8 Days In Japan: First Timer Itinerary
8 Days in Japan
A Complete Itinerary to Osaka and Kyoto!
To the first-timer to Osaka and Kyoto, I was once like you.
I was looking everywhere on how to prepare for a trip to Japan, traveling to Japan for the first time, stuff to know before traveling to Japan, Japan travel blog and more.
That is also the reason why you see this blog post because I want to share my experience with you. :)
*Scroll until the bottom the get a summary of places to go.
To the first-timer to Osaka and Kyoto, I was once like you.
I was looking everywhere on how to prepare for a trip to Japan, traveling to Japan for the first time, stuff to know before traveling to Japan, Japan travel blog and more.
That is also the reason why you see this blog post because I want to share my experience with you. :)
*Scroll until the bottom the get a summary of places to go.
DAY 1: Arrive at Kansai Airport
We arrived at 9.30pm and our only goal that night was to get ICOCA and Haruka card at their office at the airport. Since it was already late, we decided to just sleep at the airport instead of finding places to stay (Please do not do this when you are traveling with older people LOL).
Also, because we want to catch the first train to Kyoto the next morning. I spent the whole night researching things to do the next day while Sunny slept like a princess.
Boys can really sleep well, everywhere =x
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| We found this at the airport! |
Also, because we want to catch the first train to Kyoto the next morning. I spent the whole night researching things to do the next day while Sunny slept like a princess.
Boys can really sleep well, everywhere =x
DAY 2: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-Ji Temple (optional), Togetsukyo Bridge, Arashiyama Curry, Momijiya Honkan Takao
Fun fact: Kansai International Airport is situated on a man-made island in Osaka Bay about 40 km from central Osaka.
From the airport, we use the Limited Express Haruka to travel from Kansai Airport to Kyoto Station. The earliest Haruka service from Kansai Airport is at 6.30 am (6.40 on weekends and holidays) and the latest is at 22.16.
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| Train Heading To Kyoto Station |
Once you arrive at Kyoto Station, you can store your luggage either at basement luggage storage or simply use the coin lockers. Ignore the basement luggage storage, please just use the coin lockers ok.
Tips! Be sure to keep some coins with you because some coin lockers do not have the coin exchange machine.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
So our journey using ICOCA card started! We used them from Kyoto station to Saga-Arashiyama station. From this station, we walked to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Since it's a top-rated Must-Go place, expect nothing but a sea of people if you arrived at around 9am. As advised by most people, please be there either as early as 6am or before sunset.
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| At Arashiyama Bamboo Grove |
Tenryu-Ji temple
We passed through the Tenryu-Ji temple entrance too, but we decided to skip them after seeing the queue.
From the bamboo grove, we walked our way to the famous Togetsukyo Bridge. Along the way, we can see cherry blossoms almost everywhere!
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| Somewhere between Bamboo Grove and Togetsukyo Bridge |
Togetsukyo Bridge
We stopped by here for a few minutes to just look at the iconic landmark in Arashiyama. The bridge looks particularly attractive in combination with the forested mountainside in the background!
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| Togetsukyo Bridge |
Lunch - Arashiyama Curry
We don't really have particular places to eat at Arashiyama. So, we just Googled them and found this place. No regrets and would really recommended you guys to give it a try! (Non-halal restaurant) It was our first time trying Japanese Curry and it was really delicious! It tastes sweet and not spicy at all, not like our usual Malaysian curry.
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| Our First Japanese Curry Ever |
This place is very near to Saga-Arashiyama Station! After that, we traveled back to Kyoto Station.
Momijiya Honkan Takao
When visiting Japan, stay at a traditional Japanese inn called a ryokan. It is a unique cultural experience that shouldn't be missed!
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| Tatami Bed! |
With that in mind, we researched a few places and found this beautiful place. If you are going to Kyoto and looking for the same experience, you can stop looking and just book this place (or Momijiya Annex, it was fully booked that time).
Bus shuttle is provided for free. Just contact them and they'll surely give a prompt reply (message them directly if you are using Agoda). We traveled from Kyoto Station to Hanazono Station and wait for the shuttle bus there. We were very worried about how to identify the bus shuttle at first, but the moment we saw a red sticker 'Momijiya' at one of the buses, that's it.
