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To make
your life easier, I will note down all the station/ nearest station. When you want to visit a
spot, just key in in google:
____ (your current) station to ____ (your designate) station.
And google will show you which train to take, how to transit and where to get down in
ENGLISH.
That’s exactly how I survived more than a year in Japan.
Dotonbori
Station: Namba
This popular destination in Namba runs along the Dotonbori canal between the
Nipponbashi and Dotonboribashi bridges. The main activity in Dotonbori is
EATING. You’ll find everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to cheap
but delicious street food.
It’s fun to wander around at any time of day but especially at night when the
neon lights are beaming bright and reflected on the water. Make sure to watch
out for the Glico running man, this neon sign has been lighting up the site since
1935 although it’s had a few overhauls and updates to reflect sporting events
and teams in Japan over the years. It’s among the most photographed icons in
Osaka.
Address: Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City, Chuo Ward, Dotonbori
Ask any first-timer in Osaka and he will tell you it’s true: The hardest
part of being in Dotonbori is deciding where to eat.
It was true the first time I was here. And it was true the second time
around. Six months after my Dotonbori debut, I found myself in its
chaotic embrace again. This time, I was still as confused as before.
Even when I thought I had a craving for something, it went away as
fast as my first relationship that I could barely remember what it was.
Osaka castle
Station: Osakajokoen Station
A visit to Osaka Castle can leave you feeling as if you’ve stepped back in time
to feudal Japan. Although it’s not one of the few remaining original castles
having been lost during WWII, it’s a dramatic part of the city landscape. Inside
the castle is a museum and if you make your way to the top the view is quite
good from here. The park and gardens retained around the castle are extensive
and it gives you a feel for the way the feudal leaders were able to look out on
their territories even from a flatland castle.
How to get to Osaka Castle: Take the JR Loop Line and get off at
Osakajokoen Station. Walk down the stairs towards the Osakajo Hall
and turn left until you reach the moat. You should already see the top
stories of the castle. Turn right and walk until you see the Aoyamon
Gate on your left hand side. Walk through the gate and turn right until
you see Gokurakobashi Bridge. Cross the bridge, follow the path after
it, and you’ll end up at the main enclosure where the castle stands.
The park itself is FREE, but entrance to the Osaka Castle museum
and other structures require an entrance fee (JPY 600 for the
museum). If traveling by train, the park is most accessible via
Osakajokoen Station of the JR Osaka Loop Line.
While out here you will also find the departure point for the harbour cruise ship
Santa Maria, the Temporan giant ferris wheel and Legoland. These activities
are all included in the Osaka Amazing Pass, we discuss the value of the pass
and our sample itinerary.
Universal Studios
While Tokyo has Disney, Osaka has Universal Studios. Universal Studios
Japan is a large and popular park that’s easily accessed by train from within
Osaka or surrounding cities. It features a wide variety of rides and attactions
themed on popular movies including the Minions, Spiderman and Jurassic Park
but it’s the Wizarding World of Harry Potter that makes his unmissable for
every Hogwarts fan young and old. All the fabulous magical location are here,
florish your wand and cast special spells as you move around the park then grab
a butterbeer and wait for it to get dark, the place is even better after sunset.
2) JAWS
Unexpectedly amazing. At first you would think that it's a lame ride that tours you
around the lake, but no, there were surprises at the end and I don't think I should spoil
them for you now. Just go for this ride ok!!
4) Flying Dinosaur
I actually didn't go for this ride because it looked scary (but exciting at the same time)
to me and my brother. The queue was pretty long as well and this ride wasn't included
in our express pass. But it sure looks like something that you shouldn't miss in USJ!
Day trips from Osaka
Osaka is well situated as a base for travelling around the Kansai area and
beyond. There are many suitable day trips from Osaka that we’d recommend if
you have a spare day or two, there’s something on this list to suit all styles of
traveller and interests. Some of these options involve some longer train travel
than others but they’re are all suitable to do as a day trip, the longer distance
trips (using JR limited express and shinkansen trains) can be especially good
value options if you’re using the Japan Rail Pass.
