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Submission for the Travel Writing Competition: “Freedom to Explore - Your Way” by La Huyen Trang about her journey to discover Japan
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As a kid, Japan was the land of Doraemon, Totoro, or Maruko for me. Growing up, it evolved into a modern country, with a culture so strange and wonderful that I always wanted to explore. And finally, I had the chance to come here on a 6-day journey.
Visa
After researching on several forums and seeing the complexity of Japanese visas, we decided to apply for a visa service. Alternatively, you can choose to apply on your own or through an authorized agency.
Looking for flight tickets? Jetstar Pacific and Vietjet Air now offer direct flights to Osaka and Tokyo with much more affordable prices. Keep an eye out for discounts ranging from 5 to 7 million VND for a delightful trip!
Accommodation in Japan can be quite pricey due to its high real estate and living expenses. That's why Airbnb is always my top choice. During peak seasons, places get booked quickly and prices soar. So, make sure to book 1 to 2 months in advance for your preferred stay. Due to Japan's new regulations, remember to upload your passport photo when booking on Airbnb to avoid cancellation. I stayed in Daikukocho, Osaka, and Ikebukuro, Tokyo.
Japan boasts some of the world's most expensive real estate and living costs, resulting in small and pricey accommodations. But fear not, Airbnb is here to save the day! Booking in advance, especially during peak seasons, ensures both availability and reasonable prices. Keep in mind Japan's recent regulations, requiring passport photo uploads for Airbnb bookings to prevent cancellations. During my visit, I stayed in Daikukocho, Osaka, and Ikebukuro, Tokyo.
Planning to get around Japan? With its high real estate and living costs, accommodation in Japan tends to be small and expensive. However, Airbnb remains my top choice for affordable and comfortable stays. Be sure to book well in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your desired accommodations. And don't forget about Japan's new regulations for Airbnb bookings, requiring passport photo uploads to avoid cancellations. During my trip, I stayed in Daikukocho, Osaka, and Ikebukuro, Tokyo.
Exploring Japan? Jetstar Pacific and Vietjet Air now offer direct flights to Osaka and Tokyo, making travel more convenient and affordable than ever before. Keep an eye out for special deals and discounts, and you could snag a ticket for as low as 5-7 million VND. So, start planning your adventure today!
Traveling around Japan can be costly due to its high real estate and living expenses. However, with Jetstar Pacific and Vietjet Air now offering direct flights to Osaka and Tokyo, getting there has become more affordable. Keep an eye out for discounts, and you might just score tickets for as low as 5-7 million VND. Book early for the best deals!
Navigating Japan's public transportation system is incredibly diverse and convenient but can be overwhelming. Using apps like Google Maps or Japan Travel can greatly assist in getting around.
- When traveling within cities, consider using transportation cards like Pasmo, Suica, or Icoca. For extensive travel, consider purchasing Tokyo 1, 2, or 3-day passes or a Kyoto bus pass for getting around Kyoto. If traveling between cities, the JR Pass can be a worthwhile investment, especially for routes like Osaka – Kyoto – Tokyo – Osaka.
Explore Japan hassle-free with the Klook JR Pass, offering 7 days of unlimited travel across the country.
Crafting a detailed itinerary is essential for a smooth journey.
Day 1: Hanoi – Osaka (Dotonburi – Osaka Castle – Umeda Sky Building)
Our first destination is the vibrant street of Dotonburi, renowned for its plethora of eateries offering a variety of delicacies such as Takoyaki, Yakiniku, Ramen, Sushi, and more. Prepare to indulge in a culinary adventure!
Osaka Castle: Considered the symbol of Osaka with significant historical importance in Japan. The castle consists of 8 floors showcasing exhibitions, with the 8th floor serving as an observation deck providing panoramic views of Osaka.
Umeda Sky Building: Don't miss the opportunity to admire Osaka from a height of 173m at the Umeda Sky Building. This 40-story building, comprising 2 towers, features a rooftop garden. It also boasts the world's highest escalator system (reminiscent of ascending a sacred temple). Best times to visit are during sunset or when the city lights up. Entrance fee: 1,500¥. Note that the rooftop garden area is currently undergoing renovation due to the impact of the storm. Be sure to check opening hours before your visit.
