I started preparing for this Japan trip (Nov
2012) last April 2012 (after my Langkawi-Singapore fun time). I read
Travelpack’s Osaka and Tuttle’s Japanese for Travelers, I studied Osaka and
Kyoto maps – and initially, I must say that their train system will definitely
be a challenge for me.
Flight 5J-828, I’m definitely going to Osaka,
“Japan - the most awaited destination, before I go out of Asia”. It took
around 3.5 hours before we reach Kansai International Airport (IATA: KIX). Good that there is a connecting bridge to the
terminal building and we did not walk at tarmac area at 6 degrees Celsius
ground temperature. Just follow the arrival signs and you will still take
a monorail going to the Immigration section. Wait for your turn, don’t be
too agitated, and do not submit any necessary documents. You just need to
show the arrival form and the officer will get your photo and finger
prints.
It’s my first time to see arrival stamps which are actually stickers with bar codes; they will normally staple the departure card on your passport so you would not lose it.
I would always need local money upon arrival at the airport, our mistake is to exchange it immediately right after the gate. We recommend that you go out of the building, take the bridge-way going the train tickets section. The currency exchange counter has better rates that inside the building.
Instead of
buying single journey, I prefer to buy the ICOCA card. One ICOCA
card is all you need to get on JR, subways, private railways, buses or in
shopping in convenient stores.
Full
details on: http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/icoca-haruka/pdf/ICOCA_en.pdf
At Kansai airport station, ICOCA is available
inside the ticket office. I’m not sure
if he can speak English, but we have completed my transaction request by the
help of a calculator, nice huh!
Since we are heading to Osaka, we took the Nankai gate.
 |
| Limited Express with reserve seating |
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
|