Kyoto
Kyoto captures the essence of Japans culture and history in a compact city, it
has an allure that pulls us back time and again, and it’s so easy to visit from
your base in Osaka. Depending where you’re staying and your choice of train
company it will take you 30-60 minutes to get there. You can use the JR Pass
for this trip arriving into Kyoto station, an interesting destination in it’s own
right but the Keihan line will take you into the heart of Kyoto, we find the
Gion-Shijo or Sanjo station most useful. Browse our articles on things to see
and do in Kyoto
Nara
There is so much to love about Nara. This city was the first permanent capital
of Japan from 710 with many historic temples and treasures dating back to the
8th century. It’s the tame deer wandering throughout the town though that stole
our heats and make it so unique. Read more about why we love Nara.
For the Namba area where we stayed this time you have either:
the limited express Rapi:t train to Nankai Namba Station which runs roughly
every half hour, it will take 35-40 minutes and costs Y1430 or
the Airport limousine bus has transfers to JR Namba which takes 65 minutes
and cost Y1050.
We were arriving in the evening and because Namba station was closer than JR
Namba, a faster trip by train and more frequent departure we went with the
Nankai Rapi:t option.
the Kansai Airport Rapid Service train taking 65-70 minutes for Y1190 or
the Airport Limousine bus taking about 90 minutes and costing Y1550.
From Kansai International Airport, you can take the nonstop JR Kanku Rapid
Express to Osaka Station (1,190 yen, 65 minutes).
Getting around Osaka & beyond
We’ve never used a bus in Osaka but the subway and trains on the Japan Rail,
Nankai and Keihan networks have all been super useful at different times for
getting around in Osaka and through to neighbouring cities.
If instead you prefer to stay near Osaka station for convenient access from
other nearby cities, we suggest the Hilton Osaka it’s just across the road. We’ve
also stayed here and found it convenient both arriving from Kyoto and leaving
via Kansai International Airport. The subway operates from the same station
making it easy to explore all parts of the city plus you’re a close walk to the
Umeda Sky Building for incredible city views. It’s an upscale international
hotel that offered comfortable, well-appointed rooms and great service.
Grand Front Osaka, with its 266 stores, is located right by the north exit of
Osaka Station. When you want to take a break from shopping, enjoy the
meticulously-crafted atmosphere of the building’s rooftop garden.
4. Namba Marui: Nab The Latest Fashions
The shopping complex Namba Marui is a short walk from Namba Station, with
fashion floors for men and women, as well as a movie theater. Many of the
shops in Namba Marui deal in the latest trendy items, so this is the place to go
to discover what’s hot in Osaka.
About Sightseeing
Osaka people are comparatively friendlier than people in other cities, so if you
get lost, don’t hesitate to ask a local. In particular, shopkeepers enjoy a chat,
so don’t forget to try out your Osaka dialect and drop a “makete.”
One thing to note is that Osaka is different from Tokyo when it comes to
escalators - Osaka people stand on the right, not the left. Make a note of this,
and enjoy your trip to Osaka!
Most people wish to stay connected during their trip. Fortunately, a free WiFi
service is offered at Kansai international airport. Its network name is "Free
WiFi@KIX" which can be connected within terminal 1, 2 and AEROPLAZA.
Moreover, you can find areas equipped with ethernet cables here should you
require a more secure connection.
The flight arrives at Kansai International Airport at around 7:55pm. (Note: Osaka or
Kyoto time is ahead by 1 hour to Manila)
(TIP: Make sure that you exchange money from the airport because most establishments
only accept cash. Budget of $100/day or ~Php 5,000/day for our family)
Y!mobile Pocket Wi-Fi GL06P with 10GB/month: ¥450/day + Extra Battery ¥50
day + ¥1,080 (one time delivery)
We usually travel via train using google maps as our mobile guide.
But thank heavens for the Internet. It really is the best invention since
Morris Michtom introduced the teddy bear.
So here’s a tip. If you own a smartphone or a tablet, do yourself a
favor, and rent one of those mobile wi-fi gadgets. They are quite
useful and handy!
LOCAL 4G SIM
If you opt with a 4G Data SIM, you can choose between two
packages: unlimited 4G data for 8 days (around P1500) and 3GB
data for 8 days (around P1100). If you’re a heavy data user, best to
go with the Unlimited Plan. You can pick up the SIM card at Kansai
Airport.
