buy our tickets for AU$190 each for both parts. Our seats are in the middle of row H in the Dress Circle. It is the very last row of the theatre, but it gives you a wide view of the stage and the entire theatre. It does have some partial obstruction on the top, since the Grand Circle is right above us, but it just cuts off a small portion of the upper view of the stage (you won’t miss anything major).
One other thing to note: You need to climb up stairs to enter the Dress Circle, and climb up another set of stairs to get to the Grand Circle.
If I’m to buy tickets for the play again (and believe me, I am sorely tempted to!) I will most likely go for the Dress Circle again, but maybe in rows A through E. Row A would be optimal, since you get a really nice view of the stage, but of course, it comes with the hefty AU$350 price tag for both parts!
Living in Melbourne or traveling long term in Australia? You can take a chance to get last minute tickets for only $80 each by joining the Friday Forty lottery.
Applying for an Australian tourist visa
You can refer to my Australian tourist visa application guide for Filipinos for the full guide. If you’ve already purchased your tickets to the play, make sure to mention it in your application, and to include the confirmation email as part of your supporting documents.
Booking hotels or Airbnbs
When I am in Melbourne, I always stay at my sister’s house, but since I am seeing the play with a friend and since the play runs late in the evening, we opted to book an apartment through Airbnb right in the CBD.
Take advantage of Airbnb’s map search so you can pick a place near the theatre. Based on our search in the app, most of the places near the Princess’ Theatre are beyond or budget. Since we plan on doing some exploring in Melbourne aside from watching the play, we chose a place near Southern Cross station. This proved to be a great idea since 1) there’s a boom of new condominiums in the area, which resulted to more rooms available at cheaper prices, and 2) Southern Cross is pretty much the central station in Melbourne — it’s the terminus of the regional trains, Skybus from the airports, and all of the city trains pass through there.
From Southern Cross, you can also get on the number 86 or 96 tram to Spring Street/Bourke Street stop, and it’s just a short walk to the theatre.
Don’t have an Airbnb account yet? Sign up using my referral link and get $20 off your first qualified booking!
Pre-show dinner and after show nightcap
Our tickets was for two consecutive nights, so we made sure to have dinner before the 7:30 pm show. Since we love Asian flavors, we had dinner at Soi 38 (a literal hole-in-the-wall Thai restaurant inside a carpark between Bourke Street and Little Collins) on the first night, and Juicy Bao (a Chinese restaurant with strong Dong Bei Binondo vibes in Little Bourke Street) on the second night. Both are very popular, so I would advise you head there early to make sure you can get a table and have enough time to eat before you need to head to the theatre. For coffee and desserts, check out a Melbourne institution: Pellegrini’s along Bourke Street
Shops, cafes, and some restaurants close early in Melbourne, so it’s really advisable to grab a bite before the evening show (or pay an arm and a leg for the snacks sold at the theatre). If you have a particular restaurant in mind, make sure to check their hours and days of operations, because it greatly varies per shop.
Dress code
The Princess Theatre is a grand old dame, very regal and a perfect venue for the play. That said, despite the amazing architecture and impressive interiors, there is no dress code. You can dress as fancy or as casual as you want, just make sure that you will be comfortable inside the theatre. Bring a jacket or a scarf in case it gets cold. Melbourne’s weather has some pretty wild mood swings, so be prepared for anything. Seriously. Make sure to check the hourly weather forecast on Weatherzone.
Programs and official merchandise
The Harry Potter play is a completely different entity from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which has ties with Warner Brothers. So expect the merchandise designs to be different and more modern, since the play is set in 2017 onwards.
Personally, I like the design much better than the aesthetic of the movie merchandise, and my friend and I greatly appreciate that the prices for the goods are not as steep (though not as extensive of a selection too).
If you’re on a budget, don’t worry because you get a freebie pin to remind you to #KeepTheSecrets.
Exploring Melbourne
Another great advantage of staying in the Melbourne CBD is that you can take advantage of the Free Tram Zone. We were able to travel from our Airbnb to the theatre without having to pay for our tram ride!
