Landing in Namba and Wandering Dotonbori
Touching Down in Kansai
Our Japan trip kicked off with an SQ flight into Kansai Airport, landing us right at the doorstep of the Kansai region. From the airport, we hopped on the RAPI:T train, a smooth and scenic way to make our way into the city, heading straight for Namba Station in Osaka.
Meeting Up and Finding Dinner
Right outside Namba Station, we met up with Ella, adding one more member to our little travel crew. With everyone together, we didn't waste any time before heading to dinner at Takuya, a restaurant near Dotonbori. There's something about settling in for a proper meal within hours of landing that makes a place feel instantly real.
Checking In and a First Look at Dotonbori
After dinner, we made our way to Candeo Hotel Namba to check in and finally set our bags down after a full day of travel. But with Dotonbori right on our doorstep, we couldn't resist heading back out for an evening stroll along the river. The neon signs, the crowds, the giant glowing crab — Dotonbori at night has an energy that's hard to match, and it was the perfect way to close out our first day in Osaka.
Castle Grounds by Day, Sky-High Views by Night
Making Our Way to Osaka Castle
Day two started with a walk to Nippombashi Station, where we hopped on the Sakaisuji Line and Chou Line, alighting at Morinomiya Station. From there, it was a short walk to Osaka Castle, one of the city's most iconic landmarks, standing tall above its surrounding park.
Exploring the Castle Museum
Once inside, we spent the morning exploring the Osaka Castle Museum, taking in centuries of art and history before making our way up to the top for sweeping views over the city. Entry was covered under the Osaka Amazing Pass, which made getting around to the day's attractions refreshingly simple.
A Detour to the Figure Museum
Still using the same pass, we swung by the Kaiyodo Figure Museum for a change of pace — a fun, quirky stop packed with detailed figures and collectibles, a nice contrast to the castle's historical grandeur.
Up to Umeda Sky Building
By the afternoon, we made our way over to Umeda Sky Building via train. Timing worked out perfectly — by the time we reached the top, the sun was just beginning to set. We rode the building's famous futuristic glass elevator up to the observation floor and were treated to a stunning mix of sunset colors fading into the glittering night skyline of Osaka. It's one of those views that photos never quite do justice to.
Dinner and Back to the Hotel
With the city lit up behind us, we made our way back toward Nipponbashi and Namba for dinner before heading back to the hotel, capping off another full day of castles, collectibles, and skyline views.
Aquarium Wonders, Tempozan Treats, and the View from Abeno Harukas
Heading to Osaka Bay
Day three started with a train ride from Nipponbashi Station to Osakako Station, taking the Sakaisuji Line and then the Chou Line. The destination was Osaka Bay, home to one of the city's best-known attractions, Kaiyukan Aquarium.
A Morning at Kaiyukan
We spent the morning exploring the area before heading into the aquarium. Unlike the attractions from the day before, the entrance fee here was separate, but the exhibits made it worthwhile. Wandering through the massive tanks and watching the marine life drift by was a calm, mesmerizing way to start the day.
Souvenirs and Lunch at Tempozan Marketplace
After the aquarium, we strolled over to Tempozan Marketplace, right beside it. We picked up some souvenirs and sat down for lunch, a relaxed midday break before the next leg of the day.
Up Above Osaka at Abeno Harukas 300
In the afternoon, we traveled from Osaka Bay toward Tennoji, taking the Sakaisuji Line and then the Midosuji Line, to reach Abeno Harukas 300. From the observation deck, we took in the city view stretching out in every direction, a different perspective of Osaka from the one we'd seen the night before at Umeda Sky Building.
Since we were already in the Abeno area, we also stopped by the shop and picked up a pair of Onitsuka Tiger shoes, a nice little souvenir that came home with us.
Sushi in Tennoji
For dinner, we found a sushi restaurant in the Tennoji station area. After a full day on our feet, fresh sushi in Osaka was exactly the right way to wrap things up. Afterwards, we headed back to Candeo Hotel in Nipponbashi to rest up.
