Hi r/JapanTravel.
Just want some feedback and recommendations from everyone here.
I'll be going to Japan over the new year for solo travelling, and I am splitting it into three locations – Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo.
I have been to Tokyo multiple times, but only once to Osaka and Kyoto. So I will be doing the following itinerary:
24 Dec
Arrive in Osaka late at night, hotel check-in and recuperate from flight
25 -27 Dec
Osaka exploration
27 Dec
Shift to Kyoto
27 – 29 Dec
Kyoto Exploration
29 Dec
Overnight bus to tokyo from Kyoto with Willer Express
30 Dec – 5 January
Tokyo exploration and visiting friends
5 January
Depart Japan
I have SOME ideas on what to do at the three places
Osaka:
Visit Osaka Castle
Pay too much for food and stuff at Dotonbori
Check out Shin Sekai
Gate visit USJ (because I have limited time)
Kyoto:
Kichikichi omurice
Visit Kiyomezu-Dera
Attempt the Inari Shrine
Explore Kyoto on bike/foot
Tokyo:
Lose myself in the backstreets
Check out some shrines
Go outside of central Tokyo (Saitama, Nakano, etc)
Visit Book-offs for potential scores
What I need help with is some things for transport and maybe food.
What is the transport around Osaka like? compared to Tokyo, is it a carbon copy, or it is a bit harder to experience?
Same with the above for Kyoto. Additionally, is there a recommended bicycle rental service I can use for my time in Kyoto? I heard riding around the city is much more convenient than say Tokyo.
Any recommended local cuisines apart from the obvious I should try? As a heads up, I don't consume pork.
IIRC you can use Suica in Osaka. Is it still true? Can I also use Suica in Kyoto as well?
Some park/shrine/attraction recommendations for Osaka and Kyoto are highly appreciated, apart from the usual tourist magnets.
Thanks!
by memeranglaut