If you want to explore further though, you need to have a myki card. You can buy them at major train stations, myki machines, or retailers like 7-11. The card itself costs AU$6 each, and you need to top-up the card to cover your fares. The daily fare is AU$8.80 on weekdays, and $6.40 on weekeends. If you are only traveling within a 2-hour period, only AU$4.40 will be deducted from your card.
So what else can you do in Melbourne? Within the CBD, you can check out the exhibits at the National Gallery of Victoria (it’s just a short walk from Flinders Station, save your fare!), marvel at the La Trobe reading room inside the State Library, take that cliche Instagram shot with Melbourne street art at Hosier Lane, and have high tea at Hopetoun Tea Rooms inside The Block Arcade.
Beyond the CBD, you can compare the croissants of Agathe inside the South Melbourne Market and Lune in Fitzroy (they also have a CBD branch, but it’s closed on weekends), watch a movie at the beautiful art deco Sun Theatre in Yarraville, take that cliche Instagram shot with the Brighton Beach bathing houses, take a scenic ride aboard the Puffing Billy steam train, or ride a hot air balloon over Melbourne (or the Yarra valley vineyards).
I hope this helps you plan for your trip to watch Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Part One and Part Two! If you have any questions or want to share all your ~feelings~ about this play, just post them in the comments!
]]>The Yokoso Coupon has been discontinued since March 31, 2022. The coupon is not valid anymore.
If you’re headed to Japan for the holidays (or anytime in the coming months), here are some FREE shopping coupons you can use at Don Quijote!
Use the NEW Don Quijote Discount Coupon
Don Quijote is a chain of stores that sells a huge variety of items from houseware, to apparel, to souvenirs, to cosmetics. If there’s something you need, you’ll probably find it there.
In previous visits to Japan, I always make sure to drop by at one of their stores, and more often than not, I end up toting a shopping bag when I walk out. Not only do they have several branches all around Japan, some of their stores in the big cities are even open 24 hours!
An added perk for tourists shopping in Don Quijote is that they can enjoy tax free shopping on all items (provided they do not use it before leaving Japan), and with these coupons, you get additional ¥200, ¥500, or ¥2,000 off!
There are three coupons available: coupon for ¥200 off for purchases above ¥5,000 (excluding tax), coupon for ¥500 off for purchases above ¥10,000 (excluding tax), and coupon for ¥2,000 off for purchases above ¥30,000.
[EDIT June 6, 2019] Don Quijote has discontinued the ¥200 off for purchases above ¥5,000 starting June 1, 2019. The other two discount coupons are still in effect.
[EDIT April 1, 2022] The Yokoso Coupon has been discontinued since March 31, 2022. The coupon is not valid anymore.
[EDIT August 29, 2022] There is a new Don Quijote Coupon.
This is a digital coupon, so you need to open this link on your mobile device, and select the coupon you wish to use. Present your phone to the cashier, and they will verify the coupon for your discount. Please note the following conditions:
- This coupon can only be used 1 time at 1 store per day.
- Coupons can only be used by foreign visitors to Japan.
- Cannot be used to purchase alcohol tobacco and prepaid cards.
- Cannot be combined with any other discounts.
If you’re wondering what you can buy, you can check out their online store, or check out their store list for when you’re in Japan. Happy shopping!
While this isn’t a sponsored or paid post, this post does have affiliate links. I earn a commission when you use the coupons at Don Quijote.
]]>While I relate to Miranda in a lot of ways, her dislike for all the hassles of traveling is something that I can live with, mainly because it means I am actually traveling. That’s why I find it hilarious and absurd that she had a holiday in the city she lived in.
Now here comes Seda Hotel Vertis North inviting me to stay over for the weekend. I figured, I have to take it and see if it really is fun to have a vacation in the city I live in.
About Seda Hotel
Seda Hotel Vertis North is one of the growing chain of Seda Hotels popping up all over the Philippines. This is their first hotel in Quezon City, and is touted as one of their largest in the city with 438 rooms. It caters to both business and leisure travelers — on the weekdays the rooms are filled by corporate-sponsored guests, while on the weekends, the rooms are filled by families and groups of friends wanting a weekend holiday.
