Asia – Moniies Currency Exchange

Trip To Japan-Discover The Indelible Art Of Japan

aerial — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 17:49:49 +0000

Trip To Japan

Take a trip to Japan, one of the most vibrant, modern, and exciting countries in East Asia!

To some, this island nation in the northwest Pacific Ocean might be small. But nevertheless, it boasts some of the world’s most beautiful attractions, both natural and manmade.

Once there, you’ll be able to experience a wide variety of fun and interesting places and activities. Hike through cherry blossom-covered trails, visit ancient pagoda temples, relax in world-renowned spas, take in the famous street fashion, immerse yourself in pop culture, and savor meal after meal of delicious, authentic Japanese cuisine.

Ready to go? Your journey begins now with our guide for things to do in Japan!

Chapters

Things To Do

How To Visit

Where To Stay

Best Restaurants

Best Time To Visit

Cost Of Travelling

Things To Do

There is so much to do in Japan, that there’s no way you can do it all in one trip! That said, here are 5 activities that we think you should put at the top of your list to have a well-rounded, immersive trip.

1. Rediscover Your Childhood At Tokyo Disney

You may have visited Disneyland or Disney World in the United States. But if you haven’t been to Tokyo Disney, you’re missing out on an experience that will reawaken your inner child!

Tokyo Disney is just as magical as its sister theme parks in the US – perhaps even more so because it features certain attractions that you won’t find anywhere else.

For example, one park that you’ll only find in Japan is called DisneySea. It features 7 themed ports with rides, places to eat, and more. It’s highly popular with couples and young adults, while families are more likely to enjoy Tokyo Disneyland.

2. Experience The Rich Nightlife In Dotombori District In Osaka

If you visit the city of Osaka and are craving a vibrant nightlife experience, then Dotombori District is the best place to go.

Dotombori District is a neighborhood in Osaka that is famous for its wide variety of bars, restaurants, nightclubs, arcades, and more. It’s the perfect place to go to while away some evening hours and immerse yourself in authentic Japanese nightlife.

3. Visit The Ancient Kinkajuji Temple In Kyoto

Japan has a rich, storied history, and you would be remiss if you didn’t take some time to take it in. One of the most popular historical tourist destinations in Japan is the Kinkajuji Temple in Kyoto.

This towering pagoda floats serenely on a body of water. It is called the Golden Pavilion because the exterior is covered in gold leaf. Built in 1397, you’ll find it is still perfectly preserved as you take a leisurely walk amid the beautiful landscapes that surround it. Visiting the Kinkajuji Temple is the most ideal way to take in both the incredible culture of this country and some of its stunning natural vistas.

4. Pet Adorable Cats In A Cat Cafe

Cat cafes are small cafes that sell beverages and a few snacks. But the purpose of going to one is not necessarily to eat and drink (although those are tasty bonuses). It’s to play with the cats that live there!

Cat cafes are typically home to anywhere from 10-20 cats, and most of them enjoy being pet, played with, and fawned over – as all cats do. The customers, in turn, love to shower these felines with love and attention.

It’s not hard to find a cat cafe in Japan. The country hosts 150 of them, and at least 39 are located in Tokyo, the capital city. But it’s not just about the cats and the food – it’s about the sheer creativity of the owners of these cafes. Two of the most popular cat cafes in Tokyo – Temari no Oshiro and Tamari no Ouchi – have custom-made facades that are designed to look like entrances to charming little country cottages. The atmosphere could not be more purrfect!

Cat cafes in Japan, their country of origin, are a one-of-a-kind experience you don’t want to miss, so be sure to clear time in your schedule to visit one (or three… or more!).

5. Explore And Shop In Yokohama Minato Mirai 21

Are you interested in doing some shopping and exploring a great city? If so, then Minato Mirai 21 in Yokohama is a wonderful destination to add to your list.

The seaside village of Yokohama became Japan’s first international port back in the 1800s. Now it’s home to some stunning modern urban developments, including Minato Mirai 21. Here, you’ll find countless hotels, museums, and breathtaking architecture, but you’ll also find around 600 stores. It’s a shopper’s dream destination!

How To Visit

When you’re planning your trip to Japan, you need to decide the best way to get there.

