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Japan Dec24 Parents only trip
  • Melskius
  • Melskius

Japan Dec24 Parents only trip

A 10-day adventure by Melskius. Read more
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  • Trip start
    December 1, 2024
    MelskiusJapan Dec24 Parents only tripTraveler

    Namba

    December 1, 2024 in Japan ☀️ 15 °C

    A 6:30am departure from ho.e saw us arrive at Brisbane airport with plenty of time before our 11:45am flight. The flight was delayed until 12:15pm.

    The flight was non eventful, always the good kind, though we did have a passenger in the middle seat. We landed later than our arrival time of 7:50pm, but still made it through immigration and customs quickly due to having only carry-on baggage.

    We were able to jump onto the 8:39pm Nankai Express train into Namba arriving around 9:30pm. We strolled the 800m to our hotel past some cool parts of Namba. Once checked in we went out and hit up the 7-11 for some food, before retiring for the night at 11pm (12pm our time).    Read more

  • MelskiusJapan Dec24 Parents only tripTraveler

    Day 2 - Kobe

    December 2, 2024 in Japan ☀️ 16 °C

    We woke up early with a phone call from the daughter. At 7am, we went down for the buffett breakfast, where there was a nice assortment of food.

    Our first destination was the Namba Yasaka Jinja shrine, where the highlight is a giant Lion head shrine, we visited here around 8 am. After some photos here, we set off for Osaka Umeda station and arrived there around 9:30 am. We found where to exchange our subway all-day tickets.

     Then since the weather was nice we used our Fun in Kansai pass (where I got 2 for 1 for $30) to go up the Umeda Sky Building, as it was wet and rainy last time we were there. We saw the sights, though it was hazy, the wind was still and there were blue skies.

    After this, it was time to find so.e morning tea, so we hit up a 7-11 at the stations, then jumped on the JR train to Sannomiya. We wanted to go up the ropeway to the herb garden over Kobe, but it was near Shin-Kobe station, so we jumped on the subway and rode it the o e stop needed, rather than walk the 25mins up hill.

    Once we found our way to the ropeway station, we used our Fun in Kansai pass to ride it (2,800yen round trip) the views from the rooeway were nice, and there were some nice autumn colours. There wasn't a whole lot to see up the top (as the herb gardens were on the walk back down (which we weren't doing). On the gondola ride back down, we discovered that the SD card had fallen out of the dji pocket cam (I have no idea how that happens). So at the bottom, we told them the situation, and they let me ride back up to look for it. So I joined a long line that luckily moved quickly and went up, I found the SD card, but it looked like it had been stepped on and broken. I rode down and met back up with Jason. By now, it was nearly 2 pm.

    From here, we rode the subway back to Sannomiya station and walked towards Chinatown as Jason wanted to eat some Kobe beef. We had a beef croquet (260y) and then found the Kobe beef stall where Jason had a beef skewer and a piece of beef sushi (1300y). From here, we walked to the harbour and out to the waterfront.

    Some sightseeing was done here, and a photo in front of the Be Kobe sign. We then had the plan to walk the 2km back to near the station to eat an early dinner at Tonkatsu Matsunoya. Here I had the fantastic as always tonkatsu, and Jason had a very black curry. So by now, it was nearly 5 pm. We headed to the Hanshin railway to catch a direct train back to the hotel, arriving around 6 pm. 20,000 steps and over 15 km walked.    Read more

  • MelskiusJapan Dec24 Parents only tripTraveler

    Day 2 - Katsuouji Temple, Abenos Harukas

    December 3, 2024 in Japan ☁️ 18 °C

    We woke to another fine day and headed off to the buffet breakfast at 7am. Our plan was to head to Katsuouji Temple, the temple full of Daruma dolls and nice autumn leaves.

    We left the hotel at 8am and walked to Namba station, then boarded a packed train heading for Minoh-Kayano station. The train emptied all the passengers, leaving a small handful for this last stop. However when we made our way to the bus station, we saw a huge line of people, now realising how popular this place is. We made it onto a very packed in second bus for the 25-minute journey costing 800yen.

