It’s fascinating that, provided the proximity of Kyoto as well as Osaka from each other (less than half an hour by train), each city radiates a unique vibe that distinguishes itself from the other. I discovered it as soon as I stepped off the train station: while Kyoto is all about heritage as well as tradition, Osaka is fast-paced as well as adventurous. Kyoto has its temples, shrines as well as UNESCO sites; Osaka has its cuisine, buying districts, as well as enjoyment parks.
This distinct connection has existed because bygone times. Indeed, an old Japanese stating completely explains the two cities’ dichotomy: “Wear kimonos till you decrease in Kyoto, eat till you decrease in Osaka”.
Yet these differences only make me want to check out the two cities even more, if only to total the experience. This yin-and-yang, complementary connection had me persuaded that the two cities are somehow developed to be delighted in as one single destination.
For budget-minded travelers, planning for not just one, however two cities teeming with (pricey) attractions can be rather the chore. Thankfully, these cities are much more available to tourists than ever before. Not only have the visa limitations loosened, inexpensive carriers have been much more as well as much more aggressive as well as competitive in promoting flights to Kansai worldwide Airport, the gateway to Osaka as well as Kyoto. Cebu Pacific Air, in particular, has been providing inexpensive fares for Osaka five times a week, with the lowest year-round fare at P6399. That is a fantastic offer already. however you can count on CEB to bring it even lower during seat sales, which occur much more frequently these days. (Tip: comply with them on Facebook as well as turn on your notifications for their page so you get an alert when they have a new post!)
Cebu Pacific Air flies to Osaka 5 times a week.
When you’re already in Osaka or Kyoto, whatever ought to be easier. Not whatever fun in these destinations ought to break the bank. In fact, a number of draws right here are cost effective to the typical traveler. Some are even FREE. right here are seven affordable activities you can perform in the two cities; these can quickly add a day or two to your itinerary, without the significant extras to your expenses.
Osaka Castle Park
Treat the history nerd in you at Osaka Castle!
Osaka Castle stands imposing over the entire castle grounds, like a full-armored feudal lord overseeing his vassals. An essential monument to Japanese political history, the castle was developed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the daimyo accountable for uniting the whole of Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573-1603 AD).
Osaka Castle
The castle is the crown jewel of the 106-hectare Osaka Castle Park, where age-old moats as well as fortifications exist together with stadiums, restaurants as well as other contemporary buildings. Osaka Castle is itself a blend of the old as well as new: while the exterior has stayed fairly faithful to the original design, the inside is contemporary in every aspect, with air-conditioned halls, an elevator, as well as an observation platform. A silent see to various battles during less tranquil times, the castle now serves mainly as a museum.
Aside from the primary tower, spread across the castle grounds are 13 structures deemed culturally considerable by the Japanese government. numerous of these landmarks include bilingual inscriptions outlining their function in history.
The park itself is FREE, however entrance to the Osaka Castle museum as well as other structures need an entrance charge (JPY 600 for the museum). If traveling by train, the park is many available through Osakajokoen station of the JR Osaka loop Line.
Kiyomizu-dera
Improve your great ton of money at Kiyomizu-dera!
Kiyumizu Dera
If for some reason you only have time to go to one Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Kiyumizu-dera (Pure Water Temple) in Higashiyama-ku, eastern Kyoto ought to be on top of your options. established by the Hosso Buddhist sect in the 8th Century AD, the temple got its name from the remove waterways over which the temple facilities were erected.
Kiyomizu-dera’s foremost attraction is its primary Hall, a preferred subject among Japanese painters, poets as well as photographers. Housed within is a statue of the Kannon Bodhisattva, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Overlooking a panoramic view of Kyoto is the primary Hall’s sizeable veranda, which is supported by 13-meter-high wooden pillars noted for not utilizing a single nail during construction.
There was a time when jumping off the veranda was practiced by devotees in a determined attempt to have their desires given by Kannon. It has long because been prohibited, however even today, if a Japanese buddy tells you to “to jump off the stage at Kiyomizu”, he implies that you take the possibility as well as throw caution to the wind.
Otowawaterfall is one more prominent location within the complex, a set of three little water channels that flow to a man-made pond. The three channels represent great health, success in studies, as well as a satisfying romance, as well as drinking from each channel will grant the drinker its respective benefit. Drinking from all three is discouraged, though, as it is thought about greedy.
