The Osaka, Kyoto and Nara Trip

At Kinkaku-ji Temple, The Golden Pavilion

We visited Osaka, Kyoto and Nara back in last year November and December. It was a different experience compared to the visit to Tokyo two years back. The people, culture and food have their own unique flavor and we were glad to visit during the autumn. The spectacular and colourful sceneries with the sea of reddish and yellowish leaves left deep impression with us.  For the local, the fall autumn season holds equal significant meaning to the Sakura season. I was not too surprise after being very fortunate to witness the splendor of both.

The Famous Dotonbori Street

The Osaka Castle

We would spend about two weeks exploring the Kansai region. Osaka was our base with side trips to Kyoto and Nara. Being fans of Japanese gourmet, we decided to reside in hotels near the famous Dotonbori street. This was one of the best decisions made as we conveniently managed to savour the different delicacies for our meals. The only regret we had was the limited capacities of our own stomachs :-(.

Let's Start Running with the "The Glico Running Man"!

All my readers shall know by now I am a "Temple Man". The beautiful Japanese temples and shrines were "Must Have"items in my travel plan. Top in my lists were the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kyoto and Nara. To name a handful-Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, Todai-ji temple and Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine. The last name is not a UNESCO World Heritage site (yet) but we were always fascinated by the Senbon Torii (thousand of Torii gates) situated along the mountain trails behind the shrine.

The Great Buddha of Todai-ji Temple

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

The trip would not be completed without including plans for my young daughter, Charlotte. Her best memory would be the time spent with the deers at Nara Park and the snow monkeys at Iwatayama Monkey Park at Arashiyama. We would also indulge ourselves at the different theme rides at Osaka Universal Studios and the sight of wonderful sea life at Osaka aquarium (Kaiyukan).

At Osaka Universal Studios 

Charlotte feeding a Nara Deer

With LARGE Stingray At Kaiyukan

More posts and tips will be shared in my later blogs for this trip. Below is my itinerary for this trip for your planning and reference:

(For a detailed itinerary, please Like our Facebook page and contact me by Email)

Day 1

-Arrived at Osaka
-Checked in Metro 21 Hotel
-Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi
-Tombori River Cruise

Day 2

-Osaka Castle
-Umeda Sky Building

Day 3

-Sumiyoshi Taisha
-Shitennoji Temple
-Shinsekai
-Tsutenkaku Tower

Day 4

-Arrived at Nara
-Nara Deer Park
-Todai-ji Temple
-Kasuga Taisha Grand Shrine
-Higashimuki Shopping Street

Day 5

-Universal Studio

Day 6

-Arrived at Kyoto
-Checked in Amenity Hotel
-Kiyomizu-dera Temple
-Gion District
-Yasaka Shrine

Day 7

-Nijo Castle
-Kinkaku-ji Temple
-Ryoan-ji Temple

Day 8

-Arrived at Arashiyama
-Tenryu-ji Temple (with Bamboo Groves)
-Saga Scenic Railway Ride
-Monkey Park Iwatayama

Day 9

-Tofuku-ji Temple
-Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

Day 10

-Yasaka Pagoda
-Higashiyama District
-Arrived in Osaka
-Checked in Naniwa Hotel
-Dotonbori

Day 11

-Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan)
-Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi

Day 12

-Hozen Temple
-Kuromon Market
-Tennoji Zoo
-Shinsekai

Day 13

-Back to Singapore

Have you been to Osaka, Kyoto or Nara yet? Share your experience at the comment columns below!

For Your Pinning

Travel Photos Series#17-Sika Deer at Nara Park

Sika deer at Nara Park

This is one of the many deer photos I captured at Nara Park, Japan. The hundreds of free roaming sika deer are the main draw of this popular tourist site. Together with the lush greenery, magnificent temples and shrines with their decorative statues and sculptures as the backdrop, the ubiquitous deer offer great photo capturing opportunities for the enthusiasts.

My family thoroughly enjoyed our day trip here. Charlotte loved feeding the deer with the deer crackers and has been asking me when we are returning to the park again :-).

Photo was taken on 26 Nov 2015.      

2015 Wrap Up-Year of visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Year 2015 has been a great year for us and we nearly lost count of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites that we got to visit during our travel.

Borobudur

In March, we finally got ourselves to Borobudur, the largest Buddhist monument in the World. For those who have followed my blogs closely would know that I have been wanting to visit this religious site for the longest time. The plan had been postponed due to various reasons and being finally able to visit it was a fulfilling experience. I strongly recommend the sunrise experience if you visit Borobudur.

Prambanan Temples

We also got to visit another UNESCO World Heritage Site-The Prambanan Temples in the same trip. The ancient Hindu constructions made us felt like Dwarfs among the Giants. We paid a visit to the unpredictable Mount Merapi in a jeep tour and witnessed the destruction it has wreaked during it's past eruptions. The tours at the Sultan Palace (The Kraton) and Water Castle (Taman Sari) at Yogyakarta have given us an insight on the luxurious lifestyle of the royal families.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

I am very proud to mention on one of the newly-promoted UNESCO World Heritage sites that we re-visited in July. It was our very own Singapore Botanic Gardens. Though we have already visited it for numerous time, it was a special feeling to visit it with the new status. Congrats and a big thank again for those putting their utmost efforts to make this happen.

Kyoto and Nara

In November, we traveled to Osaka, Kyoto and Nara in Japan. This trip took us to more World Heritage Sites-Toda-Ji temple and Kasuga-taisha shrine in Nara, Kiyomizu-dera temple, Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji temple, Ryoan-ji temple and Tenryu-ji temple in Kyoto. These were on top of those not listed as World Heritage Sites but equally impressive temples and shrines like the Tofuku-ji temple and Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine. November end was a great time to visit Japan as we got to witness the beautiful autumn foliage at the temples and shrines gardens. More of these in my coming blogs.

Thanks for following my blogs and I wish everyone a Great Travel Year in 2016!!!