Osaka + Kyoto: Solo Travel Guide

Can I just savor my travel experience in Japan & be selfish?lol Every time I was asked how was my trip in Japan, I really can't find the right words to describe it. Japan is a country of contradictions. It is thrilling yet maddening, traditional yet unconventional, historical yet futuristic, efficient yet confusing, laid-back yet chaotic. It's like a clash of two different worlds but that's exactly why Japan is unique and is one of the most coveted tourist destination.

How To Apply for a Japan Visa
As some of you already know I am now an Overseas Filipino Worker and I did my visa application in Saipan where I am currently working. I will understand if most of you can't find this relatable but most of the requirements are still the same so if you're still curious about my visa journey (it was an adventure in itself!), click the link here.

Where to Stay in Japan
I spend 9 days in Japan covering Osaka, Kyoto & Tokyo and Osaka was my first port of entry. The thing with Japan is that there are way too many options to choose from. From hotels alone, it took me days to finalize my booking due to the vast array of selections. I think I've already mentioned in my previous blog before that my main concern when it comes to accommodation is budget and location. And I based my decision through reading guest reviews and so far my intuition still hasn't let me down.

• For 3 days & 2 nights in Osaka, I stayed in Hotel Shin Imamiya. I was surprised to find out that I actually have my own room. I was expecting it to be dormitory-type since it was only around $15.00 per night but it exceeded beyond my expectation. 

• For 1 night in Kyoto, I stayed in K's House Kyoto-Backpackers Hostel. This one was quite far from Kyoto station, around 15 minutes walk so I don't really recommend it although the place is cozy especially the common room and the staffs are really nice. The guy even gave me a bandage for my sprained left leg because I had a little accident during that day hiking the Inari Shrine. If you don't mind the long walk going to/from the Kyoto station then it's still a nice place to stay.

• For 5 days & 4 nights in Tokyo, I stayed in Centurion Ladies Hostel Ueno Park (Female Only). From the name itself, all allowed guests are strictly for female only and the hotel is right across the Ueno Park where it is one of the famous attraction during cherry blossom season. Do note that the price of their hotel shoot up during this season. 

Overall, I can honestly say that Japan has one of the cleanest accommodation I've ever been to considering I only stayed in the budget hostels. I noticed that all the staff are task to clean the shared bathroom everyday since I often wake up early and it is clean as new. Showers & toilet are in separate room so that's also a plus. All backpackers hostel should start doing that lol. You can request to have your bed sheets changed everyday if you want. They are really all about cleanliness & proper hygiene so I feel like I gotten more than what I pay for.

How To Get from Kansai Airport to Osaka City Center

By Train:
The train terminals are located on the second floor of the building next to arrival hall. Take the escalator & use the bridge to get to the other side or better yet just read the signs for easier convenience. Fare for the Nankai Airport Express is ¥920 and the travel time going to the city is around 45 minutes. If you want to make sure that you are seated comfortably, then you can purchase the Nankai Limited Express Rapi:t for ¥920 + ¥510 seat fee and travel time is only 38 minutes.

By Bus:
Alternatively, you can also opt to take the KIX Airport Limousine Bus transfer to Osaka City. Fare is around ¥51,050.00

Getting Around Osaka
This is the part that I'm most worried about as I already heard that train stations in Japan are complicated and confusing. And boy did I got lost so many times. If you never got lost in Japan, then you're doing it wrong. So first thing first, you need to download the Osaka Subway Route map or see below.

I know. The first time I saw this I was like 'What in the world is this?' And mind you this is only for Osaka alone. How they manage to make this work & connect one city to another is mind-boggling. Whoever invented these train stations is a genius.

It is also best to download the Hyperdia app which will tell you what train routes to take, estimated travel time and fare. Tip: Upon making your itinerary during the planning phase of your trip, try to use the Hyperdia and get familiarize with the train stations. Don't be like me where I did the familiarizing on the spot. Totally not a good idea as sometimes it took me 3 minutes just to locate one train station on the map.

And then there are cards/train passes. You will surely get confused with all the different types of train passes available. Japan is all about more choices more fun lol But that also mean choices overload so let's break down each one of this passes.

Osaka Amazing Pass

If you are travelling around Osaka only, then this pass is for you. It's the ultimate all-inclusive Osaka sightseeing pass that's available in 1 or 2 day versions. It gives the holder unlimited use of the subway, tramway, and bus system within the city. Not only that, you can also enjoy FREE access to
Osaka Castle Museum, Osaka Science Museum, the HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel, Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory, and many more. You can definitely save more using this pass so I highly recommend this. You can book one thru Klook.