The hotel is located in the newly created Vertis North, which is right beside Trinoma and spans all the way to Quezon Avenue. It’s right beside the newest mall in the block, Ayala Malls Vertis North, and just a short walk to Trinoma Mall.
A proudly Filipino brand, Seda Hotel showcases Filipino talent with iconic pieces by global Pinoy furniture designers Kenneth Cobonpue and Vito Selma and sculptress Ann Pamintuan, as well as art pieces by Jaime Zobel de Ayala, prominently displayed in the hotel’s lobby.
Club Room
I was given a Club Room, which is a Deluxe Room with Club privileges. This means that instead of checking-in and out at the lobby, I get to check-in at the 23rd floor Club Lounge, and enjoy the Club Lounge facilities.
Consistent with the Seda brand, the room has a contemporary design, and aims to provide guests with the comforts they need. We had a very comfortable sleep on their beds, and I was able to get some work done thanks to their fast wi-fi and the work desk in the room.
My favorite amenity though, is the chargers they have available in all of the rooms. Very convenient, specially for those who left their chargers at home.
The en suite toilet and bath features a spacious stand-in shower stall with a hand-held shower head with a very lovely and strong water pressure. It was heaven. Guests who prefer to have a bath tub have to book a Premier Room.
Club Lounge
The Club Lounge on the 23rd floor offer complimentary refreshments throughout the day, as well as afternoon tea and cocktails. While all guests can enjoy breakfast at Misto, guests with Club access can have breakfast on the 23rd floor if they want to avoid the crowds. Though the selection is not as extensive, there are dishes in the lounge that is not available at Misto.
The Club Lounge offers a sweeping view of Quezon City, and on a clear day, you can see the Sierra Madre mountain range. There are plenty of seating for groups, a TV, magazines, and a meeting room that you can reserve.
Straight Up Bar
For a different drinking experience, head up to the Straight Up Roofdeck Bar, where you can unwind in air conditioned comfort, or enjoy your drinks al fresco as the sun goes down.
Make sure to visit during their happy hour from 5pm to 7pm, where they offer specials like unlimited wine for Php 880, or pica-pica buffet with any drink order.
The Straight Up Bar also offer their original cocktail called Four Elements, which is four different shots of cocktails to represent earth, wind, air, and fire.
Misto
Misto on the ground floor offers all day dining, with buffet offered for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There is a very varied selection of cuisine and dishes for every taste, craving, and diet.
Our favorite: their taho station, seaweed salad, charcuterie, their signature sisig, and the free-flowing detox water.
Chef’s Table
Level up your dining experience and amaze your family and friends with a Chef’s Table dinner. This is a pre-arranged dinner, where you dine literally at the chef’s table: inside the kitchen.
You’ll see first hand how they prepare your meal and served in a beautiful (and edible) table setting.
Facilities
Seda Hotel Vertis North has an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness gym with a small studio for yoga, and a spa.
The spa offers very competitive rates, with treatments for as low as Php 1,000 (as of September 2017) for a one-hour massage.
Holiday Offers
Looking to treat yourself or the family this Christmas? Seda Hotel Vertis North is offering great deals for their rooms this holiday season, going as low as Php 5,700 for an overnight stay in a deluxe room with buffet breakfast for 2 adults and 2 kids (12 and below), holiday amenities, late check out (subject to availability), treats for the kids, including passes to the Christmas Crafts and Cookie Making activity. If you feel like welcoming the new year in luxury, the rate is still at a reasonable Php 6,600 for December 31 to January 1. You can also opt for the complete New Year’s Countdown Package, which includes passes to the Straight Up New Year’s Countown Party for Php 8,700.
Click here to view Seda Hotel Vertis North’s Holiday Catalog 2017.
To book online, visit their website at vertisnorth.sedahotels.com.
Would you have a holiday in the city you live in?
Frankly, I would. For the longest time, a staycation for me meant spending the weekend in Makati or Manila. Staying in Quezon City wasn’t an option, until Seda Hotel. The biggest draw for me, aside from the comfortable and relaxing stay, is it proximity to the malls. Let’s get real — the malls are where everything is. Whether you want to pass the time by watching movies, run errands, have a quick bite or a long lunch with friends, it’s there. Considering how bad the traffic situation in Manila has gotten, it’s great to be in a place where you can just walk to everything you need. It doesn’t hurt that the ride home would only take you 30 minutes.
