Lots 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 rather a lot to supply to vacationers. Together with that, vacationers additionally usually 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 style world that showcases Japan’s heritage. You may discover historic temples, go to conventional teahouses, and spend time in gorgeous gardens. With a mix of previous 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 widespread errors vacationers commit so you’ll be able to keep away from them. We even have a separate article the place we checklist down the journey planning dos and don’ts and social fake pas or issues which are thought-about impolite and disrespectful in Japan.
Osaka & Kyoto Journey Errors
1. Unhealthy Timing and Large Crowds
Kansai area is undoubtedly one in every 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’ll be able to anticipate giant crowds if you happen to don’t plan forward.
The trick to beating the crowds is easy: rise 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 necessary to do not forget 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 location, it’s a lot quieter. At Osaka Fort, there are hidden spots that many overlook, making for excellent picture alternatives with out the crowds.
Common Studios Japan is infamous for being packed, with lengthy wait instances, particularly on weekends. However do you know that college subject 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 inclined to have the longest traces.
Nonetheless, 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 appeal of those bustling districts, so don’t stress if there are folks round — simply soak all of it in and benefit from the vigorous ambiance!
2. Dismissing Osaka Superb Go
When you’re visiting Osaka for the primary time, the Osaka Superb Go is an absolute must-have! This all-inclusive sightseeing cross is available in 1-day and 2-day variations, and it’s full of worth. Word: When you go for the 2-day cross, maintain it thoughts that it must be used on two consecutive days.
With the Osaka Superb Go, you’ll get limitless entry to the subway, tramway, and bus techniques in Osaka, which is ideal for exploring town with out worrying about transport prices. However what makes this cross much more value it’s the free entry to many main sights, together with the long-lasting Osaka Fort Predominant Tower, the Umeda Constructing’s Floating Backyard Observatory, HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel, Tombori River Cruise, Dotonbori Tour, and extra.
The 1-day cross prices round JPY 3500 (P1333), whereas the 2-day model is priced at JPY 5000 (P1905). It’s an incredible 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 expenses JPY 600. When you plan on visiting these three sights, you’d be spending JPY 4100! However with the Osaka Superb Go, you get all of that plus limitless transportation, making it a serious bang on your buck.
You may get the Osaka Superb Go right here!
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3. Utilizing the Unsuitable Go
Except for the Osaka Superb Go, the Kansai Area gives a number of different vacationer passes, every catering to totally different journey wants. The perfect cross for you actually is dependent upon your itinerary, so let’s break it down a bit. Every cross has its nuances, so it’s necessary to decide on one which matches your journey plans.
When you’re primarily staying inside Osaka Metropolis, the Osaka Superb Go is your greatest wager. However if you happen to’re exploring past town, including different passes just like the JR West Kansai or Kansai WIDE Go may enable you maximize your time and price range. For a clearer image, check with the desk beneath to see which cross suits greatest 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 Go is a superb possibility. It is available in 1 to 4-day variations, however understand that the utilization days should be consecutive. This cross is ideal if a lot of the locations you need to go to are close to JR stations, because it solely works on JR Traces.
Nonetheless, in case your goal locations are principally alongside non-JR traces reminiscent of Hankyu, Hanshin, Kintetsu, or Keihan, the Kansai Railway Go (previously generally known as the Kansai Via Go) is the higher selection. It covers nearly the identical areas because the JR cross, however the main benefit is that you just don’t need to apply it to consecutive days, making it extra versatile on your itinerary.
When you’re planning a day journey or a two-day go to to Kyoto from Osaka, the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Go 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 achieve that space. Nonetheless, with this cross, you’ll be able to 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 Go is the higher possibility. This cross additionally works for touring to Kobe, making it a handy selection if you happen to’re planning to go to each cities in sooner or later. Nonetheless, in case your itinerary contains Okayama, Tottori, and even Takamatsu, then you definitely’ll want the JR West Kansai Huge Space Go (emphasis on WIDE), which covers a wider space.
