Foreign student living in Japan want to apply for Chinese visa

Hi there!

I'm a foreign student currently studying and living in Japan. I'm planning to visit Shanghai and Suzhou for travelling. I already prepare all the requirement; Form A, Form B, ticket, hotel reservation, etc. What I want to ask and make sure is whether its true or not that I cannot apply the visa by myself and must through Travel Agent? I went to Consulate General of China in Osaka and the officer insisted that I have to go through Travel Agent while at the same time she accepted application from others directly. I check to Travel Agent but they ask for 9000 yen, that's too much.

Thank you

Mizan