Highlighted Cities
- Osaka
- Kobe [From Osaka]
- Kyoto
- Nara [From Kyoto]
- Tokyo
- Nikko
- Fuji
- Ito City
Day 1 – Osaka – Namba & Dotonbori
Namba Yasaka Shrine
Reached Osaka on 27 March afternoon and went directly to Namba area and took a stop in Namba Yasaka Shrine.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/MsdE3C2CccpEKFea9
Took around 50 minutes from the KIX airport to reach here using Nankai-Limited Express which you could purchase the ticket in Klook.
Dotonbori
After visiting Namba Yasaka Shrine, I went back to the hotel to put off the luggages and took a little rest before heading to Dotonbori https://maps.app.goo.gl/uzc3jMZQMgFH3kRX7. A very famous tourist area in Osaka, reside the Glico sign where people usually takes photo with and also the alleys of restaurants. It is a very recommended area to visit and took some time to enjoy the beauty of it.
Day 2 – Osaka – USJ
Universal Studio Japan
Reached USJ by 8AM in the morning and there has already been a queue going in. The tickets could be bought in Klook or any other platform. https://www.klook.com/activity/46604-universal-studios-japan-e-ticket-osaka-qr-code-direct-entry/?spm=SearchResult.SearchResult_LIST&clickId=7765122313. Price may vary based on the seasons, during my visit there it cost IDR 977.765 or about ¥9.300. During high seasons, the price for USJ Express pass could cost up to 4x than the normal price.
Even without having Express pass you could still access Mario World Time entry pass for free just by simple taps in the USJ app after your tickets got scanned on the entry gate. It is recommended for you to download the USJ app before going to USJ, for you could request for timed entry tickets, the attractions list and the maps of the whole area.
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/id/app/universal-studios-japan/id532097000
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.universalstudios.japanresort&pcampaignid=web_share
Food Recommendation
There are a few delicious food and snacks you could try in USJ
- Butter beer in the Harry Potter area cost ¥600 or around IDR 63.000.
- Minion Bun
- Minion Minced Cutlet Burger Meal cost ¥2.100 or around IDR 221.000 which Included a burger with onion rings, french fries, a cup of salad and soda.
- Smiling Snoopy Donut with Milk & Chocolate Chip Filling ¥500 around IDR 52.000
- Roast Turkey Leg ¥1.000 or around IDR 105.000
Rides Recommendation
- Harry Potter & The Forbidden Journey [Motion-based Rides]
- Mario Kart : Koopa’s Challenge [Racing Game]
- Water World [Show]
- Banana Cabanna [Toss the Banana Arcade Game]
Day 3 – Kobe – Kobe Herbs Garden
Kobe Herbs Garden
If you are looking for a Zen & Tranquility in your travels to Japan it is my highly recommendation for you to visit Kobe Herbs Garden. It holds such delicate beauty and you might even find peace like I did.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/XHM9D48HbVBuvqo78
The tickets for entry and 2 ways rope was around ¥2.000 or IDR 210.000 for day time. The ropeway opens from 09:30 until 17:00 on Weekdays and 20:30 on weekends. Tickets could be bought on the spot or online.
The Maps of the Area
Area Recommendation
- Statue of Mother and Child
- View Plaza
- Waterfall Patio
- The GlassHouse
- Hiking Trail
Food Recommendation
Other Places Recommendation
- Ikuta-Jinja Shrine
- Sannomiyacho Area
- Kobe Chinatown
Day 4 – Osaka – Osaka Castle & Tsurumi Ryokuchi
Osaka Castle – https://maps.app.goo.gl/R3wJp4iB7oVRgGKd9
Osaka castle is one of Japan’s most famous landmarks and played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century of the Azuchi–Momoyama period. The entry ticket to the museum cost ¥600 or about IDR 63.000. It is a nice place to stroll around and see the history behind it.
Tsurumi Ryokuchi – https://maps.app.goo.gl/SLCeAKS3Yzm3k42o6
Tsurumi Ryokuchi is a very large park & botanical garden with a pond, sports facilities & tulip farm with quaint windmill. It is very fulfilling strolling around the park, embracing the beauty of nature and just being one with them.
Map of Tsurumi Ryokuchi
Food Recommendation
- Toyo https://maps.app.goo.gl/CVc5KzwUZf7Xh7pn9 – Featured in Netflix’s Chef’s Table: Street Food Asia: Osaka (Famous for it’s Fatty Tuna)
- Takoyaki and other sweets Purupuru – たこ焼・駄菓子 ぷるぷる https://maps.app.goo.gl/u8EJGH6oQrEBtNT58 – Everything so delicious! Very Recommended!
