Me (32M) and wife (31F) traveled to Kansai Japan for the first time from 9/4 – 19/4. Here is our trip report and my personal travel tips.
**PRELUDE**
* Touched down Kansai Airport at 9.30pm.
* Took the Airport Limousine Bus to Kyoto Station.
* Reached hotel at 11.30pm.
**Day 1 (KYOTO)**
* Reach Fushimi Inari by 8.30am. It was already pretty crowded.
* Wife wasn’t too interested after a while so we descended Mt. Inari and went to Tofukuji.
* From Tofukuji, we took the Keihan Line to Chushojima Station, where there’s a river canal nearby that was full of cherry blossoms. Much less foreign tourist here too, mostly locals.
* Next, we visited Uji. Had cold matcha soba for lunch and went to Tsuen Tea Shop, which is the oldest tea house not only in Japan, but the whole world.
* Had more green tea desserts at Nakamura Tokichi and went to Byodo-in (the temple featured behind the 10 yen coin)
* Matcha stuff here were all just next level.
* Chill by Uji River and visited Ujikami Shrine.
* Took a walk to Tamakitei (famous bread shop in Uji) , but found out it wasn’t open when we got there.
* By late evening, we took the train back to Kyoto downtown to Gion. Explored Pontocho Alley, Kiyamachi Street, and Hanamikoji. Had conveyor belt sushi for dinner.
* Visited Kyoto’s Pokemon Centre.
* Kodai-ji for night sakura illumination.
Step count: 39,192 steps
**Day 2 (KYOTO)**
* Reach Sannenzaka and Ninnenzaka by 7am. Very few people around this early, and took a lot of crowd-less pictures of the traditional streets.
* Visited Kiyomizudera, the crowd started to build up considerably when we’re done with this place.
* Had Arabica coffee at Ninnenzaka.
* Walked to Yasaka Shrine and visited Maruyama Park.
* Visited Chion-in Temple and head west towards Shirakawa River. Dropped by Tatsumi Bridge, Tatsumi Shrine and Shirakawa Lane. From there, followed the river towards Heian Shrine.
* Continue walking towards Keage Incline, took pictures of more cherry blossoms there.
* Headed towards north and visited Nanzenji Temple, Philosopher’s Path, Honen-in and finish at Ginkaku-ji.
* Fu-ka, a good omurice place is just 5 minutes walk from Ginkaku-ji.
* Took a short hike at Yoshida Hill, there’s a hidden dessert shop there (Mo-an), true hidden gem.
* Descent Yoshida Hill and visited Yoshida Shrine. Walked to Konkai Komyo-ji, a temple full of gravestones with a nice pagoda, it was quite a sight.
* Visited rabbit shrine Okazaki jinja. Bought some rabbit charms.
* Took a bus to Nishiki Market and did some souvenirs shopping.
* Had really good udon at Udon Tengu for dinner.
* Took the bus back to Gion and visited Yasaka Shrine again.
* Walked to Ninnenzaka and Sannenzaka. It was 9pm but the whole streets were just completely empty. Took a really nice picture of the streets with the pagoda.
Step count: 45,300 steps
**Day 3 (KYOTO)**
* Reached Arashiyama Bamboo Forest by 8.30am. Super crowded already.
* Passed Togetsukyo Bridge and walked along Katsura River. Hiked up and visited Daihikaku Senkoji Temple (awesome view of Arashiyama from up here!)
* Got back to Togetsukyo Bridge and headed to Denden-gu (a shrine with homage to Hertz and Thomas Edison)
* Walked back to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Did I mentioned that it was super crowded earlier? Now it’s EXTREMELY crowded.
* Explored North Arashiyama area and Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street. Had unagi lunch at Ayu-no-Yado (best unagi we had in our lives)
* Visited both Otagi Nenbutsu-ji and Adashino Nenbutsu-ji.
* Walked to Daikaku-ji Temple. From there, took a bus to Kitano-Tenmangu Shrine. Visited Hirano Shrine.
* Had McDonald’s for dinner. Tried the shrimp burger which wasn’t available in our home country.
* Explored Kamishichiken (oldest geisha district in Kyoto)
Step count: 35,308 steps
**Day 4 (KYOTO)**
* Woke up at 5am on my own. Solo hiked the entire Fushimi Inari. It was a completely different vibe from Day 1. There were virtually nobody around, it was as if I had the whole shrine to myself. Words can’t describe just how calm and peaceful this whole experience was.
