Summary of My 8D7N Kansai, Japan (2013) Travelogues & Travel Expenses For RM2,850 Per Pax

Here is the compilation for all the posts relating to my trip to Kansai Region, Japan where we cover Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Himeji and Kyoto for 8 days and 7 nights. Plus, by end of this post, I also share on how much I spent throughout my trip.

Day 1: 10th October 2013

Flew with Malaysia Airlines for RM797 (all-inclusive) and it's direct route from Kota Kinabalu to Kansai International Airport (KIX)

From KIX, we took Haruka Limited Express using ICOCA & Haruka card to Shin-Osaka station.

"ICOCA is an IC card convenient for JR, subway, private railway, buses and shopping in the Kansai Area and other places worth 2,000 yen (500 yen refundable deposit plus 1,500 yen worth in train and bus fares) wheres as Haruka is a discounted ticket for Kansai-Airport Express to access from KIX to Osaka, Kyoto or Kobe area (either a round-trip of a one way ticket)."

Price for ICOCA & Haruka:

Round-trip type = 4,060 yen

One-way type = 3,030 yen

Stay: Hotel Consort Osaka

Direction: Exit 2 of Subway Midosuji Line Nishinakajima-Minamigata station and the hotel on the left side.

 
How To Get Shinsaibashi and Dontobori:
From Shin-Osaka station, we took Osaka City Subway Midosuji Line to Shinsaibashi Station by using the ICOCA card we bought earlier. The fare is 240 yen.

Day 2: 11th October 2013
Kofukuji Temple & Nara Park 

How To Get To Kofukuji Temple:
Kofukuji Temple is five minutes walk from Kintetsu Nara Station (using Kintetsu Rail Pass), or 20 minutes walk from JR Nara Station. Can also be reached from JR Nara Station by clockwise running loop bus number 2 or any of the buses bound for Kasuga Taisha (7 minutes, 190 yen). Get off at Kencho-mae bus stop.

Day 3: 12th October 2013
Universal Studios Osaka

How To Get To Universal Studios Japan:

There are several direct trains per hour and many more connections require a simple transfer at Nishikujo Station before reaching Universal City Station on the JR Yumesaki Line. Upon reaching Universal City Station, five minute walk to the entrance gate of the Universal Studios Japan. 

Admission Fee: 6,980 for adult and 4,880 for children 

Opening Hours: 10 am to 8 pm on low season and 9 am to 9 pm during peak season


Stay: Remm Shin-Osaka Hotel
Direction: Central Ticket Gate of JR Shin-Osaka Shinkansen line

Day 4: 13th October 2013

Himeji Castle & Kokoen Garden

How To Get To Himeji Castle & Kokoen Garden:

From JR Himeji station, it takes 15-20 minutes walk from the Central Exit down the broad Otemae-dori street.

Admission Fee: Himeji Castle (1,000 yen)
                             Kokoen Garden (300 yen)
                             Himeji Castle & Kokoen Garden (1,040 yen)
Opening Hours: 9 am until 5 pm

Kitano-cho of Kobe

How To Get To Kobe:

Kobe is located 20 minutes away from Osaka, 50 minutes from Kyoto and 40 minutes from Himeji with JR trains. Apart from JR West Kansai Area Pass or Kansai Thru Pass, another alternative passed you can opt is Hankyu Tourist Pass (1 Day Pass for 700 yen and depart from Osaka Umeda) or Hanshin Tourist Pass (1 Day Pass for 500 yen and depart from Osaka Umeda/Namba). These passes are available in Kansai Tourist Information Center Kansai International Airport.

