Kansai Central last Part; Umeda Sky Building and other Osaka Spots

4 Days Revisiting Japan in Winter with my Mother

February 10 to February 14, 2015

Kansai Central 1st Part; Walking inside Osaka Aquarium

How to go to Umeda Sky Building Floating Observatory;
400 meters walk from Osaka station. Entrance fee of 700JPY. Photography and video taking is permitted, tripod not allowed.

Commanding 360-degree vista of Osaka City, Kuchu Teien Tenbodai (Floating Garden Observatory) in Shin Umeda City is a landmark of Osaka's Kita area. As you feel the wind 173 meters above ground, enjoya magnificent panorama of high rise buildings reflecting the sunshine, the sun setting in the twilight, and t he gorgeous night view of the city as the day turns into night.

On our last day in Japan, My mother concentrated our itinerary in the Kansai Central area of Osaka. From Umeda Floating Garden Observatory, we shortly visited the Universal Studios which I first did last June 2013, Dotonbori night before and finally the Osaka Tower ground where we spent our last meal and bought some nice Japan products.

Kansai Central last Part; Umeda Sky Building Floating Observatory

Kansai Central 1st Part; Walking inside the Osaka Aquarium

4 Days Revisiting Japan in Winter with my Mother

February 10 to February 14, 2015

Kansai East last Part; Walking inside Kodai-Ji

How to go to Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan);
600 meters walk from Osakako station of Chuo Subway line (not covered by JR Pass). Entrance fee of 2,200JPY. Photography and video taking is permitted, tripod not allowed.

What Kaiyukan treasures is Ring of Fire, Ring of Life.

The guiding principle of Kaiyukan is based on theory, "The Gala hypothesis" advocated by British Scientist James Lovelock, which proposes that "all organisms and their inorganic surroundings on Earth are closely integrated to form a single and self-regulating complex system". The "Ring of Fire" is the circum-Pacific volcano belt which surrounds the Pacific Ocean. It overlaps "The Ringof Life" with its high-desity biodiversity. With the concepts suggested  by these two "Rings", Kaiyukan recreates natural environment around Pacific Ocean as faithfully as possible. 

Marine Animals of Kaiyukan starts at Aqua Gate, Japan Forest, Aleutian Islands, Monterey Bay, Panama Gulf, Ecuador Rainforest, Antartica, Tasman Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Pacific Ocean, Seto Inland Sea, Coast of Chile and Japan deep.

Kansai Central 1st Part; Walking inside Osaka Aquarium

Kansai East last Part; Walking inside Kodai-Ji

4 Days Revisiting Japan in Winter with my Mother

February 10 to February 14, 2015

Kansai East 1st Part; Fushimi Castle and Arashima's Bamboo Forest

How to go to Kodai-Ji;
More than a kilometer walk from Guion-Shijo train station (covered by Kansai Thru Pass). Entrance fee of 600JPY. Photography and video taking is permitted, tripod not allowed.

Kodai-Ji Temple, formally known as Kodaijusho-zenji Temple, is located in the Higashima mountains of Eastern Kyoto just south of Yasaka Shrine. It was established in 1605 by the noblewoman Kita-no-Mandokoro in memoryof her late husband, Toyotomi Hideyoshi.This temple was ravaged by series of fires after 1789, and all that survive of its original buildings are the Otama-ya, Kaisan-do, etc. Fortunately, these remain in an excellent state of preservation, and have all been designated "Important Cultural Properties" by the Japanese Government.

Kansai East last Part; Walking inside Kodai-Ji

Kansai East 1st Part; Fushimi Castle and Arashima's Bamboo Forest

4 Days Revisiting Japan in Winter with my Mother

February 10 to February 14, 2015

Kansai West last Part; Kobe's Gigantor and Harborland

How to go to Fushimi Castle;
Around 700 meters walk from Momoyama-goryomae train station (covered by Kansai Thru Pass). No admission fee within grounds only. Photography and video taking is  permitted.

Fushimi Castle, also known as Momoyama Castle, is a castle in Kyoto's Fushimi Ward. The current structure is a 1964 replica of the original built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

How to go to Bamboo Forest / Groove;

Less than 500 meters walk from Arashima train station (covered by Kansai Thru Pass). No admission fee within grounds only. Photography and video taking is  permitted.

Kansai East 1st Part; Fushimi Castle

Kansai West last Part; Kobe's Gigantor and Harborland

4 Days Revisiting Japan in Winter with my Mother

February 10 to February 14, 2015

Kansai West 2nd Part; Cable Car to Mt. Rokko's Snowpark

How to go to Harborland;
For Kobe subway (covered by Kansai Thru Pass) bound to Minato Motomachi Station. Free entrance fee in the Harbor grounds but not in the Kobe Tower. Photography and video taking is  permitted.

