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 loads 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 fashionable vibe. It’s recognized for its road 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 may discover historic 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 With a mix of outdated and new, these two locations will certainly offer you an unforgettable journey.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 when you’re planning a visit to Osaka and Kyoto, we’ll share with you frequent errors vacationers commit so you possibly can 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 might be thought-about impolite and disrespectful in Japan.
Osaka & Kyoto Journey Errors
1. Unhealthy Timing and Massive Crowds
Kansai area is undoubtedly considered one of Japan’s hottest locations, and it’s no shock that lots of its iconic websites get actually crowded, particularly on weekends and through peak seasons. For those who’re visiting well-known spots in Osaka and Kyoto like Osaka Fortress, Common Studios Japan, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Higashiyama, and Kiyomizu-dera, you possibly can count on giant crowds when you 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 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 when you stroll additional into the positioning, it’s a lot quieter. At Osaka Fortress, 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 sometimes scheduled on Mondays and Tuesdays? So, when you can keep away from these days, attempt to go to on a Wednesday or Thursday for a extra relaxed expertise. For those who 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 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 allure of those bustling districts, so don’t stress if there are folks round — simply soak all of it in and benefit from the full of life ambiance!
2. Dismissing Osaka Superb Move
For those who’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. Notice: For those who go for the 2-day go, preserve 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 price it’s the free entry to many main sights, together with the long-lasting Osaka Fortress Fundamental 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 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 Fortress Museum additionally prices JPY 600. For those who 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 serious bang to your buck.
You may get the Osaka Superb Move right here!
3. Utilizing the Unsuitable Move
Other than the Osaka Superb Move, the Kansai Area gives a number of different vacationer passes, every catering to totally different journey wants. The perfect go for you actually relies on your itinerary, so let’s break it down a bit. Every go has its nuances, so it’s necessary to decide on one which matches your journey plans.
For those who’re primarily staying inside Osaka Metropolis, the Osaka Superb Move is your greatest guess. However when you’re exploring past the town, including different passes just like the JR West Kansai or Kansai WIDE Move might assist you maximize your time and finances. For a clearer image, discuss with the desk beneath to see which go suits greatest along with your itinerary.
For those who’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 understand that the utilization days have to 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.
Nonetheless, in case your goal locations are largely alongside non-JR traces equivalent to Hankyu, Hanshin, Kintetsu, or Keihan, the Kansai Railway Move (previously often known as the Kansai Through Move) is the higher selection. It covers nearly the identical areas because the JR go, however the main benefit is that you simply don’t must apply it to consecutive days, making it extra versatile to your itinerary.
For those who’re planning a day journey or a two-day go to to Kyoto from Osaka, the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Move is an effective 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. Nonetheless, with this go, you possibly can 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 when you’re planning to go to each cities in at some point. Nonetheless, in case your itinerary contains Okayama, Tottori, and even Takamatsu, then you definitely’ll want the JR West Kansai Vast Space Move (emphasis on WIDE), which covers a much wider space.
There are many different passes out there, and we have now a separate article the place we talk about them in additional element. The passes are undoubtedly price 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 simply 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 take advantage of 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 corporations 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 fundamental 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 when you’re in a rush and go to the mistaken 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, and so they’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.
In case you have a bullet prepare to catch, be sure to go to Shin-Osaka Station. And when you’re there, do not forget that the Shinkansen has its personal separate entrance, so examine the indicators fastidiously and enter the proper gate.
5. Sticking to Trains and Taxis
Osaka and Kyoto have intensive prepare networks, and most sights are simply accessible by prepare. Nonetheless, not all websites have prepare stations close by. In Kyoto particularly, a few of the most necessary landmarks are greatest accessed by bus relatively 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 simplest 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 traces is Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The closest prepare station, Kiyomizu-Gojo Station (Keihan Line), is a 25-minute stroll away. For those who’d relatively lower 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 must stroll uphill, it’s a lot shorter than coming from the prepare station. Plus, the Higashiyama district alongside the way in which has a lot of sights to get pleasure from. For those who’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 must faucet your IC card or take a ticket when boarding. Once you’re able to get off, exit by the entrance door, the place you’ll pay utilizing an IC card or money. Notice: For those who select to pay in money, be sure 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 let you know is that the doorways open mechanically, which is fairly cool!
6. Staying within the Unsuitable Space
Osaka and Kyoto supply many nice districts for vacationers, and typically, so long as your lodging is close to a prepare station within the metropolis heart, you’ll be wonderful. The prepare system right here is intensive and dependable, making it straightforward to get round. Nonetheless, every district has its personal execs and cons, so selecting the best space relies on your journey plans.
