A lot of those that journey to Japan for the primary time go to Osaka. It serves as the first gateway to Kansai Area and it has lots to supply to vacationers. Together with that, vacationers additionally typically go to Kyoto on the identical journey since it’s Osaka’s neighboring metropolis. These two neighboring cities make for a really colourful Japan journey.
Osaka has a vibrant and trendy vibe. It’s recognized for its avenue markets, leisure districts, and a haven for meals lovers. In the meantime, Kyoto transports vacationers to a extra old school world that showcases Japan’s heritage. You’ll be able to discover historical temples, go to conventional teahouses, and spend time in beautiful gardens. With a mix of outdated and new, these two locations will certainly offer you an unforgettable journey.
And if you happen to’re planning a visit to Osaka and Kyoto, we’ll share with you frequent errors vacationers commit so you may keep away from them. We even have a separate article the place we record down the journey planning dos and don’ts and social fake pas or issues which are thought of impolite and disrespectful in Japan.
Osaka & Kyoto Journey Errors
1. Dangerous Timing and Massive Crowds
Kansai area is undoubtedly certainly one of Japan’s hottest locations, and it’s no shock that a lot of its iconic websites get actually crowded, particularly on weekends and through peak seasons. When you’re visiting well-known spots in Osaka and Kyoto like Osaka Fort, Common Studios Japan, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Higashiyama, and Kiyomizu-dera, you may anticipate giant crowds if you happen to don’t plan forward.
The trick to beating the crowds is straightforward: stand up early! The sooner you arrive, the less folks you’ll encounter. Because the day goes on, extra guests flood the sights. So, if you wish to bag that excellent Instagram shot with out photobombers, set your alarm and get there earlier than everybody else.
That mentioned, it’s additionally essential to keep in mind that most guests have a tendency to stay to particular areas of those websites. For instance, at Fushimi Inari Shrine and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, crowds collect close to the doorway, however if you happen to stroll additional into the positioning, it’s a lot quieter. At Osaka Fort, there are hidden spots that many overlook, making for excellent photograph alternatives with out the crowds.
Common Studios Japan is infamous for being packed, with lengthy wait occasions, particularly on weekends. However do you know that college discipline journeys are usually scheduled on Mondays and Tuesdays? So, if you happen to can keep away from these days, attempt to go to on a Wednesday or Thursday for a extra relaxed expertise. When you can’t assist however go to on these peak days, attempt to get there early and hit the Harry Potter sights first, as these are likely to have the longest strains.
Nevertheless, not each crowded spot is a dealbreaker. For locations like Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, we truly benefit from the vitality that comes with a little bit of crowd. The festive vibe provides to the attraction of those bustling districts, so don’t stress if there are folks round — simply soak all of it in and benefit from the vigorous environment!
2. Dismissing Osaka Superb Move
When you’re visiting Osaka for the primary time, the Osaka Superb Move is an absolute must-have! This all-inclusive sightseeing go is available in 1-day and 2-day variations, and it’s full of worth. Word: When you go for the 2-day go, maintain it thoughts that it must be used on two consecutive days.
With the Osaka Superb Move, you’ll get limitless entry to the subway, tramway, and bus methods in Osaka, which is ideal for exploring the town with out worrying about transport prices. However what makes this go much more value it’s the free entry to many main sights, together with the enduring Osaka Fort Primary Tower, the Umeda Constructing’s Floating Backyard Observatory, HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel, Tombori River Cruise, Dotonbori Tour, and extra.
The 1-day go prices round JPY 3500 (P1333), whereas the 2-day model is priced at JPY 5000 (P1905). It’s a terrific deal, particularly when you think about that simply the ticket for the Umeda Sky Constructing Observatory alone is JPY 2000, and the Tombori River Cruise prices JPY 1500. The Osaka Fort Museum additionally costs JPY 600. When you plan on visiting these three sights, you’d be spending JPY 4100! However with the Osaka Superb Move, you get all of that plus limitless transportation, making it a significant bang in your buck.
You may get the Osaka Superb Move right here!
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3. Utilizing the Incorrect Move
Apart from the Osaka Superb Move, the Kansai Area provides a number of different vacationer passes, every catering to totally different journey wants. One of the best go for you actually is dependent upon your itinerary, so let’s break it down a bit. Every go has its nuances, so it’s essential to decide on one which matches your journey plans.
When you’re primarily staying inside Osaka Metropolis, the Osaka Superb Move is your finest guess. However if you happen to’re exploring past the town, including different passes just like the JR West Kansai or Kansai WIDE Move might enable you to maximize your time and price range. For a clearer image, seek advice from the desk beneath to see which go matches finest together with your itinerary.