    There was a short line to enter the temple, where we were given a blank postcard, to find 6 stamp stations around the grounds in which to create the final image. The fall leaves were peak, and the sky was blue. It was a truly spectacular place with Daruma hidden and places all over the grounds. We had our fill of beauty and decided to make the first bus back down, leaving at 11:18. We were one of the first on, scored a seat, and were on our way back to Minoh-kayano station.

    Here we had a brief stop at Mister Don't to eat a pokemon donut, some custard filled delight. We set a course for Osaka Castle. Once at the closest subway station, we hit up Family Mart for some food that we took to eat at the castle grounds. Here, we were approached by an elderly gentleman who proceeded to tell us how Europeans were the worst and destroyed Japan. Thankfully, after his tirade, he moved his speil onto the next group. We then walked up to see the castle from the outside, took a few photos, then headed off just after 2pm. Where we saw a lady walking her two pet turtles.

    We took the subway (making use of our all-day passes) down to Tennoji and went to Abeno Harakus. We used our Fun in Kansai pass to gain entry to the 60th floor observatory 300m up. We quickly found an empty couch, of which the other 3 were filled. Taking up this spot, we whiled away an hour or two, taking in the sights and resting up.

    Around 5 p.m., we left Tennoji and headed to Namba for dinner. Okonomiyaki was the choice. Once we settled on a place, we found it after a small search. The sign said it was a 90-minute wait. We waited about an hour, then had amazing okonomiyaki feed that stuffed us both, and drinks too for under $40. Finished up there and rolled out at 7pm.

    A stroll through Dotombori where it was packed full of people on a Tuesday night. Like wall to wall people. We thenheaded for Namba parks to see their illumination of a waterfall. We went up 7 flights of stairs in the Namba Gardens section before asking a security guard who told us it was on level 2. So we eventually found it, and of course photographed it. So it was 8pm, and it was time to head back to the hotel, 15 minutes by subway, 18 mins on foot. Even though we were exhausted by now, we went on foot.

    No day, no matter how full you feel, there's always room for Coolish. Luckily, the hotel has them in a vending machine, so we had our first Coolish of the trip. Time for bed. 20,000 steps and 15km yesterday... today, we did over 18,000 steps, 13.65km.    Read more

  • MelskiusJapan Dec24 Parents only tripTraveler

    Day 3 - Osaka to Kyoto

    December 4, 2024 in Japan ☁️ 13 °C

    It was a struggle to get up this morning after two very full days. After breakfast, we packed up and headed out after 8 am. We took a walk to Hozen-ji Temple and then around Dotomobori and up Shinsaibashi in a basic big square, as nothing was open at this time.

    We collected our bags and headed for Kyoto, catching a 10am train on the Keihan line. Our walk to our hotel was about 1km. Then we dropped our bags as check-in was not until 3 pm. We walked up to Kiyomizu-dera and around the very packed streets surrounding it. We then entered Ryozen Kannon Temple and had a look there. Next to it was Kodaiji Temple, but we decided to wait until night to see this Temple under illuminations.

    Even though we had a few street foods, we had an early dinner at a one man place called White Lover, where I had omurice, and Jason had some prawn cutlets. Then we headed to our nearby hotel to check in. The room was big with comfy beds and kitchen. We chilled for 2 hours, then headed out for the illuminations at Kodaiji Temple.

    We arrived at the temple at 5:30pm and were met by a long line. Luckily, it moved quickly, and we were in the grounds. The fall colours looked spectacular all lit up. In the Zen garden off the main hall, they had a lovely projection display on loop. The pond was gorgeous with the reflections of lit up trees. The bamboo forest also has lights in it. It was well worth the 600yen entrance fee. Then we strolled back through the now much less crowded streets of Higashiyama. Ending our day getting some food from the supermarket and 7-11.    Read more

  • MelskiusJapan Dec24 Parents only tripTraveler

    Day 4 - Kyoto

    December 5, 2024 in Japan ⛅ 12 °C

    We had a 7-11 breakfast in our room after buying it the night before. We took a while to settle on a plan for our day but decided to go for a walk to a few shrines, then into Kyoto city.

