November 26, 2019 Japan

Japan Kansai 6D5N Itinerary [Part 1] Osaka - Miyajima - Hiroshima - Kyoto

Konnichiwa! My third time in Japan is full of ups and downs hiking up to Fushimi Inari summit, lost my Suica card at the waterfall and saw my best friend reunited with her mother and grandmother. There are so many good things that happened, and hopefully, this itinerary will help you to create your own memorable trip to Japan trip.

Minoo Falls Curitan Aqalili
Sitting in front of Minoo Falls.
I know that public transportation in Japan can be overwhelming. But, I'm here to tell you that there is an easy way to understand the track easier. As a person that dependable on my younger brother during our first trip to Japan, I decided to study harder about the stations according to my 7 days JR Pass.

I also search for other options, and that's when Suica Card or any IC Card comes in handy. I already owned Suica Card before so I just bring it again for this trip.

For the subway ride, I only use HyperDia and Google Map for references. Hyperdia is really great as they provide real-time information about your train ride, even a platform number. I used Google Maps specifically for walking from the station to the destination. Without these two, we couldn't go anywhere we want for the whole trip.

With using those apps, internet connection is vital. So, we rented Roaming Man for 10 days, and I will do a full review about it soon!

These are all the essential equipment that we have during our part one out of two to Japan, now let's move on to what we discovered in Kansai!

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN OSAKA

Personally, this latest trip is an adventurous one as it's my first time making a girlfriend trip and discovering a new side of Japan. We have a lot of things to explore and did a brief itinerary but to be honest, it changes a lot last minute! 

The first thing that changes is our ride to the hostel. Plan A - riding a bus to OCAT and walks to our stay at Khaosan World Namba, while plan B is a train ride to Namba Nankai and walk to our accommodation. Turns out Plan B is our leading choice. 

I have already written a separate blog post regarding this, make sure to check it out for a complete article here.

Osaka Curitan Aqalili
Arrived safely at Osaka!

DAY 2: OSAKA


Started pretty early, our first adventure begins in the Dotonbori area. Daytime, fewer people were roaming around, compared to nighttime, it was hectic. We went on both the timeframe and did some window shopping and Ferris wheel ride. 

Dotonbori Osaka Japan Curitan Aqalili
Celebrated my bachelorette party with Nuriy at Dotonbori, Osaka.

Travel Service Center OSAKA


Since the day before we didn't want to claim our JR Pass, we decided to start our 7 days journey on the second day. It was pretty simple to reach Osaka Station from Namba but quite hard to look out for the service centre.






I recommend you to click here to know about the route, so you won't have to waste your time getting lost every single time.

The process of claiming the pass is straightforward – all you need are your JR Pass voucher and passport. It's my second time claimed the pass, and for me, it's really worth to purchase based on my itinerary. In case you want to know more about JR Pass, visit this post and all your answers is right over there! 

Oh! I even booked our shinkansen ride for the whole trip, easy and smooth process because they have multi-linguistic staff! 

INFORMATION:
📍 JR Osaka Station Central ticket gate, 3 Chome-1-1 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka
⏰ Open Daily: 8am - 8pm
🚆 A 22-min train ride from JR-Namba Station.

Travel Service Center OSAKA Curitan Aqalili
Easy exchange with Klook JR Pass voucher.
Osaka Castle
Although it was the third time that I went to Japan, shockingly it's my first time ever visited Osaka Castle. From JR Morinomiya, we walked to the south-east side of the park and decided to have a quick picnic experience. Although it was summer, I can still feel the cold breeze while laying on the grass, thinking life is good when I took a break from work. 


Osaka Castle Park Curitan Aqalili
Took a break at the park area.
This castle is a symbol of Osaka. It's a very historical place where they have all the artefacts and the interactive part where you can try on the helmet, surcoat and kosode kimono. But, for me, the observation deck is the winner because I can enjoy the panoramic view of the Osaka Castle area. 

INFORMATION:

ℹ️ Osaka Castle
📍 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan
⏰ Open Daily: 9am - 5pm*
💸 Entrance fee: ¥600 per adult*
🚆 A 12-min train ride from Osaka Station.

Osaka Castle Curitan Aqalili
In front of Osaka Castle.


Osaka Castle Curitan Aqalili
Panoramic view of the Osaka Castle area

Dinner: Bubble Tea around Namba Parks & Ayam-Ya 

I don't remember the name of the bubble tea shop, but we accidentally discover on or way to Namba Parks. The taste was okay, nothing special in particular.