When you’re solely planning to discover the Kansai Area, which incorporates cities like Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and extra, the JR West Kansai Space Move is a good choice. It is available in 1 to 4-day variations, however needless to say the utilization days should be consecutive. This go is ideal if a lot of the locations you wish to go to are close to JR stations, because it solely works on JR Traces.
Nevertheless, in case your goal locations are largely alongside non-JR strains corresponding to Hankyu, Hanshin, Kintetsu, or Keihan, the Kansai Railway Move (previously referred to as the Kansai Via Move) is the higher selection. It covers virtually the identical areas because the JR go, however the main benefit is that you just don’t should apply it to consecutive days, making it extra versatile in your itinerary.
When you’re planning a day journey or a two-day go to to Kyoto from Osaka, the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Move is an efficient selection. It really works on Keihan Traces, which join Osaka and Kyoto. The draw back is that there’s no Keihan station close to Arashiyama, so that you’d want to purchase a separate ticket to succeed in that space. Nevertheless, with this go, you may simply go to Gion District and Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Now, if Arashiyama is a must-visit for you and also you’re coming from Osaka, then the Hankyu-Hanshin One-Day Move is the higher choice. This go additionally works for touring to Kobe, making it a handy selection if you happen to’re planning to go to each cities in someday. Nevertheless, in case your itinerary contains Okayama, Tottori, and even Takamatsu, then you definitely’ll want the JR West Kansai Large Space Move (emphasis on WIDE), which covers a wider space.
There are many different passes obtainable, and we have now a separate article the place we talk about them in additional element. The passes are positively value it, however since every one has its limitations, it’s uncommon to discover a single go that covers each attraction in your itinerary. With this in thoughts, don’t let the passes dictate your journey. If there’s a spot that you just actually wish to go to however isn’t lined by your go, simply purchase a separate ticket. In any case, you’re already in Japan, so profit from your journey and go wherever your coronary heart takes you!
4. Complicated Practice Stations
Many prepare stations in Osaka have similar-sounding names however are operated by totally different railway firms and serve various kinds of trains. This may be actually complicated, particularly whenever you’re in a rush or navigating by crowded areas.
Take Namba, for instance. There are three principal stations right here:
- Namba Station: served by Nankai Railway and Osaka Subway
- JR Namba Station: operated by JR West
- Osaka Namba Station: serviced by Kintetsu and Hanshin Railways
On a map, these stations appear to be proper subsequent to one another, however in actuality, they’re fairly far aside. Strolling from one to a different takes time, and if you happen to’re in a rush and go to the improper station, you would possibly miss your prepare.
One other frequent mix-up occurs between Osaka Station and Shin-Osaka Station. Regardless of their comparable names, these are two fully totally different stations, they usually’re not shut to one another. The important thing distinction? Shin-Osaka Station serves Shinkansen or bullet prepare, whereas Osaka Station doesn’t. The phrase “shin” means “new” in Japanese, and on this case, Shin-Osaka is the newer station.
You probably have a bullet prepare to catch, be certain that to go to Shin-Osaka Station. And when you’re there, keep in mind that the Shinkansen has its personal separate entrance, so verify the indicators rigorously and enter the right gate.
5. Sticking to Trains and Taxis
Osaka and Kyoto have in depth prepare networks, and most sights are simply accessible by prepare. Nevertheless, not all websites have prepare stations close by. In Kyoto particularly, a few of the most essential landmarks are finest accessed by bus fairly than by prepare.
Two UNESCO World Heritage Websites in Kyoto are removed from prepare stations. The primary is the Golden Pavilion or Kinkaku-ji Temple, which isn’t alongside any main prepare line. One of the best ways to succeed in it from Kyoto Station is by taking Bus #205 from the B3 bus terminal in entrance of the station. REMINDER! Simply watch out to not board the RAPID 205 bus, because it doesn’t cease close to the temple.
One other main web site that’s removed from the prepare strains is Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The closest prepare station, Kiyomizu-Gojo Station (Keihan Line), is a 25-minute stroll away. When you’d fairly reduce that point in half, take a bus as an alternative. The closest bus cease, Gojozaka, is simply a 12-minute stroll from the temple. Whilst you nonetheless should stroll uphill, it’s a lot shorter than coming from the prepare station. Plus, the Higashiyama district alongside the best way has numerous sights to get pleasure from. When you’re coming from Kyoto Station, take Bus #206 or Bus #86 to succeed in Gojozaka.
Utilizing Kyoto’s metropolis buses is sort of easy. Most buses have two doorways: one on the entrance, close to the motive force and one other on the again or center. Usually, you board by the rear door. Most buses cost a flat fare, so that you don’t have to faucet your IC card or take a ticket when boarding. If you’re able to get off, exit by the entrance door, the place you’ll pay utilizing an IC card or money. Word: When you select to pay in money, be certain that to have the precise quantity, as no change is given.
