Osaka

We arrived in Osaka after an 8-hour night bus from Tokyo. Here are the sights we checked out.

Osaka Castle

From the entrance, you can either hike 2.5 km to the castle or take a shuttle for about 200 yen.  We chose the scenic hike around the moat, which offered great photo spots.

You can also explore the castle interior for 600 yen, but we opted for exterior shots because there are a lot more interesting things happening around like seeing a performance outside of the castle called Kendama: Japanese Traditional Show.

Namba Yasaka Shrine

We headed to Dotonbori to see friends and visit the Namba Yasaka Shrine.

Dotonburi

Known for its street food, Osaka didn’t disappoint. We enjoyed local favorites takoyaki, and tantanmen ramen (recommended by a friend). Later, we ended the day with karaoke—a must-try Japanese experience!

Tenoji Park

Our first stop was Tenoji Park, a lush green space located in the heart of Osaka. The park offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle and features several attractions:

Tenoji Zoo

‍For families, Tenoji Zoo is also within the park and houses over 200 species.

Keitakuen Garden

‍A traditional Japanese garden with a beautiful pond and meticulously landscaped paths. Entry is ¥150 and well worth it for a tranquil experience.

Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts‍

Located within the park, it showcases a mix of Japanese and international art.

Abeno Harukas‍

Nearby, you’ll find the Abeno Harukas building, the tallest skyscraper in Japan, offering panoramic views of Osaka from the 60th floor.

Tsūtenkaku Tower

From Tenoji Park, we made our way past Tsūtenkaku, one of Osaka’s most iconic landmarks.

About the Tower

‍Known as the “Tower Reaching Heaven,” Tsūtenkaku is a nostalgic symbol of Osaka’s retro charm. Standing at 103 meters tall, it offers observation decks with views of the city. Entry is ¥900 for adults.

Shinsekai District

‍Surrounding the tower is the vibrant Shinsekai area, famous for its colorful streets, neon lights, and affordable street food like kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers). It’s an excellent place to take photos and soak up the old-school Osaka vibe.

Day 2: Nara Park

We took the train to Nara Park (about an hour from Osaka).

Deer Biscuits (Shika Senbei): Available for ¥200 at various stands in the park

Warning: we quickly realized they can get aggressive, especially if they spot snacks.

About Nara Park

Nara Park was Established in eighteen eighty and is one of Japan's oldest parks. 

Nara Park is a massive park that spans about 502 hectares and features temples, museums, and scenic areas that you'll probably need a full day to explore.

There are over 1,200 freely roaming Sika deer, they’re considered sacred in Japanese culture and protected as a national treasure.

‍What to See in Nara Park

You can find temples and shrines like the Todai-ji and  Kofuku-ji Temple, the Kasuga-taisha shrine, and the national museum costing 500 to 700 yen to enter.

We explored the park's temples and hiked to Wakakusayama Hill (150 yen entry), which offered serene views despite the short 15 to 20-minute climb to the plateau. (350 meters)

Source: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4113.html

1. Todai-ji Temple (Eastern Great Temple)

• Highlight: Houses the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world at 15 meters tall.
• Fun Fact: The main hall, Daibutsuden, is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world.
• Entry Fee: ¥600 for adults.

2. Kasuga-taisha Shrine

• Highlight: Known for its 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns, lit during special festivals.
• Historical Significance: Founded in 768 AD and dedicated to the deity responsible for Nara’s protection.
• Entry Fee: The outer grounds are free, but the inner area requires ¥500.

3. Nara National Museum

• Highlight: Renowned for its Buddhist art, including statues, scrolls, and paintings.
• Exhibits: Hosts the annual Shosoin Treasure Exhibition in the fall, showcasing imperial artifacts.
• Entry Fee: ¥700 for adults.

4. Kofuku-ji Temple

• Highlight: Features a five-story pagoda, the second-tallest in Japan, and a treasure hall with Buddhist art.
• Entry Fee: Temple grounds are free; the treasure hall costs ¥700.

5. Mount Wakakusa (Wakakusa-yama)

• Highlight: A hill offering panoramic views of Nara and beyond.
• Seasonal Activity: Hosts the Wakakusa Yamayaki festival in January, where the entire hill is set ablaze.
• Entry Fee: ¥150 to ¥300 depending on the season.

6. Naramachi (Old Town)

• Highlight: A historic merchant district with preserved machiya houses, boutique shops, and local eateries.

Parks and Gardens

You can find Yoshikien Garden, a peaceful spot with a moss garden, a pond garden, and even a tea ceremony area. There's also Isuien Garden, which blends Edo and Meiji-era designs and offers stunning views of Mount Wakakusa and Todai-ji Temple.

If you’re up for some quiet time, wander into the Kasugayama Primeval Forest near Kasuga Taisha Shrine. It’s an untouched, ancient forest with peaceful trails.

The Ukimido Pavilion is a beautiful wooden structure that sits over Sagiike Pond in Nara Park. It’s a peaceful spot, especially during cherry blossom season or autumn when the trees are full of color. The reflections on the water make it a perfect place for a quiet stroll or to enjoy the scenery

Day 3: Kyoto

From Osaka, we took the JR train (455 yen) to Kyoto.