Once you have it, say hello to your two new bestfriends — Google
Maps and Hyperdia. Use the former to see where to turn or how far
you are from your destination. Use the latter to check which line or
train to take, which station to alight, and how much to pay. Off to the
ticket machines you go. (Or, you can simply ask someone. How’s that?
Teehee.)
But if you will be staying only in Osaka or Kansai Region, the following
passes might be a better choice. These passes will give you access to both
trains and buses.
Our reader Socs also suggests that if you’re on a tight budget: Buy
bento and sushi meals at discounted prices in supermarket groceries
usually located at the basement of malls. The meals are tagged for
discounts, as much as 50%, around 7:00 in the evening. “Splurge” in
restaurants at lunch, when meals are offered at cheaper prices than
during dinner.
USEFUL TIPS:
Be on the lookout for budget fare promos. As we all know, a
huge bulk of one’s travel budget go to airfare. Low-cost carriers
like Cebu Pacific regularly offer great deals, allowing budget
travelers to focus more on the ‘traveling’ and less on the
‘budget’.
Prepare for some serious walking. Bring water, sunscreen, a nice
pair of walking shoes, and really comfortable socks. Many of
the attractions listed here require a lot of walking, sometimes
stretching for kilometers on end, and you don’t want your Japan
trip ruined by dehydration or blisters.
Don’t be afraid to ask for directions. The Japanese definitely
know how to accommodate their visitors, and some even go out
of their way to help you out with directions. Major train stations
also have their own travel service centers of you need more
detailed information about your trip.
Google Maps is your best friend. Not only is Google Maps useful
for pinpointing specific locations, it also offers the most efficient
ways to get there, be it by walking, car, or public transport. It
even displays fare prices so you can calculate the costs on the
spot. Plus, it’s a great way to discover lesser-known gems
tucked in between the more popular spots.
Get a digital phrasebook. The phrases “Sumimasen” and “Eigo
ga hanaseru”, plus tons of hand gestures, have gotten me out
of tight spots more often than I would like to admit. Spare
yourself the embarrassment and download some free Japanese
digital phrasebooks and practice before the actual trip.
KYOTO
HOW TO GET THERE:
By Train:
Note: Kyoto has a vast transportation system, so these are just two of
the many ways to reach the city from Osaka via train.
ARASHIYAMA.
This iconic district just in the western fringes of the city is a nationally
designated Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty. When you visit
for the first time yet you have that strange feeling that some parts are
familiar, don’t freak out. You’ve probably seen it before in paintings or
postcards, especially when the area is dressed in the fiery colors of
fall. Concealed in its deciduous forests and bamboo groves are
temples that are worth a visit including Horinji Temple, one of the five
head Shingon Buddhist temples in Kyoto; Tenryuji Temple, the best
among the Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto and a UNESCO World
Heritage Site; and Nonomiya Shrine, a Shinto shrine founded around
800 AD.
Bamboo Forest
Right after the garden exit is the start of the breathtaking groves of
green bamboos.
I had never seen any other place in Kyoto more picturesque and
therapeutic than this! Bikers breezed through and lovers ambled
sweetly under its thin canopy, enjoying a chlorophyll-colored dream.
These bamboo trunks whispered gaieties that blew what was left of
the summertime sadness that I carried in my heavy heart.
By Train:
Umeda
Meet up location: 8:30am at Hearton Hotel Nishi Umeda (see the location
photo here and here)
Address: 3 Chome-3-55 Umeda, Kita Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 530-0001,
Japan
How to get there: 3 minutes walk from Sakurabashi Gate of JR Osaka Station
Namba
BY TRAIN
There are two railway operators ferrying passengers from the airport:
JR and Nankai. But it is only Nankai that goes straight to Namba. You
can take JR too, but it will involve a transfer. Nankai is what we
usually take.
The train terminals are on the second floor of the building next to the
Arrival Hall. Just take the escalator and use the bridge to get to the
other side.
There are two main types of Nankai trains running from the airport:
If you decide to go with the Limited Express Rapi:t, you can reserve a
seat via Klook. Here’s how to use it:
That’s it! You’re at OCAT. From here you can walk to your hotel.