1Osaka:
(1) Universal Studios Japan:A place where both adults and children can have an amazing time. It’s recommended to set aside a full day just for this park.
How to get there? Universal Studios Japan is located in OsakaJR (Universal City Station). Take the OsakaJRLoop Line to Nishi-Kujo and transfer there; Universal Studios Japan is the second stop.
1.Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (55 stars) Incredibly fun!! You’ll be screaming from start to finish, and it might leave your voice hoarse.
2.Spider-Man (4.55 stars) Feels like you’re filming a sequel to Spider-Man.~~Super immersive!!!
3.Shrek4D4-D Adventure (44 stars) Even if you don’t understand Japanese, it’s still really fun, and there’s a little surprise too.
4.Jaws (3.54 stars) Very realistic!! Unfortunately, the ride is a bit short, and sitting on the sides might get you startled by the big shark. The high-budget flames are super hot.XDDD
5.Jurassic Park (3.54 stars) The ending is super scary.(We went at night, so we couldn’t see the dinosaurs very well.)~ Sitting in the first or last row will get you wet.
2, Osaka Castle Park+Osaka Castle Keep: The top choice for learning about Japan’s Warring States culture.
Address: Osaka Castle, Chuo Ward, Osaka City1-1block
Admission: Free
Tsutenkaku Opening Hours:9:00-20:30
Admission: Adults600yen, Children300yen
Osaka Castle Park is right in the heart of Osaka. Here, you can experience the legacy of the Warring States period from a tourist’s perspective and admire the unique blend of modern architecture and historic sites. You can also spend a day as a local, starting your day with a pleasant stroll through the urban park.
If you happen to be here1from3, don’t miss the plum blossoms blooming in the park’s plum grove.4is also not to be missed as one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots, with4000cherry trees blooming in full splendor. Osaka Castle Park is expansive, covering a total of105.6hectares, making it grand in scale. Although it was burned down multiple times during wartime, thanks to the efforts of local residents, it was rebuilt in Showa6and has been preserved to this day, now serving as one of Osaka’s iconic landmarks.
Osaka Castle Keep is the symbolic structure of Osaka Castle Park. When you see the keep upon entering Osaka, you’ve reached the city center—that is, Osaka Castle Park. The keep is the main structure of the park, standing at13meters above the39.8-meter-high keep platform. The keep has5exterior floors and8interior floors, with the top floor offering panoramic views of Osaka City. Other floors display a variety of weapons, a wooden statue of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, letters, as well as models illustrating historical battle maps. There’s also a TV and projection presentation depicting the life of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, in addition to a model showing the restored version of Osaka Castle. On the2to7floors, the museum area lets you explore how Toyotomi Hideyoshi rose from humble beginnings to become an unrivaled hero—his glorious yet regret-filled life. Therefore, the keep is the best place to learn about this Sengoku-era Japanese strongman.
3Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan:Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is one of the world’s largest aquariums and is famous for housing a giant whale shark, making it a popular destination for family trips. Visitors can take an elevator up to the top8floor and explore the exhibits floor by floor from the top down. Kaiyukan’s unique touch pool gives children the opportunity to get close to marine creatures they don’t usually see. Unlike other aquariums, there are no whale or dolphin performances here, but there is a special penguin walk event in winter. Next to the aquarium is the famous St. Maria, a sail-shaped cruise ship at Osaka Port, which can be ridden for free if you have an Osaka Amazing Pass.
Transportation: Exit1of Osaka-ko Station on the Chuo Subway Line and walk5minutes
Admission:2300yen, junior high and elementary school students1200yen,4-6years old600Japanese yen
Opening hours:10:00-20:00,12month25day-31day closed
4, Shinsaibashi:Shinsaibashi isOsaka’s largest shopping district, home to numerous boutique shops and specialty stores, bustling from morning till night with a constant flow of locals and tourists. Shinsaibashi developed around the arcade-lined Shinsaibashi-suji shopping street. The area features large department stores, century-old shops, and a wide variety of small retail outlets catering to all budgets. The pedestrian walkways paved with stone,British-style street lamps, and rows of brick buildings along Suomachi-dori give the area an elegant atmosphere, earning it the nicknameLittle Europe.Village.
The western part of Shinsaibashi is calledAmericamura, symbolized by a wall painted with various bold and individualistic designs. Americamura is packed with shops targeting trendy young people, offering eclectic fashion and other goods, creating a vibrant atmosphere that contrasts sharply with that of Little Europe. Each block here has its own unique layout, making a stroll through the area a delight. Shinsaibashi also has numerous restaurants where you can enjoy not only Japanese cuisine but also a variety of international flavors fromThe village features walls painted with a variety of quirky, colorful designs, which have become its symbol. Amerikamura is home to shops catering specifically to trendy young people, offering a range of eclectic clothing and other goods. Its atmosphere stands in sharp contrast to that of Europe Village. Each block has its own unique layout, making a stroll through the area a delightful experience. Shinsaibashi also boasts numerous eateries, serving not only Japanese cuisine but also allowing visitors to sample a diverse array of flavors from around the world, includingChina,,Korea,,Asia, the Americas, and Europe., America, and Europe.
Crossing the Midosuji boulevard that runs through the center of Shinsaibashi is the main thoroughfare connecting the “north” entertainment district centered onUmedawith the “south” districts of Shinsaibashi andNamba.The main boulevard that connects the bustling "Minami" entertainment district around Namba . The Midosuji Parade, held every autumn, is a dazzling event featuring marching bands from around the globe.