Once reached that place, the staff greeted us at the entrance and rushed to get our bags and luggage.
We booked a private onsen! I read reviews that saying the onsen was not real hot spring as Takao area doesn't have hot spring source, but still very relaxing and recommended to try.
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| Private onsen experience |
The dinner served was amazing! I think we took more than an hour to finish the 7-course dinner!
DAY 3: Yumeyakata Gojo Kimono Rental, Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Park
We had our dinner and breakfast like a king at Momijiya!
After done with our breakfast, we used the free bus shuttle to Hanazono station and make our way to Kyoto Station. Then, we used the train to Gojo Station.
Yumeyakata Gojo, Kimono Rental
From Gojo Station, we walked around 150m to the Kimono Rental Shop; Yumeyakata Gojo. Here they also provide luggage storage at 500 Yen/luggage.
It was on Tuesday and we arrived at around 10.30am. I was surprised because of the long queue but since everyone is waiting patiently, I did too.
For now, I will leave the whole experience for you to experience them by yourself. Time-wise, the whole choosing of kimono and dressing up took roughly 45 mins to an hour (minus hairstyling and makeup). You'll be amazed at how fast they do their hairstyling.
Tips! Go to the toilet first before wearing the kimono because it does seem complicated if you would do so after wearing them. Tho it's still possible. LOL
Tips! Please consider to add-on hairstyling if you don't really know to style your hair by yourself because I personally feel the kimono looks nicer with some hairdo =x
Yasaka Shrine
This is the 'unplanned' itinerary.
Initially, we wanted to go to Kiyomizu-Dera with our kimono on. So we hopped a bus and instead of waiting for another 3 stops, we pressed the button at the first stop. So that's the start of our unplanned itinerary...
The best part of this first stop was, you will see there's a small park with beautiful cherry blossoms. We quickly take out our tripod and took 99 photos with that beautiful background!
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| The first stop, where we lost |
We then tried to hop a bus again but at last, we don't really know where we are and we decided to open Google Map and see the nearest attraction.
There it was, Yasaka Shrine! We ended up at this famous shrines LOL
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| Yasaka Shrine |
Fun fact: Yasaka Shrine, also known as Gion Shrine, is one of the most famous shrines in Kyoto!
Entering the shrine, there's a lot of food stalls that you can choose from. Don't forget to feed your hungry tummy here!
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| Takoyaki! |
We strolled around, took photos, and even saw a wedding ceremony held there.
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| Kimono and me |
Maruyama Park
Then, we continued our walk to Maruyama Park. I am not sure about other seasons but this place is really magical with the cherry blossom trees in full bloom!
Instead of hoping a bus to Yumeyakata to return the Kimono, we decided to just walk with the help of Google Map. You will want to do so too because every corner is just surreal!
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| Stop and Snap <3 |
The Kimono returning process is very quick. After done with that, we went to our next stay...
We booked the rest of our stay using Airbnb. The location of the first Airbnb in Kyoto is perfect! Well, as long as it is near to the train station, you are good LOL
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| Little things <3 |
For dinner, we randomly walked to any nearest place to eat and ended up eating at a BBQ restaurant where they helped you to grill your food in front of you. It was a small place with an interesting experience because of the language barrier.
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| BBQ for dinner |
DAY 4: (Rainy Day at Kyoto) Sukiya Karasuma Shichijo, Fushimi Inari (Optional), Nishiki Market
Woke up really early to go to Fushimi Inari but the weather does not allow us to do so. It was raining with 11'C.
Tips! Please bring a thermal shirt when it is still early to mid-April. Don't repeat the same mistakes as we do LOL
Sukiya Karasuma Shichijo
Since it was raining, we decided to just walk to any nearby restaurant and we found 'Sukiya Karasuma Shichijo' (Non-halal restaurant).
I had minced tuna and it was seriously delicious! MUST-TRY ok!
Fret not, you can also ask for an English menu.
Nishiki Market (Your perfect Plan B for a rainy day!)
After done with our breakfast, we went to Nishiki Market to experience the local market in the morning. With our happy tummy, we walked our way to the market!
Before reaching the market, we also came across 'Game Panic'. It's a store where you can play the claw machine and also take some photo at the photo booth. Yes, don't forget to try out their photo booth!
