2012 Nov: Osaka: Universal Studios

If there is Disneyland and Puroland in Tokyo, there is Universal Studios in Osaka!  It is only 24 minutes from Shinsaibashi, but if you missed the transfers then it will be much longer.

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.

2012 Nov: Japan: Kyoto: Kiyomizu

Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺) is an independent Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto. The temple is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities) UNESCO World Heritage site. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiyomizu-dera]

This will be the last stop for our one-day guided tour.  From the parking lot, it will be a long climb to reach the foot of the temple. Try to visit the area in the morning, because it is too crowded at night.  Some would walk slowly since they are interested to check on the street food, souvenirs, antiques, etc.

2012 Nov: Kyoto: Heian Shrine + Sanjūsangen-dō

The Heian Shrine (平安神宮 Heian-jingū?) is a Shinto shrine located in Sakyō-ku, Kyoto, Japan. The Shrine is ranked as a Beppyou Jinja (The top rank for Shrines) by the Association of Shinto Shrines. It is listed as an important cultural property of Japan. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heian_Shrine]

Noted by our guide that to recognize a Shinto Shrine (compared to Buddhist shrines), there should be a tori gate standing across the street.

2012 Nov: Kyoto: Imperial Palace

Beautiful ginkgo tree taken from the guided bus tour while going to the Imperial Palace.

The Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所, Kyōto Gosho) used to be the residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1868, when the emperor and capital were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo.

Reference: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3917.html

Kyoto Imperial Palace is the last stop for the Kyoto morning tour.  It is good to join on a tour since the palace has exclusive compound that can only be accessed if you are part of an organized group.  We’re always being reminded by our guide that we should stay on our line.  Although, none of the buildings can be entered, perhaps they are just protecting the area.

Top of the entrance gate (Okurumayouse) for official visits by courtiers who had been granted permission to enter the Palace precincts.

2012 Nov: Kyoto: Golden Pavilion

Kinkakuji (金閣寺, Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408. Kinkakuji was the inspiration for the similarly named Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), built by Yoshimitsu's grandson, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, on the other side of the city a few decades later.

Reference: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3908.html 

After taking this shot, the next time I see it I was already in Manila, so surprised about the colors!

2012 Nov: Kyoto: Nijo Castle

Still dark outside, we left the hotel few minutes after 6 in the morning.  We were able to reach Osaka station before the schedule.  However, there were several trains that got delayed.  Upon reaching Kyoto station, we were on running to reach Miyako Hotel, which is the pick-up point of our one-day guided tour. 

2012 Nov: Hearton Shinsaibashi Hotel

Hearton Hotel Shinsaibashi 

ハートンホテル心斎橋

Nishi Shinsaibashi, 1-5-24, Chuo Ku, Namba / Shinsaibashi, Osaka, Japan 542-0086 

中央区西心斎橋1-5-24 大阪市, 542-0086

Book Hearton Hotel Shinsaibashi, Osaka in Agoda

The front desk attendees are able to speak clear English, good in giving directions and are very kind.

Booking a hotel during an autumn stay in Japan is just so hard.  If you are in doubt about this third party site you can read the reviews in Trip Advisor . For follow-up validation, you can also directly contact the hotel to check your reservation.

At the lobby, they have one computer unit which has a charge of 100yen (500php, 2012) for usage 10 minutes.  Payphone, printer, maps, simple souvenirs and other goodies are also available.