Kobe Port Tower is a 108 meter red tower in the shape of a drum is the world's first pipe construction and is the symbol of the Port of Kobe. The observation deck affords a sweeping view of the Kobe City, Mt. Rokko and Awaji Island, and it also has a unique rotating cafe, which makes 360-degree turn in 20 minutes. It also looks beautiful at night as it is illuminated.

How to go to Tetsujin 28-go / Gigantor / Iron Man #28 Monument;

For Kobe subway (covered by Kansai Thru Pass) bound to Shin-Igata Station. Free entrance and 24 hours access. Photography and video taking is  permitted on the grounds. Illuminated at night fall until 2130H.

The 18-meter high giant monument of the Tetsujin 28 was built to commemorate the great achievements of Japan's leading manga artist, Yokoyama, in his hometown in Kobe. Special exhibitions and various events are held at the site.

Kansai West last Part; Kobe's Harborland

Kansai West 2nd Part; Cable Car to Mt. Rokko's Snowpark

4 Days Revisiting Japan in Winter with my Mother

February 10 to February 14, 2015

Kansai West 1st Part; Revisiting Himeji's Taiyo Park

How to go to Mount Rokko National Park;
From Rokko train station, ride bus #16 going to Mt. Rokko Cable Car (not included in KTP). Snow Park combo fee is 2,380JPY that includes roundtrip cable car ride and Snow Park admission. Photography and video taking is  permitted.

Mount Rokko is the ideal visitors' spot close to the cities of Kobe and Osaka, also in short distance from Arima Onsen Springs. The scene and  the four seasons of the mountain are a must to enjoy here. Since this is my mother's firsttime to experience snow, this place is very ideal for her. There is an exciting slope for snow sledges and snowy play field where we can build snowman and make snowballs. Unfortunately, snowstorm occurred exactly on time of our visit. Thus, very limited photoshoot and adventure.

Kansai West 2nd Part; Cable Car to Mt. Rokko's Snowpark

Kansai West 1st Part; Revisiting Himeji's Taiyo Park

4 Days Revisiting Japan in Winter with my Mother

February 10 to February 14, 2015

Kansai South last Part; Cable Car to Koyasan

Himeji's Taiyo Park and 3D Photo Studios (June 2013)

How to go to Taiyo Park;
From Himeji station, walk away around 50m towards the bus terminal which is exactly infront of the exit. Ride bus #43 with fare fee of 490JPY. Bus timings is every hours basis, Tourist office inside Himeji train station has a schedule copy. Travel time is around 30mins, alight to Ushikoshi-Shinden bus stop. Park visiting hours is 0900H-1700H with entrance fee of 1,300 JPY ($13) and 600 JPY for children. Bus ride is not included in KTP and no admission discount.

Until now, most foreign tourists don't know about this place because it's tucked away in the countryside and is quite remote. The park is like a journey around the world, this the reason why I revisited this place for my mother's fascination. There was also an added excitement while touring the park which is collecting the 8 stamps placed on the world-renowned tourist spots. Of course, we completed the stamps together with the 3D photoshoots for around 3 hours of strolling.

Kansai West 1st Part; Revisiting Himeji's Taiyo Park (stamps of 8 major spots completed)

Kansai South last Part; Cable Car to Koyasan

4 Days Revisiting Japan in Winter with my Mother

February 10 to February 14, 2015

Kansai South 1st Part; Wakayama Castle and the Porta Europa

The year 2015 marks the 1,200th anniversary of the establishment of Koyasan.

How to go to Koyasan;
Koyosan can be reached by train, cable car and bus covered by Kansai Thru Pass. Alight to Gokurabashi Station then ride a cable car going to Koyasan Station. Then Nankai bus bound to Kondo Mae stop. Free admission on the grounds. Photography and video taking is  permitted inside the grounds.

The Kongo Rikishi (Guardian Deities) statues are keeping their eyes peeled at the gate in the sky. This is the Great Gate of Koyasan. Walk through it and you will see the Danjogaran area, one of the two largest holy places in Koyasan, where there is religious world the priest Kukai built (known as Kobo Daishi). Keep going to the east and you will find 117 temples and souvenir shops. Finally you will reach the other holy place, Okunoin that is subtle and profound space. Okunoin is surrounded by several-hundred-years-old cedar trees and immense graveyard for Japanese imperial family members. Currently, there are as many as 52 temples ad lodgings that can be used as accommodations.

