[JAPAN] 6D5N Amazing Kansai Itinerary (Wakayama, Osaka, Nara, Kobe & Kyoto)

I spent a total of 6 days in Kansai region: half day in Wakayama, 2.5 days in Osaka, half day in Nara, half day in Kobe and 2 days in Kyoto. The pass that I used was 3 days Kansai Thru Pass which allows me to move from one city to another without hassle.

[JAPAN] Kyoto - Geiko and Maiko Spotting at Hanamikoji

Hanamikoji Street in the Gion district is the best place for geiko (Kyoto dialect for geisha) or maiko (geiko apprentices) sighting. The street is filled with ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurant) and ochaya (teahouse) where geiko and maiko entertain their guests. I was lucky enough to catch sight of a geiko and maiko at Hanamikoji Street in the evening!

[JAPAN] 5-Minute Guide to Train Services Between Osaka and Kansai Airport / Major Cities

If the complicated train system in Kansai region is making you dizzy (see map above), guess what, you’re not alone. In this post, I will attempt to summarise the train services (approx. duration and fare) between Osaka and Kansai International Airport / other major cities (Wakayama, Nara, Kyoto, Kobe, Himeji) in the Kansai region.

[JAPAN] Kyoto - Arashiyama (Tenryuji Temple, Bamboo Groves & Togetsukyo Bridge)

Arashiyama is the second most important district for sightseeing in Kyoto. Although the journey to get there typically takes about 30 minutes from the center of Kyoto, it is well worth a day trip for its many attractions such as Tenryuji Temple, Bamboo Groves, Togetsukyo Bridge and many other temples and shrines.

[JAPAN] Kyoto - A Walk Through Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market is nicknamed as “Kyoto’s pantry” and it is definitely the best place to find fresh ingredients and everything you need to make traditional Japanese cuisine: tsukemono (Japanese pickles), fresh tofu, Kyo-yasai (Kyoto vegetables), wagashi (Japanese sweets), fresh fish and other produce.

[JAPAN] Kiyomizudera Temple, Sanneizaka and Nineizaka

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of the most famous temple in Kyoto. It is inscribed on the World Heritage List as a Historic Monument of Ancient Kyoto. Nothing beats exploring Kiyomizu-dera Temple and its surrounding area such as Sanneizaka and Nineizaka walking trail on foot while wearing a kimono.