I'm looking forward to the ramen because I'm craving it the moment we touch down. Ordered the spicy ramen, which is super spicy and it's taste delicious to eat it with rice too! I like their thick Tori-Paitan (rich chicken broth), it just matches with both ramen and rice.

INFORMATION:

📍 1 Chome-10-7 Nipponbashihigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0006, Japan
⏰ Closed on Tuesday only: 11.30am - 2.30pm, 6pm - 9.30pm
💸 Tapioca Milk Tea: ¥500, Spicy Ramen: ¥890 and Rice: ¥150.
🚆 A 15-min train ride from Morinomiya.

Ayam Ya Osaka Curitan Aqalili
In front of Ayam-Ya Osaka.

Ayam Ya Osaka Curitan Aqalili
Spicy Ramen.

Dotonbori Don Quijote Ferris Wheel & Glico Man

Known as Ebisu Tower, this oval-shaped Ferris wheel showed you a glimpse of Dotonbori, Abeno Harukas or Tsutentkaku tower by air! It was nerve-wracking for me at first because it was really high, but I get used to it (maybe) a couple of minutes later. 

It was a romantic night between the two of us, roaming around the area at night is something that any of us need to experience at least once in a lifetime. And don't forget to shop at Don Quijote too! 

INFORMATION:

📍 7-13 Souemoncho, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0084, Japan
⏰ Open Daily: 11am - 11pm (Last ride : 10.45pm)
💸 Normal Gondola Ride: ¥600
🚆 A 12-min walk from JR-Namba Station


Glico Man Osaka Curitan Aqalili
Fave part of Osaka - Dotonbori.


Dotonbori Don Quijote Ferris Wheel Curitan Aqalili
Dotonbori Don Quijote Ferris Wheel.

DAY 3: MIYAJIMA & HIROSHIMA

Rushing for the morning train ride, it was an epic journey from Osaka to Hiroshima, we run for our lives to make sure we follow the timing accordingly. Plus, it's our first time visiting these two cities – Miyajima and Hiroshima. A city that makes us ride three types of transportation – train, ferry and bus.

miyajima curitan aqalili
First time in Miyajima and have a great time! 

O-torii Gate and Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima

The moment our ferry passes by, we saw O-torii Gate from afar. The orange torii gate sure captured our eyesight. When the ship arrived, we walk so fast to the entrance since it was still low tide. In our thoughts, it was the perfect moment to take a photo and be up close to the gate. 

The condition is remarkable although it was rebuilt into four pillars in 1547! That was more than 400 years. The best part of it all, we can witness the water started to float around the gate. 

INFORMATION:

📍 1162-18, Miyajima Town, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima, 739-0505 Japan
⏰ Open Daily & Time May Vary According to the Season
💸 Using JR Pass
🚆 A 2-hour train ride from Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima, 28-min train ride from Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi and 10-min ferry ride to Miyajima


miyajima curitan aqalili
Low tide VS High Tide.


miyajima curitan aqalili
The water is so clean!

Lunch: Sea Eel Rice 

We walked out from the shrine and head to the Momijidani park. It was a refreshing stroll, but our stomach doesn't do us justice. So, we went back down, with the hope that food will appear in front of us, especially Miyajima speciality – Anagomeshi. 

So we encountered this small shop that was surrounded by guesthouses – Setouchi Grill Zipang and my advice are to eat at your own risk because they have no Halal certificate and other factors that need to be considerate. 

We get their Sea Eel Rice Set that comes with miso soup and green tea. The taste was okay, and it wasn't given that fishy smell. Overall, it was a good experience! By the way, are you a fan of eel or nah? 

INFORMATION:

📍 306-1 Miyajimacho Chuemachi, Hatsukaichi 739-0523, Hiroshima Prefecture
⏰ Open Daily: 11am - 4pm, 6pm - 10pm
💸 Sea Eel Rice Set Meal: ¥1,200
🚆 A 6-min walk from Momijidani Park.


Setouchi Grill Zipang Curitan Aqalili
The price is not bad plus the green tea is free!


Setouchi Grill Zipang Curitan Aqalili
Speciality in Miyajima.

Dessert: Momiji-Manju

We need dessert right after a big meal! Since we have to catch our ferry to Hiroshima, we walk straight to the Omotesando Shopping Arcade before went to the ferry terminal. This place is where you can grab Momiji-Manju (Maple Leaf shape dessert) fried or just the regular bake one! 

Honestly, either fried or baked, I like the red bean flavour better while custard cream was just okay. But, it was a great experience to try Miyajima staple dessert in both ways as it was created 100 years ago. Take note and please eat at your own risk! 