Deer in Nara, Todaiji Temple, and Neon Nights in Shinsekai
Off to Nara
Day four was a day trip out of Osaka. We took the Kintetsu Line from Nipponbashi Station to Nara Station, a straightforward ride that swapped the big-city bustle for something a lot more relaxed.
Meeting the Deer at Nara Park
First up was Nara Park, famous for its free-roaming deer. Wandering among them is one of those experiences that sounds a little silly until you're actually in it, surrounded by deer bowing for treats and ambling along the paths like they own the place (which, honestly, they do).
Unagi Lunch and Todaiji Temple
Before heading to Todaiji Temple, we stopped for lunch at an unagi restaurant, a satisfying midday meal to fuel the afternoon of sightseeing. Then we made our way to Todaiji itself, exploring the grounds of one of Japan's most famous temples, home to the giant Buddha hall that dominates the surrounding park.
A Slow Stroll Back
After the temple, we took our time wandering the area around Nara Park before walking back to Nara Station. It was a gentle way to wrap up the day trip, with no rush and plenty of quiet corners to explore along the way.
Evening in Shinsekai
We took the Kintetsu Line back to Namba and headed out to explore the Shinsekai District in Osaka. The retro, neon-lit streets gave the evening a completely different feel from the calm of Nara. We had dinner right there in Shinsekai, a lively way to end a day that went from quiet temple grounds to glowing signs and busy streets.
A Day Trip to Kobe, Beating the Rain, and Ramen in Dotonbori
Heading to Kobe
Day five was another day trip out of Osaka, this time to Kobe. We took the Kintetsu Line from Namba Station to Amagasaki Station, then transferred to the Hanshin Line, which took us to Sannomiya Station. Once there, we grabbed breakfast at a coffee shop inside the train station before starting the day.
Kitano-cho and a Late Lunch
We started in the Kitano-cho area, wandering the streets at an easy pace. After working up an appetite, we had a late lunch at a restaurant near the train station.
Chinatown and the Waterfront
Next, we explored the Chinatown area, then made our way to Harborland Port and Meriken Park. The weather had other plans, though. With rain about to fall, we headed straight back to the train station rather than getting caught out on the waterfront.
Motomachi Shopping Street
Back on solid, covered ground, we explored Motomachi Shopping Street, a good way to keep browsing without worrying about the weather. From there, we walked back to Sannomiya Station and took the Kintetsu Line back to Namba.
Ramen in Dotonbori
Back in Osaka, we met a friend in Dotonbori and had dinner at a ramen shop right there in the area. After a day of trains, harbor views, and dodging the rain, a hot bowl of ramen in Dotonbori was a fitting way to end the day.
Osaka to Kyoto, Market Bites and Autumn Lights at Kodaiji
Saying Goodbye to Osaka
Day six was a moving day. After checking out of Candeo Hotel, we made our way to Namba Station and took the Kintetsu Line toward Yamato-Saidaiji, then on to Kyoto Station. To make the journey a little more special, we bought an extra ticket for the sightseeing train "Aoniyoshi" for the ride to Kyoto Station, turning a simple transfer into part of the experience.
Settling into Kyoto
Once we arrived at Kyoto Station, we took bus 206 to the Shijo Omiya area and checked in at M's Plus Shijo Omiya Hotel. With our bags dropped off, we were ready to start exploring our new base.
Nishiki and Teramachi Markets
We headed out to Nishiki Market and the Teramachi shopping arcade, wandering through the covered lanes of food stalls and shops. We turned it into a semi-dinner, sampling a bit of this and that as we went, a relaxed way to eat after a day of travel.
Autumn Illumination at Kodaiji Temple
As evening fell, we visited Kodaiji Temple for its autumn illumination. Seeing the temple grounds lit up at night during the autumn season was a lovely introduction to Kyoto, and a very fitting way to end our first day in the city.