    We left the room after 8am and set off for Yasaka Shrine. It had some nice gardens out the back, which we explored and took some photos. The next stop was Heian Shrine. There was an outer market, and we also walked past a very big tori gate. After that, we entered the Shrine grounds but decided to forgo the garden entrance as we had already seen so many. By now, our walk was over 2 km.

    We then headed into Kyoto City proper after some yummy taiyaki from a place we visited many trips ago. By the time we had walked another 2kms to get there was arrived at 10:40am, and the taiyaki place didn't open until 11am. So we decided after our big walk to sit and wait for it to open.

    After taiyaki, we went to a close by book-off and got a few things. By now, it was 12 p.m., so we found a 551 Horai in a department store basement and got a pork bun pack. Hubby got some things on a stick from a nearby seller. We then headed to a little sitting area by the river and ate them. We returned to the area near the Nishiki market and visited Melonbooks for a look.

    Hubby needed a sugar hit, so we went to Koe Donuts, where a lemon merange donut was eaten, and some rest was had at 1:30pm. After the donuts, we decided it was time for a massage. I found a place close by with good reviews and went there. Jason decided to get a massage, too. It was 3,600 yen for an hour. It is a dry masaage where you put on pj type things, then they cover you in a towel and go to work on you. It was good to have all my knots worked out. When we got out, it was 3 pm, too early for dinner. So we crossed the road and went and did a bit of shopping at uniqlo.
    With that out of the way, it was 4:30 when we sat down at Coco Ichibanya for an early dinner. So far, we have done 10km and 13,500 steps. After that, it was a dusk stroll for the 2km back to the hotel. 12km total today.    Read more

  • MelskiusJapan Dec24 Parents only tripTraveler

    Day 6 - Kyoto- Uji

    December 6, 2024 in Japan ☁️ 13 °C

    We had a slow morning and a 7-11 breakfast as it was moving day. We packed up our suitcases and walked the 800m to the station, then decided to catch a train one stop to cut 1km off our journey across town. We then walked another 800m to our new hotel.

    Once bags were stashed, we decided to take our first Kyoto bus to Kyoto station, and we were heading for Uji today. The bus took cash only, luckily I had some on me. At Kyoto station, we walked straight onto the 9:17am train for Uji. It was packed but thinned out in the 3 stops we were on for.

    At Uji, we did what all the tourists do and visited Byodo-in Temple. It was pretty, but we are getting a bit tempted out. After this, we needed a snack, so Starbucks was right next door, where we had a donut and scone. The lady also gave us 2 shots of coffee (except we don't drink coffee - that's why we didn't order one). It was a lovely thought. We rested for a bit, then ventured on along the river and across the bridge to see the stone pagoda, then walked up the small island and across another bridge to the other side. Here, we had a quick look at Uji Shrine. We also saw a pokemon manhole cover!

    Then we continued along the other side of the river, finally crossing the bridge to complete essentially a big loop. As it was near 1pm, we looked for food and found a Saizeriya nearby. Perfect for some filling cheap food. A beer, soft drink, and two rissole meals were $16.

    We arrived back at Kyoto station and went revisiting this building we love. We did the skywalk, then the sky gardens, and onto the stairs for their show. After this, we went to Yodabashi and got a few things, then headed back to Kyoto station after 4pm. to catch a bus to our hotel.

    Once at the hotel, we headed for the onsen. It was nice to be in an onsen again, even though this one had no view. After a rest, we headed out across the road and ended up deciding on a 7-11 dinner. This ended up our lowest step count day at 15,200 steps and 11.3 km.    Read more

  • MelskiusJapan Dec24 Parents only tripTraveler

    Day 7 - Kyoto - Arishiyama

    December 7, 2024 in Japan ☁️ 12 °C

    We had a slow morning and another 7-11 breakfast. At 8:30am we got moving and decided to walk the 2km to Umekoji Park where a handicraft market was happening. We wandered here for 45 minutes, then at 10 am, we were done with the rest of the day ahead of us. We decided to head off to Arishiyama for a look.

    Arriving around 10:30am, we headed for the very crowded main street and had an ice cream, then we proceeded to walk over the main bridge and around the other side of the river. Photographing lots, we walked back over the river and headed for the bamboo forest, retracting the steps we took on our last visit here a few years ago.