Day 5: 14th October 2013
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

How To Get To Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan:

Nearest station is Osakako Station on the Chuo subway line. From the station, it requires 5-10 minutes walk to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. Out from the station, look for the huge Tempozan Ferris Wheel as Kaiyun located next to it. 
Admission Fee: 2,300 yen (I would recommend to buy Osaka Kaiyu Ticket)
Opening Hours: 10 am to 8 pm

We bought the Osaka Kaiyu Ticket, a combination of Aquarium Kaiyukan admission and Osaka Subway One Day Pass which sold at 2,550 yen. In the case of purchase separately, the admission fee for Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan alone is 2,300 yen and Osaka Subway One Day Pass cost 600 yen, which indicates we save at least by 350 yen for a pax by purchasing the Osaka Kaiyu Ticket. 

Day 6: 15th October 2013

We took JR train from Shin-Osaka station heading Kyoto Station using the ICOCA card we bought on the first day. As it was too early to check-in into our hotel, we went to Arashiyama which is popular for fascinating bamboo forest as well as Fushimi Inari Shrine which well-known for its astonish and exceptional sight of more than 10,000 small and vibrant orange torii gates that arch a long walking path up to the hill.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

How To Get To Arashiyama:

The nearest station to Arashiyama is JR Saga-Arashiyama and one way ride from Kyoto Station takes 15 minutes only under JR Sagano line. 

Fushimi Inari Shrine 

How To Get To Fushimi Inari Shrine:
From Kyoto Station, take train to JR Inari station along the JR Nara line


Stay: Best Western Kyoto

Direction: Take Kyoto City Bus and stop in front of Mina Shopping Mall. Walk through the small alley and the hotel located behind it.

Day 7: 16th October 2013

Except for Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari Shrine, I personally think the best ideal to travel around Kyoto is by taking Kyoto City Bus which cost 500 yen for a day pass. This pass can be bought at the main Kyoto Bus Information Center in front of Kyoto Station.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) 

How To Get To Kinkaku-ji:
Take Kyoto City Bus #101 and 205 from Kyoto Bus Station to the Kinkaku-ji Michi bus stop.
Admission Fee: 400 yen
Opening Hours: 9am to 5pm

Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

How To Get To Ginkaku-ji:

Take Kyoto City Bus #5, 7 and 100 from Kyoto Bus Station to the Ginkaku-ji Michi bus stop. It takes 10 minutes walk from the bus stop.

Admission Fee: 500 yen

Opening Hours: Open daily 8.30am to 5pm

Day 8: 17th October 2013
Goodbye Kansai Region & My Shopping Haul

From Kawaramachi-dori where we stayed, we hopped on Kyoto City Bus to Kyoto Station and from there, boarded on Haruka Limited Express directly to the airport. The train ride takes approximately of 80 minutes.

And the following are the details of travel expenses for two paxes (both mommy and I) spent throughout the 8 days and 7 nights trip in Kansai Region, Japan, excluding the amount we spent on shopping haul:

PARTICULARS	NOTE	AMOUNT
		Yen	RM
Air Fare KK-Osaka(Kansai)-KK via MAS Accommodation Hotel Consort Osaka (2 nights) Remm Shin-Osaka (3 nights) Best Western Kyoto (2 nights) Transportation ICOCA & Haruka Card Add: Top-up ICOCA JR Kansai Area 3 Days Pass Kobe City Loop Bus Osaka Kaiyukan Ticket Kyoto City Bus for 2 Days Admission Fees Universal Studios Osaka Himeji Castle & Kokoen Garden Kinkaku-ji Ginkaku-ji Foods & Beverages Foods and beverages	1 2 2 2 3	- - 33,400 - 8,000 1,000 10,000 1,000 5,100 2,000 13,200 1,120 800 1,000 22,246	1,594 377 1,050 631 251 31 314 31 160 63 415 35 25 31 699
		TOTAL:	5,707

(The exchange rate by the time I changed 100 yen = RM3.145)

NOTE:

1. It's absolutely a great steal seeing that all inclusive including 30kg luggage allowance, in-flight meals and entertainment. Unfortunately, this direct route has been ceased permanently.
2. Refer my post on Accommodation in Osaka & Kyoto 
3. Refer my post on Oishii Everywhere in Japan

Averagely, we spent roughly around RM2,800 for a pax, including airfare, hotels, transportation, food as well as admission fee to Universal Studios Osaka and Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. For this time around, I didn't share how much I spent on my shopping haul but to be frank, we spent a lot on omiyage (souvenirs) especially on confectioneries and snack such as Kit Kat and Tokyo Banana.  

