2014 May: Japan: Osaka: Namba Parks

Travel Date: May 18, 2014 Sunday
Namba Parks, Osaka
〒556-0011 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Naniwa-ku, Nanbanaka, 2−10−70

2014 May: Japan: Osaka: Hotel Il Coure

Arrival at Kansai International Airport (KIX)
It is my second time to arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX).  Since I'll always be out for the earlier time of the day and can't wait for the opening of foreign exchange in Namba, I decided to exchange most of my USD on the counter outside the terminal near the ticket machines for Nankai.

Instead of using the ICOCA machine reload, I went to the ICOCA office for them to do the reload on my behalf. (Before hand, I already have the computation of my estimated train expenses. In total, I’ll spend 10000yen (5000php, 2014) for my 4days-3nights stay in Kansai.)

Going to the Accommodation

From the airport station, I took the Express Rapid Train (yen).  Arrived at Namba Station and took escalators going to Swiss Hotel exit gates.  It is just nearby Subway Exit 5 and main pedestrian crossing going to Hotel Il Coure Namba. 

Price: Average - For walk-ins, it would cost 9000 yen.  So try look for early bird discounts.  I got my 3 nights stay for 20000 yen (8500 php, 2014)

Book Hotel IL Cuore Namba, Osaka in Agoda

Location: Superb - Very accessible from Namba Station.  Take subway exit 5 or exit going to Swiss Hotel.  Staying in Namba means you have direct access from and to the airport, you can take Midosuji Line and Sennichimae Line.  You can also see Namba Parks and Takashimaya.  There are a lot of convenient stores and restaurants around the area.

2012 Nov: Osaka: Dotonbori

Shopping!  Start the night by taking an exit from Namba station.  Just look for the covered walk and this is also where most of the people are passing by.

By then you’ll reach a bridge along side the Dotonbori canal.  Here is the photo of the few famous landmarks of the place:

Glico Man: Originally installed in 1935, the giant neon athlete on a blue track is a symbol of Glico candy. The sign has been altered on several occasions to celebrate events such as the World Cup and to show support for the Osaka baseball team, the Hanshin Tigers.

2012 Nov: Arrival at Kansai

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.