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Jin Travels Japan

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"Why is Japan so expensive? Jin, how do you travel to Japan with a budget?"

I have recently receive a lot of questions like this from my friends, so I would love to share about this today!

Here, I will introduce you a 5 Day 4 Nights budget trip to the Kansai Region!
The itinerary includes regions of Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe, and is very suitable for first-time visitors even without a guide!
As I am a Malaysian, I will be writing from a Malaysian's perspective, and list out direct flights departing from Malaysia (KUL Airport).

I will also try my best to explain in a simple manner that you will be capable to travel on your own with some confidence! Hope it helps!


So, what are the direct flights available from Kuala Lumpur?
Assuming that you are flying from Malaysia, my personal favorite is Malaysian Airlines.
Though many Malaysians would also love to fly with AirAsia because it's cheap.
Japan Airlines (JAL) has the same timing as MAS, I would recommend it if you are also flying domestically in Japan because they have a special flight price, as long as your flights to and from Japan are with JAL!
If you want to be super comfy ANA is available! I'll fly with ANA if I have a ton to buy, because they allow me to carry 2 pieces of 23kg luggage (total of 46kg) for their economy class flight! Also ANA has one of the best in-flight meal I ever had!).

I highly recommend MAS for their timing as you can arrive super early (5:40AM), I fly with MAS if I am planning to have an open jaw ticket (flying in KIX, flying out NRT with overnight flight) because MAS has an early return flight from KIX (I personally despise morning departures because I'd rather sleep my way back in the plane with my normal body clock time and wake up at home).

However, since we are talking about a budget trip, I'll assume that you'll be taking a AirAsia flight and arrive at 9.30PM, and departing from KIX on either 4PM or 10PM. I will also assume that you might be even staying overnight in the airport or go out partying in Namba (it's fun because Osaka people are so warm!). But just to let you know that if you're flying with AirAsia, I will not calculate your day 1 from your arrival date because you are gonna get wasted for 1 night (wasted 1 day and get wasted, geddit, geddit?).

One good thing about AirAsia is that, sometimes, you can actually grab an overnight flight home (to KL) so that would make up the loss time of you arriving super late night!


So, how does this trip go? Summarize for me!

Alright lazy readers, here's a summary (might explain more in new post):


Day 1 – One day to Nara (flying with MAS or overnight in Kansai Airport)

Image result for Nara
Nara Park in Autumn

After leaving KIX, drop off luggage in accommodation (or worst case, in lockers of Namba station), then Head straight to Nara (Nara Park, Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Heian Palace or even Nara Botanical Garden if you had the time for it).

If you are flying with AirAsia and decided to check in to Namba on the same night, just head straight to Nara. You will even have some time to shop around Dotonbori when you are back from Nara, or head to Kobe for  Kobe Luminarie (Dec 7-16 2018) for their stunning illuminations!

Pass needed: 3-day Kansai Thru Pass

Day 2 – One day in Kobe

Image result for Kobe japan
Kobe Habour View

Departing from Namba of Osaka, head to Kobe (Kobe Mosque, Kitano Ijinkan, Meriken Park, Kobe Port, Kobe City and Chinatown)

Pass needed: 3-day Kansai Thru Pass, Kobe Loop Bus Pass



Day 3 – One day in Kyoto

Image result for gion shirakawa
Gion Shirakawa Canal

Departing from Namba/ Umeda of Osaka to Kyoto (Fushimi Inari, Gion, Gion Shirakawa, Shijo Kawaramachi, Nishiki Market, Arashiyama, Bamboo Forest, Kimono Forest, Kyoto Tower).

Pass needed: 3-day Kansai Thru Pass

Day 4 – Osaka tour 

Image result for umeda sky building
Umeda Sky Building during the day - Even prettier at night!

I have various ways to go around Osaka, and one of the ways is drawn here.

Some important places that you shouldn't be missing: Osaka Castle, Museum of Housing and Living, HEP 5 Ferris Wheel, Umeda Sky Building, Santa Maria Cruise, Tempozan Ferris Wheel, Tempozan Market, Tsukenkaku Tower, Shinsekai, Don Quijote Shin-Imamiya.