JR West Kansai Rail Pass

If you are travelling to various cities in Kansai Region such as Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Nara for 1 to 5 consecutive days, then this will work best for you. You can use this to take rides on Kansai-Airport Express Haruka, the Rapid Services, local JR-West trains and JR buses. JR stand for Japan Railways which is composed of seven companies that operate many train systems all around Japan or practically 70% of Japan's railway network so you can often hear this term when you are navigating their train stations. Do note that you cannot use this pass on non-JR trains such as Hankyu Railway/Hanshin Railway, Keihan Railway, Kintetsu, and Nankai Railway. You can book this thru Klook.

Kansai Thru Pass

Like JR West Kansai Rail pass, this pass also offer unlimited train and bus rides in Kansai Region including Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Nara. The main difference is that Kansai Thru Pass does not cover JR trains but it's more flexible since it doesn't require to use it for 'consecutive days'. You can purchase this online via Klook.

ICOCA Card

ICOCA card is a prepaid or re-loadable card. It function like our very own MRT stored-value ticket (for easy reference lol) but in a more convenient and upgraded version. You can use this not just on trains but also on buses, lockers, vending machines, and even convenience stores. Aside from that, you can also use this card if you travel from Osaka to Kyoto, Kobe and Nara as long as they are on the same region. However, you cannot use this from Osaka to Tokyo and Nagoya. Tokyo has their own version of prepaid card which is the SUICA or PASMO Card but I'll discuss that on a separate Tokyo blog.

You can book this online from Klook which is already preloaded with ¥1500 + the deposit of ¥500. Or you can buy it directly to various train stations located in Osaka or to any cities in Kansai Region. You can get the deposit plus the remaining balance (if you still have one) once you return the card.

JR Pass (Nationwide)

This pass is only recommended if you're visiting multiple cities in Japan and you’re staying for at least 7 days. It includes unlimited rides on all JR Shinkansen, Limited Express, Express, Rapid, local trains, JR buses and many more. To know more about this, you can book thru Klook.

Aside from the various passes, you also need to know the different train types:

• Local - trains that stopped to every single station. If your stop is 10 stations away then it will take a while for you to reach your destination.
• Rapid - trains that skipped some stations but same price as the local train & same platforms too.
• Express - trains that skipped even more stations than the Rapid.
• Limited Express - stop only at major stations. Additional fee is required.

Now that you know this different types of train, you should be wary of the trains you're taking and might as well just take the local trains unless you're sure that you are not going to miss your stop if you take the Rapid/Express or Limited Express train. Silly me I boarded the wrong train and unknowingly taken the Limited Express train. I ended up stopping in a far away station. An hour away mind you. It cost me time & money so yeah learn from my mistake lol.

Places To Visit in Osaka

Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan just sets the bar high when it comes to movie theme park. No wonder this place tends to get overcrowded especially the newly opened Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. It took me almost 2 hours just to get inside and try their famous 4D rides which is definitely a must-try by the way. USJ also has a lot of extreme rides i.e. heart-stopping roller coaster rides so if you're like me and is totally up for it (I love roller coasters and all my friends hated me for it lol) then I suggest trying Jurassic Park, Hollywood Dream and Jaws for the much needed adrenaline high. Personally, I enjoyed USJ more than the Tokyo Disneyland probably because of the variety of the extreme rides that Disney doesn't have.

It is highly recommended to book the Universal Studios ticket online to avoid long queue and save time. You can book this via Klook or click here.  If you don't mind shelling out a few more bucks, you can also purchase the Express Pass wherein you can skip the long lines for up to 4 attractions.

Nearest Station: Universal City Station (JR Yumesaki/Sakurajima Line)
Opening hours: Between 8:30am and 9:30am and closes between 7:00pm and 9:00pm with longer opening hours on weekends and public holidays.

Osaka Castle

The castle is one of Japan's most famous landmarks and was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi  during the 1500s. The main tower of Osaka castle stands tall against the sky at the center of the extensive premises of the castle. The observation deck on the 8th floor commands a panoramic view of the surrounding park while the exhibition rooms showcase authentic historical artifacts. To get here, you can alight at the Tanimachiyonchome (4-chome) Station (Tanimachi Subway Line, Chuo Subway Line) or Osakajokoen (JR Loop Line).