* Walked back home and wife was up and ready. Took the train to Demachiyanagi Station, and from there hopped on to Bus 17, heading towards Ohara.
* Reached Ohara at 10.30am. Visited Sanzen-in (700 yen, the most expensive temple we’ve visited in our entire trip. But it was still worth it)
* Had really good curry udon and the specialty Sanzen-in udon for lunch at Ippukujaya Teahouse.
* Visited Jakko-in Temple.
* Walked around and explored Ohara Town. Really good countryside vibes.
* Took the bus back to Demachiyanagi Station. Visited Kamo Mitarashi Chaya and had the best mitarashi dango.
* Super good Omurice for dinner at Omura House.
* Headed back to downtown Kyoto and just explored around.
Step count: 39,403 steps
**Day 5 (KYOTO >> OSAKA)**
* Woke up at 5am on my own. Visited Kiyomizudera and solo hiked to Higashiyama Mount Peak Park.
* Walked back home and wife was up and ready. Checked out of our hotel and stored our luggage there.
* Took a train to Kurama Station and hiked Mt Kurama. Visited Kuramadera and reached Kibune. Visited Kifune Shrine.
* Took the train back to Kyoto Station. Had really good Ochazuke at Dashi-Chazuke En.
* Went back to the hotel, got our luggage and head towards Osaka via Keihan Line.
* Checked in at Osaka Airbnb. Had Ichiran Ramen for dinner.
* Explored Umeda area and had a good night view of the whole city at Umeda Sky Building.
Step count: 44,068 steps
**Day 6 (OSAKA)**
* Woke up 5.30am on my own and had a long morning walk around the city. Explored West Umeda area.
* Came back home at 9am and wife was up and ready. First stop of the day was Tenjinbashi Shopping Street & Osaka Tenmangu.
* Walked to the Osaka Mint Museum to see late blooming cherry blossoms. From there, continue on foot towards Osaka Castle and explored the park area.
* Randomly encountered a noodle restaurant full of Japanese salarymen standing while eating their meals in a rush. Decided to join in and despite the whole situation being super chaotic, the food was great and it was a very memorable moment, definitely a highlight of the trip!
* Had cakes and dessert at Gokan Cake House (Near Kitahama Station)
* Took a train and explored Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi.
* Walked south and explored Den Den Town. Visited the famous Namba Yasaka Shrine.
* Had the best Onigiri in our lives for dinner at Onigiri Gorichan.
Step count: 43,676 steps
**Day 7 (NARA)**
* Woke up 5am on my own and had a long morning walk around the city. Explored Kyobashi, Osaka Business Park and Osaka Castle.
* Came back home at 9.30am and wife was up and ready. Took the Kintetsu Line to Hasedera Station. Explored Hasedera Temple and Hase Town.
* Had the ABSOLUTE BEST udon meal here in Hase at 与喜饂飩 (food were all prepared on the spot upon order, so we had to wait a while to eat. And it was so worth the wait!)
* Took the train to Yamato-Yagi Station and explored Imaicho, a very well preserved traditional merchant town. And the best thing, there were no tourists at all!
* Walked around Kashihara Town. Visited Fujiwara Palace Ruins.
* Took the train back to Osaka and had Tsukemen for dinner at Tenjinbashi.
* Visited Dotonbori again, this time during night.
Step count: 37,667 steps
**Day 8 (NARA)**
* Woke up at 5am on my own and walked around town. Visited the virtually empty Dotonbori.
* Came back home at 9am and wife was up and ready. Took the Kintetsu Line to Ikoma Station.
* Switched to the cable car and rode up to Ikomasanjo Amusement Park.
* Visited Hozanji (one of the best temples we’ve visited in the entire trip)
* Explored Ikoma Town. After that, took the train bound for Nara Deer Park.
* Dropped by Yamato-Saidaji Station on the way and visited the street where former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated. Flower beds were made around the site to honor him.
* Continued to Nara Park and did the usual stuff here – See the deers, visit Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha.
* Took the train back to Osaka. Had very good Okonomiyaki at Hirokazuya Higashidori for dinner.
Step count: 37,186 steps
**Day 9 (NARA – SOLO WALKING)**
* Today was the day my wife and I had our own me-time. I chose to explore Nara, while she decided to chill and shop around Osaka.