Transportation wise, there is a myriad of tickets and rail passes are available for the tourists in order to save money. To know more about these, you can refer here Rail Passes for the Kansai Region. As for the exact train timetable, route and fare from starting point to the end, refer to Hyperdia. 

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Foodie Friday: Oishii Everywhere In Japan

Sushi! Bento! Donburi! Ramen! Udon! 

It's never ending list when comes to food in Japan.

It's quite pathetic that both mommy and I can't have the utterly fresh sashimi, Japanese well-known delicacy consisting of raw meat and fish sliced due to our common weak stomach, but that ain't gonna stop us from indulgence ourselves with the rest of scrumptious and delicious Japanese cuisines. 

#1: Our dinner on first night arrived: Tori Katsu Don - Obviously my favourite

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Japan (2013): Accommodation in Osaka & Kyoto

I think I mentioned quite a few times that I travel in flashpacking style, instead of backpacking. It's actually almost similar trail to the backpacker, but as a flashpacker I tend to have more flexible and with little bit extra of budget looking forward to travel in slightly luxurious. Instead of staying in hostel and dormitories, most of the times I prefer to splurge myself staying in trendy and chic boutique hotels.

And because I travel with my mom for this trip to Japan, hence finding a comfortable and great location would be my main priority. We stayed in three different hotels throughout our trip there, 2 hotels in Osaka and the final one in Kyoto. Bear in mind as all of these hotels we stayed are indeed located in great and excellent location especially so near to train station and bus stop, thus the price is relatively higher. 

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Japan (2013) Day 8: Goodbye Kansai Region & My Shopping Hauls

Date Visited: 18th October 2013

Every trip must comes to an end and so does this one. It's our final day here in Japan and of course, it's difficult to bid goodbye to this amazing and wonderful country - definitely one of the best countries I ever visited. Packed our luggage, check-out from the hotel and heading back to Kansai International Airport. From Kawaramachi-dori where we stayed, we hopped on Kyoto City bus to Kyoto Station and immediately from there, boarded on  Haruka Limited Express directly to the airport. The train ride takes approximately of 80 minutes.  

#1: Using ICOCA & Haruka we bought on the first day arrived - Check out the post HERE

#2: Search result from Hyperdia

#3: Kansai International Airport - Best part is there is a free WiFi!

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Japan (2013) Day 7: Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji & Ginkaku-ji

Date Visited: 16th October 2013

Second day in Kyoto and that's also indicates our second final day in Japan before we left tomorrow. Our itinerary for the day is to do temples sightseeing. We used the Kyoto City Bus One Day Pass which we bought a day earlier in Kyoto Bus Station for 500 yen. Like I mentioned in previous post, except for Arashiyama & Fushimi Inari Shrine, majority of the main attractions may best be reached by bus. 

#1: Stumbled upon Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine not far away from our hotel while looking for breakfast

As there is a bus stop nearby our hotel in Kawaramachi-dori, from there we waited and took the Kyoto City Bus #101 or 205 directly to our first destination of the day, Kinkaku-ji Temple. Upon reaching the Kinkaku-ji Michi bus stop, it requires another few minutes walk before we could clearly see the amazing temple itself. Just follow the Kinkaku-ji Temple sign or else, follow the huge crowd go.

#2: Kinkaku-ji from far away

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Japan (2013) Day 6: From Osaka to Kyoto [Arashiyama & Fushimi Inari Shrine]

Date Visited: 15th October 2013

Up to date, Kyoto is still my most favourite city in Japan. It's like love at first sight when I visited for the very first time five years ago. So when I return back to Kansai again, I decided to stay for two nights. 

