Thursday 28 April 2016

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

24 comments:

  1. I've been to these places last year and I must say that Nara took my breath away. It's absolutely amazing!! :)

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    Replies
    1. I love Kyoto and hope to visit it again :-) !

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  2. Lovely family pix! Would love to visit Nara some day; hear it's a nice place too. Have a wonderful week, Paul!

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    Replies
    1. The deer will "welcome" you at Nara :-) !

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    2. Think they will only 'welcome' if you have something for them LOL

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  3. Hi Paulo
    Chanced upon your blog while searching for itinerary to osaka. Do you mind sharing your detailed itinerary and how you travel from places. We will be travelling as 2 adults with 10 year old daughter. The different passes sounds complex too...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Berrysweet, please drop a mail to soccerats@gmail.com :-)

      Delete
  4. Looks like a great trip! Brilliant photos :)

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  5. Hi Tan

    this is great blog you have here. planning to visit next year. would be grateful if you can share your itinerary. Cheers bro!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hello Paulo,
    Excellent blog with great content. Im travelling to Japan for the first time, do you mind sharing your detailed itinerary?

    -Gary

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank you for sharing such a good travelling experience with us.
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  8. It's a very comprehensive plan! Can you send me detailed itinerary please

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Leng Chong, thanks for visiting our blog! I have replied your email :-)

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    2. It's a very prefect plan! Can you send me detailed itinerary please.

      I am going to Japan on 13th to 26 Dec 2018 Thanks a lot.

      Delete
  9. Very nice no doubt Japan is the best place to visit in holidays
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  11. Hi i chanced to see your blog when searching for diy Osaka tour...very nice sharing. Thanks!
    May i know how u travel between places of interest?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Most of the time we took the subway or trains. They are very convenient. Go to www.hyerdia.com. It will guide you how to take the transports :-)

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  12. Hi Paulo, could you share your Itiniery with me as i'm traveling to Osaka & Kyoto in Oct 2018? Thanks

    ReplyDelete
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