As expected, the complexities of Japan’s railway stations are very challenging but it brought me rewarding encounters. I was also enthralled upon discovering that the locals speak good English. Fair enough for us! Because the amount of time and efforts to spend asking for directions wasn’t so painstaking at all. Despite the majority of predominantly Japanese signposts, we successfully accomplished our itineraries embarked in train operation efficiencies.
So why did we choose the Kansai region as our pilot visit among the other regions in Japan and setting aside the very popular Tokyo city located in the Kanto region?
Well, word-of-mouth has always been the fastest means to spread the message. Apparently, Kyoto and Nara are always mentioned when it comes to leisure and learning trips.
Realistically, a five-day trip to the Kansai region is not sufficient. However, given our passion and persistence as independent nomads, we captured what was around the three key places in the region, which are Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka. I give a pat on my back for the idea of preparing the itineraries ahead of time. Our journeys were fruitful besides meaningful.
This article is for first-timers or for those who have been to Japan but have not yet explored the Kansai region. I hope you can get some good value and relevance out of it.
So we took the Nankai Limited Express Rapit 64. This train is equipped with baggage spaces and comfortable seats. The travel time is approximately 35 minutes.
After getting off at Nagahoribashi station, it takes one minute on foot from Exit No. 2, of the Sakaisuji line, to Nest Hotel Shinsaibashi Osaka, which is our accommodation. This time, we got excited because it’s time to refresh and recharge at 3:00PM.
From the main entrance of Nest Hotel, it’s a good 10-minute straight walk towards Dotonbori on a cool autumn breeze. Tagged as the “Bright Heart of Osaka”, Dotonbori catches attention for its animated neon signs depicting the passion and interests of the locals. The place also prides itself as the regional food culture of Osaka.
This marvelous Kyoto Gyoen National Garden is such a great escape from the toxicity of daily life. It's more magnificent during the full bloom autumn season where the colorful leaves are at its stunning view. Unfortunately, we came in half-way through the autumn season and the colorful leaves were just about to wither.
Traveling is the best form of learning when you immerse yourself with the locals’ way of living. The Japanese local culture is indeed at its finest!
The Osaka Castle is a stunning historical landmark in the middle of the city.
Although it wasn't an English Mass, we are so moved by a large number of Vietnam Catholics residing in Osaka who are deeply devoted to their faith. It was such a contemplative feast day!
Metro Osaka has 9 major lines and 2 private railways with around 30 stations in each line. It's truly challenging but fulfilling once you get familiar with the mind boggling roundabouts and interchanges.
There's no way to avoid the hustle and bustle of this area because here is were we take and get off the Rapid Trains of the Japan Railway Line to and from Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, and other major places in the Kansai region.
We started-off with a relaxing breakfast at McDonald’s. There are some better features and services offered here as compared to what we’re used to in McDonald's stores back home.
Nest Hotel has superb services, clean, spacious, and fine facilities. Local convenience stores, food shops, cafes & bakeries, supermarkets, and night market are conveniently within reach from this hotel.
WIFI and internet may be average in the evening but you can quickly request for a cable booster from the prompt and polite services of the hotel's front desk attendants.
Because we were so obsessed with the idea of being provident, we purchased a 5-day Unlimited Japan Railway (JR) Pass from the Japanese accredited travel agency in Manila just so to avoid the hassle of getting train tickets from the machines while in Japan. The JR Pass is only for stations in the JR line and it covers the major places we want to visit in the region. It excludes the route to and from Kansai International Airport.
But what we didn’t realize was that the Nagahoribashi station near our hotel is not a JR line. So, we still have to get tickets from the machine to get to the nearest JR line which is in Osaka Metro station. This was the case for the duration of our trip.
In the end, we realized that getting a JR Pass prior to arrival in Japan wasn’t very practical at all. If you are staying for a week or more, it may be good to obtain a JR Pass before arriving to Japan provided your hotel accommodation is just walking distance to a JR line train station so that you can maximize its full use.
Japan is well loved for its sumptuous culinary. What makes it so unique is that each cuisine symbolizes Japan’s rich history and traditions. You’ll even be dazzled to see how precise a Japanese food is presented whether it’s a street food, fast food, convenience stores, or fine dining.
It’s a great experience to be able to dine in fine restaurants when you’re traveling in Japan. But for economical travelers like us, we opted for the accessibility of convenience stores most of the time. Not bad! Getting full meals from the convenience stores became a fad in Japan because of its value-for-money attributes.
In fact, my husband and I survived our 5-day trip with most of our meals bought from Family Mart. They sell the best ramen and fried rice as well as other rice toppings for lunch and dinner. They also offer filling breads, pastries, and coffee for breakfast or snack. One bowl of ramen at Family Mart costs around 500 JPY. That’s about 235 to 240 PHP. It’s very affordable yet the quality is comparable with that of the high-end restaurants which costs about 1,000 JPY.
Family Mart stores are everywhere in the Kansai region and the largest in Japan. It is the first Japanese-owned to go global and is now the second largest convenience store in the world, next to 7-11. You’re never going to miss it. We thank Japan for it because the budget for our itineraries were very manageable.
While our own local currencies enable us to exchange it to the currency of our country destination but exchanging it to USD will always be the most practical currency given its higher value as an internationally-recognized currency exchange. We always change our USD upon arrival at the airport of our destination.
Although you may find that the exchange rates may be standard among all the money changers in the arrival area of Kansai International Airport, the difference in cents still matters to us. We had the liberty of time to canvass at every outlet to get the best rate.
It turned out that Kiyo Bank offered the best rate at that time. You can find the Kiyo Bank money changer at the 1F of Terminal 1 towards the left side from the arrival area.
This is a straightforward process. We recommend the efficient and expedited services of ATTIC TOURS. It handles every step from start to finish provided the documents you submitted are complete. You will receive a notification via text message stating the date to collect your passport but it will not mention if the application is approved or not. You will only find out about the status when you collect your passport.
The processing time is 3 to 5 working days. In our case, we received the notification in 3 days. Its fees are also affordable. A tourist visa for one pax costs Php 1,680 inclusive of VAT.
Japan is a favorite tourist destination. It’s also a place where most people would primarily consider engaging package tour services to minimize any inconveniences in terms of preparations and decisions.
If you are traveling as a group or a couple without elders or small children, we recommend you explore Japan the free-and-easy way without any third party. Getting lost may be irritating yet fun, and the learning experience is very much rewarding. You cannot exchange the fruit of your efforts to such a priceless encounter.
Keep your feet craving and treading for timeless travels!