Hi everyone! I’m going to Osaka in October for Magical Mirai (a vocaloid concert, it will be mu first ever). It’s not my first time in Japan (this will be my 5th overall, 2nd in Osaka) but it will be my first time traveling alone and going to Kobe, Kyoto, and Tottori, so I wanted to know if I alloted enough time for myself to travel in between and inside cities. And, if this is an okay itinerary for a solo trip. Would love any feedback and comments (especially for restaurants or food I need to try!)
My goal is to try and include as many experiences as possible that align with my interests and hobbies. I really like anime/manga, cuisine, sightseeing, and fashion.
I’m not really keen on meeting fellow travelers because I get anxiety about meeting new people, but would love to hear how others’ solo trips are like if they don’t really talk to anyone and vice versa (if you did talk to and meet other travelers how did it go?)
Here’s what I have planned so far for Oct 9-15:
**Wednesday**
– 1:15pm – Arrive in KIX, travel to Osaka station via Haruka 30 Limited Express to take the Hankyu Kanko Bus going to Arima Onsen
– 4:30pm – Check in hotel in Arima Onsen
– 5:00pm – Explore Arima Onsen + Dinner (maybe at hotel)
**Thursday**
– 7:00am – Breakfast
– 8:00am – Travel to Kiku-Masamune Sake Brewery Museum
– 9:30am – Explore the museum
– 11:15am – Travel to Mouriya for lunch
– 12:30pm – Mouriya lunch (I already made reservations but how is Wakkoqu? I read that it’s cheaper but do they also serve A5 Kobe beef? It doesn’t say anything on their menu website)
– 2:30pm – Explore Kobe Nunobiki Gardens and Ropeway
– 6:00pm – Leave to go to Chinatown Nankin-Machi for dinner
– 8:00pm – Go back to hotel
**Friday**
– Maybe go to Taiko Waterfall if I’m awake early
– 10:30am – Checkout of hotel to travel to Kyoto via Hankyu Kanko Bus (wanted to know if going to Kyoto is still worth it or would it be best to just head straight to Osaka since I’m only in Kyoto for a half day)
– 12:45pm – Arrive in Kyoto station, drop off luggage in coin locker
– 1:15pm – Nishiki Market lunch
– 2:30pm – Kyoto International Manga Museum
– If open by the time of trip, go to the Nintendo Museum
– 4:00/6:00pm – Leave Kyoto for Osaka
– Check in hostel in Shinsaibashi
– Dinner at Dotonbori
**Saturday**
– Day tour – Tottori sand dunes, Sand museum, Umetora coastline
– Dinner at Dotonbori or Kuromon Market
**Sunday** (wanted to know if renting a bike would be worth it for this day or stick to trains)
– 7:00am – Go to Osaka Castle Park (I have no intention to go inside the castle itself)
– 10:00am – Leave Osaka Castle Park to have lunch in Shinsaibashi and go shopping afterwards
– 4:00pm – I’m considering doing a tea ceremony in this time slot in Dotonbori
– 5:00pm – Explore America-mura and have dinner somewhere around the area
**Monday**
– Magical Mirai
**Tuesday**
– Check out of hostel and go to the airport
by sleepygirl025