Thank you so much to the wonderful people of Seda Hotel Vertis North for the invite, and for the unforgettable weekend.
]]>When people talk about traveling to Japan, the first place that comes to mind is Tokyo, followed by Kyoto. Naturally, for those flying into the country, the point of entry that comes to mind is Narita, Haneda, and Osaka.
Of the four airports that Cebu Pacific flies to in Japan from the Philippines, Tokyo Narita would probably be the most popular, followed by Osaka Kansai, and trailed by Nagoya and Fukuoka. Naturally during seat sales, the first two cities would be the first to run out of cheap seats, but if you’re watching your budget, fret not, because you can get cheaper fares if you are flying to Nagoya, even if you are aiming to travel to the Kanto or Kansai regions.
Friends who regularly travel to Japan book flights to Nagoya when the fares to Tokyo have gone too high, and even with the cost of the overnight bus from Nagoya to Tokyo, it still comes out cheap. Likewise, the proliferation of low cost carriers offering domestic flights means you can fly out to as far as Sapporo without breaking the bank (and not losing any precious travel days traveling by train).
In the four trips I’ve made to Japan in the past years, I’ve found myself in the Chubu region for each one. It was not until my last trip that I was able to explore Nagoya city.
When in Nagoya, make sure you try the tebasaki or Nagoya-style fried chicken wings at Sekai no Yamachan
Downtown Nagoya is vibrant and bustling, without the frenetic energy and massive crowds of Tokyo that can be overwhelming. Whether you are eager to go restaurant or bar hopping, singing your hearts out in karaoke until the wee hours of the morning, or looking for great shopping deals, you can do them all in Nagoya.
If up for a cultural activity to round up your itinerary, a visit to the Nagoya Castle is a must. The castle grounds and the museum inside is impressive as it is, but if you can, time your visit on a Sunday morning, when a samurai show on the grounds is held. It’s all in Japanese, but it’s quite entertaining, and you can even have a selfie taken with the cast afterwards.
Catch the samurai show at the Nagoya Castle grounds!
Beyond the city, there are a number of attractions you can visit. You can take a trip out to the Toyota factory and have an old-school type field trip to learn how Toyota cars are made. It’s a fascinating tour, not just for kids, but also for adults who nuts about supply chain management and logistics.
If shopping in Nagoya’s huge malls, 24-hour Don Quijote, and the Osu shopping street is not enough, you can venture out to the Toki Premium Outlet for some discount shopping. Whether you’re looking for clothes, accessories, cookware, or even if you’re not looking to buy anything, you’re sure to find something to spend your money on.
You can continue your shopping at Laguna Ten Bosch, and take a break by exploring the nearby Lagunasia themepark. Though not as grand as Disneyland or Universal Studios, it also does not have the swarm of people that flock the parks even on a weekday. Think of it as a theme park for people who hate crowds (hello fellow anti-socials!)
The Thousand Sunny at Laguna Ten Bosch
Laguna Ten Bosch is also where the Thousand Sunny is docked. For fans of the manga and anime One Piece, this is a must visit. The ship replica is exactly how it looks in the anime, and you’ll be so occupied taking pictures in all the nooks and crannies of the ship that you’ll hardly notice that you’ve already cruised around the bay.
On the subject of anime, did you know that there’s an actual replica of the house in the animated movie My Neighbor Totoro in Nagoya? It’s about an hour away by train from the city, in the Aichi Expo Park.
Excellent lunch at the Gamagori Orange Park. Our one of many amazing meals during the trip
Japan grows excellent produce, and fruit picking is actually a popular tourist activity in the country. One of the nearest in Nagoya is the Gamagori Orange Park, where you can go into the orange grove, pick as much oranges as you can eat. Aside from the fruit picking, make sure to also try having lunch at their restaurant, which serves set meals that are not just filling, but also quite delicious. Like other tourist attractions in Japan, they also have a sizable gift shop that offers the area’s specialties (my favorite were their cured fish).
