Osaka, Japan itineraries | 8 must-visit places at Osaka

If you will be asked, what countries would like to visit someday, high chances are that Japan will be on the list, maybe on your top 10 to 15 right? It is a country very different or should I say unique from the rest of the world. They have deep respect in their own culture and preserving it but at the same time be advanced which is quite difficult to do. One of their dominant trait known by the world supports or can attest to this and that is being disciplined. Though they can be very weird and awkward at times it just tells how committed they are on things they want. They are known as the origin of Anime, the only country who produces a unique toilet bowl with heater and automated washer, one of the countries who have great economy despite its size compared to others, one of the leading countries when it comes to athletics (so diverse), and a whole lot more.

Mandatory selfie inside the infinity Tori gates at Osaka

And so our family had the chance to visit Japan. We had an option to either land on Narita airport then explore Tokyo or land on Kansai airport then discover Osaka. I brought the option to either land on neither then go ride the famous bullet train to the other which is possible but after checking the prices, we decided to go with Osaka (lol). The price of the bullet train is like paying another plane ticket for each of us and besides, since Tokyo is the more advanced one and more likely be commercialized, Osaka is the better choice for us to experience the more authentic Japanese vibe.

I was assigned to create our whole itinerary for 5 counting days (3 complete days) for February 2016. It was an experience for me because you have to plan everything with details and have the focus on how to do it all chronologically, situationally, budget-friendly and at the same time efficient. I did it for like a month, almost every night after work shifts to make sure everything is ready, from maps, itinerary operating schedules, train routes, budget and all. And thus, for us, these are the places that our must-visits at Osaka, Japan.

As recommended by our father, we stayed at Hotel Universal Port (Day 1, night) because one of our main goals is to visit the Universal Studios (Japan) there which will be very accessible and due to the train station located a few meters away that we will be using for the coming days. By the way, the limousine bus which we rode from the airport to the hotel was on point to the minute which was unbelievable. We had the schedule of it printed and it came to the airport, arrived at every stop, and all of its destinations at the exact time on the table. I was really astonished!

1. So first stop, Universal Studios at Osaka - Osaka Prefecture (Day 2)

Queue at Harry Potter ride

We ate first inside at one of the Hotel's buffet for breakfast before walking out to USJ. Since it was still winter then, it was a cold walk for us especially when the wind blows. But it ain't stopping no one though haha! We rode a lot of rides of course and the highlight was the Hollywood Dream Ride which is the major roller-coaster there. It was a usual coaster experience except that freezing wind was there to make it more thrilling. It took us the whole day to roam the park including the Harry Potter area that was built well as you will appreciate the effort on their investment just to add it as part of the theme park. There was a man-made pond on it, the castle's area was huge, the entrance was so long that you'll forget where you are haha! Great times for the whole family.

2. Biwako Valley Ski Resort at Otsu - Shiga Prefecture (Day 3)

Snow throwing at top of Biwako Valley Ski Resort

One of my main goals here is to experience an actual snowfall since it is still winter. We had an experience before of being in post-snowy areas of Arizona in the USA but I insist that the actual snowfall is really different from that. This trip was special because if you did your research, there is no snow at Osaka really, and in Kyoto, it seldom does, and if there is, it happens on the northern part of it. So for this, we went out of the way like around 1 and a half long train ride to get to the nearest ski area.  I won't forget that we were kind of lost in one of the train lines wherein we were standing on a train platform for minutes not knowing if we were on the right track (going further away from Osaka means lesser English translated signage). A couple of Filipinos even helped us confirm that we have to go down that platform to get to the train going to the city of Otsu.

We already experienced a small amount of snowfall at some parts of northern Kyoto train lines but when we arrived near Otsu, that is where the view changed. Full view of snowfall! Wide white lands and houses covered with snow on top. I still remember going out of the train dreaming with this view. Yey! And so from there, we rode a bus straight to Biwako Valley.

We paid for the lift pass only since we are not there to ski. We cannot see the top (even halfway through) since it is covered with a thick white fog. Not knowing that we will be surprised by a blizzard on top. Yes. A blizzard. One of a kind experience eh, we came to a point where we were walking on some areas of it and all we can see are white stuff blowing to our faces. But don't worry, there is a cafe on top. Though expect the prices there to be much higher compared below. And so that is how Otsu, Shiga welcomed us.
   

3. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest at Kyoto - Kyoto Prefecture (Day 3)

Local transport at Arashiyama

I just came across this through the internet due to its viral photogenic scene. It made waves months before our actual trip so it made to our list. You need to walk along some Japanese village(s) to reach the famous bamboo grove/forest. You'll just have to appreciate everything you come across from there as the streets were very clean. Though it kind of became a tourist spot already where several business establishments are popping up like bicycle rentals and some food stalls, the area is well managed and very organized. I still remember buying that vanilla ice cream before the start of the bamboo trail that made me shiver inside. And to add to that,

it was colder there compared to the city as that area has more trees of course. After getting to some point, we decided to go back since we still need to go to the next itinerary before the sun completely goes down. You'll love it if you are into nature and there were a lot of couples who were doing their photoshoots there. I wonder if there are some local beliefs there that make a lot of them decide to at least have their photos taken there in kimono/costumes.  

4. Fushimi Inari Shrine at Kyoto - Kyoto Prefecture (Day 3)

Fushimi Inari shrine entrance

Similar to the bamboo forest which is considered a side trip for the day before going back to the hotel, we went to see the famous 1,000 tori gates which you can do too if you using the train as your mode of transportation. Both stations where you need to alight to see them are quite near to each other (on the same train line). In here you will see a giant tori gate before reaching the hill where the numerous tori gates are located. Yes, it is a hill (with an over-looking city view on top) where there are many stairs present which we did not expect. Since our dad's knee is not yet healed completely, we just managed to at least reach one of the infinity-like views of the tori gates at its bottom area before leaving.

5. Umeda Sky Building at Osaka - Osaka Prefecture (Day 4)

Outer deck observatory of Umeda Sky Building

As heights challenge me, of course, skyscrapers will more likely be one of our must-dos. This building is considered an architectural wonder due to its unique appearance and where it is known for its death-defying elevators and escalators. They are all surrounded with glass to see how high you already are making it one of our shocking moments of the trip (lol). It is also called the floating garden but there is no garden on top. You will see some plants on your way up but eventually, you will still reach the floating garden as it is the name of the observatory deck. It boasts its 360° view of the Osaka city both with indoor and outdoor decks. 

6. Dotonbori at Osaka - Osaka Prefecture (Day 4)

Welcome to Dotonbori

We are not a shopping family but we did visit this shopping haven to eat haha! We checked its main strip for interesting things to buy but mostly "Pasalubongs" were bought. It's like "Divisoria" here in the Philippines but it has high-end shops too. You will need to work your way through here as so much people are present. There were numerous shops to see, carrying a variety of goods and mixed races scatter around as businesses there are looking busy.

7. Abeno Hakuras at Osaka - Osaka Prefecture (Day 4)

Photo op at Abeno Hakuras building

Just the tallest building in Osaka, nothing great to see. They just have edging glass floors on top. Haha! Of course, I'm kidding! So classy and elegantly styled inside. When we went there it is very peaceful as you will see a wide space on top perfect for studying or contemplating on your own thoughts. I suggest if you going here and at Umeda Sky Building, select one in morning and once at night to experience both mesmerizing views of the city of Osaka.

8. Kaiyukan Aquarium & Tempozan Ferris Wheel at Osaka - Osaka Prefecture (Day 4)

Tempozan - Kaiyukan area

These two are just neighbors in one bay so if you want to enjoy the world's biggest aquarium, it is just sitting beside this humongous Ferris wheel. It's impossible for you to miss the wheel when you are near the area as it is really big and tall. We arrived here night time already with enough heights and depleting energy so we just decided to eat in the vicinity. Just perfect to end the trip smoothly.

Some say that when it's your first time to visit Japan, more often is that it will not be your last. Well, for me of course, I want to go back but definitely in Tokyo for the next trip. What if the opportunity presented itself for a trip to visit Osaka again? Why not coconut! Haha! It will be interesting to visit again now with a bit of experience on how things run there. I might try something more interesting things there like maybe the public bath (lol)? Or not.

Here is the full video of our family trip at Osaka, Japan! Yahoo!

If you cannot see the video above, click HERE for it