At the market, there's a lot of interesting things to see and lots of food you can try! So to say, it's also a great place to pick up souvenirs and try their local delicacies. It's really crowded in the morning but we don't really mind about them because of the market hype that you don't want to miss.
One thing that caught my eyes was the sign 'No eating while walking'. Japanese manner places a great emphasis on “ikkai ichi dousa,” a phrase similar to “one thing at a time.” So eating while walking is seen as impolite.
Then, we headed back to our Airbnb stay to take the luggage that we put in the coin locker. It's just a few minutes walks from this Airbnb stay to the nearest station.
Next, take the train to Osaka!
Airbnb at Osaka
To cut things short, we literally forgot that we were lost in finding this place because it is awesome! Fully equipped with microwave and washing machine!
Read how to save RM145 and more for your next trip here.
I had minced tuna and it was seriously delicious! MUST-TRY ok!
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| I miss this already... |
Fret not, you can also ask for an English menu.
Nishiki Market (Your perfect Plan B for a rainy day!)
After done with our breakfast, we went to Nishiki Market to experience the local market in the morning. With our happy tummy, we walked our way to the market!
Before reaching the market, we also came across 'Game Panic'. It's a store where you can play the claw machine and also take some photo at the photo booth. Yes, don't forget to try out their photo booth!
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| Photoshop Level 999 HAHAHA |
At the market, there's a lot of interesting things to see and lots of food you can try! So to say, it's also a great place to pick up souvenirs and try their local delicacies. It's really crowded in the morning but we don't really mind about them because of the market hype that you don't want to miss.
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| And more foods but I will leave that to experience yourself too! |
One thing that caught my eyes was the sign 'No eating while walking'. Japanese manner places a great emphasis on “ikkai ichi dousa,” a phrase similar to “one thing at a time.” So eating while walking is seen as impolite.
Then, we headed back to our Airbnb stay to take the luggage that we put in the coin locker. It's just a few minutes walks from this Airbnb stay to the nearest station.
Next, take the train to Osaka!
Airbnb at Osaka
To cut things short, we literally forgot that we were lost in finding this place because it is awesome! Fully equipped with microwave and washing machine!
Read how to save RM145 and more for your next trip here.
DAY 5: Universal Studio Japan, USJ Day
You need to spend the whole day at Universal Studio Japan!
We booked our tickets through KLOOK. To make it even interesting, we got the BUY 1 FREE 1 Deal!
Tips! Always keep your eye on KLOOK's Facebook Page!
Search 'Universal City Station' in your map and just follow the route. From the Universal City Station, just follow the crowd and you are in the right direction LOL
Go early! How early? I am not sure about any other days but check their official website and be there as early as an hour before it opens.
Most people say that Thursday is the best day to go to USJ because of the lesser crowd and I am totally on their side!
We arrived there at around 8.30am. It was already packed with a sea of people waiting for the door to be opened but once you are in, you don't really need to wait long for the queue.
The good thing about booking your ticket online is you can skip the TWO long queue; the queue to buy the ticket and to the entrance.
These are the rides you MUST-TRY :
For Thrill-seekers
1. The Flying Dinosaur
2. Hollywood Dream – High
3. Hollywood Dream Backdrop
4. Flight of the Hippogriff
Sunny only tried the Flying Dinosaur and he didn't get to try the rest but YOU SHOULD. Sorry, I am totally done with thriller roller coaster after the two crazy roller coaster (HUMAN & CYLON) at Universal Studio Singapore.
For Movie-tie Fans
1. The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman
2. Minions Mayhem
3. Jurassic World
4. Jaws
5. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (MUST TRY!!!)
No worry, I am still good with not-so-thrill rides, so both Sunny and I completed these 5 movie-tie fans ride!
Tips! Take their schedule-of-the-day leaflet and plan your time wisely!
Tips! Eat breakfast before you go to USJ
DAY 6: Osaka Amazing Pass, Osaka Castle, Nishinomaru Garden, HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel, Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, Dinner at Genrokuzushi, Dotonbori
We booked our tickets through KLOOK. To make it even interesting, we got the BUY 1 FREE 1 Deal!
Tips! Always keep your eye on KLOOK's Facebook Page!