If the bus has just one door, at all times let passengers exit first earlier than you board.
As for taxis, we haven’t tried taking one in Osaka or Kyoto as a result of they’re costly. The one factor we are able to inform you is that the doorways open robotically, which is fairly cool!
6. Staying within the Incorrect Space
Osaka and Kyoto supply many nice districts for vacationers, and basically, so long as your lodging is close to a prepare station within the metropolis middle, you’ll be advantageous. The prepare system right here is in depth and dependable, making it simple to get round. Nevertheless, every district has its personal execs and cons, so choosing the proper space is dependent upon your journey plans.
As talked about earlier, Osaka is the standard base for vacationers exploring the area. Listed here are the favored areas:
Kita Ward
Kita Ward (North Ward) is a best choice for vacationers. This district is residence to Osaka Station and Umeda Station, two of the busiest and most well-connected stations within the area. Many take into account this space the center of Osaka, particularly by way of transportation and purchasing. When you plan to go to Kyoto, Kobe, or Nara, staying in Kita Ward is right as a result of these locations are simply accessible from right here. Plus, long-distance buses to Tokyo additionally depart from this space. The draw back? Accommodations right here are typically dearer because of the prime location. Nevertheless, if you happen to discover the interior components of the district, you may nonetheless discover some reasonably priced lodging.
In case you are planning to remain on this space, listed here are a few of the top-rated properties in accordance with on-line consumer evaluations.
Minami Ward
One other incredible space is Minami Ward (South Ward), which incorporates Namba and Dotonbori, two of essentially the most vibrant and tourist-friendly areas in Osaka. If you wish to be near Dotonbori’s neon lights, avenue meals, and nightlife, ebook a lodge on this space. Minami Ward can be a transportation hub, with a number of prepare stations and the Osaka Metropolis Air Terminal (OCAT), the place you may catch buses to different prefectures like Tottori or Hiroshima.
In case you are planning to remain on this space, listed here are a few of the top-rated properties in accordance with on-line consumer evaluations.
Close to Shin-Osaka Station
When you plan to take the Shinkansen or bullet prepare a number of occasions and use Osaka as your base, staying close to Shin-Osaka Station is a brilliant selection. On a latest journey, we stayed at APA Resort, simply a few blocks from Shin-Osaka Station, and had a terrific expertise. The realm is quiet, however there are many comfort shops or konbini and fast-food eating places close by, making it a sensible choice for vacationers.
In case you are planning to remain on this space, listed here are a few of the top-rated properties in accordance with on-line consumer evaluations.
Seek for extra Osaka Accommodations!
7. Standing on the Left on the Escalator
In Japan, there’s an unwritten rule in terms of utilizing escalators, and it differs by area. In most components of Japan, together with Tokyo, folks stand on the left aspect, leaving the suitable aspect open for many who wish to stroll or overtake. Nevertheless, in Kansai Area, it’s the alternative — folks stand on the RIGHT aspect, and people who wish to stroll or overtake use the left.
The origin of this regional distinction is unsure, however one principle means that it dates again to the Osaka Expo in 1970. In keeping with an article from nikkei.com, organizers adopted the worldwide normal of standing on the suitable for escalator etiquette, and the observe has continued in Kansai ever since. Whereas some query whether or not that is the true motive, what’s essential is that in most of Kansai area, folks usually stand on the suitable when utilizing an escalator.
Nevertheless, Kyoto is one notable exception. Not like the remainder of Kansai, locals in Kyoto want to face on the LEFT, like in Tokyo. However in actuality, escalator etiquette in Kyoto Station will be complicated as a result of some folks stand on the left whereas others stand on the suitable. This may be because of the giant variety of vacationers from totally different areas, resulting in blended practices.
To keep away from making errors, one of the best method is to look at the folks round you whenever you step onto an escalator. The aim of this etiquette is to maintain one aspect open for many who have to stroll or are in a rush. So, if everyone seems to be standing on the suitable, do the identical. In the event that they’re standing on the left, comply with swimsuit. This fashion, you may mix in seamlessly and keep away from blocking people who find themselves speeding.
8. Not Exploring Wider and Additional
We’ve talked about earlier that the majority vacationers are likely to flock to a particular spot of a web site. For instance, in Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, loads of guests keep close to the doorway and don’t enterprise farther in. However there’s a lot extra to Arashiyama than simply its well-known bamboo grove.