Pass needed: 2-day Osaka Amazing Pass


Day 5 – Bye bye, Osaka :( 

Nagai Botanical Garden (Try visiting them during their Christmas illumination period!)

Check out, ask if you could store your luggage until you're departing to the airport/ elsewhere.

Meanwhile, if you are flying back at night, spend your time here too: Dotonbori River Cruise, Tennoji Zoo, Nagai Botanical Garden

If you love shopping, here are some places: BIC Camera, Don Quijote (did I tell you that their Ferris wheel is finally back in operation?!), America Village... For thrift stores (or bundle shopping for Malaysians) head to 2nd Street Dotonbori, Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street! Hard Off is also a nice place to grab some secondhand goodies.

Pass needed: 2-day Osaka Amazing Pass, 1-way ticket to KIX


That sounds neat! But how much would it be costing me? 

I knew you'd be asking this, so I'll just explain about a couple of assumptions too.

As a budget travelers, hotels would easily cost RM200~400 per night. For cheapos like me, hostels are always my first choice! Because (1) Hostels are pretty safe, (2) you get to make new friends and it adds a new spice to your trip, and (3) It's CHEAP!! If you are worried about things getting stolen, carry your valuables with you. (BTW, did you know that it is illegal in Japan for not carrying your passport?)

So the breakdown is estimated as follow:

Accommodation – Hostel (Namba area) for 4 nights (RM75 per night = RM 300)
Transportation – Kansai Thru Pass (RM203) (5200 yen) (Price from HIS Malaysia)
- Osaka Amazing Pass (RM129) (3300 yen) (Price from HIS Malaysia)
- Kobe Loop Bus Pass (RM25) (660 yen) (Buy when boarding the bus)
- Airport Transfer to KIX (RM35) (920 yen) (Buy on day of return)
Travel Insurance – RM39 (AXA website)
Travel Simcard – RM59 (Hallo 1010 Simcard)

Total Ground Arrangement Cost – RM790 (Approx 197 USD)!


Wait, why hostels in Namba? 

Image result for Namba osaka
Glicoman! Easily accessible from Namba too!

First of all, a little warning: It's my personal preference to stay around Namba because it is absolutely convenient! It's comfortable, it has nightlife and is not dead quiet after 9PM (many shops in Japan closes at 8!) so you feel absolutely safe to walk alone in the evening! Also, if your day happen to suck and it just wouldn't stop raining, you have a bunch of shopping malls that can you can waste DAYS in there!

Also, Namba has so many places that are super convenient. Without boarding the train, you can go Namba Park, Dotonbori, Laox, etc. Also for my Muslim friends, rejoice! Because LAOX has their designated bilik solat (prayer room), and not just that, you can find public suraus (prayer room) and halal food too (example: Ayam-Ya, Naritaya Shokudo, Kenny's....)


Not convincing enough? Here's a more convincing reason to stay in Namba! 

Being the central part of Osaka, Namba is the hub for local railway transportation! (JR Namba station is also in this region, but it isn't quite the central part for JR lines but it's still OK to stay here!)  Namba station is so convenient to go through local subways and railways to Nara, Kyoto and Kobe, which is why I always love Kansai Thru Pass and Osaka Amazing Pass because the transportations are covered!


But Namba is so big, where should I book my accommodation?

Personally, hostels between Namba subway station and Nippombashi subway station is my favorite as a traveler. Because it's easily accessible from the airport using the Nankai Line, and also the above stated reasons.

If you are registering under licensed Airbnb (many Airbnb listings are unlicensed and are illegal), there are quire an amount of their listings around Nippombashi (Daikokucho too), it is also OK because it's only a station away from Namba. You can also head to Nara easily from Kintetsu Nippombashi station, or head to Kyoto with the brown line (Sakasuji line but I prefer to remember by colors) or transferring to Hankyu Line (darker brown line lol) to Katsura, then transfer to Arashiyama. Keihan line is also easily accessible from Kitahama station if you plan to visit Fushimi Inari of Kyoto! So it depends on how you have planned your itinerary too because who knows, you might think my itinerary suck. lol.