Fushimi Inari Shrine‍

We started at Fushimi Inari, famous for its red torii gates. To avoid crowds, we hiked higher, which took about an hour. The summit isn’t massive but offers peaceful, scenic spots worth the trek.

Nishiki Market

‍Next, we explored Nishiki Market, known for quirky food items at touristy prices. A few stalls were open despite it being Saturday, which was a pleasant surprise. We then opted for dinner at Gusto Restaurant to experience the bellabot servers which was really fun! 

Kyoto's illuminated temples are a must-see.

We walked down to Pontocho alley and ended the day with a night visit to Yasak-Jinja Shrine, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere after walking nearly 30 km.

Source: https://travel.rakuten.com/contents/usa/en-us/guide/night-activities-kyoto/

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Namba Hexagon Roof – Girl Group Performances

Next, we made a stop at the Namba Hexagon Roof, where you can catch live performances by girl groups.

• What to Expect: Performances here are often upbeat and attract a diverse crowd. If you’re a fan of K-pop or J-pop-style entertainment, this is a unique chance to experience it in Japan.
• Observation: The atmosphere can feel a bit niche, with much of the audience being photographers or dedicated fans. It’s still a fun cultural experience to witness.

Namba Parks

We ended our exploration at Namba Parks, a beautifully designed multi-level shopping and entertainment complex.

• Architectural Marvel: The rooftop garden is a standout feature, with terraces filled with greenery, water features, and a stunning urban view. It’s an ideal spot to relax, people-watch, or kill time.
• Shopping & Dining: The complex is packed with shops, restaurants, and cafes, offering everything from casual bites to upscale dining.
• Nearby Sights: Located close to Namba Station, it’s a convenient spot to explore before catching a train or bus.

Dotonbori and Cosplay Event

As our time in Osaka was winding down, we made our way to Dotonbori—a vibrant district that never fails to surprise. This time, we were lucky enough to stumble upon a cosplay event, adding a fun and colorful twist to our visit.

• Cosplay Events in Japan: Cosplay is a beloved subculture in Japan, and Dotonbori often hosts themed gatherings where fans showcase elaborate costumes inspired by anime, manga, and video games. It’s a great opportunity to experience Japan’s pop culture in action and snap some unique photos.
• Tips for Visitors: Many of these gatherings have specific rules, like purchasing wristbands for certain interactions, so check in advance if you want to fully participate.

Minami Festivals and Street Performances

On our way to the bus station, we were treated to more of Osaka’s charm with Minami festivals and impromptu street music concerts.

• Festivals in the Minami Area: The Minami district (where Dotonbori is located) is a hub for street festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Depending on when you visit, you might encounter everything from traditional parades to modern music showcases.
• Street Music Scene: The lively streets are often filled with performers, from local bands to solo artists, creating a festive atmosphere. It’s a chance to discover some hidden musical gems!

Day 4: Kobe

Despite needing rest, we couldn’t resist a day trip to Kobe, about an hour by train from Osaka.

We strolled along the coast, sampled street food (like okonomiyaki), and enjoyed a rooftop bar with sunset views. It was the perfect low-key way to end our trip.

Imperial Palaces

The Imperial Palace grounds are usually closed on Mondays and Fridays, and some areas require reservations or a guided tour to access. Make sure to check ahead if this is on your itinerary.

While we missed it, the palace grounds are rich in history and include highlights like the East Gardens (open to the public) and the iconic Nijubashi Bridge, perfect for photos.

Since the palace visit didn’t pan out, we headed to the nearby Yasukuni-jinja Shrine, a place of significant cultural and historical importance in Japan.

Yasukuni-jinja is dedicated to those who lost their lives in service to Japan, particularly during wars. It’s a serene space with impressive architecture, including the massive Shinmon Gate at the entrance.

If you have time, the adjacent Yushukan Museum offers a deep dive into Japan’s military history, though it can be a complex and controversial visit depending on your perspective.

What I’d Do Differently

1. Plan Better for Imperial Palaces

‍Both Tokyo and Kyoto have stunning Imperial Gardens (Kyoto Imperial Palace and Gyoen National Garden) but you’ll need a guide or prior arrangements to enter. Plan ahead!

2. Spend the Night in Nara or Kyoto

‍Day trips are doable but exhausting. Staying overnight would allow more time for exploration and less back-and-forth travel.

3. See More of Kobe

Maybe I’d go and try some of that Kobe beef Kobe is famously known for, I’d also explore Kobe’s cable car rides and open-air onsens for a relaxing experience.

4. See More of Japan's Robots

‍We really enjoyed the Gustu Robot experience, next time I’d try the famous cafe Dawn Cafe and the robot restaurant in shinjuku.

Japan is full of surprises, both magical and challenging. 

Travel is about embracing the unexpected—because sometimes, that’s where the best memories are made!

Gustu bellabots: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7gsWbHaGeM