After checking-out from the second hotel we stayed in Osaka, we took train from Shin-Osaka station to Kyoto station using ICOCA card we bought earlier. Upon arrived Kyoto Station, we took Kyoto City Bus to our hotel located in Kawaramachi-dori. With only two subway lines in Kyoto, the ideal way to travel around is by taking bus cause majority of the stations located far away from the main tourist attractions. 

Kyoto City Bus One Day Pass = 500 yen for unlimited bus rides 

#1: Kyoto City Bus 

One way bus ride cost 220 yen and with more than two bus rides, Kyoto City Bus One Day Pass is absolutely worth the price. Because the time we check-in was still early, the room wasn't ready yet for us. Without wasting any time, we left our luggages in the hotel and decided to venture Arashiyama, more outlying area from the city centre which is famed for bamboo forest. 

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Japan (2013) Day 5: Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Date Visited: 14th October 2013

Osaka Aquarium, which also locally known as Kaiyukan is claimed to be one of the largest aquariums in the world. This is one of my travel wishlist I wish to do and see if I happen to revisit Osaka again, and now I had finally accomplished it [Check out my old post - Things To Do & See in Osaka]. Visiting any kind of zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks and anything that relate to animals is what I always passionate about. 

We went Shin-Osaka Visitors' Information Center which situated inside Shin-Osaka station (unfortunately closed since 31 March 2014) to purchase the Osaka Kaiyu Ticket. It's combination of Aquarium Kaiyukan admission and Osaka Subway One Day Pass which sold at 2,550 yen. In the case of purchase separately, the admission fee for Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan alone is 2,300 yen and Osaka Subway One Day Pass cost 600 yen, which indicates we save at least by 350 yen for a pax by purchasing the Osaka Kaiyu Ticket. 

#1: Osaka Kaiyu Ticket (combination of Aquarium Kaiyukan admission and Osaka Subway One Day Pass) = 2,550 yen per pax

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Japan (2013) Day 4: Kitano-cho of Kobe

Date Visited: 13 October 2013

The first half of the day both mommy and I spent touring around Himeji Castle and Kokoen Garden, then we continued to the next city, Kobe. Just mention about Kobe and instantly remind of Kobe Beef. Unfortunately, our mission to there not for the sake of world's priciest and signature marbled beef cause we can't have it due to religion belief (that's too bad) but solely for sightseeing and wandering around the city. 

#1: Welcome to the sophisticated city of Kobe

What To Do & See In Kobe

There are plenty of things to do and see in this attractive city:

• Harborland - popular waterfront area
• Kobe Port Tower
• Mount Rokko
• Sun Yat-Sen Museum and Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
• Nankin Machi (Kobe Chinatown)
• Kitano Foreigners' Residences 

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Japan (2013) Day 4: Himeji Castle & Kokoen Garden

Date Visited: 13th October 2013

Rise and shine! Without realised, it's the fourth day we're in Japan. And today our travel adventures are going to be a long day cause we are covering two different cities in a day - Himeji and Kobe. For this post, I will specially cover on Himeji first.

Using the 3 Days JR Kansai Area Pass we bought earlier, it will be more worth to cover more underlying destinations including Himeji with unlimited travel on local JR trains. One of the plus points of using this pass is that JR trains to Himeji are considerably faster than those non-JR trains. 

#1: The journey from Shin-Osaka to Himeji took 67 minutes using JR trains. Upon reaching Himeji station, heading to Central Exit

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Japan (2013) Day 3: Universal Studios Japan, Osaka

Date Visited: 12th October 2013

"I want to go to Disneyland" my mom said to me.
"But there is no Disneyland in Kansai area" I replied to my mom.
"However, there is Universal Studios Japan in Osaka" I added.
"Cool! Let's plan a trip there" she expressed out happily.