To Kobe, you can board Hanshin Line from Osaka-Namba station to Sannomiya Station or head to Umeda station from Namba with Midosuji (red) line, then go towards Sannomiya Station with Hankyu line (this option is faster!). So, Namba is a really nice place.

Even for people who have a JR Pass, you can easily use a 3-day Kansai Area Pass, but I would recommend staying in Tennoji or Osaka Station because it has easier access from KIX by Ltd. Express Haruka. My personal rule of thumb is that, the accommodation must be within 10 minutes of walk from the train station (for lazier people, within 5 is the best). The good part about Kansai Area Pass is that, it's super easy to head to Kyoto for Arashiyama, Yamashina, Biwako Valley and Fushimi Inari, but the downside of JR Pass is that, you cannot board local subways or buses (but there are 1-day passes available, or just buying a physical ticket/ ICOCA to use it along your way).


Wait, are you sure that hostels are THAT cheap?

Well, everything is subject to seasonality and availability when it comes to travel. Sometimes in low season (especially typhoon season lol) I have seen prices as low as RM65 per night on average! High season prices can go up to RM150. If you are aiming for Airbnb, perhaps RM90~RM110 would be a good range to consider. Sometimes, I pay a little higher if I know that the place is a really great one (make sure to read the reviews)!

To Japan, I always get my passes from H.I.S. Travel. Because I have tried purchasing Osaka Amazing Pass on my own and IT WAS SO DREADFUL. I got lost finding the right place, and I had to queue and it drove me nuts! Also, why spend more time waiting while you can just head straight to the gates and board the first train available to your accommodation? Unless you had to use a JR pass that you can never escape the dreadful 1-hour queue to get your exchange order to turn to your rail pass, it's better to opt for a Kansai Thru Pass if you aren't leaving the Kansai region lol :)


What about the insurance?

Okay, I have no preference to buy insurance. I am too lazy to compare so I just went with a friend's recommendation and used AXA. It's also cheap (imo) and I don't need to talk to an agent because I can just make a booking online!


Data SIM card?

Hallo1010 is a very popular data simcard used by Malaysians going to Japan! It's low-cost and connections works just fine!

Alternatives are also available if you live in KL and are going with more than 1 person. You can rent a pocket wifi at RM15~18 (from HIS travel, Travel Recommends or Samurai Wifi) and all of them have pretty decent reviews too!


Any other things that I should take note of?

1. Do NOT make a walk-in accommodation booking. There's a phone booking fee or a desk charge for bookings of hotels. Avoid them by booking online at all costs!
2. Do NOT ignore travel insurance. You know how Japan is - full of natural disasters and sometimes sh*t can really happen. If you are visiting Japan for like, more than 5 times annually, might as well as grab a yearly insurance. You will save more.
3. Do NOT assume you will be OK without internet unless you are very familiar with the area or has good command in Japanese (heck, I still needed my wifi even if I can speak Japanese). You'll need them for navigation and translation (I used them when I was in a pharmacy and it was so helpful to get something that I don't know how to express my medical condition in Japanese).


I can't think of more to write as of the time being, but I'll update this whenever I could.

Feel free to ask anything in the comments!


Until next time!
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It has been quite a while since I've last blogged! I have been working in a Japanese travel agency and life has never been so busy where I can find something to do, because it was the peak of travel season to Japan!

But I have seen a strange trend: Everyone wants to go to Tokyo, and I kind of do not understand why.

Here are 7 reasons why I personally think Tokyo is kind of overrated:

1. DisneyLand and DisneySea are actually not in Tokyo.


Image result for disneyland tokyo

To some's surprise, Disneyland and Disneysea is a place that many would go when they visit Tokyo, but to many's surprise, they are actually not in Tokyo! They are located in Chiba prefecture (now you know why it takes so long to visit Disneyland from Shinjuku).

Holiday seasons are worse. With the holiday crowd, I'd say that every ride had wait times of over 3 hours. Definitely a place to go if you wish to test your patience.

(No worries, this place is still as magical and dreamy for all princesses out there! Avoid Friday~Monday in general!)