Day 5 – Kyoto – Kinkaku-Ji, Nishiki Market,
Tetsugaku No Michi & Yasaka Shrine
Kinkaku-Ji – https://g.co/kgs/LLLFsUa
Kinkaku-Ji is Famous for its Golden Pavillion where the top two stories of the pavilion are covered with pure gold leaf. The Price for the entrace fee is ¥500 or about IDR 52.000. It is covering quite a big area you could explore as shown in the map above.
It is a very soothing place to talk a walk and just look at the beautiful pavilions, ponds and gardens.
For detail areas explaination you could visit their official website. https://www.shokoku-ji.jp/en/kinkakuji/guide/
Nishiki Market – https://g.co/kgs/ic5ihDj
Nishiki Market is a hallway full of delicacies to try on, sweet, salty, sour, it’s all around and it’s worth to try. Especially the deep fried King Carb, it is to die for honestly so make sure to not miss it when you visit Nishiki Market. There are also a cute Snoopy Shop where you could purchase merchandise from foods to fashion.
Tetsugaku No Michi – The Philosopher’s path – https://maps.app.goo.gl/XufWNR12zaY1NVUH8
During my visit, Spring came later than usual so the trees weren’t yet fully filled with blooming Sakuras. Even though the Sakuras wasn’t fully bloom the place was actually very lovely, walking the path of righteousness was very delightful.
Aside from sightseeing the sakura trees, there are a few creatures swimming around the flowing water which was cute they were some ducks, fishes and also turtles.
Yasaka Shrine – https://maps.app.goo.gl/k9LkvMS55a2YdQGz8
Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社, Yasaka Jinja), or Gion Shrine, is a famous Kyoto shrine, founded over 1350 years ago, located between the Gion and Higashiyama districts.
Day 6 – Kyoto – Fushimi Inari- Kiyomizu – Gion Duck
Fushimi Inari – https://maps.app.goo.gl/mLYcQuS8NfaQNoSG8
Fushimi Inari hold thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. There are 2 paths to be able to reach the top, either you keep going up the stairs or you could take the adventurous path with less crowds and more excitement.
When you decided to take the adventures path, you will be guided by nature with the path to reach the top, A big rock will guide you to where you supposed to be. Passing through the path of bamboo shots, to climbing up the mountains where you will end up in the summit without having to burn up your legs.
Food Recommendation – Ramen Ichiki – https://g.co/kgs/DvZto6U
Hands down Ichiki’s Karage was the best Chicken Karage I’ve ever tried my whole life it is very recommended for you to try the chicken karage!
Follow their instagram so you wont miss out https://www.instagram.com/ramen.ichiki/?hl=en
Kiyomizu – https://maps.app.goo.gl/5xNCLX31Lfhf9saP7
Kiyomizu Temple has a big area you could explore as shown above, the price for entry is ¥500 or about IDR 52.000. You could explore the area and also pray or try your luck in their fortune paper. Be enlightened with their enchanting temples.
Gion Duck Rice – https://maps.app.goo.gl/ycNfpuuxz9kTwE159
Tried this famous Gion Duck Rice, waited for about 2 hours and a half for this beautiful piece of heaven. The taste it’s actually interesting they gives us spices to put it in also a Katsuobushi’s broth to pair with the duck. I recommend choosing the duck breast rather than the duck thigh texture wise. It was a delightful experience.
Day 7 – Kyoto – Tenryu-Ji – Bamboo Forest – Okochi Sanso Garden – Kyoto Gyeon – Nijo Castle
Bicycling to Tenryu-Ji from Minami Ward Ares
It was actually quite tiring, but the view heading to the destination was like no other. A journey to be cherished for life, it was worth all the muscle tense happening to the legs. It is very recommended to try to visit bamboo forest by bike for you will be blissed by the amazing path of Kyoto.
Tenryu-Ji –https://g.co/kgs/q7aXSQw
Tenyru-Ji is located in Arashiyama, a scenic area at the foot of the mountains on the western outskirts of Kyoto. The entry pass cost ¥500 or about IDR 52.000.
Bamboo Forest are located close to Tenryu-Ji, so after going to the exit it is easy to find the Bamboo Forest area.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest – https://maps.app.goo.gl/T2riQ5SicMfW4ozq5
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is a pathway filled with bamboos and people (lol). It is very gorgeous but crowded. Although it is crowded, you still could enjoy this scenic greenery on your path heading to heavenly Garden called Okochi Sanso Garden.
