Travel Notes: 6D/5N Culture Geek Experience In Osaka, Nara & Kyoto

My family and I usually travel to Japan post-cherry blossom season because places are not as crowded then. The weather is also quite favourable because it’s neither too hot nor too cold. Through the years I’ve travelled during this season I've learned that the usual clothes we wear in our region, paired with one or two light jackets, are enough to keep you comfy. I do recommend wearing sheer tights, though, because they're great for avoiding varicose veins. Sturdy walking boots are also a must for all the walking and stair-climbing you'll do. 

Some of my outfits during our late spring/early summer travels

Left: ICOCA cards also come in fun pop-culture designs such as Hello Kitty and Astro Boy; Right: Do it like a local and top-up at the designated loading stations

Japan has a very efficient public transport system so you’ll have little to no problem reaching the points of your itinerary by either train or bus. There are many tourist passes available for purchase depending on where you're travelling, but our tried and tested method is purchasing an IC card. It's a reloadable prepaid card that you can use in all trains, buses, and even vending machines and convenience stores. ICOCA is the titular IC card for the Kansai region, which can be purchased in the airport or any major train station for JPY2000. The card is preloaded with JPY1500 and the remaining JPY500 is the card deposit, which you can refund at the end of your trip at the designated IC return kiosks.

Day 1: Exploring Osaka

Kuromon Ichiba, Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky, Namba 

Right: Ichigo daifuku is definitely a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth; Right: Okonomiyaki is a Japanese-style pancake mixed with meat, seafood and veggies that's perfect for sharing

After having your fill at Kuromon, head off to Osaka’s prime landmark: Osaka Castle, which is a 30-minute train ride away from Kuromon. The park surrounding the castle is also rich in colour no matter what time of year it is, making it a refreshing contrast against the city’s busy streets that are adjacent to the castle’s surroundings. 

Left: Osaka Castle's park post-cherry blossom season is just as beautiful with its lush greens; Right: a visit to this city is not complete without a pilgrimage to this landmark

From a relaxing stroll around the castle grounds, it’s time to head to Umeda Sky Building to catch a view of the amazing sunset atop an architectural marvel. The 173-metre building has an observation deck on its 39th floor, surrounding its ‘floating garden’ structure. I personally love the hypnotising escalator leading up to the observatory and, of course, the view of the city against the crimson sky is a majestic way to end a long day.

Umeda sky

But as they say, the party only starts when the sun goes down. For the final stop of the day: Osaka’s Namba district. Known for colourful shopping and dining spots lining the streets of Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi and Amemura, Osaka’s nightlife is truly mesmerising. You might find yourself coming back to Namba, as we did, each night before heading to your accommodation.

Day 2: Meeting deers in Nara

Nara Park, Todaiji

After a long day in Osaka, choosing a day trip that’s too far may take a toll on your stamina. Nara is a great follow-up to the previous day’s exciting affairs. Approximately a relaxed hour away from Osaka, Nara is best known for its wild deers freely roaming around the streets. This is because of their sacred status as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion.

Left: Just hanging out with Bambi at Nara Park; Right: Kofukuji temple is a great stop prior to heading to the great Todaiji

Upon arriving at Nara station, merch and cartoonish versions of deer displays will already greet you. The streets leading up to the deer park are also lined with Bambi-esque paraphernalia, from face towels to key chains to biscuits that are perfect for either enjoying or for taking home as a souvenir. However, the main highlight is actually approaching the park, where the well-cared-for woodland creatures are spoiled by both tourists and locals alike, feeding them ‘deer biscuits’ made from hay and grass. Nara's resident forest celebrities are also not elusive to the human touch, so getting a photo or two of petting them isn't at all a hardship.

Todaiji Temple

Still, Nara is not just about the deers. It’s also home to one of Japan’s most significant historical landmarks: the Todaiji Temple. History buffs would be thrilled to know that this structure played such a huge role in the Buddhist presence in Japan in the 752 B.C. that the capital of the religion had to be moved from Nara to Nagaoka years later to lower the influence and power of the temple against state affairs. Now, it houses one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha, measuring up to 15 metres tall.