2. Transportation is not cheap. 


Image result for tokyo metro map
Looking at the Tokyo Metro Map alone would give people headaches

For first-time visitors visiting Japan, navigating around Tokyo is a lot of headache! Boarding the wrong train, going to the wrong platform in the crazily large Tokyo Station (Shinjuku Station too!), not knowing Japanese is one of the biggest problems too (thanks to technology life is slightly easier!). Transfers are not exactly easy without a little knowledge and sense of direction as well.

(Getting lost is also what gives you a different travelling experience!)

3. Trains are crowded. Everywhere popular in Tokyo is crowded.

Image result for crowded train in tokyo
Crowded JR Train

Although it is not crowded all the time, but they are definitely scarily crowded for school/ work hours! The scariest time is also the times when there is the last train! Everyone just rushes into the trains and if you are that much of a risk-taker to party until the last train's timing, be prepared to be squished like the sardines in a sardine can! If you have a train transfer on your way back, you might want to reconsider your life choices.

4. Too much of time needed to go around. Way too much.



Image result for Nikko
Nikko

Sick of shopping in Tokyo? Wanted to go for day trips? No problem! Mt. Fuji is 3 hours by train (with transfers), Nikko, Ashikaga, Hitachi Seaside Park, Gala Yuzawa is also more than an hour away by train! Yokohama, Kamakura, Odaiba is also great places to go to, but they also take more than an hour by train. Quelle surprise! Not just that they are time-consuming, the train tickets are also costly!

(But this is also what makes Tokyo a great hub to make day trips from!)

5. Sexual Harrassment. It happens too.

Image result for crowded train in tokyo

Japan is not completely safe. Maybe safer than the rest of the world in terms of crimes, but groping, sexual harassment, etc. has been quite an issue (hence there are Ladies' only coaches!). Groping is not just an issue happening to women, but men and children experienced them as well (one example from Hanawa-san on Quora). Personally, I have also witnessed males trying to hit on random girls on the train, and someone also tried approached me in an unpleasant manner in Tokyo too. 

6. Harajuku is no longer the Harajuku we knew.

Image result for harajuku

Famed for street fashion that has signs of rebelliousness against the uniformity of the Japanese culture, Harajuku was once a place where people wish to express themselves. Now, it has only lesser and lesser street artists and cosplayers (in fact, I only manage to see a few when I was casually strolling around for crepes). You don't really get to see people dress like above image, but instead, THIS is what you're going to see if you are going to Takeshita Street:

Image result for harajuku


(Don't worry, crepes there are still nice and worth a try!) 

7. Robotic, cold and depressed society.

Image result for robotic of japan

Japan is wonderful with its innovation of robots (they even have hotels fully 'manned' by robots!) that are useful, helpful, and adorable! However, even locals in Osaka had a stereotype of Tokyo people as 'cold-blooded', workaholics, and are always busy. After interacting with people in Tokyo, whether in business terms or outside-of-business terms, the more popular areas of Tokyo does seem to have such a trait. People here are so caught up with their work and wouldn't care much about anything outside of their own world. Sometimes, you would wonder if they are polite to you in a genuine manner. 

(In the less popular areas, people are more friendly!)


Conclusions? 

Although there are more than just expensive rentals and cost of travel in Tokyo, if you do your research well, you can definitely still find parts of Tokyo that you would enjoy! 

Besides, Japan is also consisting more than just Tokyo. Try giving other areas of Japan a visit! You'll never know what Japan can bring to you until you're there! 

Hopefully in near future, I'll get a week's leave to Setouchi. Can't wait for it! 

Until my next update! ☆
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Starting from 1st of March, it is officially spring in Japan for the year 2019!

One popular spot for travelers would be the Kansai Region.
Personally, I really love sakura blossoms! It is a good time to take your day off with your loved ones to enjoy a nice picnic under the trees.

Many people would use JR for their travels. However, JR Pass is not the only pass that brings you to beautiful places. Passes such as Kansai Thru Pass and Keihan Railway Pass also leads you to many beautiful spots around the Kansai Region!

Here are some examples of Kansai's many cherry blossoms viewing spots. Why not go exploring on the Keihan Railway this spring?


Cherry Blossom/ Sakura Spots


1) Kiyomizudera Temple

Image credits to Janet

This location itself has approximate 1,000 trees!
Generally open from 0600 - 1800, night entry available from late March till early April too! You may check Kiyomizudera's website for their timings here.