Straight from the bamboo forest pathway to the end lies the most smashing Sanso garden. It is very much recommended for people who loves garden to visit it after strolling along the bamboo forest.
Okochi Sanso Garden – https://maps.app.goo.gl/it8Hpji4SaRwjB4N9
Okochi Sanso Garden cost ¥1000 or about IDR 104.000 but it was very worth it and even more. The tagline stated “I hope you see Buddha today”. Even though I didn’t get the chance to meet Buddha that day but I did appreciate life so much more than before, I had found passion I never knew I had in me. I started to be thankful for everything that has happened which let me to that enchanting place.
Words couldn’t even describe how happy I was to be there, seeing some zen garden, finding peace and tranquillity. I have found what I adore most in life, which is the beauty of nature.
It was truly a blessing to feel such feelings.
Kyoto Gyeon https://maps.app.goo.gl/CUBTuFiZsGW3ZJ578 & Nijo Castle https://maps.app.goo.gl/3sYxY9nSWkPqE4j26
Continuing the trip of cycling to Kyoto Gyeon before finishing the day in Nijo Castle. On the way there, blissfully encountered the most drop dead gorgeous Sakura tree. It seemed surreal to see such beauty in one tree.
It took some time to digest these gems of the world. From afar it looked like a fake tree but it wasn’t. It was very mind boggling and quite a life changing experience for me to be honest. This trip show me beyond my expectations, there were always beautiful surprises after surprises. I was reborn and came home with a fulfilled soul.
I couldn’t be more thankful to Japan for letting me see the beauty of their country. Such precious wonders to be cherish and remember for the rest of my life.
Day 8 – Nara park
Nara Park – https://maps.app.goo.gl/9beuDW9PNGF2rp4RA
From Kyoto Station to Nara Station ride took around 35 minutes plus, you could use the Kintetsu Limited Express to directly go from Kyoto to Nara. Cost around ¥1,280 or about IDR 135.000.
Before heading to Nara there are rules to keep in mind when interacting with the deer.
- Do not carelessly touch the deer
- Do not litter, Deer might eat the trash
- Watch out for sudden movements from the deer
- Protect the deer
- Do not feed them anything besides the cracker
- Wave out your hands to signal that you ran out of crackers to give
Take a long walk around the park and meet some deers, take photos and explore. It is a large area to cover and have fun.
The Walking Map of Nara Park
Day 9 – Tokyo – Shibuya Crossing – Hachiko Statue
Shinkansen Ride to Tokyo
It took around 2 hours and 15 minutes to reach Tokyo station from Kyoto station using Shinkansen Ride, if you don’t purchase JR pass you could just buy a one way ticket to Tokyo which cost around ¥13.970 or about IDR 1.466.000. I purchased my tickets using Klook instead of direct purchase in the station.
While waiting for the train’s schedule you could stroll around inside the waiting area to buy some food to be eaten during the rides.
There are a lot of bento choices to purchase, from fish to beef to chicken and dessert.
I bought chicken karage but it wasn’t recommended because it was very dry.
Shibuya Crossing https://maps.app.goo.gl/tj1BAGtgJchFusap9 & Hachiko Statue https://maps.app.goo.gl/vzJPB1orWVkXi4ip9
Hachiko Statue is located near Shibuya Crossing, so you could visit those two areas at the same time.
In Shibuya you could stroll around the stores that are located in those area, there is also a disney store to buy your favorite Disney’s characters merchandise.
It is a big area to cover and have some dinner around the area.
Day 10 – Tokyo DisneySea
Tokyo DisneySea – https://maps.app.goo.gl/nyn6YRPcyw1uuULUA
Arrived in Tokyo DisneySea around 07:47 but the gates actually opens at 09:00. People have lined up around the gates before the gates actually open to be able to get into the rides early without too much queuing time.
Don’t forget to download the Disney resort Japan app to get a free fast pass for some rides.
Recommended Rides in Disney Sea:
- Journey to the center of the earth
- Raging Spirit
- Nemo & Friends SeaRider
- Tower of Terror (For Thrill Seeker)
Food Recommendation
- Alien Mochi
- Baked Chicken with Bacon, Egg, and Rice
- Mickey Macaroon
Day 11 – Nikko
Day trip to Nikko takes around 2 hours 15 minutes from Tokyo, it is a very much recommended for you to buy Nikko pass in Klook https://www.klook.com/id/activity/822-nikko-travel-pass-tokyo/. It includes the train rides from Tokyo to Nikko and covers the bus arounds Nikko.
