I can’t fully grasp what makes Japan so magical. Every thing about it is great – may it be food, art, scenery, and people.
Gion Street
Kyoto Tower from afar
Tori Gates
Fushimi Inari
Random ramen place/vendo machine you can find in train stations
Togetsukyo Bridge
Kamogawa River
Arashiyama, my love
Do I need to put a caption?
Osaka Aquarium
Shopping at Namba and Dotonbori
I only went to Tokyo in 2014 with my friends because of the promo air fare. I wasn’t fascinated at all with Japan, its culture, and even just travelling to a country with a different language. But during my stay, I intentionally left my heart in the country so that I can come back & get it. I never thought I’d fall in love with a culture so different from mine in just a few days. (And to think I always judged people who were addicted to anime, manga and everything matcha.)
The moment I arrived back in Manila, I started dreaming about the day I will return. Despite having my US trip the same year in 2015 (which I’ve been saving for quite some time), I bought tickets back to Japan the moment Cebu Pacific Airlines released promo fare for me and my mom. This time I chose Kyoto and Osaka because I want to experience the more traditional side of Japan. I didn’t make the most out of my time in Tokyo so for my second trip I meticulously planned every detail and it was worth it. I suggest you do the same if you design your own travels like me and if you are not getting a tour guide. Don’t romanticize about “getting lost”. Because of the fact that I was very much prepared, there was no time to spend getting lost or figuring out where to go (because everything is in Japanese, for example). Every second was spent cherishing Japan.
Sharing with you our short yet memorable 5 days in Kyoto and Osaka:
- Day 0 – Arrived at Osaka
- Day 1 – Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizudera and the Golden Temple
- Day 2 – Kyoto: Arashiyama (You really need one whole day for this!!)
- Day 3 – Osaka: Universal Studios and Wizarding World
- Day 4 – Osaka: Osaka Aquarium, Namba, Dotonbori
- Day 5 – Osaka: Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori
Designing the itinerary is the best part! I know it takes a lot of planning and research, but it is really my favorite part. Plus, you have the freedom on how you want to manage your time compared to tours where in you always have to be in a hurry. It’s not going to be perfect
Where we stayed
It was a big mistake that I didn’t book a hotel early. Springtime in Japan is a peak season and I ended up with a few options. Still ended up lucky and got a good place in Osaka – Amagasaki Hotel. It was simple, but mom enjoyed the breakfast buffet because of the traditional Japanese theme of the restaurant.
Kyoto was literally booked. Intense. I originally wanted to stay longer in Kyoto but forced to cut it into two days and we had to go back and forth from Osaka. But I keep on checking if rooms opened and voila! A few days before our trip, we were able to get a night at Khaosan Kyoto Hostel. It was not as great as Amagasaki Hotel but it was better than travelling all the way back to Osaka.