Search 'Universal City Station' in your map and just follow the route. From the Universal City Station, just follow the crowd and you are in the right direction LOL
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| Follow the crowd from the Universal City Station |
Go early! How early? I am not sure about any other days but check their official website and be there as early as an hour before it opens.
Most people say that Thursday is the best day to go to USJ because of the lesser crowd and I am totally on their side!
We arrived there at around 8.30am. It was already packed with a sea of people waiting for the door to be opened but once you are in, you don't really need to wait long for the queue.
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| The crowd before the door is open! |
The good thing about booking your ticket online is you can skip the TWO long queue; the queue to buy the ticket and to the entrance.
These are the rides you MUST-TRY :
For Thrill-seekers
1. The Flying Dinosaur
2. Hollywood Dream – High
3. Hollywood Dream Backdrop
4. Flight of the Hippogriff
Sunny only tried the Flying Dinosaur and he didn't get to try the rest but YOU SHOULD. Sorry, I am totally done with thriller roller coaster after the two crazy roller coaster (HUMAN & CYLON) at Universal Studio Singapore.
For Movie-tie Fans
1. The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman
2. Minions Mayhem
3. Jurassic World
4. Jaws
5. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (MUST TRY!!!)
No worry, I am still good with not-so-thrill rides, so both Sunny and I completed these 5 movie-tie fans ride!
Tips! Take their schedule-of-the-day leaflet and plan your time wisely!
Tips! Eat breakfast before you go to USJ
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| The Famous Globe at night |
DAY 6: Osaka Amazing Pass, Osaka Castle, Nishinomaru Garden, HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel, Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, Dinner at Genrokuzushi, Dotonbori
Since we were not really sure of our itinerary before the trip, we decided to buy the Osaka Amazing Pass at Namba station instead of booking them online.
In short, you can use Osaka Amazing Pass for unlimited train access (limited to Osaka metro lines) for one day (or you can choose the 2-day pass) and free or discounted entrance to some MUST-GO places around Osaka.
We used them to enter these places for FREE
i. Osaka Castle
Try to come as early as possible to skip the crowd inside the castle. I particularly love the way they explain the life of Toyotomi Hideyoshi using mechanical figurines. But since it was crowded that time, I only managed to watch some of them.
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| The view from the top will always amaze you. |
ii. Nishinomaru Garden
This is definitely another perfect place to see cherry blossoms trees during the spring season. You'll love this place for its calmness and peacefulness.
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| The garden <3 |
iii. HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel
=The view is amazing!.... and scary because of the height LOL but well, it's a MUST-TRY too!
iv. Osaka Museum of Housing and Living (Optional)
It is inside a building, on the 8th floor. Unfortunately, we only know that it was closed for the day once we saw the notice in the building. If you guys have some spare time, don't forget to give them a visit!
After done visiting all those places, we headed to Dotonburi for our dinner!
Dinner - Genrokuzushi Dotonburi
It's one of the famous conveyer sushi belt restaurants in Dotonburi! For as low as Y135, you get quite a good selection of sushi. The seating is limited and that is also the reason why you will see a long queue for the seats.
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| Genrokuzushi! |
There's a lot of interesting food along the streets too!
DAY 7: 298 Premium, Taiyaki, Kinryu Ramen, Don Quijote Dotonbori
Shopping and Eating Day!
First, let' go eat!
298 Premium Unlimited Yakiniku
This barbeque place has a good review and the best part is it is kind of a walking distance from our place too. (Not really for older people LOL)
Note: It is located on the 4th floor of a building.
We tried the cheapest all you can eat menu, which cost around 1,100 Yen, and still impressed! We get to choose between pork, beef, intestine, chicken, and sausage. Rice, curry, and vegetables are available in the self-service counter. Definitely worth your money!
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| Happy Tummy |
Taiyaki
Traditionally Taiyaki is a fish-shaped Japanese cake filled with red bean paste.
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| It was the nicest during the cold weather! |
Kinryu Ramen
We saw people queueing for this. So we too joined the crowd LOL...
No regret because it was really really delicious! The broth just... SEDAP. MUST-TRY
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| Kinryu Ramen |
Now, let's shop!
Don Quijote Dotonbori
If you ask anyone where to shop in Osaka, it'll be definitely this one!
The thing is because they have almost everything here and operating 24 hours.