* Woke up at 4.30am. Caught the first train and headed towards Tenri, Nara. Visited the Tenri Church.
* Completed the entire south part of Yamanobe no michi (oldest road in Japan), starting at Tenri & ending at Sakurai Town. Explored some shrines along the route – Isonokami Shrine, Yatogi Shrine, Hibara Shrine, Omiwa Shrine.
* As I was entering Yatogi Shrine, a farmer old man approached me in his motorcycle and personally gave me a tour in the shrine. I used Papago to translate his words and communicate with him. He even taught me how to pay respects in the shrine – ringing the bell, clapping your hands together and take a bow. Such a really awesome & unique experience.
* Had Miwa Somen for lunch, a regional food only found in Nara.
* My wife reportedly had the best pancakes of her life at Marufuku Coffee, near Dotonbori.
* Continued walking south, passed by Kashihara and explored Asuka Village, once the capital of Ancient Japan.
* Visited Asukadera, the first temple in Japan.
* Lots of tumulus around the area, the most famous one being the Ishibutai Tumulus.
* Continue walking and arrive at Takatori Town. Wanted to take a hike to visit Takatori Castle Ruins and Tsubosakadera, but sun was already setting so I scraped that plan.
* Reach Ichio Station and took the Kintetsu Train back to Osaka. Reunited with my wife.
* Random ramen shop around Umeda area for dinner.
Step count: 63,377 steps
**Day 10 (OSAKA)**
* Woke up 5.30am and had my last morning walk in the city, exploring the north part of Umeda.
* Came back home at 9am and checked out of hotel. Stored luggage at Osaka Station.
* Last minute shopping at Dotonbori.
* Had plans to go to Minoo Falls, but wife wasn’t keen so we scraped that.
* Visited all Seven Slopes of Tennoji : (1) Shingon-zaka (2) Genshoji-zaka (3) Kuchinawa-zaka (4) Aizen-zaka (5) Kiyomizu-zaka (6) Tenjin-zaka (7) Ou-saka
* Last temple of our trip – Shitennoji
* Explored Shinsekai. Unagi and sashimi dinner at Rokusen (So. So. Good) It’s just right outside Tsutenkaku Tower.
* Train back to Osaka Station, and departed towards Kansai International Airport for our flight back home.
Step count: 31,695
**PERSONAL TIPS & STATEMENTS**
* Haruka Train is the cheapest option to travel from the Airport. However, the last train departs at 10.16pm. If you arrived via a late night flight, consider taking the airport limousine bus.
* Residential areas tend to get really quiet at night. If you arrived late night, try to not drag your luggage on the streets too much as it would create really loud noises and disturb the residences.
* As many people have mentioned, get the ICOCA card for easy transport payment. It is available on almost every train/subway stations. IC cards from Tokyo like the Suica and Pasmo works here in the Kansai Region as well.
* Do make an effort to learn about specific passes around the region, it will save you a lot of money (Kintetsu Rail Pass, Keihan Rail Pass, 1 DAY Kyoto Bus and Subway Pass, etc) Some passes would even offer discounts at tourist spots.
* The 1 DAY Kyoto Bus and Subway Pass only works for the Tozai and Karasuma Subway Line. It is not applicable for the Keihan, Hankyu or JR lines. However, you can use the pass for almost all buses in Kyoto, even JR ones.
* Do take Express or Rapid Express trains to your destination, if available. This will save you TONS of time with no extra cost. Limited Express trains are even better, but you would have to pay extra for it.
* Since we only traveled around Kansai Region, a JR Pass is not needed.
* While many places accept credit cards, there are still many occasions where you can only pay by cash, especially temples and some restaurants in the more rural areas. If there’s not enough, you can easily withdraw more cash from ATMs in 7eleven konbini outlets.
* Bring a wallet/purse with a coin pouch. You will be using and receiving a lot of coins in Japan.
* Carry along a trash bag as public bins are not easily available. However, you can dispose your trash at almost all konbini shops. Even if they don’t have a bin, you can just request the cashier at the counter to throw your rubbish away.
* Many tourists learnt the trick of arriving at famous tourist spots early to avoid crowds. If you really want a completely crowd-free experience, 7am is not early enough, I’d say 5-6am.