Kansai South last Part; Cable Car to Koyasan (Konpon Daito)

Kansai South 1st Part; Wakayama Castle and the Porta Europa

4 Days Revisiting Japan in Winter with my Mother

February 10 to February 14, 2015

Kansai (Osaka) International Airport Arrival at night

How to go to Wakayama Castle;
Wakayama Castle is around 20mins walk from Wakayamashi Station Exit. For Wakayama bus (covered by Kansai Thru Pass) terminal just outside Wakayama train Station, ride bus #8 going to Koen-mae stop. Entrance fee is 300JPY, discounted admission for KTP holders. Photography and video taking is  permitted only in the grounds and on the viewing deck but not inside the castle.

Wakayama Castle and Castle keep history goes back to 1585 when Hideyoshi Hashiba ordered his brother Hidenaga to build the castle. A panoramic view of Wakayama Citycan be enjoyed from the castle keep. When the castle was originally built on the west summit of Mt. Torafusu by the House of Asano, Wakayama Castle was very similar to its current state. In 1935, Wakayama Castle was designated as national treasure. However in 1945, it was burned to the ground during the air bombing. Subsequently in 1958, it was rebuilt in reinforced concrete.

How to go to Porta Europa;
For Wakayama bus (covered by Kansai Thru Pass) terminal just outside Wakayama train Station, ride bus #21 from Wakayama Castle going to Marina City stop. Entrance fee is 1,300JPY, discounted admission for KTP holders. Photography and video taking is  permitted inside the grounds.

Porta Europa, a theme park in Marina City of Wakayama, is a faithful recreation of the streets of Medieval Europe. The park filled with attractions, and it holds many events throughout the year such as fantastic fireworks shows. The theme park featuring the reproduced Mediterranean fishing village in the Middle Age. Full of attractions which both adults and children could amuse themselves.

Kansai South 1st Part; Wakayama Castle 

Osaka Day Trip last part: Universal Studios (USJ)

7-days wandering solo in summer Japan
May 28 - June 04, 2013 Tuesday to Tuesday

Osaka day trip 1st part: the Castle

Universal Studios Singapore, USS (Jan. 2011)

2nd part of my Osaka tour, last day-trip in Japan. I initially intended to visit Disneysea Resort because this themepark is the best rated (and much more cheaper, 6,200yen only compared to 6,600 of USJ) among all in Japan. But due to weather discomfort and budget doubt, I decided to spend the remaining money if ever I had to this place. In my honest opinion, the following are my comparative observations regarding personal experience in Universal Studios Japan (Osaka) against researched data of Disneysea Resort (Tokyo).

Universal Studios Osaka (Kansai) versus Disneysea Resort Tokyo (Kanto);

1. Disneysea Resort is the best rated thempark in Japan.
2. Disneysea Resort has cheaper entrance fee.
3. Disneysea Resort is unique and can be found only in Japan.
4. I think Disneysea is much wider.
5. Space Mountain (DSR) has almost the same concept with Space Fantasy (USJ). 
6. Disneysea Resort is mainly for children while USJ is somewhat more for adolescence.

Then, why did I visit USJ knowing that Disneysea wins almost every aspects? Nothing, its the only option I had as my Osaka was my last destination for this trip. If ever I was in Tokyo, I would do the same. Besides, curious to know the difference between USS and USJ just for the sake I visited them both.

Universal Studios Japan (Universal City JR station)

Osaka Day Trip 1st part: the Castle

7-days wandering solo in summer Japan
May 28 - June 04, 2013 Tuesday to Tuesday

Nara afternoon solo tour 

1st part of my Osaka tour, last day-trip in Japan. I navigated first the Universal Studios themepark in Universal Studios City JR station to leave my backpack on nearest locker area then proceed to Osakajokuen (osaka city hall) JR station for the castle.

With 1,250 Japanese plum trees and 4,500 cherry trees, Osaka Castle Park is famous spot for spring flower viewing festivities. The Osaka Castle Chrysanthemum Festival is held in the autumn. The illuminated castle tower, shining golden at night, is a must see sight.

How to go to Osaka Castle:

Using Osaka JR loop line, alight to Osakajokuen JR station. Then, walk around 1km away to the entrance. Operating hours is from 0900H to 1700H with entrance fee of 600yen and free for 15yrs old and below. Group discount available for minimum 15 visitors.
 