INFORMATION:

📍 535 Miyajimachō, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima 739-0588, Japan
⏰ Open Daily: 10am - 5pm
💸 Bake: ¥100, Fried: ¥180
🚆 An 8-min walk from じぱんぐ (Setouchi Grill Zipang).

Momiji-Manju Curitan Aqalili
Baked or Fried? Your choice!


Momiji-Manju Curitan Aqalili
They have a machine for everything! 

Hiroshima, The Peace Memorial Park

Rewind back to where we arrived at Hiroshima, it's time to take the Hiroshima Meipu ru-pu, loop bus. Since we have JR Pass, the bus ride is FREE OF CHARGE. I bold that because I don't realise it was included. They have three routes orange, lemon and green and each of them have different stops, so make sure to double-check the way.

From the Shinkansen entrance, we take the orange route bus and head to The Peace Memorial Park. It has been a dream come true for Nuriy to visit here, so I just assist and learned about the history of A-Bomb and the park.

INFORMATION:

📍 1-chōme-1-10 Ōtemachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima, 730-0051, Japan
⏰ Museum: Closed from December 30 to 31.
💸 Using JR Pass
🚆 A 10-min ferry ride to Hiroshima, 28-min train ride from Miyajimaguchi to Hiroshima and 13-min bus ride to The Peace Memorial Park

Hiroshima, The Peace Memorial Park Curitan Aqalili
Historical buildings.
Hiroshima, The Peace Memorial Park Curitan Aqalili
The Hiroshima river and memorial monument.
Hiroshima, The Peace Memorial Park Curitan Aqalili
Meipuru-pu bus save the day!

Dinner: Sushi Tatsu

We are done with exploring, it's time to grab dinner before we head back to Osaka. The stations are quite big, and on the ground level, we found a sushi conveyor restaurant called Tatsu-Jin. Again, I'm gonna say, eat at your own risk. 

We tried the seafood sushi and sodas. I don't remember what type of sushi that we get because it was a lot. But one particular sushi that will haunt us, especially Nuriy would be nato, the taste is just too overwhelming. Well, I should record her expression, it's priceless! Anyway, they have an English menu which makes it easier for us to choose, plus the price is affordable with the freshness that we get.

INFORMATION:

ℹ️ Sushi Tatsu
📍 1-2 Matsubaracho, Minami Ward, Hiroshima, 732-0822, Japan
⏰ 11am - 11pm
💸 ¥2,546
🚆 Inside Hiroshima station.


Sushi Tatsu Hiroshima Curitan Aqalili
Conveyer belt sushi, here we go!
Sushi Tatsu Hiroshima Curitan Aqalili
So many choices! 
Sushi Tatsu Hiroshima Curitan Aqalili
In the end, we ate tons of it! 

DAY 4: KYOTO & UJI

Kyoto is one of our favourite cities in the Kansai region, that's why we visited them for three days in a row! Yes, guys! But, I'm pretty sure there are still a lot of things that we need to discover besides these attractions, well maybe it's time to plan another trip soon. 

Aoi Matsuri Kyoto Imperial Palace Curitan Aqalili
Found a photo spot in Kyoto Imperial Palace!

Aoi Matsuri at Kyoto Imperial Palace

Since we were a bit late, we ran towards our shinkansen ride, seconds away to missed our train. We were breathless, but we don't want to miss one of the important festivals in Kyoto! Aoi Matsuri takes place on May 15 every year and turns out we visit Japan at the right time.

The starting point started at the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and make their way to Kamo Shrines. It is a parade - correction - special parade since hundreds of participants dressed in Heian period clothing. Since we arrived a little bit late, the front seat was taken fully taken by uncle and aunties. If you want to capture the moment up close, be there early, if possible before 10.30am. The timing is really punctual, and you can see the staff tidy up the place after the parade ended at the Imperial Palace at 11am. 

INFORMATION:

📍 3 Kyotogyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-0881, Japan
⏰ 10.30am
💸 Free
🚆 A 15-min train ride from Namba to Shin Osaka, 23-min from Shin Osaka to Kyoto and 10-min train ride from Kyoto to Imadegawa.


Aoi Matsuri Kyoto Imperial Palace Curitan Aqalili
Glad to witness one of the important festival in Kyoto!
Aoi Matsuri Kyoto Imperial Palace Curitan Aqalili
Making their way to Kamo Shrines.

Fushimi Inari Tasha, Kyoto

I believe there is always be a second time to visit the famous Fushimi Inari Tasha! But, this marked my first climbing experience to the summit of Mount Inari. It took us around 3-hour to complete the trail, speaking from not a pro climber, the hikes were bearable for us!.