Day 3: Navigating through Kyoto and Arashiyama

Kiyomizudera, Byodoin Temple, Uji, Sagano Bamboo Forest, Tokugetsu-kyo Bridge

For this itinerary, the first stop would be the great water temple of Kyoto, Kiyomizudera. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has vast grounds that provide a great view of Kyoto from its wooden stage. It is also well-known for the Otowa Waterfall found at the base of the temple, which has three streams that are said to provide different benefits: one for longevity, one for success, and one for love. Drinking from all three though is discouraged because it signifies greed. 

Left: Kiyomizudera's roof is under-maintenance until March 2020 but the main pavilion is still open for guests; Right: People are lining up to drink from the streams

From one majestic site to the next, we move on to another heritage site in the Uji district, the Byodoin Temple. This beautiful structure was formerly a retreat villa for the political clan Fujiwara before it became a temple that holds the Phoenix Hall in the 10th century. Now, it is featured at the back of the ten yen.

Byodoin Temple

For matcha lovers, Uji is also known for having superior tea across the region. Most of the stalls offer exquisite matcha delicacies you can’t find outside of this city. Matcha gyoza and matcha ramen are definite must-tries.

Uji, the Matcha district

After a hearty matcha-themed meal at Uji, it’s off to Sagano Bamboo Forest. One of the most recognisable spots in any Kyoto travel itinerary (often referred to as Arashiyama Bamboo Groves), the huge stalks of greens in this location provide a great contrast to the brightly coloured shrines and temples in Kyoto. A quick stroll definitely soothes the mind and body as it’s also a great way to spend some downtime after a lot of exploring around the heritage sites previously visited.

Left: The refreshing greens of Arashiyama Bamboo Forest; Right: Ending the day at Tokugetsu-kyo Bridge

Day 4: More of Kyoto’s must-see sights 

Kinkakuji, Fushimi Inari, Gion-machi 

 Kinkakuji, The Golden Pavilion

Next, head off to the famous Fushimi Inari which is approximately one hour away via train. Known for its hundreds of vivid orange torii gates lined against one another, this destination is the head shrine of Inari, the god of rice and agriculture. Each torii gate was installed as a symbol of thanks to the god for every successful harvest during the 8th century. The shrine is also lined with fox statues with keys to their mouths, symbolising the protector assigned by the god to take watch of the granaries. I ended up accidentally dressing in colour coordination with the torii gates during my visit, making for a complementing photo (I suggest you give it a try, too).

Fushimi Inari

Walking around Fushimi Inari is a long hike, especially if you wish to reach the peak, so we decided to spend the rest of the day at the relaxing yet exciting Gion-machi. Known as the geisha district, the streets of this town are filled with a lot of eateries and tea-houses to rest in. We were also able to catch a maiko (geisha-in-training) performance at a nearby theatre. It was rather by chance, though, that we were able to see the posting for the event. So keep an eye out for announcements whenever you visit the district or look it up prior to actually visiting.

Gion district

Day 5: Geeking out at USJ

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in USJ

Personally, I didn’t really mind it as much as I can understand a bit of Nihonggo and the visual cues for most of the attractions pretty much still give an immersive experience despite the language barrier. But it’s still worth thinking about if you’re very particular about dialogues when visiting theme parks.

Right: Of course, I had to pose dramatically in front of the Shingeki No Kyojin installation; Left: A Detective Conan-inspired drink 

I was lucky enough to visit USJ multiple times when their Cool Japan exhibits were still up because as a huge otaku (J-pop-culture geek), it definitely felt like paradise. My favourite activities were posing against the full-sized replica of Shingeki No Kyojin’s Armoured Titan, as well as catching attractions related to Sailor Moon, Final Fantasy, Evangelion, and more. The collaboration between USJ and Cool Japan came to a close August of this year. But there's still good news ahead because it has been reported that Super Nintendo World is set to be a permanent attraction in USJ come 2020.

Ending the day on a high note, we headed once again to Namba to do some last-minute shopping before hitting the airport the next day. Don Quijote, a well-known merchandise chain all over Japan, has a massive branch in Dotonbori; it's where I got most of my haul of KitKats and beauty products to take home.

Day 6: Having some fun at KIX

Kansai International Airport

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