So theme park, here we go again! My mom never been to Universal Studios in Singapore but I don't know what made her so eager and thrill to go to the one in Osaka. Perhaps, she is young at heart, just like me. I can't deny I love to go theme parks and so far I've been to quite number of theme parks around the world such as Disneyland in Hong Kong and Paris, Disneysea in Tokyo and Universal Studios in Singapore. 

#1: The iconic globe of Universal Studios 

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Japan (2013) Day 2: Kofukuji Temple & Nara Park

Date Visited: 11th October 2013

Deer is what I can imagine when comes to Nara. These notable symbol of Nara is believed to be messengers of god.

On the second day in Kansai region, we decided to plan ahead by travel further out from Osaka city. In case you read my previous post regarding Travel Between Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Central Osaka, you will know there is a myriad tickets and rail passes to select from. 

#1: JR-West Rail Pass - Kansai Area Pass

There are two JR regional pass for West Japan (Kansai region)

1) Kansai Area Pass - Valid for unlimited travel in non-reserved seats from KIX to Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara and Himeji. Available ride on Limited Express Haruka.

2) Kansai Wide Area Pass - Unlimited access rides in the wider Kansai region including covers Okayama, Kurashiki, Konosaki Onsen, Wakayama and Shirahama 

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Japan (2013) Day 1: From Kansai International Airport (KIX) to Central Osaka

When majority keep sharing and posting "I Want To Travel Around The World With My Other Half!", but how come no one actually share that "I Want To Travel With My Parents!"?

When I found out there was direct flight from Kota Kinabalu to Osaka (Kansai International Airport) via Malaysia Airlines, without second thought instantly I bought not only one but two tickets specially for my mom as her birthday present last two years. Not only for its hassle-free from transit in Kuala Lumpur but the airfare was pretty affordable and reasonable - only RM797 for return, including 30kg luggage allowance, complimentary meals and beverages and in-flight entertainments.

My initial plan was to do the same route like I did previously for my maiden trip to Japan; Osaka, Kyoto & Tokyo but in the midst of planning, I decided to change the plan which was just solely focus on Kansai region.

#1: Ready for boarding MH54!

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Another Adventurous Autumn Japan Trip 2013 (Sneak Peek)

There's once I posted #throwback photo of my Japan trip and I told my friend that I wish to go back again someday, I never thought after three years later, here I am again going back to the "Land of the Rising Sun".

I found out there is direct flight from Kota Kinabalu to Osaka via Malaysia Airlines. Hassle-free from transit to Kuala Lumpur and the airfare is really affordable, so I bought for my mommy as her this year birthday present. 

My initial plan was to do the same route like I did for my maiden trip; Osaka, Kyoto & Tokyo but at the end, I changed the plan which was just solely focus on Kansai area as it was one of my travel wishlist.

#1: Long haul flight with Malaysia Airlines to Kansai-Osaka

#2: After 3 years, I never thought I will seeing this signboard again.

#3: Dotonbori for second time just to take photo of this huge & colourful Glico running man in Osaka.

#4: Deer - the messengers of the gods in Nara Park. One of my travel wishlist accomplished.

#5: Whenever I travel, I always love to visit theme park. No exemption for this one as well - Universal Studio Japan.

#6: Himeji Castle - Although it is currently undergoing renovation, but this castle is regarded as the finest surviving example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture.

#7: I never seen a real cherry blossom aka sakura in my life but it's hard for me to believe that I able to see it eventhough it is autumn in Japan now.(It's so beautiful I'm gonna die)

#8: Another wishlist accomplished but Kobe seems like nothing for me.

#9: Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the biggest aquariums in the world. Again, another wishlist accomplished. 

#10: Once I reach my most favourite city in Japan which is Kyoto, immediately I went Fushimi Inari Shine.