Back to the Hotel
After taking in the lights, we made our way back to the hotel in Shijo Omiya to rest up for the days ahead.
Kiyomizu-dera, a Thousand Torii Gates, and Dusk on Mount Inari
Up to Kiyomizu-dera
Day seven started with a bus ride, taking bus 207 to Kiyomizu-dera and getting off at the nearest stop. From there it was a walk up through the surrounding area to the temple itself. We took our time exploring the temple and the streets around it, which are as much a part of the experience as the temple.
Unagi and Wagyu for Lunch
By early afternoon we were ready to eat, and found a restaurant serving unagi and wagyu beef. It was a hearty, satisfying lunch to refuel before the next stop.
The Thousand Torii Gates of Fushimi Inari
After lunch, we walked toward Gion-Shijo Station and took the Keihan Line to Fushimi Inari Station. Then came the main event of the day: Fushimi Inari Taisha and its famous thousand torii gates. Walking through the rows of vermilion gates is as striking as the photos suggest, and we kept going, heading up Mount Inari toward the summit.
By the time we finished the loop, it was already dark. Hiking the mountain trail as daylight faded added a different atmosphere to the whole experience, quieter and a little more adventurous than we had planned.
A Sweet Reward
After the trail, we headed back to the train station, and on the way we came across the famous Imo Pippi purple sweet potato ice cream. After a long climb in the dark, it was a perfect treat.
Shopping in Kawaramachi
We took the train back to Gion-Shijo Station and spent the rest of the evening in the Kawaramachi shopping area. We picked up some clothes from Zara and stopped to take a photo with the giant Mario head at Takashimaya, a fun little detour to end the day.
Bamboo Groves, Temples, and the Sagano Romantic Train by Night
Off to Arashiyama
Day eight took us to Arashiyama. We caught the Randen Line from the station right across from our hotel in Shijo Omiya, which made the start of the day wonderfully easy. Arashiyama is a classic Kyoto day out, and we had a full itinerary planned.
Bamboo Forest and Tenryu-ji
First stop was the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, where the tall stalks arch overhead and filter the light into something quiet and almost otherworldly. From there we explored Tenryu-ji Temple and its small lake, a peaceful spot to slow down and take in the scenery.
Tickets for the Romantic Train
We then made our way to the Sagano Romantic Train station inside Arashiyama and bought tickets for the last trip of the day, which would be a night illumination ride. With a few hours to fill before departure, we wandered the nearby area and had a late lunch at one of the coffee shops inside.
Observation Deck and Riverside Walk
After lunch, we headed up to the Arashiyama Park Observation Deck for a view over the area, then strolled along the Katsura River bank, taking our time as the afternoon turned to evening.
The Sagano Romantic Train
As darkness fell, we boarded the Sagano Romantic Train from Arashiyama Station to Kameoka Station for the night illumination ride. Riding through the valley after dark, with the scenery lit up along the route, was a memorable way to end a day of sightseeing.
Dinner at Nijo
From Kameoka, we walked to the nearby Sumahori station and took the train to Nijo Station. We had dinner at one of the restaurants in Nijo Mall, then took bus #6 back to Shijo Omiya and our hotel.
Kyoto to Tokyo, with Mt. Fuji along the Way and exploring Ueno & Ameyoko at night
One Last Breakfast at Nishiki Market
Day nine was a travel day, and we started by checking out of M's Plus Shijo Omiya Hotel. Before leaving Kyoto, we went back to Nishiki Market for breakfast. After a bit of deliberating, we settled on a saba fish rice set and a wagyu with tofu rice set, both served with the famous egg omelette from Square Pan. It was a satisfying farewell meal for the city.
Shinkansen to Tokyo
We returned to the hotel to pick up our luggage, then took bus 206 to Kyoto Station, where we bought two Shinkansen tickets bound for Tokyo. The ride rewarded us with a clear view of majestic Mt. Fuji along the way, a highlight of the journey and a great way to arrive in a new city.