Opening hours:
9am-4:30pm from November to February
9am-9pm during Cherry blossoms season
9am-5pm the rest of the year

HEP Five Ferris Wheel

Located at the heart of Umeda (HS01), HEP Five is a big shopping complex which is also known for its 106-meter bright red Ferris Wheel. If you bought the Osaka Amazing Pass, then you can enjoy free access to this.

Opening hours: 11:00am to 10:45pm

Umeda Sky Building

One of the landmarks of Umeda, Osaka. On the top is the Floating Garden Observatory, where Osaka's cityscape can be viewed from a height of 170 meters. Nearest station are Osaka and Umeda. Use the google map when you are navigating as it is quite a walk from the station.

Opening hours: 9:30am to 10:30pm

Dotonbori

Need I say more? A bustling street known as one of the most famous lively entertainment area in Osaka and renowned for its gaudy neon lights, extravagant signage, shopping haven and the enormous variety of restaurants and bars.

KYOTO

Known as the former capital of Japan for more than a thousand years, it's no wonder that Kyoto is brimming with well-preserved ancient temple, shrines and other historically priceless structures. It does feels like I'm in different world once I landed in Kyoto. Kyoto was calmer, laid-back and has this enigmatic vibe compared to Osaka. Nevertheless, the two still complements each other despite being world's apart. If you only have a day to visit Kyoto, fret not as Kyoto is easily accessible from either Osaka or Tokyo.

Getting From Osaka to Kyoto (The Easiest Way)

The fastest and most efficient way to travel between Osaka and Kyoto is by train. There are a number of different train systems connecting the two neighboring prefectures so let's take a look at the characteristics of each mode of travel.

> Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station

Shinkansen is the fastest option, taking 15 minutes to get from JR Shin-Osaka Station to JR Kyoto Station and your best bet if you have a Japan Rail Pass. If you don't have a JRP, it will cost you 1,420 yen.It is better to board the regular train (see below) which is less than half the price of the Shinkansen.

>  JR Osaka Station to Kyoto Station

Take the Special Rapid train from JR Osaka Station (trains depart from platforms 8, 9 & 10) to arrive at JR Kyoto Station in about 30 minutes for 560 yen. The Special Rapid is the swiftest and most convenient service because it stops at only Osaka, Shin-Osaka, Takatsuki and Kyoto.

> The Keihan Main Line from Yodoyabashi Station

The Keihan Main Line runs from the south to the north of central Kyoto, and because its stations are reasonably close to many of Kyoto’s most iconic sightseeing locations, this line is very convenient for tourists. A Limited Express train will get you from Yodoyabashi Station to Sanjo Station in 55 minutes for 410 yen.

> Hankyu Umeda Station to Kawaramachi Station

The Hankyu Kyoto Main Line provides the cheapest route into central Kyoto from Osaka. Take the Limited Express train from Hankyu Umeda Station bound to Kawaramachi Station in central Kyoto for just 400 yen in 44 minutes.

Getting Around Kyoto

As you can see by the map above, Kyoto train system is much simpler compared to Osaka so getting around is also easier. If you plan on staying in Kyoto for more than 1 day, then I suggest to purchase the Kansai Thru Pass which is available for 2 or 3 days. Alternatively, if you are only staying for 1 day then it's better to just use the ICOCA card.

Places To Visit in Kyoto

Kyoto Tower

Standing 131 meters tall just across from Kyoto Station, Kyoto Tower is Kyoto's tallest structure and a rare modern iconic landmark in the city famous for its ancient temples and shrines. It has platform where it offers a 360 degree view of Kyoto and as far as Osaka on clear days. Should you wish to visit here, you can purchase the ticket here.

Opening hours: 9:00am to 9:00pm

Arashiyama Bamboo Groves

One of the most visited place in Kyoto, it is well known for its bamboo stalks that seem to continue endlessly in every direction. Tourists flocked this place so if you want to avoid the crowd (i.e. photobombed your picture), then be here as early as you can. There are still a lot of scenic spot around Arashiyama district so if you have more time check them out since most of it are free admission.