Fly

One way to take a trip to Japan is to book your own flight. There are dozens of airlines that fly from the Australia to this island country, including:

Qantas
JetStar
Virgin Airlines
Japan Airlines
Air New Zealand
All Nippon Airways

You can always check with a travel agent or a website like SkyScanner to see which airline will offer the cheapest, most convenient flight on the days you want to take your vacation.

Tour

If you’re not too keen on booking your own flights and hotels, and you want a guide on your journey, you can always book a tour to Japan. There are hundreds of different tourist packages available online, and many of them are themed. Simply choose which city or aspect of Japan that you want to experience the most (i.e., history, nature, even food!) and pick a well-rated tour that falls under that category. In many instances, the tour organization will book your flights and accommodations for you, so you don’t have to worry or stress about it.

Just be sure that you research your chosen tour well before you commit to purchasing tickets and reserving your spot. See that it is well reviewed and reasonably priced, considering the value you will get out of it. If it checks all the boxes and appears legitimate, then feel free to book away!

Where To Stay

Japan is home to some of the finest tourist accommodations in the world. Here, you’ll find 4 and 5-star hotels, resorts, and – our personal favorite – traditional Japanese inns called Ryokans. We recommend that wherever you go in Japan, you try to stay at a Ryokan, as these inns give you the best taste of authentic Japanese culture, hospitality, and local cuisine.

Best Restaurants

There are so many incredible restaurants and food joints in Japan that sell delicious, mouth-watering food, it’s impossible for us to recommend just a few!

However, we do recommend going to local places, including the Ryokan you’re staying in. Prioritize these over large chain restaurants, where the food is more commodified and less authentic.

Best Time To Visit

As you can imagine, a lot of tourists flock to Japan from all over the world throughout the year. However, there’s a general consensus that spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are the best times to go. Both of these seasons have cool, clear weather and fewer crowds.

In spring, you’ll see the cherry blossom trees in full bloom. During the fall, meanwhile, you’ll see Japan’s trees come alive with vibrant red leaves.

Cost Of Traveling

One of the best parts about traveling to Japan is that you can do a lot with a low budget. According to Budget Your Trip, the average tourist spends about $166 AUD a day for food, entertainment, and transportation in Japan. Factoring in hotel expenses, one person staying a week in Japan will spend an average of $1,170.

You will, of course, need to budget for the cost of your airline tickets, as well. This may be your biggest overall expense. The cheapest month to fly to Japan from Australia is Novemeber, and round trip tickets typically cost around $612 at the low end. At the high end, you could end up paying over $2,000.

Another thing you should be aware of is that you’ll need to buy Japanese Yen, which is the official currency of Japan. The current Japanese exchange rate for for Australian dollars, it’s 91 JPY = 1 AUD.

The good news is that things are generally a lot cheaper once you reach Japan, so your money will go far. But it’s usually best to do the currency exchange beforehand so that you don’t have to worry about it when you arrive in one of the country’s bustling international airports.

Exchange Your Money For Japanese Yen With Moniies Currency Exchange

At Moniies Currency Exchange, we provide a safe and secure method for tourists to buy and sell foreign currency. Be sure to visit our site before you take your trip to Japan, to ensure you’ve got money to spend while you’re away!

DISCLAIMER: Published Decemeber 2022, all costs referenced will be true as of that time period, but are subject to change. This blog is provided for information only and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether the information and suggestions contained in any blog entry are appropriate for you, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs. While we take reasonable care in providing the blog, we give no warranties or representations that it is complete or accurate, or is appropriate for you. We are not liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise, arising from the use of, or reliance on, the information and/or suggestions contained in this blog.

Family Friendly Places To Visit In The Philippines

aerial — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 08:18:43 +0000

Before Traveling To The Philippines, You Must Do This With Your Currency

Picture it. You’ve been planning your family trip to the Philippines for months. You have your plane tickets and your bags packed, so you’re all ready to go! After hours stuck on an airplane, you’re excited to arrive at the international airport in the Philippines… only to be held up in customs! How did this happen? More than likely, if you are held up in customs, it means that you didn’t declare your currency before you left your home country. Most countries, including the Philippines, have laws about how much money foreign visitors can bring across the border. These laws help them catch thieves and prevent money laundering. If you declare your currency before you leave for your trip, then when you arrive in the Philippines, you can focus on having fun with your family at any one of the country’s fun and kid-friendly attractions. We’ll talk about some of our favorite places to visit in the Philippines later in the article. But first, we’re going to explain how to declare your currency before you set foot on the plane.