Explore the area of Nikko where you could see the beauty of their architecture, and their really detailed carvings are like no other. What impress me the most was the Nikko National Park with one of the most mesmerizing river. It felt like it was calling me to actually jump down and swim around. It was that beautiful and soul calling.
Do not skip Nikko if you really love historical places filled with nature and Heritage.
Places to visit in Nikko
- Shinkyō Bridge https://maps.app.goo.gl/9j4BaALps13bGbtA8
- Nikko Futurasan-Jinja https://maps.app.goo.gl/VwjyM2U9GoY5JCENA
- Nikko-Zan Rinnoji https://maps.app.goo.gl/u8dD32qkz4pwBQPg7
- Nikko National Park https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZHWdF7CZqo8V9a4m9
Day 12 – Ito City
It took around 3 and a half hours to reach to Ito City from the hotel that I stayed at. Went to Izu Shaboten Zoo to watch Capybara having sakura Onsen and went above Mount Omuro using chairlifts. Both places are very recommended if you want to visit Ito City, the zoo ticket cost ¥2.600 or about IDR 267.000 but you can get a discount if you purchase the Mount Omuro ticket which cost ¥1.000 or about IDR 104.000 for around trip first before heading to Izu Shaboten Zoo.
Even though it’s a 7 hours journey from Tokyo to Ito and back but trust me it is all worth the trip! Whereas you could find some capybara having onsen with Sakura during the day that I visited. You could check the capybara onsen schedule in their website https://izushaboten.com/kapiroten-en/
Izu Shaboten Zoo – https://maps.app.goo.gl/8miChpzFBZUnr8k98
It is truly delightful to visit Izu Shaboten Zoo where you can see tons of animals, the explorable area can be seen on the map below. I myself love the capybara Onsen, the capybara will have their onsen schedule twice which started at 10:30 & 13:30. If you miss one schedule then you can just go ahead and wait for the second onsen schedule.
Glance of Izu Shaboten Zoo
Mount Omuro – https://maps.app.goo.gl/W9RUN5bVqEFDG8xQ6
You can climb up the Mount Omuro using a chairlift. From the top of the Mountain you can see the view where the line where the cities meets the sea. It is breathtaking and truly amazing to be able to view such beauty.
Check out the photos from the Mount Omuro’s View
Day 13 – Tokyo Disneyland
Arrived in Tokyo Disneyland around 08:30, same as Tokyo DisneySea the gates actually opens at 09:00. Don’t forget to download the Disney resort Japan app to get a free fast pass for some rides and buy the Disney Premier Access for The Beauty & The Beast Ride.
Recommended Rides in Disney Sea:
- Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Splash Mountain
- Monster Inc Ride
Day 14 – Fuji Day Trip
For visiting Fuji you could take a day tour package available to purchase in Klook, it is actually more convince for traveller taking tour package for day trip. Since the bus routes back from Fuji leaves quite early evening. It is not easy to track the schedule of the bus around Fuji for first-timers.
The day trip Fuji tour that I’ve been in has the itinerary of going to Oishi Park, Oshino Hakkai, Fuji-Subaru Line 5th Station (unfortunately due to bad weather we end up in the 1st Station instead) and Arakurayama Sengen Park.
The best part of the trip for me was the Oshino Hakkai, there was this beautiful pond filled with KOI fish shinning through the clear pond. I was in awe, it is some unforgettable sight.
To reach the pagoda at the top of Arakurayama Sengen Park will took around 398-step, although it was a long way to the top but I recommend to keep fighting to reach the top because the view from the top was amazing. You could take photos of the Pagoda with the Mount Fuji as Background and a little touch of bloomed Sakura. Ahhh Heaven in plain sight.
Day 15 – Exploring Tokyo
Last day in Tokyo before heading to Narita for a flight early the next morning. Exploring area in Tokyo includes Shinjuku, Takeshira Street, Shibuya, and Kitazawa.
Did some skin care shopping in @Cosme Tokyo, it is recommended for skin care and make up lovers to visit Cosme. It has variations of brands that you love. Drinking some refine drinks in Cois Espresso Club, also tried the Iyoshi Cola full of spices which actually not a thing for me but it was a nice one to try. A very slow but fulfilling last day indeed.
Geewazowski's Tips 
Dang!!
That was one hell of long and fun trip you had!
Stunned me!
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