There are many different passes accessible, and we’ve a separate article the place we talk about them in additional element. The passes are undoubtedly value it, however since each has its limitations, it’s uncommon to discover a single cross 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 need to go to however isn’t coated by your cross, 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 practice stations in Osaka have similar-sounding names however are operated by totally different railway corporations and serve various kinds of trains. This may be actually complicated, particularly if you’re in a rush or navigating by crowded areas.
Take Namba, for instance. There are three important 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 flawed station, you may miss your practice.
One other widespread 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 practice, 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 practice to catch, be sure that to go to Shin-Osaka Station. And when you’re there, do not forget that the Shinkansen has its personal separate entrance, so test the indicators rigorously and enter the right gate.
5. Sticking to Trains and Taxis
Osaka and Kyoto have in depth practice networks, and most sights are simply accessible by practice. Nonetheless, not all websites have practice stations close by. In Kyoto particularly, a number of the most necessary landmarks are greatest accessed by bus slightly than by practice.
Two UNESCO World Heritage Websites in Kyoto are removed from practice stations. The primary is the Golden Pavilion or Kinkaku-ji Temple, which isn’t alongside any main practice line. The easiest way to achieve 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 website that’s removed from the practice traces is Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The closest practice station, Kiyomizu-Gojo Station (Keihan Line), is a 25-minute stroll away. When you’d slightly minimize that point in half, take a bus as an alternative. The closest bus cease, Gojozaka, is simply a 12-minute stroll from the temple. When you nonetheless need to stroll uphill, it’s a lot shorter than coming from the practice station. Plus, the Higashiyama district alongside the way in which has numerous sights to take pleasure in. When you’re coming from Kyoto Station, take Bus #206 or Bus #86 to achieve Gojozaka.
Utilizing Kyoto’s metropolis buses is kind of easy. Most buses have two doorways: one on the entrance, close to the driving 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. While 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 sure 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 will inform you is that the doorways open routinely, which is fairly cool!
6. Staying within the Unsuitable Space
Osaka and Kyoto supply many nice districts for vacationers, and basically, so long as your lodging is close to a practice station within the metropolis heart, you’ll be wonderful. The practice system right here is in depth and dependable, making it straightforward to get round. Nonetheless, 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 below are the favored areas:
Kita Ward
Kita Ward (North Ward) is a best choice for vacationers. This district is dwelling to Osaka Station and Umeda Station, two of the busiest and most well-connected stations within the area. Many think about this space the center of Osaka, particularly when it comes to transportation and buying. 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? Lodges right here are typically costlier as a result of prime location. Nonetheless, if you happen to discover the inside elements of the district, you’ll be able to nonetheless discover some inexpensive lodging.
In case you are planning to remain on this space, listed below are a number of the top-rated properties in keeping with on-line consumer critiques.
Minami Ward
One other improbable 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, e book a lodge on this space. Minami Ward can be a transportation hub, with a number of practice stations and the Osaka Metropolis Air Terminal (OCAT), the place you’ll be able to catch buses to different prefectures like Tottori or Hiroshima.
In case you are planning to remain on this space, listed below are a number of the top-rated properties in keeping with on-line consumer critiques.
Close to Shin-Osaka Station
When you plan to take the Shinkansen or bullet practice a number of instances and use Osaka as your base, staying close to Shin-Osaka Station is a great selection. On a current journey, we stayed at APA Resort, simply a few blocks from Shin-Osaka Station, and had an incredible expertise. The world is quiet, however there are many comfort shops or konbini and fast-food eating places close by, making it a sensible possibility for vacationers.
In case you are planning to remain on this space, listed below are a number of the top-rated properties in keeping with on-line consumer critiques.
Seek for extra Osaka Lodges!
7. Standing on the Left on the Escalator
In Japan, there’s an unwritten rule relating to utilizing escalators, and it differs by area. In most elements of Japan, together with Tokyo, folks stand on the left facet, leaving the correct facet open for many who need to stroll or overtake. Nonetheless, in Kansai Area, it’s the other — folks stand on the RIGHT facet, and people who need 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 line with an article from nikkei.com, organizers adopted the worldwide normal of standing on the correct for escalator etiquette, and the apply has continued in Kansai ever since. Whereas some query whether or not that is the true cause, what’s necessary is that in most of Kansai area, folks usually stand on the correct when utilizing an escalator.
