Konichiwa! This post is two years in the making. Yes, it's been 2 years since my first trip in Japan. Luckily before the pandemic struck, we (me and my sister's family) were able to visit the Land of the Rising Sun. Going to Japan is always a wish, yes you've guessed it right - because I am a big Hello Kitty fan. (*wink!) Kidding aside, I have also heard from my friends who have traveled there that Japan is a great travel destination.
I wasn't able to share this trip right away here in my blog... and I can't really remember why.. haha.. It was a 5 day trip to Japan, we chose Osaka because the kids wanted to go to the Universal Studio. We flew via Philippine Airlines (PAL) and stayed at Holiday Inn (Osaka Namba). Staying in Holiday Inn is one of the best decisions we made since it's just walking distance to Dotonbori.
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| This welcomed us when we arrived at the Osaka International Airport |
Our itinerary includes visit to Universal Studio, Temples, Nara Deer Park, Kyoto and the Rinku premium outlet. Aside from the beautiful sceneries, good food, friendly people, we were able to learn about Japan's culture. Like in Nara the deer there are not intimidated by the humans, and the deer were considered sacred animals that is why they are protected for many years.
Day 1: Exploring Osaka
First stop is the Osaka Castle and we just went around Dotonbori because as I have said earlier it's just few steps from our hotel.
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| Osaka Castle |
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| My first authentic Japanese meal - Salmon Sashimi |
Day 2: Universal Studio (USJ)
When we arrived at the Universal Studio it was jampacked. We went straight to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It was really a magical place, truly mesmerizing. The kids bought merchs and of course their own wand.
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| Inside Three Broomsticks |
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| Inside Three Broomsticks |
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| Roasted Chicken with Cranberry Sauce |
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| the famous Butter Beer |
We had lunch at the Three Broomsticks and we tried the famous butter beer. But honestly, I was not really a fan of the drink. (Sorry)
After lunch, it's my turn to visit the Hello Kitty place in USJ. I had my first photo op with my beloved Hello Kitty and took some snapshots on the shops there. It's a little tiring but it was worth it. We did not try the turkey leg at the Jurassic world because we're still full.
Day 3: Nara : Deer Park, Japanese temples and Shrines
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| Nara Deer Park |
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| Nara Deer Park |
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| Todai-ji Temple |
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| Todai-ji Temple |
Todai-ji temple is a Buddhist temple complex that was once one of the powerful Seven great temples located in the City of Nara.
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| Kasuga Tashia Shrine |
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| Oldest and largest Wisteria tree known as Sunazuri - over 700 years old |
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| Kasuga Taisha Shrine |
After Todai-ji temple we proceeded to the Kasuga Taisha Shrine. The shrine of the Fujiwara family and it's considered as one the sacred sites in Japan. The interior is famous for its bronze lanterns, as well as the stone lanterns that lead to the shrine.
Day 4 : Kyoto tour
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| Kinkakuji Golden Pavillion |
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| Kinkakuji Golden Pavillion |
Kyoto is known as the cultural capital of Japan. It's well-known for it's numerous temples, shrines and palaces. We were able to go to the Kinkakuji Golden Pavillion, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bamboo grove to name a few. Honestly, it's a little hard to take photos on the Bamboo grove because there are a lot of tourists on the trail.
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| Fushimi Inari Taisha |
But even if its super cold, we did not miss trying the soft served ice cream - which is really a must try when in Japan. I had the Cherry Blossom flavor!♥
Japan did not disappoint, yes it's kinda hard to travel to countries during winter season but it's worth it. Our travel in Japan made us experience two seasons : Autumn (end of fall season) and Winter (beginning of winter). Of course one of the most important highlight of this trip is my photo with my favorite girl - Kitty White.♥
I so love autumn... seeing the red and yellow leaves... that we don't have here in the Philippines... And of course the chilly feeling of winter. Find Japan winter colder than Sydney winter (when I was there in 2011).
To sum it up, it was a great experience and we want to go back... I hope this pandemic will end soon... So we can go back to Japan... without the quarantine requirements and etc.
Til next time...
xo,
Chiq♥
Tidbits: We super love Don Quijote and the small sanrio shops at Dotonbori. We also bought some stuff at the Rinku Premium outlet (we weren't able to take photos).
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