Osaka Castle

Nara Afternoon Solo tour; Todai-ji

7-days wandering solo in summer Japan
may 28 - june 04, 2013 tuesday to tuesday

3D photo studios, Himeji Taiyo park specials 

Due to unplanned visit in Himeji's Taiyo Park, my Nara trip resumed on very late afternoon trip skipping now the supposedly included Kobe area. Another effect of this major change was I did not entered the famous temple of Nara because I arrived around past 1800H while the visitor hours was up to 1730H only. Anyways, I still have to take photo-ops just to say I visited this place.

Nara is an ancient capital city in Nara Prefecture, Kansai region of Japan. Overshadowed by its more famous neighbor Kyoto, Nara is omitted from many a time-pressed tourist's itinerary. However, Nara is home to many important scenic and historical sites, and today preserves its main sights much more attractively than Kyoto within Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple. Tōdai-ji, home to the famous Daibutsu, the largest Buddha statue in Japan and one of the largest in the world. The Daibutsu-den is said to be the largest wooden building in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Nara

How to go to Todai-ji;

From Osaka station bound to JR Nara station then ride a bus (bus terminal just infront of the Nara station exit) going to Todai-ji Temple. There are signboards there and mostly cater this route. Visitor hours from 0800H-1730H with entrance fee of 500yen.

Todai-ji

3D Photo Studios, Himeji Taiyo Park Specials

7-days wandering solo in summer Japan
May 28 - June 04, 2013 Tuesday to Tuesday

Himeji solo day trip 2nd part: Taiyo Park

First part of Taiyo Park is the other side of it which is the Hakucho Castle. This castle (reproduction of Neuschwanstein Castle from Germany) is a building that becomes the main area of the park. The swan Castle (Hakucho-ji) of medieval European style was completed in 2008. There is a Welcome House Swan and then monorail which is included in the entrance fee. On the 3rd floor to 7th floor are the 3D-studios (anamorphic illusions) which grabbed my attention because this was my first time to play the illusions behind the magnificent arts.

Anamorphosis is a distorted projection or perspective requiring the viewer to use special devices or occupy a specific vantage point to reconstitute the image. The word "anamorphosis" is derived from the Greek prefix ana-, meaning back or again, and the word morphe, meaning shape or form.

Hakucho-ji (Neuschwanstein Castle)

Hakucho-ji (Neuschwanstein Castle)

Himeji solo day trip 2nd part: Taiyo Park

7-days wandering solo in summer Japan
May 28 - June 04, 2013 Tuesday to Tuesday

Himeji solo day trip 1st part; the Castle & Koko-en

I just discovered this park when the counter in Himeji Castle "koko-en" handed-over mistakenly the Taiyo Park leaflet in Japanese. Since It was already on me, why not check what it offers. Surprisingly, it caught my attention due to its "Terracotta Army" reproduction which originates in China and I missed-out to visit last Febr. 2013 due to limited time. At that instant, change itinerary. Scrap Kobe, extend Himeji stay.

Taiyo Park spreads across the foot of Mt. Mineia. Stone images and ruins of the world, such as the Arch of Triumph (France), the Great Wall (China), the moai statue (Easter Island), a pyramid (Egypt) and the Terracotta Warriors are reproduced in the park. It is wonderful and interesting spot where you can feel as if you were traveling all over the world while in Himeji.

How to go to Taiyo Park :

From Himeji station, walk away around 50m towards the bus terminal which is exactly infront of the exit. Ride bus #43 with fare fee of 480yen. Bus timings is every hours basis, Tourist office inside station has a schedule copy. Travel time is around 30mins, alight to Ushikoshi-Shinden bus stop. Park visiting hours is 0900H-1700H with entrance fee of 1,300yen ($13) and 600yen for children.

Taiyo Park's Terracotta Army (China)

 

Himeji Solo Day trip 1st part: the Castle and Koko-en

7-days wandering solo in summer Japan
May 28 - June 04, 2013 Tuesday to Tuesday

Kyoto solo day-trip last part: Nijo-jo & Fushimi Inari 

6th day of 7-days journey summer season in the Land of the Rising sun. Initial plan for this day was Nara-Kobe-Himeji but when I aboard the platform in Osaka JR station, I saw Himeji bound was earlier to depart around 30 minutes than Nara. Himeji is west bound of Osaka, opposite side of Nara (east bound), of course I have map with me, the basis why I had sudden change of route. By the way, Himeji Tourism office located inside the station before the exit has FREE WI-FI, no registration needed. I just remembered this because before and after my Himeji tour I just check-out first my phone to update my foursquare, instagram and facebook status as well.