Nearest Station: Take the JR Sagano/San-in Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station and walk for about 10 minutes.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Undoubtedly as one of the top tourist spot in Kyoto, it is famous for its thousands of torii gates leading to the sacred Inari mountain. Internet does not exaggerate when it says thousands as the shrines just goes endlessly as you climb up and it will take you approximately 2 hours to reach the top of the mountain. Actually, I wasn't planning to climb all the way to the top but I've passed a lot of elderly people climbing down and it's kind of embarrassing if I turn back half way. Yeah my competitiveness kicks in that I ended up spraining my left leg because I wasn't wearing the right kind of shoes.

Nearest station: Take JR Nara Line at Kyoto Station and alight at JR Inari Station

Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)

Also known as the Golden Pavilion, Kinkakuji is a zen temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. It is one of the most photographed temples in Japan as it rises above its reflecting pond like an apparition. It is also part of the 17 designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in Kyoto. However tourists are not allowed to enter the temple.

Entrance fee: 400 yen

Opening hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm

How to get here: There are no direct station nearest going here. The closest one is the Kitaoji Station but it requires to take another taxi or bus. It is best to take a direct bus from the Kyoto station by Bus number 101 or 205 in about 40 minutes for 230 yen.

Gion District

Located at the heart of Kyoto, Gion is known as the geisha district in all of Japan. It is dotted with various shops, restaurants, well-preserved machiya wooden houses and ochaya (teahouses) where geisha/geiko and maiko (geisha apprentice) entertain. If you here by evening, you can spot a real and actual geisha on their way to work. They are practically a celebrity as tourist often waits for them outside the ochaya just to take their photos. 

Nearest station: Take the Keihan line and alight at Gion Shijo station or on Kawaramachi station under the Hankyu line.

There you have it. The first part of my Japan blog is done. Click the link Tokyo: Solo Travel Guide to know more about the second leg of my Japan trip.

Itinerary (Breakdown of Expenses for 9 Days)

To be honest, my Japan itinerary is for the lack of a better word..'intense'. I know it's my own fault that I crammed everything that I can in a day just to make the most out of  9 days in Japan. What I'm trying to say is, this itinerary might not be for everybody. I travel like a guy lol. I forgot to eat, I moved fast, sometimes changing my mind impulsively. I always joke to my friends that my itinerary is like an Amazing Race. I'm always frantic to get to my next stop. Also for reality check, you're going to spent a lot of time walking around in Japan. As in ALL.THE.TIME. So prepare your legs for a 'leg-day' everyday. And Salonpas is life lol.