The total purchase amount (after the discount) over 5,000 yen excluding tax (5,400 yen including tax) can get tax free.
Note: They will pack your goods at the tax-free counter and you can not open them while you are in Japan. So, if you are planning to consume them in Japan, please pay separately. Read more here.
Oh, we had dinner at a random place before went back to our Airbnb. It serves delicious eel rice ever!
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| One of the best I have ever had! |
DAY 8: Osaka Kaiyu Ticket, Kaiyukan Aquarium, Hokkyokusei & Tsuruhashi Fugetsu at Tempozan Marketplace, Nankai Line Airport Express
Packed our stuff and headed to Namba Station to put our luggage there.
Packed our stuff and headed to Namba Station to put our luggage there.
Osaka Kaiyu Ticket
We bought this ticket on the same day we purchased the Osaka Amazing Pass. You can get them at the information office at Namba Station.
The Osaka Kaiyu Ticket is a special one-day ticket that includes entrance to the
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan and unlimited travel on trains and buses. Read more here.
Kaiyukan Aquarium
The pathways in the aquarium revolved around the gigantic main tank where the whale sharks are. You start at the top and slowly spiral around the huge tank.
If u love animals, you may be interested in the individual feeding times of the animals, which occur differently (check the schedule)!
Tips! Do bring some paper or a blank notebook around with you. There is a stamp station at each exhibit where you can get a cute animal stamp!
Tips! Bring 2 or more notebook with you and collect all the cute animal stamps! If you would like a small souvenir without spending a dime, this would be a perfect choice!
Tempozan Marketplace
After we're done at the aquarium, we went to Tempozan Marketplace to hunt our lunch. There's a great selection of food you can find here.
We went to these two places for lunch:
Hokkyokusei
We found this place on the Internet. Hokkyokusei is famous for being the originator of Omu-rice.
Never had omu-rice in Japan before, so I can't really judge, but it was tasty and filling and we enjoyed it.
Tsuruhashi Fugetsu
Tsuruhashi Fugetsu is an okonomiyaki restaurant located on the third floor
They make the okonomiyaki right in front of you and it was indeed a great experience!
Nankai Line Airport Express
After done with our lunch, we headed back to Nishi-Umeda station to take our luggage. Since we decided to use the Nankai Line to the airport, we headed to Namba Station. It was a long journey with our heavy luggage LOL
Overall, it was a great experience using the train!
With that, it's a wrap! Looking forward to visiting this country again!
Love Lysa.
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I created a summary of places-to-go for you to download HERE.
We bought this ticket on the same day we purchased the Osaka Amazing Pass. You can get them at the information office at Namba Station.
The Osaka Kaiyu Ticket is a special one-day ticket that includes entrance to the
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan and unlimited travel on trains and buses. Read more here.
Kaiyukan Aquarium
The pathways in the aquarium revolved around the gigantic main tank where the whale sharks are. You start at the top and slowly spiral around the huge tank.
If u love animals, you may be interested in the individual feeding times of the animals, which occur differently (check the schedule)!
Tips! Do bring some paper or a blank notebook around with you. There is a stamp station at each exhibit where you can get a cute animal stamp!
Tips! Bring 2 or more notebook with you and collect all the cute animal stamps! If you would like a small souvenir without spending a dime, this would be a perfect choice!
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| A giant tank! |
Tempozan Marketplace
After we're done at the aquarium, we went to Tempozan Marketplace to hunt our lunch. There's a great selection of food you can find here.
We went to these two places for lunch:
Hokkyokusei
We found this place on the Internet. Hokkyokusei is famous for being the originator of Omu-rice.
Never had omu-rice in Japan before, so I can't really judge, but it was tasty and filling and we enjoyed it.
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| Omu-rice! |
Tsuruhashi Fugetsu
Tsuruhashi Fugetsu is an okonomiyaki restaurant located on the third floor
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| Okonomiyaki <3 |
Nankai Line Airport Express
After done with our lunch, we headed back to Nishi-Umeda station to take our luggage. Since we decided to use the Nankai Line to the airport, we headed to Namba Station. It was a long journey with our heavy luggage LOL
We bought the ticket at Namba station and straightaway hop on the next train.
With that, it's a wrap! Looking forward to visiting this country again!
Love Lysa.
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I created a summary of places-to-go for you to download HERE.
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