Himeji is a small city at the western edge of the Kansai region of Japan with Japan's finest castle. At one point in the late 1500's, it was the biggest castle in all of Asia. The city has been featured in a series of Japanese and foreign films due to its picturesque old-Japan look.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Himeji

Himeji Castle is Japan's first World Cultural Heritage site which was registered in 1993 and designated as national treasure in 1931. Built in the early 17th century, this caste represents the highest achievement in Japanese Castle architecture. The castle's beauty and level of perfection are the greatest of any wooden structure in Japan. Many structures such as keeps, towers, walls and moat have been well preserved for over 400 years. The site is famous for showing the unique defensive methods of Japan feudal era. Because of its elegant appearance, the catle has been compared to a white bird in the sky. Its famous nickname is "White Heron Castle".

Himeji Castle

Kyoto Solo Day Trip last part: Nijo-jo and Fushimi Inari

7-days wandering solo in summer Japan
may 28 - june 04, 2013 tuesday to tuesday

Kyoto solo day-trip 2nd part: Kinkakuji & Heian Shrine 

Aside from Ginakakuji (Silver Pavilion), made by the Grandson and Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), made by the Grandfather, another interesting and captivating tourist spots to visit in Kyoto is the Fushimi-Inari Shrine. After having the morning tour (Ginkakuji, Philosopher's path, Kinkakuji, Heian Temple, Imperial Palace and Nijo-jo) with one-day unlimited bus pass on the central city of Kyoto, I made part Inari Shrine as my last destination for Kyoto day-trip.

Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of Inari, located in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto. The shrine sits at the base of a mountain also named Inari which is 233 metres above sea level, and includes trails up the mountain to many smaller shrines. Each of the torii at Fushimi Inari Taisha is donated by businesses. Inari is the God of rice. 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fushimi_Inari-taisha

How to go to Fushimi-Inari Shrine:

JR Nara line to Inari station. The shrine is a 5 minute walk from both stations. Open to the public from 0700H-1800H, no entrance fee.

Fushimi Inari Shrine torii gates

Kyoto Solo Day Trip 2nd part: Kinkakuji and Heian Shrine

7-days wandering solo in summer Japan
may 28 - june 04, 2013 tuesday to tuesday

Kyoto solo day-trip 1st part: Ginkakuji & other city parks

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion Temple) is a shariden, Buudhist Hall containing relics of BUddha. The pavilion is part of the temple that is formally named Rokoun-ji Temple, but commonly called Kinkaku-ji Temple or Temple of the Golden Pavillion. Rokoun-ji is Zen Buddhist Temple. Yoshimitsu, 3rd Shogun of Muromachi period, took a liking to the area and acquired from Saionji family in 1397. After Yoshimitsu dies, in keeping with his will, the villa was converted into temple by the priest Muso-kokushi. The temple's name Rokoun-ji, was derived from the name. The ponds with the Golden Pavilion is the center of the garden. In 1994, Rokoun-ji temple was registered as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How to go to Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion Temple):

Just ride any of bus # 59, 102, 204, alight to Kinkakuji-machi bus stop then walk around 300m away going to main entrance. Visiting hours from 0900H-1700H with entrance fee of 400yen. Food and tripod is not allowed inside. Taking video is prohibited also.

Kinkakuji (Temple of Golden Pavilion)

Kyoto Solo Day Trip 1st part: Ginkakuji & other City Parks

7-days wandering solo in summer Japan
may 28 - june 04, 2013 tuesday to tuesday

Hakone solo day-trip last part 

5th day of my 1st visit to the Land of the Rising Sun, where tourism has a concept of "history meets the modern technology". At first my plan was to navigate Kyoto using private trains because I don't have much resources how to do it on cheapest way. But during my strolling inside the Kyoto station, I was surprise a one-day bus unlimited pass is offered for only 500yen ($5). On that moment, I immediately walked to the bus station where the signs direct to the famous toursit destination I am planning to visit. After I saw the bus station, I asked one local tourist where can I avail the bus pass. He said it was just on the tourism office 10 meters away. I went there paying the 500yen in cash together with a free english colorful city map. Around 0800H, I started the one-day city tour.

Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over a millennium and carries a reputation as its most beautiful city. Formerly the imperial capital of Japan for more than one thousand years, it is now the capital of Kyoto Prefecture, as well as a major part of the Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe metropolitan area. Kyoto is vast in terms of its rich cultural heritage - the material endowment of over a thousand years as the country's imperial capital.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Kyoto

Ginkakuji (Temple of Silver Pavillion)