What better souvenir than a plastic sample of mix tempura that you made yourself?
There are plenty to explore in the Chubu region from Nagoya that you won’t feel like you’ve missed out even if you don’t go to Tokyo. There’s Gujo Hachiman, that’s known as the place to go for those realistic plastic food replicas you see outside restaurants. You can learn how to make them, or you can learn how to dance as the locals do during their summer festival. But really, even without those, I am drawn to Gujo Hachiman because it’s a very quaint and charming little town.
Make sure you time your visit to Takayama to the weekend morning market!
Another favorite in the Chubu Region are the towns of Shirakawa-go and Takayama. Even though I’ve been to both three times already, I am not complaining of I am to visit them again in the future. Takayama offers a wide range of accommodations to fit any budget, and is very nice to walk through the town, especially during the weekends when the weekend morning market is in full swing.
One of the oldest houses in Shirakawa-go.
Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not just a joy to explore, but I find myself wanting to go back again and again just to see how it looks in different seasons. It’s magical when under a heavy blanket of snow, and still quite charming in the autumn.
Further on, there’s also the post towns of Magome and Tsumago, the bustling city of Matsumoto and Nagano, the onsen towns of Gero and Jigokudani… So if you find yourself during a Cebu Pacific seat sale with only fares to Nagoya fitting your budget, don’t worry not because there’s so much to explore!
Cebu Pacific flies every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday to Nagoya from Manila. Much love to Cebu Pacific for giving me this opportunity to see more of the Chubu region!
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Two files are available for download: a single card in JPG, which you can use in your mobile device (just edit with your favorite image editing app to mark the items you’ve tried), or if you’re more of a pen and paper kind person, a printable version is also available in PDF. The print version has two cards and is optimized for printing in letter or A4 sized paper.
Some notes:
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- You can cross off a lot of items in the card by going to hawker centers. We went to Joo Hoi Cafe on Penang road, and we were able to have good assam laksa, lor bak, otak-otak, chee cheong fun, and cendol.
- I know tandoori chicken isn’t exclusive to Penang, but Restoran Kapitan in Lebuh Chulia makes really good tandoori and naan.
- If you’re going to Kek Lok Si temple, you can head to Sisters Curry Mee for breakfast, and then have asam laksa at the Air Itam Market for lunch.
- If you want to go off the beaten path though, head to Bayan Lepas for some really good (and spicy) curry mee and kway teow th’ng at the Dhoby Ghaut Cafe.
- For murtabak, you can try the ones they have at Hameediyah Restaurant. Their biryani looks good too!
- Roti canai in Jalan Transfer is great for breakfast. Make sure to head straight to the stall with the huge curry pot, or you might end up with eggs on toast instead. They also have teh tarik and nasi lemak here.
Here’s my updated Penang map, with the hawkers and restaurants I’ve tried (or want to try). It also includes the location of the cat street arts (the green star icons).
For souvenirs, you can try out the pastries at the Ghee Hiang. Their Tau Sar Pneah are really good. My friend who lives in Penang bring home boxes of these everytime he goes home to Johor.
Downloads:
For mobile devices (JPG)
For printing (PDF)
Even if you can’t watch the games inside the courts, you can watch the players practice. This is Practice Court 18, I think, which you can see from the bridge.
Aim to be there on the first two days
The entire tournament spans two weeks, but if you really want to see your favorite tennis players, it’s best to be there on the first and second days, because that’s when you’re guaranteed that ALL of the players are still in.
Case in point: Rafael Nadal, a top seeded player was defeated on his first match.
Top tier players play at night
Tickets available are for the day sessions (three games), night sessions (two games), and the grounds pass. The day and night sessions gives you access to the courts (either Rod Laver or Margaret Court) to watch the games, while the grounds pass only allows you admission into Melbourne Park. If you have tickets to watch the games, you can freely roam around the entire day (even if you are holding tickets to the night sessions).
You can also watch from the ground level. There are seats at one end, and a standing area on the side. Just make sure you get there early to get a good view.