The more I climb, the more serene I felt, and it is so picturesque that urges me to put down my camera to just enjoy the view and breathe the fresh air. Along the 233 meters, you will spot tons of Inari shrines and foxes – you can read more about the history here. I would definitely recommend for you to do this at least once in a lifetime, let's take it as a form of practising before Mount Fuji, shall we?

INFORMATION:

📍 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan
⏰ No closing days
💸 ¥260 for Imadegawa – Kyoto – Imadegawa train ride
🚆 A 10-min train ride from Imadegawa to Kyoto and 6-min train ride from Kyoto to Inari.


Fushimi Inari Tasha Kyoto Curitan Aqalili
Let's start our climbing journey to Mount Inari!
Fushimi Inari Tasha Kyoto Curitan Aqalili
What a journey! Amazing panorama view and cold breeze.
Fushimi Inari Tasha Kyoto Curitan Aqalili
We can do it! Pit stops along the way and takes a breather.
Fushimi Inari Tasha Kyoto Curitan Aqalili
Beautiful Tori-view up here.
Fushimi Inari Tasha Kyoto Curitan Aqalili
Grab some snacks after done with the climbing!

Uji River & Starbucks

Since we have enough time to spend before heading back to Osaka, we just randomly pick one city along the JR Nara Line, and that makes it Uji!

Uji is a small city famous for green tea. Since we came a little bit late, most of the shops at Byodoin Omotesando were closed, so we head straight to Uji River to chill and mesmerising the purple sky! After taking a breather, we sip some green tea latte at one of the most beautiful Starbucks I have ever seen in Japan.

Ahh, it was a short visit to Uji, but I really hope that I can come back and explore more of the temples and try their green tea soba soon!

INFORMATION:
ℹ️ Uji & Starbucks
🚆 A 22-min train ride from Inari to Uji.


Uji River & Starbucks Curitan Aqalili
Colourful view of Uji!
Uji River & Starbucks Curitan Aqalili
Gonna come back for more Uji!
Uji Starbucks Curitan Aqalili
One of the astonishing Starbucks in Japan!

DAY 5: KYOTO

What's it Kyoto without visiting a beautiful bamboo forest and Gion? It's a tourist spot that everybody must visit at least once in their lifetime. 


Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Curitan Aqalili
Welcome to Kyoto day two!

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

There are a lot of people, even in the early morning, and that indicates a tourist spot. I can understand why, because the place is lovely and Instagrammable. But, it is just too crowded, and it gets a bit out of hand, so we left as soon we captured some photos. 

If you just want to check out of your bucket list, go for it. But after that, I'm pretty sure you will realise that Kyoto has much more than that to offer.

INFORMATION:

📍 Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0007, Japan
⏰ 24-hour
🚆 A 15-min train ride from Shin-Osaka to Kyoto and 17-min train ride from Kyoto to Sagarashiyama

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Curitan Aqalili
Hello, again Arashiyama!
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Curitan Aqalili
The photoshoot will always be our fave!

Kimono Rental Kyokomachi

Located at Ninenzaka area, it still feels like the last time I came and visited the Kimono Rental Kyokomachi. It’s one of our last-minute plans, and all I need to do is go to their website and book one day ahead. 

There are a lot of choices, so it can be a little bit confusing. My advice is to take the Set Plan because it’s complete with Kimono, Obi, Zori, Bag and Tabi Socks. To be honest, Kimono rental in Japan can be a little bit expensive, but it’s worth it once in a lifetime. But, if you want to save up, visit Japan National Tourism Organization in Tokyo

INFORMATION:

📍 104 Tatsumi-cho (Higashioji-dori, MatsubaraAgaru), Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-city
⏰  9am- 8pm (Final returning 6.30pm)
💸 ¥3,240 per person (Set Plan)

🚆 Take the bus No.206 from JR Kyoto station to the Kiyomizu-michi bus stop. You can find our shop near the bus stop. 


Kimono Rental Kyokomachi Curitan Aqalili
My second time with Kimono Rental Kyokomachi is always been lovely!
Ninenzaka Kyoto Japan Curitan Aqalili
Beautiful Ninenzaka and Sinenzaka area!
Ninenzaka Kyoto Japan Curitan Aqalili
Us with beautiful kimono and view.
Ninenzaka Kyoto Japan Curitan Aqalili
Snack-stop!
Ninenzaka Kyoto Japan Curitan Aqalili
Walk at the end and you will spot this temple.

Gion

This is the most famous geisha district, and you also need to know, don’t be rude and act like ruthless paparazzi. First things first, when you catch a glimpse of geiko or maiko on their way or from work, don’t run towards them and capture the photos in front of the face. 

