🍜 Japan on a Budget: How to Eat Well for Under ¥1,000 a Meal
2026 Japan Budget Food Guide: Eat for under ¥1,000 per meal. Konbini hacks, cheap gyudon chains, supermarket discounts, & halal-friendly pro tips from an interpreter.
 |
| Kansai Thru Pass |
"What's the difference between Kansai Area Pass and Kansai Thru Pass?"
This has been a question that I kept receiving from people who wanted to travel to the Kansai region.
I even received questions asking how does Osaka Amazing Pass differ from Kansai Area Pass/ Kansai Thru Pass - which is a not-so-great comparison, because one works for Osaka and the other works for the Kansai Region, which comprises multiple areas (Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo (Kobe and Himeji are part of it), Wakayama, Nara, Shiga and sometimes Mie is included (but Mie is another story).
Based on my experience in answering so many questions from people, I figured that it's finally the time I should write something to help clearing up some cloudy thoughts. I'll write on:
- The passes itself
- How to use these passes
- How to decide on which between the two is suitable (or none)
1. Kansai Area Pass (JR West)
☆ Kansai Area Pass is a pass that is commonly mistaken for Kansai Thru Pass.
☆ You can only use them on JR (Japan Railway) lines
☆ You can't use them on any trains/ buses that are not under JR.
☆ Certain JR West Passes are eligible for shinkansen rides, but some are not eligible (check here).
☆ For purchases of Kansai Area Pass, you either get an exchange order from your travel agency, or you get a physical ticket if your agency provides it (I don't think I've seen many agencies selling the physical ticket itself).
1A. IN A CASE IF YOU HAVE A PHYSICAL TICKET
☆ If you have a physical ticket like I do, you can just show this ticket to the staff at the manual ticketing gate. The staff will stamp the passes with the expiry date at the back of the pass.
☆ You have to use them on consecutive days. Example: If you activate a 4-day Kansai Area Pass on 1 July 2019, you can start using it from 1-4 July 2019.
☆ This ticket runs by date, not by hour.1B. IN A CASE IF YOU HAVE AN EXCHANGE ORDER
☆ For Kansai Area Pass, exchange orders are required to be exchanged in any JR West offices (not all JR Stations has an exchange office).
☆ During date of exchange, you can inform the officer on which day you wish to activate your Kansai Area Pass. This is helpful if you do not plan to use the pass as soon as you exchange it.
☆ The 1-4 day pass are covering the same regions, while Kansai WIDE Area Pass covers a couple more regions.
☆ During date of exchange, you can inform the officer on which day you wish to activate your Kansai Area Pass. This is helpful if you do not plan to use the pass as soon as you exchange it.
1C. TYPE OF KANSAI AREA PASS
☆ Kansai Area Pass has 5 types: 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, 4-day and Kansai WIDE Area Pass.☆ The 1-4 day pass are covering the same regions, while Kansai WIDE Area Pass covers a couple more regions.
 |
| Photo from Kansai |
☆ The above four types (1-day to 4-day) of Kansai Area Pass covers the same region.
☆ Some of the important tourist spots that you can use it for are:
- Biwako Valley
- Hakodateyama Ski Resort
- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
- Nijo Castle
- Yamashina Canal
- Lake Biwa (Biwako)
- Nara
- Wakayama
- Rinku Town
- Namba
- Osaka
- Kobe
- Himeji
- Universal Studios Japan
- Fushiji Imari Shrine
- and more (check the usage area map here)
☆ You can use it on Limited Express Haruka to go to the airport from Tennoji, Shin-Osaka and Kyoto.
☆ You can use this pass to board JR buses in Kyoto. Following is a list of places you can go in Kyoto by JR bus pass:
- Kyoto Station
- Kyoto Aquarium
- Nijo Castle
- Kyoto Railway Museum
- Kinkakuji Temple
- Kozanji Temple
- Ryoanji Temple
- Ninnaji Temple
- Takaosan Temple
- Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
☆ For other regions, buses are not covered in this pass.
>> KANSAI WIDE AREA PASS (5 DAYS)
☆ Kansai WIDE Area Pass offers a wider area of visiting for people who are interested to see areas that a little further.
☆ Kansai WIDE Area Pass offers a wider area of visiting for people who are interested to see areas that a little further.
 |
| Sakura from Kyoto |
☆ Kansai WIDE Area covers the same regions for Kansai Area Pass, but has a lot more perks!
☆ This pass is a 5-day pass. You need to use it consecutively.
☆ Besides the areas listed for Kansai Area Pass, you can use it to go to:
- Tottori Sand Dunes
- Amanohashidate (one of the three great views of Japan!)
- Shirahama (pretty beaches!)
- Kishi Station (the station with Cat staff)
- Asuka Shrine (Shingu)
- Nachi Falls
- Okayama and Kurashiki Bikan Canal
- Kinosaki Onsen
- and more (refer usage area map here)
☆ You can freely board all kinds of Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka Station and Okayama Station!