Although I went Japan twice but I still love to come back again and again. This beautiful and amazing country never fail to impress and amaze me in every single little thing - the local was so friendly and helpful, and when come to the foods, my goodness, my saliva almost dripped eventhough but just looking at the display model.

#11: Even Japanese manhole covers are individual masterpieces of the street art. Seriously so beautiful & decorative.

#12: What we had throughout our trip in Japan - ramen, sushi (inari & maki, my favourite), donburi and bento. Oishii!

#13: Even Japanese desserts were so detailed in each and every design - so refreshing kawaii!

If compare between Southeast Asia and East Asia countries, somehow I still prefer to travel the latter one - to Japan, Korea, Taiwan, etc. I would love to return back to Japan again and this time, my next aim would be Tokyo (for second visit) and Hokkaido! Sayonara!

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8 Days of Adventurous Autumn Japan Trip (2010)

Before I went Hong Kong for summer holiday, I received message via MSN from Nicole asking whether I interested to go Japan with her or not. At that moment, I had another plan to travel to Australia with my mother and siblings for December holiday.

So I was thinking, if I choose to go Japan, I might need to apply more leave and of course might leads to unpaid leave, which means my montly salary will be deducted. But when reconsider again, when will I had this golden opportunity since most of my friends are recently busy working and lacking of money, therefore unable to travel with me. After thinking for almost 2 weeks, finally i said "YES" to Nicole and there goes two little ladies backpacking by their own. Oh yeah! I would like to stress here that Nicole and I are actually luggage draggers, not backpackers. Hahaha..

Before going to Japan, plenty of preparation need to be ready before enter Japan. For example, during application for visa, I need to go photo studio to take picture with white background. Not only that, lots of requirement needed just to apply such a small piece of visa such as letter from your company, full itinenary of the trip, a photocopy of fixed deposit and so on. Even Nicole had to contact her sister in Singapore in order to get the Japan Rail Pass. That's why some people rather to follow travel agency to avoid the troublesome requirement.

Some of the readers asking me how much had I spend for this trip. Well, including transportation, accommodation, foods and not forgeting madly shopping, roughly around RM5k - RM6k. But before this, I had compared with travel agency company where it costs RM5-6k for the tour package. That price not yet included your shopping ooo...

Started to make entry post on 14 December and just ended it recently on 22 June, it took me half year to finish positing of this Japan trip. So, for those who just recently read my blog, here is my Japan trip itinerary because I don't blog consecutively.

Day 1 (26 October 2010)
- 5 Different Airports in 24 Hours
- First Night Dinner at Osaka

Day 2 (27 October 2010)
- Kyoto City Tour (Kiyomizudera Temple, Yasaka Shrine, Gion & Arashiyama)

Day 3 (28 October 2010)
- Osaka at Daytime (Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, America Mura & Shinsaibashi)
- Osaka at Night Time (Dontobori & Umeda Sky Building)

Day 4 (29 October 2010)
- Asakusa Nakamise Shopping Street
- Akihabara Electronics District

Day 5 (30 October 2010)
- Tsukiji Fish Market
- Harajuku & Takeshita Dori
- Shibuya - Another Shopping & Entertainment District of Tokyo

Day 6 (31 October 2010)
- Lake Kawaguchi of Mount Fuji
- Tokyo Tower, the Looks alike Eiffel Tower

Day 7 (1 November 2010)
- Tokyo Disneysea

Day 8 (2 November 2010)
- Japan Transportation & My Last Day in Japan

Extra Features:
1) Accommodation in Osaka: J-Hoppers & Fukushima
2) Accomodation in Tokyo: Tokyo House Ikebukuro
3) Itadakimasu in Japan

SAYONARA JAPAN!

Small note: This afternoon, I received message from my bestie that she are leaving to Japan for 3 months for the training purpose. What a great opportunity she has! How I wish I got this opportunity too? To dearest Matilda, have a safe trip and enjoy your life there. Wish to visit you but now is summer season in Japan. Must be damn very hot!

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