yup.... Ginza....

I was recently in Osaka, my first time ever in Japan – and no surprise, I love it there! I love the food, the culture, the weather and the cleanliness. Now, Osaka isn't as crazy packed and happening as how Tokyo is (I'm sure, even though I've not gone there yet), but it has its own spirit and charm.

I have listed some stuff below that you need to prepare for any trip to Japan, things to do in Osaka, things I did there, and some personal recommendations. If you're heading to Osaka, this post is for you! Some of the other places I've traveled to around Osaka, will be linked here but in a separate post. There's just way too many things to cram into one post, honestly!



WHAT TO PREPARE FOR ANY TRIP TO JAPAN

Money. Cold, hard cash. Many places in Japan do not accept foreign credit cards, so just keep it primitive and simple.

Bring international adapters. Japanese electrical plugs are not the same as Malaysian ones, so bring an adapter lest your cameras and phones run out of juice.

Get a portable WiFi. Do not waste money on expensive roaming charges. Instead, rent a portable WiFi (for only 400JPY/MYR12 a day) that you can bring along with you for constant connection and connect up to 10 phones at once. I rented mine from this amazing site called Pupuru, feel free to check them out.

Comfortable shoes. Because everyone walks in Japan, and so would you; be ready for massively aching feet after a long day of walking about. Their public transportation system is pretty flawless but you still would definitely need to walk some distances. Which brings me to my next point.

Bring massage oil for sore feet. Trust me, it helps. Apply and massage the oil in before you sleep every night, and it would make you feel much better in the morning. I ignored my mom's advice the first night, and regretted it the next day.

Dress accordingly. If it's a much colder season, bring your warm things. Likewise for warmer seasons. As it is always hot here in Malaysia, I had to buy a few jackets and long sleeves for the Autumn season in Osaka. It wasn't too cold yet when I went, so what i had were good enough.



PLAN AHEAD FOR YOUR TRIP

Research and know your train lines. Being the main transportation means available, you need to know that Osaka has quite a number of different train lines, and it is good to know which are the stations and lines closer to your hotel. Take some time to study the routes and research a little. However, if in doubt, you can always ask the station master for help, or the staff in tourist centers.

Plan your destination(s). Know where you want to visit while in Japan. Then research on how to get there. For me, I used this site called HyperDia that allows you to search your travel route by keying in your point of departure (nearest station to your hotel) and your destination. It will calculate the fare(s) for you, as well as show you which train lines to use and how long the journey will take.

Never take a taxi from the airport – take the train or bus instead. Unless you're willing to fork out at least RM500 per trip. Most taxis in Osaka are quite expensive, and the drivers don't speak English at all, so you can't even negotiate or be sure if he understood where to go. Utilize the train, it's much cheaper and sometimes faster. There are train lines running to and fro in the Kansai International Airport (and most airports in Japan). It only cost us JPY920/MYR27, one way! You can learn more about train lines here. Alternatively, you can take the limousine bus (just a normal bus actually) if you arrive late at night and there're no trains running – details and timetables here.


These are some of the useful travel tips I've learnt while in Osaka. As I have too many photos to upload, you can view the entire post here on my blog.

I'll be staying one night at Mercure Ginza.

The price is it cheaper than Uniqlo Malaysia?

Got sales only cheaper

If not will be same.

Lol....hmm...

any1 going osaka new year?

Thanks ^^

Thanks a lot for the tips

Emm...that Blog..I give 6/10

Not bad..can refer....but can do more better

For consumable goods, i.e. kitkat, calbee, sk2, hadalabo... 5000 yen already can get tax refund.

wow, thats good wor.

Really? That's even good!

So this means we must buy those snack souvenirs from airport or departmental stores?

Currently in Osaka right now and it's my second trip this year.. Was been questioned by custom officer asking where do I stay, how long I'm gonna stay, purpose bla bla..guess that they asked so many question since I came alone
So far my journey was seamless, thanks a lot of Japanese who helped me a lot. Train officer, shopkeeper, pedestrians and etc. they willing to help u even they dun speak English.
By the way can I ask anyone here who knows Japanese, is this the ghibli museum ticket dated 19 nov 4 pm? I asked the shopkeeper Lawson to help me since it's all n Japanese. Can double confirm? Thanks

This post has been edited by wyen: Nov 6 2014, 06:54 PM

Comsumtion food abit diffrent. You only can refund tax at airport only. And all those thing must be still in seal shape.

i am going to tokyo in Dec.
spending 10 days only in tokyo.
any suggestion spots only around Tokyo?
if can , wanna try to avoid tourist places.

Do the homework. NO spoon feed here

The Ticket showed

2014 Nov 19 (Wed)
16:00
Adult
1000 Yen (Including tax)

This post has been edited by RegentCid: Nov 6 2014, 08:16 PM

Thank you

One more thing, I bought willer bus pass 10k yen 3 days and I purchased Kyoto to Hiroshima and from Hiroshima to Tokyo. I already printed out the email they sent, so I just show that email to bus driver will do or I need to exchange it with another ticket at the bus counter? Thanks.

This post has been edited by wyen: Nov 6 2014, 08:52 PM

Google "Japan Guide"
Come up with base itinerary
Then post here and daikor RegentCid will kasi comment.