    With the sights seen and some snacks eaten, we decided to head back to the hotel via the Randen railway. We caught the 1:13pm train and were back in the hotel by 2pm.

    We went and had an onsen, then a bit of a rest before setting back out at 4 pm. We decided to walk the 2.4km to Kyoto station, then chose a ramen restaurant to eat at. There was a bit of a line we had to wait for a table. I have had better ramen.

    With food consumed, we revisited the skywalk and other parts of the station, taking night photos. By now, it was nearly 7 pm. we went to the nearby Don Quojite to look at suitcases, but couldn't find one we liked, and we were both dead tired.

    We chose to take the nearby subway that left us with a walk rather than walk and take the bus that would drop us closer. Todays total was over 21,700steps or 16.2 km    Read more

  • MelskiusJapan Dec24 Parents only tripTraveler

    Day 8 - Kyoto - Nara - Osaka

    December 8, 2024 in Japan ⛅ 9 °C

    We were breakfasted, dressed, and checked out of the hotel by 8 am. Then we waited a few minutes for the bus and rode that to Kyoto station. Here, we headed for the Kintetsu lone and rode the limited express to Nara. It was fully reserved seating, so we had to pay an extra 540 yen each. Within 45 minutes, we were in Nara.

    Once at Nara, we discovered that the Nara marathon was on today, the streets were lined with people cheering, and there were thousands of runners. We made our way through Nara Park, photographing deer and beautiful red leaves on trees.

    Then we made our way to Todaiji Temple, the largest wooden building I Japan that houses a Budda over 30m tall and weighing 250 tonnes. The building was massive.

    After seeing the temple, we stopped for an ice cream. Then we made our way back towards the station. We stopped at 7-11 for a light lunch. Then we walked up and down a few shopping streets before catching the 1:06pm train to Osaka.

    Once we arrived at Nipponbashi station, we only had a 160m walk to our hotel,where we got to check in early at 2pm. After a rest, we set off again at 3pm. Our mission was to see if we wanted to buy another suitcase and purchase extra baggage. After much deliberation, we decided not to and left the final luggage store at 5 pm. (Note to Feb trip us - Donki at Dotonbori had the legend walker for 11900yen).

    We then decided to have tonkatsu for our meal and headed off towards a nearby tonkatsu matsunoya. We got there right before a big rush and had a lovely dinner. Next on the agenda was to look at some stores I wanted to, so we hit up some suruguya and lashingbang stores. (Note to Feb self - the animate/lashingbang store south of Namba had some good stuff).

     It was now 8 pm, and some stores were closing, and we were beat. So we headed for the hotel for our last night in Japan.    Read more

  • MelskiusJapan Dec24 Parents only tripTraveler

    Namba

    December 9, 2024 in Japan ☀️ 13 °C

    We woke up pretty early and headed down for the buffet breakfast at 7am. Our last one in Japan for this trip. Then we packed up and decided to check out at about 9 am. Storing our bags with the hotel.

    We set off for a walk south towards Shinsekai neighbourhood. Stopping at one or 2 places that were open early along the way. We had walked quite a way and were tired. So we set course for a nearby Saizeriya for lunch at 12:15pm. Cheap nice meals, and a place you can sit and rest up.

    After lunch we picked up a few things from some shops we visited last night. Then, we walked back up to Dotomobori for another massage (60 minutes for 3,800 yen). This one was not as good as the one we got in Kyoto but hopefully served its purpose. After that, we walked the streets of Shinsaibashi and shopped for some last-minute things to take home.

    We got back to the hotel to pick up the bags and repack all the things we had purchased into them. We then walked down to Nankai Namba station, arriving at 5 pm. Where we had a Coolish that we got at the hotel vending machine.

    We boarded the 5:34pm. train to the airport. Weirdly, google maps did not offer this train I had previously seen as an option once we were inside the station. So we used an actual timetable and got on the train, putting us at the airport at 6:25pm.

    At the airport, we scoped out where the baggage service was to ship the ski bags in Feb. Then we went to find food. Shock horror hubby wanted a burger, so we had McDonalds as our last meal in Japan. At 7:45 p.m., we went through security and checked out the terminals.    Read more

    Trip end
    December 10, 2024