Their weather is honestly beautiful year-round and there's something for every season, but this one's for spring🌸
1. Osaka
Perfect start as lots of international flights connect directly to the big city
Day 1: Getting your bearings and picking up essentials
Nice stop on the way to Osaka city from Kansai Airport. One-stop-shop to pick up souvenirs, goodies, etc. Also, more quiet since it's outside the city.
Day 2: Universal Studios Japan
Book a free timed entry ticket to Super Nintendo World the moment you enter the park on the Universal Studios Japan app. Queues for rides range from 2-3hrs unless you get the express pass (additional SGD$120-$250 for the express pass) or are willing to be a single rider (still about 1hr wait time).
Day 3: Exploring the city
Look for a store called Amerikamura Free Market which has old toys, gadgets, and collectibles.
Take the train to Namba station and join the hordes of people walking around. There's an extensive underground mall at this station with many exits to different parts of the city.
Might have to use a translation app if you don't speak Japanese but the bartender is super friendly.
2. Nara
Day 4: Stopover in Nara
Explore the park with roaming deers and the Todai-ji temple. There's also cherry blossoms near the lake if you come at the right time.
Note: The deers might bite you while you feed them
3. Kyoto
Day 5: Explore Old Kyoto
The road leading up has lots of shops selling all kinds of knick-knacks and snacks that you can pick up on the way up or down.
Day 6: Beyond Kyoto City
One of the cutest Starbucks concept stores set in a traditional Machiya. They only have the classic drinks but the prices are pretty reasonable and you get to sit on tatami mats without your shoes and enjoy the ambience.
Didn't realise it would span several kilometres and be an uphill climb but it's super worth it if you can set aside 2-3hrs to make the full round. Also, if you don't want to fight the crowds to get that nice clear frame picture, there are less people higher up as lots of them give up along the way.
There are food and drink stalls along the way but if you can wait, there's an entire food village at the bottom with way more options. On the descent, look out for the resident cats that the locals take care of.
The bamboo forest section is smaller than you'd expect but there's lots more of the park grounds to explore. If you have more time, there's also the option of the Sagano train that will have views of the cherry blossoms but the last one departs at 4pm so you might have to plan this activity earlier in the day. There's the option of a river boat ride as a return trip and honestly I would have loved to try that.
Day 7: Last Minute Essentials
Pick up last minute souvenirs and gifts.
Try to stuff them into your luggage at the airport
Back home🥲
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