Entrance fee: 400 yen (general entry)/ night entry 500 yen
Access: 25 mins walk from Kiyomizu-goji station

Side Note: At the Re-roofing of the main hall is under work since 2016. It's almost like a once-in-a-lifetime renovation, as they only renovate it once every 50 years!


2) Heian-jingu shrine

Beautiful shot by Wenjie
Here, it has approximate 300 sakura trees. What makes this place interesting is that, it has a visually stunning architecture, despite its short history. It operates from 0830 - 1730 (Shin-en garden), but it is highly recommended to arrive early!

Access: 15 mins walk from Jingu-marutamachi station or 10 mins from Higashiyama Station
Entrance fee: 600 yen (Shin-en garden)
Side note: Gate opening time is subject to changes due to seasonality

3) Maruyama Park

Image result for Maruyama Park sakuraMaruyama Night Hanami
Don't know what to do at night in Kyoto?
In spring, you can drop by Maruyama Park!
It has approximately 680 trees and is open year-round. Also, entry is free!
Light up period is available from late March till early April! You can chill and get a good view here.

Access: Approx 10 mins walk east from Gion-shijo station


4) Keage incline

Image result for keage incline
Keage Incline

Beautiful view with a full road of sakura blossoms! Perfect for your instagram shot for sure!
It's also a very short walk from Keage station!


5) Okazaki Park

Image result for 岡崎公園京都 桜
Okazaki Sakura
Being close to Heian Jingu, it is a really nice addition to your sakura hunting trip!

Access: About 15 mins walk southeast from Jingu-marutamachi station or about 10 mins by foot from Higashiyama Station


6) Tetsugaku no Michi - Philosopher's walk


Image result for Tetsugaku no Michi - Philosopher's walk sakura
Absolutely stunning photo by FastJapan
If you're a first-time visitor to Ginkakuji, good news to you! Philosopher's path is just close by!
Here, there are approximately 500 trees. You get to enjoy a serene, relaxing walk while passing by some traditional machiya.

Access:
(1) Take a bus from Demachiyanagi Station and disembark at Ginkakuji-michi or Kinrinshako-mae bus stop. Walk about 5 mins.
(2) Take a bus from Jingu-marutamachi station and get off at Higashi-tennocho bus stop, walk 10 mins; or disembark at kinrinshako-mae bus stop, walk 5 mins.



7) Yodogawa Riverside Park Sewaritei District

Image result for Yawata sakura
Source

Yawata may not be too popular for many tourists. However, here has about 250 trees lining up. Sewaritei district has a spot that is popular among local Japanese too!

Access: About 10 mins walk from Yawatashi Station


8) Mt. Otokoyama - Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine

Image result for Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine sakura
Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine

This is a low-key must-see place in Kyoto! Consisting of about 200 trees, you don't have to fight with crazy crowds! It has been listed as Japan's National Treasure. Hikers can consider hiking to Otokoyama, but those who may not be able to hike can consider riding the Otokoyama Cable Car.

It is rare to have the opportunity to enter the inner sanctum of a shrine, but at Iwashimizu Hachimangu, you are able to join a tour, where you can find out more about the temple’s history too!


Operation Hours: 0530 - 1830
Access: from Yawatashi Station, take a cable car and disembark at Otokoyama-sanjo station, then walk about 5 mins.


9) Yamashina-sosui Canal

Image result for yamashina sosui sakuraPhoto credits

A personal favorite, Yamashina is stunningly beautiful for Spring and Autumn! You can walk along the canal of 600 trees, or cycle your way. Further up you can also visit Bishamondo Temple, where they have a weeping sakura tree too.

Access: Walk approximately 5- 10 mins from Keihan-Yamashina station/ Shinomiya station/ Subway Yamashina Station/ Subway Misasagi Station



10) Upstream of Uji-bashi bridge


f0155048_2354923.jpg
Credits to K.W.C. Photo

Just walk towards the upstream of Uji River from Ujibashi, you will see that this area has a massive amount of sakura trees! (In fact, about 2000!)

