kobe

Top 5 Kansai Christmas Illuminations

If you are lucky enough to be in Japan in the holiday season, there are some stunning illuminations and displays in Osaka and Kyoto. While not quite as numerous or as crazy as in Tokyo, they are definitely worth checking them out while you do a bit of Christmas shopping. Japan may not be a Christian country, butContinue reading “Top 5 Kansai Christmas Illuminations”

Osaka and Around Kansai in 1-2 Weeks

While Tokyo and the surrounding areas are great, a holiday down south around Kyoto and Osaka has its own charm and delights. This itinerary uses a few bus/train passes for each tourist area, so you probably don’t need a Japan Rail Pass or Japan Bus Pass. For long distances use a night bus. Cost: 120,000 yen – 140,000 yen per person DayContinue reading “Osaka and Around Kansai in 1-2 Weeks”

Kobe (神戸) is a stylish city not far from Kyoto and Osaka, that is known as one of the first ports in Japan to open up to foreigners. It therefore has lots of unique architecture for a Japanese city, making for an interesting, cheap trip. For budget travelers Kobe can all be done in a oneContinue reading “Kobe”

Itami Airport (ITM)

How to get into Kyoto Taking the train is cheapest way. From Osaka Airport station, take the Monorail to Hotarugaike. Next take the Hankyu Takarazuka Line (private line) to Juso station. Then take the Hankyu Kyoto Line to Karasuma Station (650, 1 hour). This is in central Kyoto and quick ride on the Karasuma Line (subway) takes you to KyotoContinue reading “Itami Airport (ITM)”

Free Meat! Tokyo Meat Market Festival!

The Tokyo Meat Market, near Shinagawa and Sengakuji Temple is a yearly festival dedicated to meat. The best thing about this festival is all the FREE meat they give out! Today I had Shabu Shabu pork (very soft and tender) and pork Katsu (cutlet) for the grand total of 0 yen. Also on offer wasContinue reading “Free Meat! Tokyo Meat Market Festival!”