Just Back from Japan | Osaka to Tokyo

A six-day, five-night trip covering Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Tokyo—a very intense itinerary suitable for those with limited vacation time. 🍠 Preparations: 1️⃣ Visa: VFS single entry visa 2️⃣ Transportation: Linked Suica and ICOCA cards to my phone in advance Topped up with 5000 yen initially, can be recharged anytime it's running low 3️⃣ SIM Card: 7-day for 88rmb 4️⃣ Cash: Exchanged 5000rmb in advance, most shops accept UnionPay 5️⃣ Pre-trip: Applied for a vjpw code online, no need to fill out those complicated forms by hand 🗓️ Itinerary: Day 1️⃣: Osaka 📍 Tsutenkaku - Shinsaibashi Visit Tsutenkaku at night 🌃 for stunning night views Shinsaibashi is the heart of Osaka with many vintage shops and great restaurants; research which ones to visit before you come. Day 2️⃣: Osaka 📍 Universal Studios Japan After entering, draw a Mario right away! The turkey legs are quite good 👍 No need to stay until night if not keen The Harry Potter ride has no queue at night 🙅 and the atmosphere is great. Day 3️⃣: Osaka - Kyoto (Stay in Osaka) Took the JR from Umeda Osaka to Kyoto Station, 30-minute trip 📍 Kyoto Station - Bus to Kiyomizu-dera - Sannen-zaka - Nenen-zaka - Horikawa - Kodai-ji - Gion Shijo - Pontocho - Kamo River 📍 Hankyu Department Store Umeda This place is great for shopping and eating! With the current exchange rate, shopping is cost-effective, and you can buy souvenirs and desserts here. Day 4️⃣: Osaka - Nara (Stay in Osaka) Took the Kintetsu from Umeda Osaka to Nara Station, 40-minute trip Kofuku-ji - Nara Park - Kasuga Taisha - Wakakusa Yama - Nigatsu-do, Sangatsu-do - Todaiji - Kintetsu Nara Station Nara is small, can return to Osaka by evening Can visit Namba - Dotonbori at night. Day 5️⃣: Osaka - Tokyo (Stay in Tokyo) Shinkansen ride took about two and a half hours Be sure to sit on the left side if you're facing forward to see Mount Fuji 🗻 In Tokyo, had the internet-famous crepes and omurice in Shinjuku Afternoon and evening shopping in Ginza, really enjoyable. Day 6️⃣: Tokyo - Osaka Bought souvenirs at Tokyo Daimaru and Tokyo Station B1 Ichiban Street in the morning Afternoon transfer via JR to Shin-Osaka to switch to Kansai Airport It's good to arrive at the airport a bit early, there are many people in line The airport duty-free shops are also great for shopping hahah #TravelWithTongcheng #Japan #Osaka #Nara #Kyoto #Tokyo #JapanTravel #KansaiTravel #WeekendGetaway