Beautiful view, and it's a short walk from Uji Station only!


11) Ninnaji Temple

Image result for Ninnaji Temple sakura
Ninnaji Temple 

Coming over in middle of April? No worries! Ninnaji Temple has some late bloomers that you can enjoy! Here, they have about 200 trees in their beautiful garden. You can also get a good look at its pagoda! 

Operation Hours: 0900 - 1630 *Hours subject to change based on seasonality
Entrance Fee: 500 JPY
Access: Bus from Sanjo station, disembark at omuro-ninnaji bus stop, or board Randen (Keifuku Electric Railway) and it will be a short walk from Omuro-Ninnaji Station


12) Ryoanji Temple

Image result for Ryoanji Temple Sakura
Beauty in Zen Garden
In Ryoanji too, you can see nice sakura trees around here! 
The temple itself has a zen garden that you can look at as well, from 0800 - 1700 daily.

Entrance Fee: 500 JPY
Access: Bus from Sanjo Station, disembark at Ryoanji-mae bus stop/ Walk 8 mins from Ryoanji Station


13) Hirano-Jinja Shrine

Image result for hirano  sakura
A red torii gate welcoming you at Hirano Jinja

Through the Edo Period(1603-1867), the cherry garden of the Hirano shrine was popular festival place of spring season Kyoto. Today, about 500 sakura trees are planted in the garden!

Hours: 0600 - 2100
Light up: late March till early April
Access: (1) Bus from Jingu-marutamachi Station or Sanjo Station, disembark at Kinugasako-mae bus stop
(2) About 7 mins walk from Randen Kitano-Hakubaicho Station


14) Randen Tunnel of Cherry Blossoms

Image result for Randen Tunnel of Cherry Blossoms sakura
Randen Train Passing by

If you're holding a Kansai Thru Pass, I would recommend boarding the Randen Train to pass by the sakura tunnel! They would even light up during late March to early April. They also do the same for autumn!


15) Biwako-sosui Canal

Image result for Biwako-sosui Canal sakura
Biwako Canal
Tired of going around the city center? Try going a little up north for Lake Biwako! Here, it is just a short walk from Miidera Station! Also, it lights up from early to middle of April, so you can plan your trip to be a little later than tourists flocking into  Kyoto during late March!


16) Ishiyama-dera 

Image result for Ishiyama-dera  sakura
Ishiyama-dera, Shiga Prefecture

Planning to go up to Shiga? Ishiyama-dera is a spot that you shouldn't miss during spring! Here, it has about 600 trees that blooms around late March to early April.

Hours: 0800 - 1600 Daily
Entrance Fee: 600 JPY
Access: About 10 mins walk from Ishiyamadera Station


17) Sakamoto

Image result for Sakamoto sakura shiga

This spot is a beautiful, quaint spot that we discovered during a free day. Disembarking from Sakamoto Station, we walked around and found this quiet place. Not much of visitors, and you only see cars passing by occasionally.



18) Mii-dera Temple

Image result for miidera sakura
Mii-dera
Another great location in Shiga would be Miidera! Having about 1300 trees surrounding the temple, it also lights up from early to mid-April! Why not visiting here while seeing Biwako? :)

Operation Hours: 0800-1700
Entrance Fee: 600JPY
Access: About 10 mins walk from Miidera Station


19) Nagara Park

Related image
If you are in Shiga, why not visiting here?
Maybe a not-so-popular spot to many from my hometown in Malaysia, but here, there are about 900 trees in this park! It's only a 10 mins walk from Kamisakaemachi Station. If you're also up for a hike, maybe you can consider dropping by the Monument of Taira no Tadanori and visit Nagara's Fudoumyouou Shinto Shrine too!



20) Osaka Castle Park


Image result for osaka castle park sakura
Osaka Castle blooming with Sakura
Who wouldn't know about Osaka Castle when they arrive Osaka? Besides seeing the majestic castle, it also has a garden that is beautiful all year long!

With only about 15 mins walk from Temmabashi Station and a 200 JPY (Nishinomaru Garden). Entry is only between 0900-1630 in general, but from late March until early April, you get to see it being lighted up!


