Story of My Life - Kyoto Travels

Kyoto, a place known for its beautiful temples, is one of the popular tourist areas in Japan. There are temples and shrines everywhere. This is the place to go if you want to take a break from the city area and get a sense of inner peace. With so many gorgeous temples around to visit, there is quite a lot to do in Kyoto. It may be hard if you are not spending two days in the area at the very minimum, but if you have a short trip, take your pick and pick from the best of the best. 

The popular destinations to visit include the Nijo Castle (which is nothing like the Osaka Castle), Kyoto Imperial Palace inside of the Palace Park, Nishiki Market (my ultimate favorite place in Kyoto), Kiyomizudera, Gion (where, if you are lucky, you will see a Geisha come out from the restaurant) Kinkakuji (the famous gold temple there are two pavilions: gold and silver), Ryoanji, Arashiyama (where the famous bamboo groove and famous  is located), Fushimi Inari Shrine, and many more!

Unlike the main city, it is difficult to travel around Kyoto on foot, but possible. There is less to see during the walk and things are further away from each other so it is suggested to just pick up the Kyoto one day bus pass that allows you to hop on the bus for just 500 yen. With each ride at 220 yen, the bus pass is definitely worth it after hopping on for just three times! 

I definitely learned to fall in love with Kyoto although I was not a big fan of the temples and shrines at first. I think the city does speak for itself in regards to beauty and it is a place to visit. Many of the popular tourist areas will leave you speechless. Of the Kyoto trip, my favorite is the Nishiki market because I am extremely big on eating and trying all sorts of crazy foods. You can find fresh sashimi that is absolutely delicious and will melt in your mouth, tofu donuts, baby octopus, eel, Japanese pickles, snacks, and a whole lot of other goodies.

Story of My Life - Osaka Travels

Finally taking the time to travel to a place that I have been dying to go to, Japan is definitely a place that stands for itself. With different parts of Japan offering different cultures, the first stop of my main three destination visit across Japan is Osaka. Osaka, the third largest city in Japan, south of Tokyo, is word to be the next capital of Japan should a deadly earthquake occur within the next few years.

Known for their octopus, the traditional eats of Osaka is takoyaki balls and okonomiyaki pancake. With all different takes on this traditional eat, they are around every corner and should be consumed wherever you go! Every store has their own way to make this yum yum and I can’t say I had too much of it! I basically tried it at every location I can find it. Some restaurants that specialize in oyster will throw oysters in it and I have to admit, it is AMAZING. Seafood in Japan is definitely taken to a whole new level!

In addition to the amazing traditional eat, there are a handful of tourist places that are a must visit in Osaka. This includes the famous Omeda Sky Building which is two buildings connected by a hallway bridge, the gorgeous Osaka Castle alongside the Osaka Castle Park, the Shitennoji Temple (one of Japan’s oldest temples), Shinsekai where the Tsutenkaku Tower is located,  Namba and a few of the other many popular areas that are all of walking distance.

The main attractions of Osaka are quite small, but a bit disperse through the city. If you really want to, you could walk the city like I did. In total, it took about a day of time. Getting into each area, snapping a few photos and heading out. If you are planning to shop around and explore, do give yourself a few more days in the city. There are a lot of shopping areas and the city is extremely gorgeous. For those who are taking the subway around and do not have a pass, it is extremely easy to get around. Price for subway goes by location, simply locate your stop on the map and there is a price next to the station’s name. Put in the cash for the amount that it says and click the ticket price. All buses are the same price and you pay as you get off the bus. 

They currently have a few events going on which include the light festival which can be found down the main street of Namba. It is extremely easy to get in and get out of the city. One recommendation is to grab a map of each area that you want to go to because it is all detailed and mapped out. The tourist information is one place that I definitely recommend. The best part about them is that they have everything written out that you would want and need to get around.  Osaka is definitely one place I recommend for those who are looking for a place to stretch outside of Tokyo.