Proper subsequent to the bamboo forest is Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. And but, each time we go to, we discover that whereas the bamboo grove is packed, the temple itself stays comparatively quiet. It’s a terrific place to get pleasure from some peace, however on the similar time, we are able to’t assist however suppose that many vacationers are lacking out on seeing this essential historic web site.
Past the temple, Arashiyama has much more to supply. The Togetsukyo Bridge is a scenic landmark value visiting, whereas Nonomiya Shrine and Horinji Temple supply further cultural experiences. You can too embark on a yakatabune boat tour, which takes you on a serene trip down the Oi River. The views are breathtaking, particularly throughout autumn, when the foliage is in full show. When you’re fortunate, you would possibly even see a paddling of geese gliding throughout the water. The tour prices round JPY 4000 for 2 folks, with a further JPY 1000 per further particular person, which could really feel a bit dear, however the expertise is effectively value it.
Equally, if you happen to go to Osaka Fort, many guests solely keep outdoors to take pictures. Whereas that’s not essentially a mistake, getting into the citadel is very really helpful. Inside, you’ll discover reveals showcasing Osaka’s wealthy historical past, and it offers you a deeper appreciation of the landmark past simply its beautiful exterior. The doorway charge is JPY 600, however if in case you have the Osaka Superb Move, entry is FREE.
And if in case you have extra time and price range, don’t restrict your self to only Osaka and Kyoto — particularly if it’s not your first time visiting. These cities are incredible, however in addition they function jump-off factors to different wonderful locations. Contemplate exploring Kobe, Himeji, Nara, Wakayama, Shiga, and Mie. When you’ve been to Osaka a number of occasions, making an attempt out these less-visited cities offers you a recent perspective on Kansai’s various magnificence.
9. Limiting Your Meals Choices to Konbini and Quick Meals
Japan is a type of nations the place comfort shops and supermarkets supply an abundance of scrumptious and reasonably priced meals. You’ll discover pre-cooked meals that aren’t solely budget-friendly but in addition surprisingly tasty. Nevertheless, whereas it’s tempting to depend on these choices, it’s essential to discover a stability between grocery retailer meals and eating at native eating places. In any case, Osaka is taken into account “Japan’s Kitchen“, and Kyoto boasts a powerful variety of Michelin-starred eating places.
Exploring Japan’s meals scene doesn’t should be difficult. Typically, all it takes is opening your Google Maps app to find a incredible native restaurant close to your lodge. This fashion, you may totally admire Japan’s wealthy meals tradition. When you’ve had your fill of ramen, attempt switching issues up with a bowl of udon or soba. And whereas takoyaki is a must-try Osaka avenue meals, don’t cease there. Step into an okonomiyaki restaurant to expertise why it’s an Osaka icon and learn the way Kyoto’s betayaki and negiyaki differ from Osaka’s model.
When you’re on the lookout for a extremely really helpful meals spot, head to Endo Sushi close to the port. It was the primary sushi bar we ever visited in Japan, and even after a number of journeys, we nonetheless can’t overlook it. Actually, we make it some extent to go to virtually each time we’re in Osaka.
10. Underestimating the Climate
We’ve explored the Kansai Area in all 4 seasons, and the distinction is stark. We’ve skilled getting all sweaty in the summertime and have felt the biting chilly of winter, particularly when venturing past Osaka.
When you’re visiting throughout summer season, significantly in July or August, put on gentle, breathable clothes to remain snug, particularly if you happen to plan on exploring the outside. The warmth and humidity will be intense, so dressing appropriately will enable you to get pleasure from your journey with out feeling overwhelmed by the climate.
For a winter journey, correct outerwear is important, particularly if you happen to plan on climbing or snowboarding. There are a lot of sorts of jackets, and one of the best one is dependent upon your chilly tolerance and luxury degree. You probably have a excessive tolerance for the chilly, it’s possible you’ll not want too many layers. Nevertheless, if you happen to’re somebody who will get chilly even from air-con, anticipate that you just would possibly want a puffer jacket together with warmth tech innerwear.
When you’re exploring the town in winter, select a jacket that’s simple to take off, as trains and indoor institutions are well-heated. A cumbersome jacket that’s tough to take away can develop into inconvenient when consistently shifting between the chilly outside and heat indoor areas. Dressing neatly for the season ensures you keep snug and profit from your Kansai journey!
Have Peace of Thoughts Whereas Touring!
Getting a journey insurance coverage is non-compulsory, however we extremely advocate this, particularly when touring overseas. Journey will be unpredictable, and although we hope we’ll by no means use it, having it offers us peace of thoughts in case of surprising delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
For worldwide locations, take into account PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You’ll be able to GET IT HERE. Don’t overlook to make use of WORTHIT for a particular reasonably priced fee.
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