Nonetheless, Kyoto is one notable exception. In contrast to the remainder of Kansai, locals in Kyoto favor to face on the LEFT, like in Tokyo. However in actuality, escalator etiquette in Kyoto Station might be complicated as a result of some folks stand on the left whereas others stand on the correct. This is perhaps as a result of giant variety of vacationers from totally different areas, resulting in blended practices.
To keep away from making errors, the most effective method is to look at the folks round you if you step onto an escalator. The aim of this etiquette is to maintain one facet open for many who have to stroll or are in a rush. So, if everyone seems to be standing on the correct, do the identical. In the event that they’re standing on the left, comply with go well with. This manner, you’ll be able to 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 inclined to flock to a selected spot of a website. For instance, in Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, numerous 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 Website. And but, each time we go to, we discover that whereas the bamboo grove is packed, the temple itself stays comparatively quiet. It’s an incredible place to take pleasure in some peace, however on the identical time, we will’t assist however assume that many vacationers are lacking out on seeing this necessary historic website.
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 extra cultural experiences. You can too embark on a yakatabune boat tour, which takes you on a serene experience down the Oi River. The views are breathtaking, particularly throughout autumn, when the foliage is in full show. When you’re fortunate, you may even see a paddling of geese gliding throughout the water. The tour prices round JPY 4000 for 2 folks, with an extra JPY 1000 per further individual, which could really feel a bit dear, however the expertise is nicely value it.
Equally, if you happen to go to Osaka Fort, many guests solely keep exterior to take images. Whereas that’s not essentially a mistake, getting into the citadel is very really useful. Inside, you’ll discover reveals showcasing Osaka’s wealthy historical past, and it provides you a deeper appreciation of the landmark past simply its gorgeous exterior. The doorway charge is JPY 600, however in case you have the Osaka Superb Go, entry is FREE.
And in case you have extra time and price range, don’t restrict your self to simply Osaka and Kyoto — particularly if it’s not your first time visiting. These cities are improbable, 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 instances, attempting out these less-visited cities provides you with a contemporary perspective on Kansai’s various magnificence.
9. Limiting Your Meals Choices to Konbini and Quick Meals
Japan is a kind of nations the place comfort shops and supermarkets supply an abundance of scrumptious and inexpensive meals. You’ll discover pre-cooked meals that aren’t solely budget-friendly but additionally surprisingly tasty. Nonetheless, whereas it’s tempting to depend on these choices, it’s necessary to discover a steadiness 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 need to be difficult. Generally, all it takes is opening your Google Maps app to find a improbable native restaurant close to your lodge. This manner, you’ll be able to totally respect 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 find out how Kyoto’s betayaki and negiyaki differ from Osaka’s model.
When you’re in search of a extremely really useful 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 neglect it. Actually, we make it some extent to go to nearly 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, notably 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 might be intense, so dressing appropriately will enable you take pleasure in your journey with out feeling overwhelmed by the climate.
For a winter journey, correct outerwear is crucial, particularly if you happen to plan on mountain climbing or snowboarding. There are a lot of forms of jackets, and the most effective one is dependent upon your chilly tolerance and luxury degree. You probably have a excessive tolerance for the chilly, chances are you’ll not want too many layers. Nonetheless, if you happen to’re somebody who will get chilly even from air-con, anticipate that you just may want a puffer jacket together with warmth tech innerwear.
When you’re exploring town in winter, select a jacket that’s straightforward 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 transferring 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-obligatory, however we extremely advocate this, particularly when touring overseas. Journey might be unpredictable, and although we hope we’ll by no means use it, having it provides us peace of thoughts in case of sudden delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
For worldwide locations, think about PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You may GET IT HERE. Don’t neglect to make use of WORTHIT for a particular inexpensive charge.
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