* I cannot stress how important it is to experience Japan with as little tourist crowd as possible. Peak hour crowds is a completely different vibe and could ruin your trip experience.
* Just an observation, I noticed that majority of western Caucasian tourists seem to only visit the super famous places (Fushimi Inari, Bamboo Forest, Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Nara Park, etc) whereas Asian tourists (China, Hong Kong) would appear around lesser-known spots.
* Kyoto is not known to have much night life. Other than downtown and Gion area, the rest of the city gets pretty dead and quiet after sunset. Night time in Osaka on the other hand is a complete opposite.
* Public toilets are SUPER CLEAN! Even in the middle of nowhere around rural areas some toilet would also have those high-tech seats with the buttons and all!
* Despite being springtime in early April, the weather gets really hot when the sun is out on a clear day. However, do take note that weather temperature varies every year (it was much colder during the same period the year before)
* Check for weather forecasts for upcoming days. You might need to readjust your itinerary based on the weather.
* Japan is well-known for their clean streets. Despite that, I find Dotonbori and many shopping street areas around Osaka to be extremely filthy (reminds me of my home country lol)
* MAKE SURE you check the opening hours of restaurants and temples before visiting them. Certain temples close as early as 4pm, while some restaurants do not open for dinner hours.
* Even if you don’t know what’s good to eat around, you can just walk into any random restaurant and have an absolutely awesome Japanese meal. Even those with less than 4 stars on Google will be mind-blowingly good, miles better than the Japanese cuisine you could have in your home country.
* If you’re interested in buying Onisuka Tiger shoes, you’re in for a treat! Their outlets in Japan sells much cheaper products than my home country. And as if that wasn’t enough, they made them even cheaper by making it tax-free with tourist discounts! (need to show passport for this)
* One of my biggest culture-shock from Japan is that all vending machines work like a charm, even those in the middle of nowhere around rural areas. In my country they would be instantly vandalised lol.
* In my opinion, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest was the most overrated places we’ve visited. While it is quite a scenic area, the whole bamboo trail could be done within 15 minutes, and the super massive crowd sure didn’t help to make this trip a pleasant experience. The north part of Arashiyama on the other had way more interesting places to visit, and much lesser crowds as well.
* The interior of the Osaka Castle is just a museum, not so much of an authentic castle. Personally, I wouldn’t pay to go in. Save your real Japanese castle experience for other places such as Himeji Castle.
* Nara is SO SO SO MUCH more than just the deer park. There are so many lesser-known but breathtaking places around the prefecture you can visit for day trips, especially the countryside which is just absolutely gorgeous. Nara also came before Kyoto, so there are plenty of historical sites to visit everywhere. Ikoma itself has so many hidden-gems, the town is even so conveniently located en route to Nara Park on the Kintetsu Line, but most tourist would just go straight to see the deer and miss out on all these amazing places. Same goes for other rural parts of Nara like Sakurai, Kashihara, Asuka, Katsuragi and Yoshino, which are all easily reachable via the Kintetsu Line.
* In fact, there is just so much to cover in Nara that I chose to scrape my Kobe day trip to spent one more day in Nara.
* Getting templed-out is a real deal. Not that I mind, I wanted to visit as many as I can but my wife already got tired of temples after a couple of days.
* We’ve visited more than 20 temples/shrines in this trip. Here are our top 5 favourites: (5)Sanzen-in (4) Hasedera (3) Kuramadera (2) Hozanji (1) Fushimi Inari Taisha
* Have some stamina training before the trip, and have a good pair of footwear. Be prepared to walk a lot. Plenty of hiking trails in every corner of the country, and certain shrines/temples would require you to climb many flight of stairs to reach them. I personally have clocked in more than 415k steps in this 10 days trip.
* If you are taking the Airport express train via the JR Osaka Loop Line to Kansai Airport, MAKE SURE you enter train coach 1,2,3,4. DO NOT ENTER train coach 5,6,7,8 as they are bound for Wakayama. Look for number markings on the station platforms. The train will uncouple halfway along the journey and if you are in the wrong coach, you would end up at Wakayama, potentially causing you to miss your flight.
* Total spending for this entire trip for the both of us, including flights and accommodation, is around USD3,400.
Overall, we had a really wonderful experience in Japan. Words can’t describe just how much we enjoyed ourselves. This is hands down the BEST trip of my life, so far.
by Suitable-Television9