21) Japan Mint

Image result for japan mint sakura
Japan Mint Sakura
A famous spot for Osaka, this place only opens for a short one-week period! There are about 350 trees lining along their 560m path from their south gate to north gate. What makes this place popular is that, you can see a good variety of species in this place! After sunset, the bombori lanterns are lit, offering a fantastical view of the sakura hovering in the night sky.

Hours: Mon-Fri 1000-2100 (limited time only)
About 15 mins walk from Temmabashi Station


22) Hirakata Park

Image result for Hirakata Park sakura

Up for some amusement while enjoying sakura? Hirakata Park is definitely a place to go to! Besides some nostalgic rides, there are also about 300 trees around the park.

Hours: 1000-1700/1800 (official site here), Closed on Tuesdays*
Fee: 1400 JPY for entry only
Access: About 5 mins walk from Hirakata-koen Station


23) Kema Sakuranomiya Park

Image result for Kema Sakuranomiya Park
Kema Sakuranomiya Park

Not far from Temmabashi Station, Sakuranomiya park is a breathtaking place that consists of about 4800 trees located on the river terrace between Kema Araizeki and Temmabashi Bridge.

With just a short walk of about 5 mins walk from Temmabashi Station, you can enjoy a great view of sakura in Osaka during late March until early April.



--------------------


Model Course of Cherry-blossom Viewing


1 Day in Osaka

From Kyobashi Station, walk 15 min to Osaka Castle Park
Enjoy your time around Osaka Castle Park, then walk 5 min Osaka-jo Pier for more sakura views.
You can also consider taking a round trip cruise!
If you are back to the pier, walk 15 min back to Kyobashi Station.
Board a train to Hirakata-koen Station, and Hirakata Park will be a short walk.
Enjoy the rest of your day.


1 Day in Kyoto: Higashiyama ver.


From Kiyomizu-gojo Station, walk up to Kiyomizudera (about 20 mins of walk).
Here, you can see beautiful view of Kiyomizudera and even a view of Kyoto Tower.
From there, walk 20 min and it will lead you to Maruyama Park.
If you have more stamina, another 15 minutes of walk will lead you to Okazaki Park, then to Heian-jingu Shrine.
After lunch, walk about and you will arrive Philosopher's Walk.
You can even visit Ginkakuji if you have extra time/ departed early of the day.
Later, about 20 minutes of walk, you will arrive Keage incline.


1 Day in Kyoto: Arashiyama-Omuro-Kitano


From Arashiyama Station, a 7-minute train ride will lead you to Katabiranotsuji Station.
Transfer here (about 4 min) will lead you to Randen Narutaki Station (Randen).
On Randen Train, pass through the tunnel of cherry blossoms until Utano Station (Randen).
A couple of minutes later you will arrive Omuro-ninnaji Station, where a short walk will lead you to Ninnaji Temple.
From Ninnaji Temple, return to Omuro-ninnaji Station and board the train to Kitano-hakubaiicho Station.
About 7 minutes of walk will lead you to Hirano-jinja Shrine.
If you have extra time, you could consider doing a night Hanami in Maruyama park.


1 Day in Shiga


From Ishiyamadera Station, walking for 10 minutes will lead you to Ishiyama-dera.
Then, leaving Ishiyamadera Station, a 20-minute train ride will lead you to Miidera Station.
From here, it will be a short walk to Biwako-sosui canal and Miidera temple.
Walking further will lead you to Nagara Park for sakura viewing.
Another 10 min walk from Nagara Park would lead you to Kamisakaemachi Station, where you can head to Sakamoto via train with a transfer at Hamaotsu station.
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About Me

Image may contain: 1 person, standing, ocean and outdoor
Jin, Type A ENFP, Virgo-Libra Cusp
Slytherin
Multilingual and travels to Japan for various purposes.
Avid mobile game player.

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ジン・A型・ENFP・乙女と天秤座のハーフ
スリザリン・レイブンクロー
4つ言語話せます。様々な原因で日本に行く。
モバゲーもよくしています。

チャネル・ページ登録よろしくお願いします!


対応可能言語/ Languages:
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・中国語(Mandarin)
・マレー語(Malay)
・日本語(Japanese)

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