Cla, Khursten and I bought tickets for the night sessions. Cla and Khursten both have tickets for the first day, while I only have tickets for the second night. As luck would have it, they were able to watch Roger Federer play on the first night, and Rafa Nadal was scheduled for the 2nd day. Unfortunately, since it was Lleyton Hewitt’s last singles tournament, he was given the night game spot on the 2nd night. As soon as we found out the game schedule (it’s released the day before), we lined up at the onsite ticket booth and exchanged our night session tickets for the day session ticket.
If you’re on a budget, but still want to see your idol in person, the grounds pass is okay. You can watch their practice session, and just watch the games from various areas across the grounds. I think you will also be able to watch the games inside the Hisense arena, but you’ll have to line up to get seats.
Make sure to get a seat in the shaded area.
The sunlight in Australia is very harsh, so wearing sunscreen is strongly advised, along with a hat that shades your face and neck. Since Khursten and I were used to the weather here already, we forgot to tell Cla. She underestimated the UV rays, and was sunburned for days.
January is also the peak of the summer season in Australia, with the hottest days recorded usually during the Australian Open. On the first day of AO, temperatures soared up to 38°C. While it’s really tempting to wear as little as possible to combat the heat, a thin long sleeved top can greatly help you avoid getting roasted. Also, if it gets too hot outside, you can duck inside the arenas (just not into the main courts) for some air conditioned comfort.
If you are staying for the night session games, make sure to bring something to keep you warm in the evening, as temperature can drop drastically when the sun goes down (typically around 9-10 pm).
I only had one session ticket, and we got lucky because we were able to watch Rafa. Fortunately (or unfortunately), he got drawn to play Fernando Verdasco, and proceeded to have one of their epic matches that lasted for almost 5 hours. At least I got my money’s worth?
Apply for a visa after you buy your ticket online
Cla, who is a first time visitor to Australia, applied for a visa soon after we purchased our tickets online. She made sure to include the ticket with her application, and since she has also watched other Grand Slam tournaments, she included scans of her tickets to them, along with photos of her at the tournament itself (including a screenshot of her on tv in the stands during Roger Federer’s game, and for some reason, a photo of Roger).
Australian Visas are usually valid for 1 year after issuance, so there’s no problem if you apply as early as October for a trip in January. This also gives you ample time to appeal if your application gets denied. Also, visa processing can take up to 40 days, so save yourself the stress and apply early.
Our seats were pretty high up, but at least we were able to see the entire court, and can easily follow the ball without straining our necks. It sucks when a tall person is sitting in front of you, but sometimes, you get lucky and they leave midway through the game.
Opt to stay within the Melbourne CBD
If your main purpose in Melbourne is to watch the games, it would be better for you to stay within the city center. The CBD is actually quite tiny, and you can easily walk from Flinders Street Station to Melbourne park (about 20 mins walk). There are free trams within the CBD, and during the Australian Open last January, tram rides up to Rod Laver Arena and Hisense Arena were free.
Keep close watch on ausopen.com
If you’re aiming to see a specific player, you can keep track of the game and practice schedules on the AO website. They are usually posted the day before, around midday.
Buy tickets at Federation Square or at Birrarung Marr
If you have extra days in Melbourne and want to head back to Melbourne park, you can buy tickets onsite. There are plenty of ticket stalls in the Melbourne Park Grounds, but you can also buy them from the kiosks at Federation Square and Birrarung Marr. The lines here are markedly shorter than at the main entrance. The prices are the same anyway.
[EDIT] Apparently, they are making some changes in Melbourne Park, so this may change some things.
There are also these huge screens so you can see replays and priceless close ups like this pouty Rafa face.
Bring a picnic
One of the things I love about Australia is that in most places, you’re not forced to buy from overpriced concessionaires at tourist attractions and events. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages inside the grounds and consume them inside. Just make sure to check what’s not allowed to be brought inside the grounds as stated in their website. Drinking fountains are also in abundance, so just make sure to bring a water bottle. It’s very dry here and can be very hot, so make sure to stay hydrated.
To those watching AO 2017, enjoy! It’s an amazing experience!
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