Kansai, Japan is one of the most popular destinations in the country because of its cultural and historical heritage.
Here you’ll find many historic neighborhoods, ancient temples and shrines, and local cuisine that will take you on a culinary adventure. The region is also a go-to choice for Filipinos because of the relatively cheaper prices compared to Tokyo. There are also regular discounted airfares for flights from Manila to Osaka.
It is an ideal stop for first-timers because of the attractions clustered together and their accessibility by public transportation. If it’s your first time to visit Japan, Osaka, Kyoto and Nara are ideal destinations to include in your itinerary.
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Osaka
Osaka is a big city referred to as “Japan’s Kitchen.” This is a good place to eat, drink and be merry. The must-eat food are takoyaki, okonomiyaki and yakiniku just to name a few. This bustling metropolis is also a famous shopping destination with plenty of shops and shopping districts. CHECK HOTELS IN OSAKA HERE
Osaka Castle
Must-Visit Attractions
During your visit make sure to add these attractions in Osaka to your itinerary:
• Shinsekai – This dining district provides you a glimpse of what the city used to be. The tower is its most recognizable structure.
• Dotonbori – A famous place to eat and shop.
• Glico Man – This huge neon sign of a man with his arms raised is one of the most popular pictures of Osaka you’ll see online.
Glico Man
• Minoo Park – If you want to get away from the city, this is the place to be. The scenic trails will eventually lead to the waterfall. Autumn is a good time to visit because of the colorful foliage.
Minoo Park
• Osaka Castle – This castle provides visitors with a glimpse of the city’s past. Entrance fee is JPY600.
How to get to Osaka: There are direct flights from Manila to Osaka by Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air. Book flights early to get the lowest possible price.
Kyoto
Higashiyama District
Kyoto used to be the country’s capital for more than a thousand years. Because of this rich history, it has become a prime tourist destination. The city has an old soul with a modern appearance. Many of the centuries’ old temples, shrines and districts allow you to enter a time warp that will take you back to old Japan.
Must-Visit Attractions
These are some of the places of interest to include in your Kyoto Itinerary :
• Higashiyama District – This district in Kyoto provides sets the ambiance for your time traveling adventure in the city. The traditional houses and shops will remind you of an ancient epoch.
• Fushimi Inari Shrine – This attraction is one of the most famous because of the easily recognizable orange gates rising up the hill.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
• Kinkakuji Temple – Kyoto has several ancient temples, one of the most popular is Kinkakuji. It has an admission fee of JPY400.
• Ginkakuji Temple – Another famous destination, Ginkakuji has survived the centuries. It is also a good place to see autumn colors. You have to pay JPY500 to enter.
Ginkakuji Temple
• Arashiyama – This region has a handful of attractions one of the most famous is the bamboo grove. It is also a good place to see the colorful foliage of autumn.
Arashiyama
How to get to Kyoto: There are regular and bullet trains that travel between Osaka and Kyoto. You can also go straight to Kyoto from Kansai International Airport. JR West’s Limited Express Haruka plies this route regularly with the earliest departure at 6:30am and the last one at 10:16pm from Kansai Airport. The fare is JPY2850. CHECK HOTELS IN KYOTO HERE
Nara
History buffs will love Nara; this ancient capital has many UNESCO-listed shrines and temples. The city is easy to walk around with many of the popular attractions clustered together. Nara has a history that dates back to 710. It is home to some of the oldest temples in the country.
Deer Park
Must-Visit Attractions
• Todaiji Temple – This historic site is home to the Big Buddha Statue. It has a history that dates all the way back to 752. There is an admission fee of JPY600.
Todaiji Temple
• Deer Park – One of the things you’ll immediately notice in Nara is the prevalence of deer! They walk around freely and sometimes visitors give them something to eat.
• Kofukuji Temple – One of the temples you’ll see on your way to Todaiji. It is a complex with different halls and museums. It is several centuries old dating back to 710. I was content with seeing it from the outside during my visit.
Kofukuji Temple
• Yoshikien Garden – Beautiful garden that provides a welcome break from the busyness of sightseeing. It may be small, but it is a relaxing enclave that allows you to contemplate. Autumn is an ideal time to visit because of the colorful foliage. Entrance is free for foreigners.
Yoshikien Garden
How to get to Nara: Nara is easily accessible from Osaka. There are a handful of train lines that can take you to the ancient capital. The Yamatoji Rapid Service from Osaka Station can take you to JR Nara Station, the fare is JPY800. The Kintetsu Nara Line’s Rapid Express can reach Nara Station (Kintetsu) in less than 40 minutes from Osaka Namba Station. The fare is JPY560.
Getting Around the Cities
Exploring these cities is easy because of the many passes you can use. One such pass I would recommend is the Kansai Thru Pass. This all-around ticket allows you to not just go from city to city, but also use the subways and metros, and bus networks within them. You can visit all three cities and use their public transportation without buying another ticket! This will save you a lot of money during your trip. The pass costs JPY4300 for two days and JPY5300 for three days. CHECK HOTELS IN NARA HERE
Budget Tips
• Accommodation is expensive in Japan, save money during your trip by staying in a hostel dorm, capsule hotel or even couchsurfing.
• You can walk to most of the attractions, but to make things easier for you and your wallet, buy one of the city or regional passes such as the Kansai Thru Pass or day pass in Osaka or Kyoto.
• Convenience stores like 7-11 reduce your expenses for food and drinks. These offer good value meals, if you don’t want to cook or prepare your own meals.
• You don’t have to see all of the temples, there is way too many of them and will eat into your budget. Choose ones you’d really like to see.
WRITER
Joshua Berida is a writer with a passion for travel.
He has traveled around the Philippines and is looking forward to seeing more of the world. He blogs at TheWanderingJuan.net.