How To Declare Currency Before Arriving In The Philippines

Photographed by Ramendra gupta

Before you board your plane for the Philippines, it’s a good idea to fill out the Electronic Baggage and Currency Declaration form, provided by the Philippine government here. If you don’t fill it out online and submit it before your arrival, you must do it at one of the I-Declare kiosks at the airport when you get there. But this could delay you from getting to your hotel and starting your vacation as quickly as possible, so we recommend following that link instead. As you progress through the form, you’ll type in information such as your flight details, your identity, and how much currency you plan to bring into the Philippines. It may seem like a lot, but just remember that you’re helping the Philippine government prevent fraud. The form is straightforward and self-explanatory. The main point you need to know is that you can only bring in $10,000 or 50,000 pesos. For currency amounts higher than that, you must obtain prior authorization from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the central bank of the Philippines. Once you’ve completed and submitted the form, you’ll automatically receive a QR code in your email. Upon your arrival in the Philippines, show the QR code to the customs officer. Afterwards, you’ll be allowed to declare any valuable goods you may have brought in, or, if you have no goods to declare, you can leave the airport.

Family Friendly Places To Visit In The Philippines

Now that you’ve declared your currency, you’re free to fly through customs with your family and start your vacation! In case you need some ideas for places to visit, here are some family-friendly attractions that you and your kids or grandkids can all enjoy.

1. Puerto Princesa

Photographed by Elaine Ore Puerto Princesa is a city situated on Palawan Island. It has just about everything a family on vacation could wish for: luxurious resorts, dazzling views of the Pacific Ocean, places to snorkel and visit with dolphins, and laidback cruises. But perhaps the best attraction that Puerto Princesa has to offer is the Underground River. One of the 7 wonders of the world, this natural cave system has a river running right through it. Your kids or grandkids will never forget the awe of seeing the cathedral-like cavern ceilings and the religious figures carved into the bare face of the rock, surrounded by dangling stalactites. No matter where you choose to go in the city, Puerto Princesa is a one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t want to miss!

2. Bohol

Photographed by Brett Andrei Martin Bohol is not only a beautiful island filled with great beachside hotels and resorts, but also a fun-filled area to take your family. There’s just so much to do! From sightseeing at places like the Chocolate Hills National Monument and the San Jose Cathedral, to shopping at the enormous Island City Mall, to riding down ziplines at Danao Adventure Park, you’ll never be bored in Bohol.

3. Cebu City

photographed by Hitoshi Namura If you and your family love history, then be sure to visit Cebu City. Located in the Central Visayas region, this urbanscape features plenty of historical landmarks from 16th century Spanish colonies such as the Basilica del Santo Nino. You’ll also find the old Fort San Pedro, a Taoist Temple, and the Casa Gorordo Museum, along with a host of other incredible museums.

4. Vigan

Photographed by Carlos Ramirez Vigan City is another great locale to visit in the Philippines if you’re interested in the rich history of this country. One spot you simply can’t miss is Calle Crisologo, which is ranked #1 as the best thing to do in Vigan. It’s a historic district that features cobblestone streets and Spanish-style buildings, with plenty of lovely little shops and restaurants to explore. Once you’re done at Calle Crisologo, don’t forget to view the Dancing Fountain, the St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, and all the other unique attractions that Vigan has to offer!

5. Hundred Islands National Park

Photographed by Farhan Sharief

Finally, if your little ones are interested in wildlife and other natural wonders, you must take them to Hundred Islands National Park.

You’ll find Hundred Islands National Park in the province of Pangasinan. It consists of 124 coral reef islands, 4 of which have been developed for tourism. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of fun activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking. There are also a few walking trails in certain areas of the developed islands that you can hike to and take in panoramic views. You may even catch a glimpse of local animals.

Trust us, this will be the highlight of your trip.

Need Help With Your Currency? Moniies Currency Exchange Can Help

If you’re headed to the philppines soon, exchange AUD to PHP to prepare for your next family vacation.