Settling into Ueno
After arriving at Tokyo Station, we transferred to the JR Yamanote Line and got off at Ueno Station. We checked in at Mitsui Garden Ueno, our base for the Tokyo leg of the trip.
Exploring Ameyoko
With our bags dropped off, we headed out to explore the Ameyoko district, the lively market area near the station, and had dinner at one of the restaurants there. We also popped into Uniqlo in the Ueno-Ameyoko district and picked up some clothing, then walked back to the hotel to rest after a long day of travel.
A Day at Tokyo DisneySea
Heading to the Park
Day ten was all about one destination: Tokyo DisneySea. We left Ueno and took the JR Line and then the Keiyo Line, getting off at Maihama Station. From there, we hopped on the Disney Resort Line and alighted right at the DisneySea entrance, ready for a full day at the park.
Rides, Rides, and More Rides
Once inside, we explored DisneySea and took as many rides as we could fit in. The park is beautifully themed, and there was always something new around the next corner.
The queues were a different story. The lines were especially long for the Deep Sea and Frozen attractions, particularly late in the evening, so we had to plan around the waits and make the most of the time we had.
Waiting for the Fireworks
As night fell, we waited for the fireworks show, a highlight many visitors plan their whole evening around. Unfortunately, the show was cancelled due to bad weather, a disappointing end to the day. Even so, a full day of rides and park atmosphere made for a memorable visit.
Back to Ueno
After the cancellation, we made our way back to Maihama Station and took the train back to Ueno, tired from the day but happy with the time we had at the park.
Ginkgo Avenue, Harajuku Snacks, and Roppongi Lights
Golden Ginkgo Avenue
Day eleven started with a train ride from Ueno Station to Aoyama Itchome Station, where we headed straight to Ginkgo Avenue. In late November, the tree-lined street is the kind of scenic stop that makes a walk feel like a postcard.
Harajuku and Sweet Treats
From Aoyama station, we traveled to Harajuku Station and explored the Harajuku district. We picked up a snack from Sweet Box Harajuku Creeps, a fitting treat for the neighborhood known for its colorful, youthful street food scene.
The Dinner We'd Rather Forget
Dinner was a wagyu beef and burger meal, and honestly, it didn't live up to the hype. It was very expensive, and it felt more like a scam than a proper meal. Not every restaurant stop can be a winner, and this one makes for a cautionary tale for the rest of the trip: check the prices before sitting down.
Roppongi Hill and the Tokyo Tower View
To end the day on a better note, we took the Chiyoda Line to Roppongi, alighting at Nogizaka Station and walking to Roppongi Hill. The area was dressed up with its tree illumination, and the Tokyo Tower view added to the evening atmosphere, making up for the disappointing dinner.
Back to Ueno
We caught the Hibiya Line from Roppongi Station back to Ueno Station, ending a day that had a bit of everything: autumn colors, snacks, a pricey lesson learned, and city lights.
Senso-ji Temple, Skytree, and Shibuya After Dark
Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple
Day twelve began with a train ride to Asakusa Station and a visit to Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest and most famous temple. We took our time exploring the grounds and the lively streets around it, soaking in the traditional atmosphere before the day shifted to something much more modern.
Tempura for Lunch
We stopped for lunch at a tempura restaurant, a classic Japanese meal that fit the morning's old-Tokyo mood perfectly.
Across the Sumida River to Tokyo Skytree
After lunch, we walked to Tokyo Skytree, crossing the Sumida River over the bridge along the way. At the Skytree, we headed up to the Skytree 360 observation deck for a sweeping look at the sprawling city below.
Shibuya: Sold Out and Sky Magnet
From Skytree Station, we traveled to Asakusa Station and then on to Shibuya Station. Our first plan was the Shibuya Sky observation deck, but the tickets were sold out. Instead, we went to Shibuya Magnet, another observation deck, for a view over Shibuya's glittering evening skyline.