☆ Hello Kitty shinkansen is OK for this pass if you use the unreserved seats.
☆ Besides JR trains, you can use the Wakayama Railway to Kishi, Kyoto Tango (Tantetsu) to Amanohashidate, and Chizu Express between Kamigoori and Chizu
2. KANSAI THRU PASS (This is NOT JR)
☆ Kansai Thru Pass is the pass that always gets mistaken by people with Kansai Area Pass.☆ This pass works by the date, but is not consecutive.
☆ There are two types of Kansai Thru Pass: 2 days and 3 days.
☆ By non consecutive, you can use it on any 2 or 3 days, as long as it is within the validity period.
☆ For example, if you have a pass that is valid from 1 May 2019 to 30 April 2020, you can use it for any 2/3 days within this time frame.
 |
| Sakura |
☆ The pass is a physical card that you don't have to use it through manual entry gates.
☆ Just use it like any metro card: slot it into the gate, pass through, and take your pass back.
☆ This pass can basically use almost any other railway besides JR (check usage map here). A good list of the passes are as follow:
 |
| More sakura |
☆ This pass can be very helpful for long distance travels for regions like Himeji, Kobe, Osaka, Wakayama, Kobe, Mt. Koya, Nara, Kyoto (except northern Kyoto parts such as Amanohashidate), and to a part of Biwako.
☆ However, there are certain transportation modes that is not applicable for Kansai Thru Pass users, as shown below:
 |
| More Blossoms |
☆ This pass works for transportation only and does not cover entrance fees. However, discount coupons are available (refer list here).
☆ For local buses, such as Kyoto, Osaka, Wakayama local city buses, you can use it with Kansai Thru Pass (refer areas marked with yellow background here)
☆ Note that Kobe Loop Bus is not allowed with Kansai Thru Pass/ IC cards (ICOCA, SUICA, etc)/ Kansai One Pass etc. (refer here for fare and restrictions for Kobe Loop Bus).
3. Kansai Thru Pass vs Kansai Area Pass - Which to choose?
Generally, I choose the pass I need based on the following (cheapo) criteria:
- Where I am staying;
- My itinerary
- If I know that I'm going to Amanohashidate or Tottori, I'll be taking a JR West's Kansai WIDE Area Pass immediately;
- If I know that I'm going to Hiroshima, I'll be taking JR West's Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass;
- My transportation price
- If I'm going to use Kansai Thru Pass, I will make sure that my itinerary transportation cost (that is covered in this pass) will exceed 5,300 JPY in 3 days of pass usage, or 4,300 JPY in 2 days of pass usage, otherwise I'll find other alternatives.
- If I'm going to use Kansai Area Pass, I'll make sure that my itinerary transportation cost (covered in this pass) will exceed 2,200 JPY (in 1 day), 4,300 JPY (in 2 days), 5,300 JPY (in 3 days), 6,300 JPY (in 4 days) or 9,000 JPY (in 5 days).
- How to decide if a pass is worth it? Check here for a tutorial.
In a case where my itinerary requires a combination of both, adjustments will be made!
But, it's quite confusing for many first-timers because many don't know how to utilize the passes. Therefore, there are some scenarios that are super common among the questions I've received, that can help you to decide if you need a pass!
- If you are going to Amanohashidate, Tottori, Shingu, Okayama - Consider Kansai WIDE Area Pass
- If you want to try boarding the Hello Kitty Shinkansen/ Nozomi Shinkansen, consider Kansai WIDE Area Pass (or some other JR West Passes)
- If you are going to Biwako Valley or Hakodateyama Ski Resort, consider Kansai Area Pass (this region is not covered in Kansai Thru Pass) or Kansai WIDE Area Pass if you are going to the Kansai WIDE Area regions
- If you are staying near Namba/ Umeda and is not going anywhere listed above, either Kansai Area Pass or Kansai Thru Pass works for you just well.
- If you are just heading to USJ, you don't need a pass - buy a one-way ticket or use your IC (ICOCA/ SUICA/ Pasmo etc.) card.
- If you are just staying in Osaka and doing only ONE day trip to Nara, Kobe, Kyoto, Himeji, then use your IC card.
- If you have a full day in Kyoto, you can consider 1-day Kyoto Bus Pass (you can purchase in Kyoto Station) or Keihan Pass if you are to going between Kyoto and Osaka.
- If you need your Kansai Pass to be leaping days, consider Kansai Thru Pass. Otherwise, if you happen to need to do leap days for regions in Kansai Area Pass/ Kansai WIDE Area Pass, either rearrange your itinerary or buy separate passes.
Hope the above clears up your doubt!
You can drop me any questions in the comments or DM me on instagram! :)
Until next time!
"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)
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
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
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
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 :(
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?
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!
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)
 |
| 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
| 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
 |
| 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
 |
| 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?
 |
| 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!