As talked about earlier, Osaka is the same old 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 take into account this space the guts of Osaka, particularly by way of transportation and buying. For those who plan to go to Kyoto, Kobe, or Nara, staying in Kita Ward is good 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 dearer because of the prime location. Nonetheless, when you discover the inside elements of the district, you possibly can nonetheless discover some inexpensive lodging.
In case you are planning to remain on this space, listed below are a few of the top-rated properties in line with on-line person opinions.
Minami Ward
One other improbable space is Minami Ward (South Ward), which incorporates Namba and Dotonbori, two of probably the most vibrant and tourist-friendly areas in Osaka. If you wish to be near Dotonbori’s neon lights, road meals, and nightlife, guide a lodge on this space. Minami Ward can also be a transportation hub, with a number of prepare stations and the Osaka Metropolis Air Terminal (OCAT), the place you possibly can catch buses to different prefectures like Tottori or Hiroshima.
In case you are planning to remain on this space, listed below are a few of the top-rated properties in line with on-line person opinions.
Close to Shin-Osaka Station
For those who 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 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 choice for vacationers.
In case you are planning to remain on this space, listed below are a few of the top-rated properties in line with on-line person opinions.
Seek for extra Osaka Lodges!
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 elements of Japan, together with Tokyo, folks stand on the left facet, leaving the fitting facet open for many who wish to stroll or overtake. Nonetheless, in Kansai Area, it’s the alternative — folks stand on the RIGHT facet, 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 response to an article from nikkei.com, organizers adopted the worldwide normal of standing on the fitting for escalator etiquette, and the observe has continued in Kansai ever since. Whereas some query whether or not that is the true purpose, what’s necessary is that in most of Kansai area, folks usually stand on the fitting when utilizing an escalator.
Nonetheless, Kyoto is one notable exception. Not like the remainder of Kansai, locals in Kyoto choose to face on the LEFT, like in Tokyo. However in actuality, escalator etiquette in Kyoto Station may be complicated as a result of some folks stand on the left whereas others stand on the fitting. This could be because of the giant variety of vacationers from totally different areas, resulting in combined practices.
To keep away from making errors, the most effective method is to watch the folks round you whenever you step onto an escalator. The aim of this etiquette is to maintain one facet open for many who must stroll or are in a rush. So, if everyone seems to be standing on the fitting, do the identical. In the event that they’re standing on the left, comply with swimsuit. This manner, you possibly can 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 almost all vacationers are likely to flock to a selected 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 may be 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 an incredible place to get pleasure from some peace, however on the identical time, we are able to’t assist however assume that many vacationers are lacking out on seeing this necessary historic web site.
Past the temple, Arashiyama has much more to supply. The Togetsukyo Bridge is a scenic landmark price visiting, whereas Nonomiya Shrine and Horinji Temple supply extra cultural experiences. You may as well 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. For those who’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 expensive, however the expertise is properly price it.
Equally, when you go to Osaka Fortress, many guests solely keep exterior to take images. Whereas that’s not essentially a mistake, coming 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 beautiful exterior. The doorway price 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 finances, don’t restrict your self to only Osaka and Kyoto — particularly if it’s not your first time visiting. These cities are improbable, however additionally they function jump-off factors to different wonderful locations. Contemplate exploring Kobe, Himeji, Nara, Wakayama, Shiga, and Mie. For those who’ve been to Osaka a number of occasions, making an attempt out these less-visited cities offers you a recent perspective on Kansai’s numerous 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 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 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 formidable variety of Michelin-starred eating places.
Exploring Japan’s meals scene doesn’t must be sophisticated. Typically, all it takes is opening your Google Maps app to find a improbable native restaurant close to your lodge. This manner, you possibly can totally respect Japan’s wealthy meals tradition. For those who’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 road 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.
For those who’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 overlook 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.
For those who’re visiting throughout summer season, notably in July or August, put on gentle, breathable clothes to remain snug, particularly when you plan on exploring the outside. The warmth and humidity may be intense, so dressing appropriately will assist you get pleasure from your journey with out feeling overwhelmed by the climate.
For a winter journey, correct outerwear is important, particularly when you plan on mountain climbing or snowboarding. There are various varieties of jackets, and the most effective one relies on your chilly tolerance and luxury degree. In case you have a excessive tolerance for the chilly, chances are you’ll not want too many layers. Nonetheless, when you’re somebody who will get chilly even from air-con, count on that you simply would possibly want a puffer jacket together with warmth tech innerwear.
For those who’re exploring the 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 troublesome to take away can grow to be inconvenient when continually transferring between the chilly outdoor and heat indoor areas. Dressing well for the season ensures you keep snug and take advantage of your Kansai journey!
Have Peace of Thoughts Whereas Touring!
Getting a journey insurance coverage is elective, however we extremely advocate this, particularly when touring overseas. Journey may 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, take into account PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You may GET IT HERE. Don’t overlook to make use of WORTHIT for a particular inexpensive charge.
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