A long awaited vacation that we always plan every 4 years since 2011. After many times of failed ballot, we managed to get tickets for the QF! We almost didn't go but in all rain or shine, we made it to Japan.
First up, we spent about 5 days in Osaka and made a day trip to Kyoto via the Hankyu line. It was definitely faster than taking the normal train (which stopped like a gazillion times, but who's counting).
For those travelling to Japan, I do recommend getting the pocket wifi as it was super convenient, affordable and really helped us to navigate around the city. I booked Pupuru Wifi and it was amazing. Picked it up at Kansai International and dropped it in the mailbox at Haneda Airport in Tokyo. Here's the link
We stayed in Takuto Stay in Uehonmachi. Super convenient, just a 3-min walk to Uehonmachi Station and the Airport Bus stops right across the road from us (Sheraton Miyako Hotel - I wished we were staying in Sheraton though) but the apartment we stayed in was better than expected.
Below are some of the spots that we managed to go around in Osaka 1. Namba - It's just 1 stop away from us. It has rows and rows of street market. Takashimaya Departmental Store is located here. 2. Umeda Sky Building - to get a good view of Osaka 3. Umeda Station was pretty happening too. They had an outdoor beach volley event going on when we were passing by. 4. Osaka Museum of Housing & Living - It's a paid museum. This place is pretty cool. You can enjoy the old Japanese housing and take loads of pictures without the crowd and homeowner. Experience the graceful Japanese Tea ceremony as well as rent a Kimono. 5. Tenjinbashisuji Market - just next door. Rows and rows of street market, food... The takoyaki is amazeballs! 6. Amemura - where all the american bundle and streetwear can be found. Pretty interesting place, I must say. Very charming with a lot of the younger crowds here. 7. Shinsabai-suji Street Shopping 8. Dotonburi - all those neon signboards and the famous Glico running man.
Kyoto 1. Arabica% - is a must! There are already a few outlets in Dubai as well as in the main cities in the world, but when in Kyoto you have to try their first shop. It's a tiny quaint coffee shop but with a million dollar view. 2. Akahime Kimono - I rented my kimono and they were super helpful and quick to put on my kimono, hair and makeup! Voilaa! FYI - I prebooked my kimono and took the 2-hours rent. 3. Arashiyama Bamboo forest - was just a 20-30min stroll back & forth. There was a lot of people. Just make sure you get here early morning or late afternoon. 4. Kimono forest - it's on your left at the train station as you walk along the main street from the bamboo forest. 5. Nishiki Market - please don't miss this! Get your Takotamago, Tamago on a stick, Sea urchin... and whatever sea creatures there is. Try it! 6. Fushimi Inari Taisha - you know those orange stick pathway... that's it!
Japan Travel Diary: Day 5 in Kyoto
Bombarded with tourists at Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in our rented kimono, doing my hair at Nobol Hair Salon & Spa, and had okonomiyaki for dinner at Nishiki Warai!