Shopping and a Wagyu Feast
We then explored the Shibuya shopping district, where we bought Nike apparel at ABC Mart and a pair of Nike shoes at the Nike shop. For dinner, we had a wagyu beef unlimited buffet, a much happier beef experience than the pricey dinner the day before.
A Quick Hachiko Photo
Before heading back, we stopped at the Hachiko statue for a quick picture, one of those must-do Shibuya moments. We then took the Ginza Line back to Ueno, ending a long, full day across two very different sides of Tokyo.
A Rainy Day Trip to Mt. Fuji
Meeting the Tour
Day thirteen was set aside for a day trip to Mt. Fuji. We traveled to Tokyo Station and met up with our tour guides, then boarded a group tour bus bound for Mt. Fuji and the famous tourist sites nearby.
The Mountain That Stayed Hidden
Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate. It was raining and cloudy all day, and we didn't get to see Mt. Fuji at all. It was a real disappointment, especially after the clear view of the mountain we'd had from the Shinkansen on the way to Tokyo. Sometimes the mountain just doesn't want to be seen, and a rainy day trip is one of the risks of planning around Japan's weather.
Back in the City
With the tour done, we traveled back to Tokyo Station and took a walk to the nearby Marunouchi Street Park, a calm green space in the middle of the business district.
Hakata Ramen in Marunouchi
For dinner, we headed to a nearby mall in Marunouchi and had ramen at one of the famous and best Hakata ramen shops. A hot bowl of ramen was exactly what we needed after a damp, grey day, and it made up for the missing view. After dinner, we headed back to our hotel near Ueno Station.
Teamlab Planets, Shibuya Sky, and Last-Minute Shopping
Immersed in Teamlab Planets
Our last full day in Tokyo started with a train ride to Toyosu Station via the Hibiya Line and Yurakucho Line. From there, we headed to Teamlab Planets, the immersive digital art museum where visitors wade through water and wander through rooms of light and color. It was a very different kind of attraction from the temples and castles earlier in the trip.
Finally, Shibuya Sky
From Toyosu, we traveled to Shibuya Station via the Yurakucho Line and Ginza Line, and this time we made it up to the Shibuya Sky observation deck. After being sold out earlier in the week, getting to see Tokyo's skyline from the open-air deck felt like a small win on the last day.
Tower Records and Shibuya Eats
We then walked to Tower Records in Shibuya and explored the Shibuya shopping district. For dinner, we had a meal at the food street near Tower Records, a lively spot to refuel before the final stretch of the day.
Last-Minute Shopping in Akihabara
With our flight home approaching, we traveled to Akihabara for some last-minute shopping, exploring the district and visiting Don Quijote Akihabara to pick up the last few items on the list.
Packing Up
We then traveled back to Ueno and packed our luggage, getting ready for the trip back to Singapore the following day.
An Early Goodbye to Tokyo
A 5:55 AM Checkout
Our final day in Japan began before sunrise. We checked out of Mitsui Garden Hotel Ueno at 5:55 AM, bags packed and ready for the trip home.
The Ride to Narita
With a 10:00 AM flight and the need to be at the airport by 8:00 AM, we had booked a taxi to Narita Airport ahead of time rather than risk an early-morning train transfer with all our luggage. It cost around 27,000 yen, a hefty price, but one that bought us a comfortable, stress-free ride at an hour when we'd rather not be dragging suitcases through train stations.
Flying Home to Singapore
From Narita, we boarded our flight back to Singapore, closing out fifteen days across Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo.
Looking Back
From the neon lights of Dotonbori to the deer in Nara, the autumn illuminations of Kyoto, the bamboo of Arashiyama, and the skylines of Tokyo, this trip had a bit of everything. There were small disappointments too, a hidden Mt. Fuji, a cancelled fireworks show, and an overpriced dinner, but those are the stories that make a trip feel real. Until the next adventure!
