Getting
there:
Take time:
24 Minutes Transfer: 2 Times Distance: 9.3 km Total:¥ 370
SHINSAIBASHI
[7 Min] Osaka Subway NagahoriTsurumiryokuchi Line ¥200
=>
transfer: TAISHO(OSAKA) [5 Min] JR Yamatoji Rapid Service
=>
transfer: NISHIKUJO ¥170 [5 Min] JR Yumesaki Line
=>
drop-off: UNIVERSALCITY
Before we
start our adventure, we already got hungry from our train journey, so we had
English brunch in Pasta Frolla.
Shopping at Universal City is so cool: anime shop, more of those winter stuff at low prices and some restaurants.
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN
(Yunibāsaru Sutajio Japan) ユニバーサル・スタジオ・ジャパン
Location: 2-1-3 Sakurajima Konohana-ku, Osaka-city
Park Hours: 9:00 or 10:00-20:00
Ticket: Walk-up 6400yen (=3420php/pax, 2012)
When buying the tickets at the counter, don't forget to get 2 leaflets, one is the theme park area guide and the other is the show schedule. Check the schedule for the character photo opportunity, 4-d showtimes, etc. to plan your itinerary for the day and to cover much area that you want.
Character parade during Christmas season:
After their dancing, there will be around 5-10 minutes photo opportunity while the characters are on the street.
We already skipped those areas (Jurassic Park, Water world, Jaws) which I visited in Singapore and my sister visited in Los Angeles. We concentrated most on the Wonderland Park which opened just this March 2012. [http://www.usj.co.jp/e/UWL/index.html]
Hello Kitty character is always available from her secured area inside the Ribbon Collection in her 'Hello Kitty Fashion Avenue'. Photo with her would cost 1800yen (900php, 2012).
Below is Flying Snoopy in Snoopy Studios.
Here is Sesame Street Fun World:
New York area:
Last is shopping galore?! Not for me, I stopped hoarding those theme park souvenirs as they are just additional expenses. No need to buy those character chocolates, will just deform when I get back to Manila. If I bought few items, most of them are just postcards.
If you still have some energy, wait for the fireworks display at night.
For our authentic takoyaki, we visited Osaka Takoyaki Museum in City Walk 2F:
Summary of 5 days itinerary in 2012 Autumn Osaka, Kyoto Trip:
Day
|
Places to see
|
Food and Restaurants
|
Where to Sleep
|
Day 1
|
Kyoto Guided Tour (JAPANiCAN.com)
Nijo Castle Kinkakuji Temple Imperial Palace Heian Jingu Shrine Kiyomizu Temple |
Il Bar, Kyoto Station
|
Hearton Hotel in Shinsaibashi
|
Day 2
|
Pasta Frolla, City Walk
Dinner in 3rd Planet |
Hearton Hotel
| |
Day 3
|
[Kyoto] Saga-Arashiyama: Sagano Scenic Railway
Fushimi Inari Taisha Tofuku-ji Temple Gion-Shijo Kennin-ji Temple |
Snacks (sushi) in Sagano Station
Restaurant in Gion Dinner in 3rd Planet |
Hearton Hotel
|
Day 4
|
Lunch in Daimaru
European Market in Umeda Sky Street Food near Osaka Castle Dinner in 3rd Planet |
Hearton Hotel
| |
Day 5
|
Hearton Hotel
|