Osaka
Jan. 30, 2019	6:00PM 7:00PM 8:00PM	Arrival at Kansai Airport Collect Klook passes at Arrival Hall (Osaka Amazing Pass) Board Nankai Airport Express to Shin-Imamiya Check-in at the hotel	¥2,780.00                      ¥ 920.00                    ¥4,300.00       (3 days/ 2 nights)
Jan. 31, 2019	8:00AM 9:00AM 8:00PM	Purchase ICOCA Card Purchase food in Family Mart Train from Shin-Imamiya to Universal City (¥180.00) Arrive in Universal Studio (pre-booked online from Klook) Universal City to Shin-Imamiya (¥180.00) Dinner	¥2,000.00                                             ¥500.00                                                        ¥7,400.00                                                                           ¥1,000.00
Feb. 1, 2019	8:00AM 8:30AM 9:00AM 10:30 11::00AM 12:00NN 1:00PM 5:00PM 8:00PM 9:00PM 9:30PM 10:00PM	Purchase food in Family Mart Train from Shin-Imamiya to Tanimachiyonchome (Osaka Castle) Osaka Castle Train from Taniachiyonchome to Umeda Ride HEP Five Ferris Wheel Lunch Tombori River Jazz Tour Explore Dotonbori/Namba Umeda Sky Building Observatory Train from Umeda back to hotel (¥230.00) Train from Shin-Imamiya to Osaka (¥180.00) Take the Special Rapid Train from JR Osaka to Kyoto (¥560.00) Arrive in Kyoto Check-in at the hotel Note: I did not include my transportation cost as these are already covered in the preloaded ICOCA card and I have free access to trains for 1 day in my Osaka Amazing pass	¥500.00                                                       FREE                           FREE                           FREE                                                           FREE                    ¥1,200.00                           FREE                           FREE                                           ¥1,850.00                       (1 night)
Feb. 2, 2019	9:00AM 11:00AM 1:00PM 1:30PM 4:00PM 4:15PM 5:00PM 6:30PM 7:20PM 7:30PM 9:00PM 11:30PM	Purchase food in Family Mart Train from Kyoto station to Arashiyama (¥ 430.00) Arrive in Arashiyama Train from Arashiyama to Inari (¥ 430.00) Arrive in Fushimi Inari Train from Inari to Kyoto Take the direct bus number 101 or 205 in the Kyoto station Arrive in Kinkakuji Temple Bus from Kinkakuji to Kyoto station Train from Kyoto station to Gion Arrive in Gion Train from Gion to Kyoto station Dinner Take the overnight Willer Bus in the Kyoto station going to Tokyo (pre-booked online)	¥ 1,000.00                      ¥ 140.00                      ¥ 230.00                      ¥ 400.00                      ¥ 230.00                      ¥ 270.00                      ¥ 270.00                      ¥ 800.00                   ¥ 6,200.00
Feb. 3, 2019	6:45AM 11:00AM 1:00PM 2:30PM 5:00PM 6:30PM 7:00PM 9:00PM	Arrive in Tokyo Check-in at the hotel  Breakfast Train from Ueno station to Miurakaigan Arrive in Miurakaigan Train from Miurakaigan to Tochomae Tour Tokyo Metropolitan Building Train from Tochomae to Akabanebashi Arrive in Tokyo Tower Dinner Train from Akabanebashi to Ueno	¥ 12,020.00           (5days/ 4nights)                      ¥ 500.00                   ¥ 1,060.00                                     ¥ 1,200.00                           FREE                      ¥ 220.00                                               ¥ 800.00                      ¥ 350.00
Feb. 4, 2019	10:00AM 10:30AM 11:00AM 10:00PM	Purchase food in Family Mart Train from Ueno to Maihama Arrive in Tokyo Disneyland Train from Maihama to Ueno Dinner	¥ 1,000.00                      ¥ 390.00                   ¥ 7,400.00                      ¥ 390.00                      ¥ 800.00
Feb. 5, 2019	6:30AM 6:50AM 9:00AM 13:30PM 8:30PM 10:00PM	Purchase food in Family Mart Train from Ueno to Tokyo Ride the bus from the Tokyo station going to Kawaguchiko station (pre-booked online) Arrive in Kawaguchiko (Mt. Fuji) Purchase the R coupon Bus going to Fujiten Ski Resort (packaged tour) Rental ski set Bus from Kawaguchiko to Tokyo station Train from Tokyo to Ueno station Dinner	¥ 1,000.00                      ¥ 160.00                   ¥ 1,750.00                   ¥ 2,360.00                   ¥ 2,500.00                   ¥ 2,000.00                   ¥ 1,750.00                                       ¥ 160.00                      ¥ 800.00
Feb. 6, 2019	9:00AM 9:30AM 11:30AM 12:30PM 1:00PM 3:00PM 8:00PM	Breakfast Train from Ueno to Otemachi Arrive Imperial Palace Train from Otemachi to Ginza Ginza to Asakusa Arrive in Sensoji Temple/ Tokyo Skytee Train from Asakusa to Akihabara Shopping Train from Akihabara to Ueno Dinner	¥ 600.00                      ¥ 170.00                          FREE                       ¥ 170.00                      ¥ 280.00                          FREE                      ¥ 320.00                      ¥ 140.00                   ¥ 1,000.00
Feb. 7, 2019	8:00AM 9:00AM 11:30AM 12:00NN 5:00PM 6:00PM	Breakfast Train from Ueno to Harajuku Arrive in Meiji Shrine/ Yoyogi Park Train from Harajuku to Shibuya Shibuya crossing/Hachiko/Shopping Lunch Train from Shibuya to Ueno Take the Limited Express train from Keisei Ueno station to Narita airport TOTAL	¥ 600.00                      ¥ 200.00                           FREE                      ¥ 140.00                                           ¥ 800.00                      ¥ 200.00                   ¥ 1,030.00               ¥ 76,250.00/                USD 686.25/           PHP 35,685.00

Again, this does NOT include airfare, shopping/pasalubong expenses and some street food that I tried here and there. But basing on my itinerary above, having a budget of PHP 50,000.00+ all-in for 9 days in Japan is doable. Personally, I don't think Japan is really that expensive. What makes it 'appear' to be expensive is that it just have so many things to offer, so many things to try from one city to another that you ended up spending MORE. It's really just a matter of proper planning and having a concrete set of priorities and compromises. Would you rather SPLURGE & SPLURGE, SPLURGE & SAVE or SAVE & SAVE? You decide. :)