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2017
17
May
What Are the Must-Visit Places in Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara?

Question:

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Thiviyan

Hi everyone, I am intending to head to Japan in August for about 12 days, specifically to Osaka, Kyoto amd Nara. Any recommendations on where I could get good flight deals, cheap accommodation and must visit places? If you have an itinerary for these places, that would be perfect.

Humans say...

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Kerry

Kyoto was awesome! We were only there for a day. We went to the Fushimi Inari Shrine (wear good shoes, it's a hike up), bamboo forest, and Iwatayama Monkey Park. The monkey park was really neat. The monkeys are wild but comfortable being near people. If you want to feed them, you have to go in a cage - the opposite of a zoo
In Osaka we went to the castle. Inside it's a modern museum. And our favourite place to eat in Osaka was Ichiran - it's quite an experience.

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Thiviyan

Great, thanks!

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Thiviyan

Do these places have entrance fees? I'm on a budget but I would like to maximize my experience.

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Laurie

We spent 6 or 7 days using Kyoto as a base last August. Monkey park and bamboo forest was a day (we went to a fireworks festival that night), a day at Nara for the deer park and Buddha, another day in Kyoto going to the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi-Inari, a couple days in Osaka to see the Umeda Sky building, Osaka Castle, Pokemon Centre (travelled with kids, lol) the aquarium and ferris wheel.

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Laurie

We went in August and it was HOT - 35+ degrees before the humidity. Depending on when you are in Kyoto, there is the Daimon-ji (?) festival to honour ancestors. There are five written characters on mountains around Kyoto that they light up the one night. It poured rain the day of it last year so they could only light one of the five.

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Laurie

we had okonomiyaki for lunch at a mall by the train station - they cook it on the table in front of you. We also went to a conveyor belt sushi restaurant - depending on how many dishes you eat you get to play mini games at the end.

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Kerry

We were there in the summer too, and it was really hot.

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Thiviyan

Sounds amazing! I am considering if I should be getting the JR pass or the 4-day Kansai pass, since I am on a budget, and I would only be travelling in the Kansai region. Did you get either of these passes?

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Jessica

JR pass may not be worth it, since there are multiple train companies and the JR pass is only good for JR. We did Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo trip and figured that the only way to actually get our money's worth is if we make it a round trip. I would recommend doing more research on it

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Laurie

Thiviyan we had the JR pass. We spent a week in Kyoto/Osaka area, a night in Hiroshima and a week in Tokyo. We also had local tour guides in Kyoto (my cousin and his wife) who planned routes for us that pretty much just used the JR lines. We did use some subways to get to the apartment we rented too.

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Leo

If you looking for a stay in Kyoto, I recommend "Sakura Terrace" for your stay. Their free/heathy breakfast, and one complimentary drink at night are actually pretty awesome. And it's convenient (next to subway) and very cheap!
http://www.sakuraterrace.jp/en/

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Thiviyan

Awesome, thanks for the recommendation!

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Jessica

Try airbnb, and I would use Osaka as the hub. It's neat staying in a Japanese apartment rather than westernized hotel
Osaka is less touristy and depending on where you're staying it could be very convenient w/ the train. If you haven't tried it already, staying in a ryokan is a must when you visit Japan. It's quite expensive so if you are on a tight budget, just stay 1 night.

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Thiviyan

Sure, I shall consider it! Thanks for the recommendation!

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Stacie

I second the deer park and giant Buddha in Nara. Amazing! Miyajima Island is a fantastic stop also. We took the Shinkansen around Japan to get to our destinations faster and rode the subway while in Tokyo and Osaka.

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Samantha

Raymond Tat


A.I. says...

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12 Days in Japan: Exploring Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara

Japan is a country that captures the imagination of travelers from around the world. Its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and unique blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation make it a truly captivating destination. If you're planning a 12-day trip to Japan, with a focus on the cities of Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara, you're in for an unforgettable experience.

Getting There: Finding Good Flight Deals

When it comes to finding good flight deals to Japan, timing and flexibility are key. The peak travel season in Japan is during the cherry blossom season (March-April) and the autumn foliage season (October-November). Traveling during these times can be more expensive, so consider visiting in August, which is typically a shoulder season.

Here are some tips for finding affordable flights:

  • Use flight search engines like Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Kayak to compare prices across multiple airlines.
  • Be flexible with your travel dates and consider flying on weekdays, as weekend flights tend to be more expensive.
  • Consider flights with layovers or connections, as these can sometimes be cheaper than direct flights.
  • Sign up for airline newsletters and follow them on social media for special deals and promotions.

Affordable Accommodation in Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara

When it comes to accommodation in Japan, there are plenty of options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some affordable options to consider:

  • Hostels: Hostels are a great option for budget travelers. Look for well-reviewed hostels in central locations, such as Osaka Guesthouse Hada Hostel, K's House Kyoto, or Guesthouse Nara Backpackers.
  • Capsule Hotels: Capsule hotels offer a unique and affordable experience, especially for solo travelers. Some popular options include Asashi Plaza Shinsaibashi in Osaka and Cube Hostel in Kyoto.
  • Airbnb: Staying in an Airbnb can be a great way to experience local life and save money, especially if you're traveling with a group or family.

Must-Visit Places in Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara

With 12 days at your disposal, you'll have plenty of time to explore the highlights of these three cities. Here's a suggested itinerary:

Osaka (3-4 days)

  • Osaka Castle
  • Dotonbori District (famous for its neon lights, food stalls, and entertainment)
  • Shitennoji Temple
  • Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
  • Kuromon Ichiba Market

Kyoto (5-6 days)

  • Fushimi Inari Shrine
  • Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion)
  • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
  • Kiyomizudera Temple
  • Nijo Castle
  • Gion District (for a glimpse of geisha culture)
  • Nara (day trip from Kyoto)

Nara (1-2 days)

  • Nara Park (home to free-roaming deer)
  • Todaiji Temple (housing the Great Buddha statue)
  • Kasuga Taisha Shrine
  • Naramachi District (traditional merchants' district)

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