Day 2: Universal Studios
This is the highlight of my Osaka trip. Universal Studios in Japan is unique, especially with THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER. If you're a fan of this iconic series, don't miss the chance to explore Hogwarts Castle, don the Gryffindor robe, or purchase a wand at Ollivander's and learn some spells.
Savor a glass of Butterbeer and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Wizarding World...
During peak seasons, wait times for some attractions can be 2-3 hours. So, meticulous planning, arriving early, and pre-booking tickets with express passes will save you a ton of time. Instead of waiting, you'll have more time to explore the park, take Instagram-worthy photos, watch shows, dine, and shop...
I visited during Halloween, so the evening was filled with the excitement of costume parties, making it truly enjoyable!
Book your Universal Studios Japan 1-day pass with Klook now!
Day 3: Kyoto
We dedicated a day to explore Kyoto. If you're enchanted by Hoi An, you'll instantly fall in love with Kyoto. Known as the 'soul of Japan,' it exudes nostalgic beauty with its traditional Japanese architecture, rich cultural traditions, and unique cuisine, all steeped in history.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Located in the western part of the city, this bamboo forest features a romantic path often seen in movies. To fully experience the tranquility of nature and capture stunning photos, visit early in the morning as Kyoto gets super crowded.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple: A famous and sacred temple known for its three holy waterfalls, believed to bring longevity, love, and academic success.
Legend has it that taking a sip of water from one of the three streams brings good luck.
Fushimi Inari Taisha: This famous shrine features a tunnel formed by 10,000 vermilion Torii gates, distinctive to the area. Located at the base of Mount Inari, it is dedicated to the Shinto god Inari. If you have the time and energy, you can spend 2 hours walking through the 10,000 gates leading up to the mountaintop to explore the shrine complex and enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto.
Gion: The geisha district, reminiscent of a movie set. This is definitely a must-visit when in Kyoto. The entire street is lined with traditional wooden houses, lanterns, geishas, and tea houses. Dressing in a kimono and strolling around Gion will surely transport you back in time to old Kyoto.
Days 4-5: Tokyo – Mount Fuji
Traveling from Osaka to Tokyo by Shinkansen train allows you to enjoy the landscapes and architectures of each city along the way. Each place has its own unique features. The journey takes 3 hours, so be sure to check the train schedule to avoid missing your ride.
Tokyo truly captivates with its skyscrapers, unique street styles, and vibrant atmosphere. And of course, prices in the capital are much higher.
In Tokyo, you'll experience unique adventures like riding the subway 'sandwich' style, crossing the bustling Shibuya Scramble Crossing with thousands of others (during rush hour, pedestrian traffic can reach up to 3,000 people), exploring diverse cuisine in Shinjuku, or simply getting lost in the trendy streets of Harajuku...
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When in Japan, don't forget to try Kaiten sushi!
Halloween in Shibuya, where hundreds of people dress up and hit the streets.
On the second day in Tokyo, we opted to visit Mount Fuji. There are various ways to get there. You can take a train to Lake Kawaguchi, admire Mount Fuji from the lake, then catch a bus to the 5th station near the summit. Another option is to take a bus from Shinjuku directly to the 5th station, or simply book a one-day tour here.
The 5th station sits at an altitude of 2,300 meters above sea level, so remember to dress warmly. Despite the height, the road to the station is smooth, with no sharp turns or steep inclines, and the scenery along the way is breathtakingly beautiful.
Book now with Klook for a day tour to Mount Fuji!
Day 6: Osaka – Hanoi
On our last day, we travel from Tokyo to Osaka, do some shopping, and explore the local cuisine.
22:00 Farewell to Japan and back to autumn in Hanoi. Ending our 6-day, 5-night journey in Japan, filled with unforgettable experiences but also some regrets. Hope to have the opportunity to visit this beautiful country again many times.
Hanoi, November 2018.
Conquer Japan with Klook!
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