Entrance to the primary Hall needs a JPY 400 entrance fee, while the rest of the complex is free.
Higashiyama District
Experience the Kyoto of yore in Higashiyama District!
Just outside Kiyomizu-dera is Higashiyama District, a quaint bit village that would in shape well in a Kurosawa period film. numerous pilgrims pass by this village to get to Kiyomizu-dera, as well as the road leading as much as the temple is lined with mom-and-pop stores, confectionery stands, as well as teashops. traveling the two-kilometer, uphill stretch is never dull, not if you have a box of mochi in one hand as well as some matcha ice cream in the other.
Higashiyama District
The old-fashioned homes have been serving visitors for centuries, as well as can be rather joyful as well as jam-packed during holidays. This is particularly true during the Hanatoro celebration in March, when the shops prolong their service hours as well as the streets are illuminated by countless lanterns.
Both Kiyomizu-dera as well as Higashiyama district are a bit far-off from the railway network, as well as your finest choice to get right here is a 15-minute bus trip from Kyoto station to the Kiyomizu-michi bus stop, complied with by a ten-minute walk. Bus tickets begin at JPY 230.
Dotonbori as well as Shinsaibashi
Immerse in Osaka’s metropolitan culture in Dotonbori as well as Shinsaibashi!
Originally a movie theater district, people go to Dotonbori for its cheery nightlife as well as ample food choices. The range of neon signboards, home entertainment centers, restaurants, as well as street food kiosks (yatai) within the district are a feast for the senses. Landmarks include the Glico guy huge signboard, with his signature winning pose, the Dotonbori Canal, as well as the national Bunraku (Puppet) Theater. tasty street food can be yours for as low as JPY 200 per serving. have your fill of Osaka staples like okonomiyaki, takoyaki, as well as kushi katsu.
Dotonbori
Where Dotonbori is a food lover’s paradise, Shinsaibashi is a haven for shoppers. Shinsaibashi boasts a 600-meter covered stretch full of fashion boutiques, retail outlets, sporting-goods stores as well as electronic shops. one of the oldest buying districts in Japan (founded by a Japanese vendor in 1622), Shinsaibashi has something for everyone, from classy designer bags to hundred-yen novelties. many stores offer duty-free privileges if you have a passport to show.
The Dotonbori as well as Shinsaibashi districts are adjacent to every other, as well as found within the Chuo-ku ward. They can be reached through a 10-minute walk from the JR Namba station of the Yamatoji Line.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Visit the shrine of foxes at Fushimi Inari Taisha!
Among the dieties of the complex Shinto pantheon, most likely the most revered is Inari, the customer of rice, tea, as well as merchants. One in every three shrines throughout Japan is dedicated to Inari, as well as numerous company owners – even heads of big corporations – go to these shrines for blessing as well as guidance. Fushimi-Inari Taisha, found in Kyoto, is Inari’s primary shrine.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Located at the foot of a mountain likewise named Inari, Fushimi-Inari Taisha is widely known for two reasons: the numerous vibrant red torii gates that cover the walkways leading as much as the shrine precincts, as well as the lots of stone foxes that guard these shrines. The fox statues, understood as kitsune, serve as messengers of Inari, as well as are often depicted clutching an product considerable to the deity, be it a jewel, a scroll, or rice. Those seeking Inari’s blessing bring offerings to kitsune in really hopes of acquiring their favor.
If you feel adventurous, you can hike up the mountain to gain access to the higher precincts as well as catch an outstanding view of the city. The walkways span about four kilometers, as well as can take a couple of hours to traverse. Back at the entrance, shops offer trinkets, souvenirs, as well as sweets to bring home.
Fushimi-Inari Taisha is totally free as well as quickly available by train: the Inari station of the JR Nara Line is found just outside the shrine entrance.
Pokemon center Umeda
Hone your poke-training skills at Pokemen center Umeda!