I heard that you can spot them around 5pm, but since it’s a tourist spot, they tend to take a taxi and walk in the street at different times. I don’t have great luck with it as we only get to spot one of them but better than nothing! 

INFORMATION:

ℹ️ Gion
🚆 7-min walk from Kimono Rental Kyokomachi


Gion Kyoto Japan Curitan Aqalili
Only capture one photo from Gion because it's getting dark and quiet.

Dinner: Idumoya

Located around Ponto-cho street, it’s a small part of Kyoto that you can’t miss. We spot this restaurant because we wanted to try to dine along the Kamo River, but that is is only available for those who purchased hotpot.   

We opt for the tempura set with a beautiful view of the river from the second floor. The service and everything are excellent, the taste wise is just regular tempura. I hope that I can visit the original plan which is Kichi Kichi Omurice soon!

INFORMATION:

ℹ️ Idumoya
📍 173-2 Kashiwayacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8014, Japan
⏰ 11.30am - 10pm daily
💸 ¥3,456 for 2 Tempura teishoku + tax
🚆 7-min walk from Gion


Idumoya Kyoto Japan Curitan Aqalili
Wanted to try one of the restaurant along Kamo River!
Idumoya Kyoto Japan Curitan Aqalili
We spot one, but... 
Idumoya Kyoto Japan Curitan Aqalili
We didn't order Shabu-shabu, so we need to eat inside the restaurant.

DAY 6: KYOTO & OSAKA

Sagano Romantic Train

Another last-minute plan! It’s always fun to be spontaneous outside of Malaysia. I heard this 25-minute train ride is a hot seat during autumn and winter because of the view! Yes, it’s worth to spend money on the train ride because the Hozugawa river view is amazing. 

Plus, if you have more time to spend, please tried the Hozugawa River Boat or rafting! I saw the video of these two activities, and I regret that I didn’t do it. 

INFORMATION:

⏰ Time may vary
💸 ¥620 One way ticket from Saga to Kameoka Station & ¥1,200 for the picture
🚆 A 15-min train ride from Shin-Osaka to Kyoto and 17-min train ride from Kyoto to Sagarashiyama.  

Sagano Romantic Train Kyoto Curitan Aqalili
One of the prettiest train in Japan! 
Sagano Romantic Train Kyoto Curitan Aqalili
Some of the lovely photo shot by Nuriy Arisa.


Kameoka Station

Once we arrived, we did some relaxation near the mountain view, grab some sweet strawberries and hot Yakimo. Just chilling. There aren’t many things to do here, to be honest. But, this station is where you can start your boat and rafting journey. 

INFORMATION:

📍 Tanisuji-1-1 Oiwakecho, Kameoka, Kyoto 621-0804, Japan
💸 ¥500 for Yakimo 
🚆 By Sagano Romantic Train ride.

Kameoka Station Kyoto Curitan Aqalili
Sweet big strawberry and hot Yakimo made the day!

Minoo Falls

Our last day in Osaka ends with a beautiful view of Minoo Falls. I have a love-hate relationship with this place because I lost my precious IC Card amid the happy moment. It sure thing ruin our plan and my mood as a whole. But, I don’t want it to be the wall of the magnificent view after 1-hour of hiking. 

The journey starts from Minoo Station, you will find the store that sells Momiji tempura. It’s basically a maple leaf deep-fried. Along the route, there are few vending machine, temples and museums that you can discover and get your thirst fix. 

My favourite part of the journey is the breathtaking waterfall view, cold walking experience and a beautiful night view at the Japanese houses and shops area

INFORMATION:

ℹ️ Minoo Falls
📍 1-18 Minookoen, Minoo-shi, Osaka-fu
⏰ 24-hour
💸 ¥430 for Momiji Tempura and ¥2,000 for new Icoca Card
🚆 A 19-min train ride from Kameoka to Kyoto, 28-min train ride from Kyoto to Osaka, 8-min walk from Osaka to Osaka-Umeda (Hankyu) and 21-min train ride from Osaka-Umeda (Hankyu) to Minoo


Minoo Falls Osaka Curitan Aqalili
Cold waterfall!
Minoo Falls Osaka Curitan Aqalili
Day VS Night!

After an emotional rollercoaster ride, we went back to Dotonbori for our last night in Osaka before heading to Tokyo the next morning. We grab some dinner, did some shopping fix for my personal shopping services and just walked our heart out. For me, it was a refreshing holiday with my best friend in the Kansai area!

CONTINUE TO 4D3N TOKYO, YOKOHAMA & HAKONE POST!

Surprised awaiting...


Tokyo, Yokohama & Hakone post coming soon!
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