Pokemon Center
From a idea its developer Satoshi Tajiri originated from insect collecting, Pokémon has because developed (no pun intended) to a universally-recognized media franchise as well as way of life brand. The mobile game Pokémon GO only added a fresh multitude of devoted “trainers”, all trying to be the extremely best, like nobody ever was.Any true-blue Pokémon fan going to Osaka can’t pay for to miss the city’s own Pokémon Center, found at the 13th floor of the Daimaru Umeda department store within Osaka station City. essentially a toy as well as pastime shop, the Pokémon center is likewise a de facto gathering location for Osaka Poké-fans. You can switch Pokémon, trade cards, play arcade games, or just hang out with fellow enthusiasts. as well as yes, it has its own Pokémon GO gym, in situation you as well as your Snorlax are positive sufficient to handle Osaka’s finest trainers.
It won’t expense anything to decrease by Pokémon center Umeda, however with all those Pikachu luxurious toys staring at you doe-eyed, the effort to not bring one (or three) back house can get genuine fast.
Shitenno-ji
Pause as well as meditate at Shitenno-ji!
Shitenno-ji in central Osaka is the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan, established in 593 ad by the mythical prince Shotoku. A devout Buddhist each time when the religious beliefs was not prevalent in Japan, prince Shotoku developed the temple in honor of the Shitenno, the four heavenly kings of Buddhism.
Shitenno-ji
Because of its popularity with devotees, the surrounding areas are always hectic with vendors selling food, herbs, as well as novelty items. However, the hustle as well as bustle is hushed when you get inside the temple premises.
The primary attractions right here are the Kondo or primary hall (where a shrine for the prince is located), the five-story pagoda, the treasure house, as well as the Gokuraku-jodo Garden. thoroughly landscaped white sand as well as pebble formations (called karesensui) accentuate the temple as well as aid visitors in their meditations. Gokuraku-jodo Garden, found at a separate area nearby, was developed based on the Sukhavati, the Buddhist Western Paradise.
To get inside the Kondo, the treasure house, or the Gokuraku-jodo Garden, you requirement to shell out JPY 300 each. Shitenno-ji is a five-minute walk from the Shitennoji-Mae-Yuhigaoka station through the Tanimachi (Subway) line, or a 10-minute walk from Tennoji station of the JR Osaka loop line.
Arashiyama
Go temple hopping in Arashiyama!
This renowned district just in the western fringes of the city is a nationally designated historic site as well as location of beautiful Beauty. When you go to for the very first time yet you have that unusual feeling that some parts are familiar, don’t freak out. You’ve most likely seen it before in paintings or postcards, particularly when the area is dressed in the fiery colors of fall. concealed in its deciduous forests as well as bamboo groves are temples that are worth a go to including Horinji Temple, one of the five head Shingon Buddhist temples in Kyoto; Tenryuji Temple, the very best among the five fantastic Zen Temples of Kyoto as well as a UNESCO world Heritage Site; as well as Nonomiya Shrine, a Shinto shrine established around 800 AD.
With the exception of Tenryuji temple which collects a Y500 admission fee, acccess to Arashiyama’s temples are totally free of charge.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Useful Tips
Be on the lookout for budget plan fare promos. As all of us know, a big bulk of one’s travel budget plan go to airfare. inexpensive carriers like Cebu Pacific routinely offer fantastic deals, enabling budget plan travelers to focus much more on the ‘traveling’ as well as less on the ‘budget’.
Prepare for some major walking. Bring water, sunscreen, a good pair of walking shoes, as well as truly comfortable socks. numerous of the attractions noted right here need a great deal of walking, in some cases stretching for kilometers on end, as well as you don’t want your Japan trip ruined by dehydration or blisters.
Don’t be scared to request directions. The Japanese certainly understand exactly how to fit their visitors, as well as some even go out of their method to assist you out with directions. major train stations likewise have their own travel service centers of you requirement much more comprehensive info about your trip.
Google Maps is your finest friend. Not only is Google Maps helpful for pinpointing particular locations, it likewise provides the most effective methods to get there, be it by walking, car, or public transport. It even screens fare costs so you can determine the costs on the spot. Plus, it’s a fantastic method to find lesser-known gems tucked in between the much more prominent spots.
Get a digital phrasebook. The phrases “Sumimasen” as well as “Eigo ga hanaseru”, plus tons of hand gestures, have gotten me out of tight areas much more frequently than I would like to admit. spare yourself the embarrassment as well as download some totally free Japanese digital phrasebooks as well as method before the actual trip.
This publish is given you by Cebu Pacific Air. special thanks to our buddies from Cebu Pacific for making this trip possible. From Manila