2Kyoto:
(1）Fushimi Inari Taisha：Located at the foot of Mount Inari, this shrine primarily enshrines the deities of Inari, led by Ukanomitama-no-Kami, and is one of the most beloved and visited shrines in Kyoto. The Inari gods are fox deities believed to bless a bountiful harvest and, by extension, business prosperity. Throughout Fushimi Inari Taisha, visitors will find numerous stone fox statues with mouths holding sheaves of rice or grains, revered and worshipped by the faithful.
The most iconic attraction of Fushimi Inari is the Senbon Torii (Thousand Gateways). Along the long mountain path stand countless bright red torii gates, all donated by individuals or companies. The Senbon Torii also served as a filming location for the movie *Memoirs of a Geisha*. At the halfway point along the mountain path, you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the area. Walking the full stretch of the torii gates takes about two hours one way, so feel free to turn back based on your own schedule.
Transportation：Take theJRNara Line to Inari Station; or take the Kyoto Main Line to Fushimi Inari Station
Admission：Free
Opening Hours ：The shrine is open all day; prayer services are available from8:30-16:30
Travel Time Reference ：2~3hours
【Special Tip】The Senbon Torii gates make for excellent portrait photography spots—ladies may want to dress up in a kimonoMMto pose for photos. However, since the site is free and very popular with tourists, if you prefer not to have other visitors in your shots, it’s best to go early in the morning or later in the evening.
（2）Kiyomizu-dera Temple:The full name of Kiyomizu-dera is Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera. It is a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves and cherry blossoms, and is ranked as one of Kyoto’s Three Great Sights along withKinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)andNijo Castle. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in1994(year missing). The temple's most notable feature is the Kiyomizu Stage, which juts out over the hillside. From here, you can enjoy views of the streets of Kyoto, and the eleven-faced, thousand-armed Kannon statue enshrined in the main hall is a cultural treasure believed to bring fortune in wealth.
Within Kiyomizu-dera is theOtowa Waterfall, where the spring water splits into three streams, representing“academic success”,“Achieving Love”、“Praying for Longevity”There are three aspects to this: choose one of the three spring outlets and drink from its water, and your wish will come true. However, be aware that desiring too much and drinking too much water may have the opposite effect.
The temple also has a shrine dedicated to praying for love.Jinjinja Shrine (Landlord God Shrine), which enjoys great popularity, especially among women.Jinjinja Shrinefeatures two large rocks. It is said that if you can walk from one rock to the other with your eyes closed, it signifies that you will form a good relationship with your beloved.
Transportation: Kiyomizu-dera is located in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto. The closest bus stops are Gojozaka and Kiyomizu-michi, with buses available from various locations in Kyoto City:
[From Kyoto Station] ① Take Kyoto City Bus206bound for Higashiyama-dori Kitaōji Bus Terminal,100or the bus bound for Kiyomizu-dera, Gion, and Kinkaku-ji, and get off at Gojozaka. Then walk. ② Take Kyoto Bus (operates only on Saturdays, holidays)18bound for Ohara, get off at Higashiyama-Gojo, then walk10minutes.
[From Gion-Shijo Station] ① Take Kyoto City Bus207bound for Tofuku-ji and Kujo Garage, get off at Kiyomizu-michi, then walk10minutes. ② Take Keihan Bus83,85,87,88,88bound for various destinations, get off at Kiyomizu-michi or Gojozaka, then walk10minutes.
[From Kyobashi Station or Nishioji Station or Karasuma Station or Shichijo Station] Take Kyoto City Bus206bound for Higashiyama-dori Kitaōji Bus Terminal,100or the bus bound for Kiyomizu-dera, Gion, and Kinkaku-ji, get off at Gojozaka, then walk10minutes.
Admission: Entry to the main hall: Adults300yen, Elementary and Junior High School Students200JPY; for night visits, adults400JPY, and for elementary and junior high school students200JPY.
Opening hours: generally6:00-18:00, and are extended until21:00in the evening during night visit periods.
(3) Kinkaku-ji:Kinkaku-ji was built in1379and originally served as the villa of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu(Ashikaga Yoshimitsu), a shogun, before being converted into a Zen temple.“The name Kinkaku-ji, or “Golden Pavilion,””comes from the Kannon-den (Hall of the Golden Pavilion) where Ashikaga Yoshimitsu practiced Zen. The building was covered in gold leaf, leading people to call it the Golden Pavilion, and the temple eventually became known by the same name.1950In [year], the Golden Pavilion was deliberately set on fire and burned down; the golden structure seen today is a reconstruction. Those interested in this history can read Yukio Mishima’s novel The Temple of the Golden Pavilion.
Kinkaku-ji is a3-story pavilion: the first floor is the Hojo (Dharma Water Temple); the second floor is the Togudo (Chamber of the Sound of the Tide), which enshrines the goddess Kannon; and the third floor is a square Buddhist hall housing three statues of Amitabha Buddha. The architecture of Kinkaku-ji blends harmoniously with the surrounding garden. The clear waters of the Kyoko-chi Pond nearby reflect the resplendent golden pavilion—a quintessential Kyoto sight.
Highlights of Kinkaku-ji: instead of a regular entry ticket, visitors receive an amulet with a blessing written on it. In addition, next to the Fudō-dō hall in the temple grounds, there are fortune-telling slips available in Chinese and Korean. The matcha ice cream sold at Kinkaku-ji also enjoys a great reputation.
Transportation : take bus12,59,101,102,204,205to Kinkaku-ji-mae Station.
Admission : adults400JPY, and elementary and junior high school students300JPY.
Opening hours :9:00-17:00
(4)? Garden：?The Gion district refers to the area between Yasaka Shrine, the Kamo River, and Higashi-oji Street, and is Kyoto’s traditional bustling entertainment quarter. It is famous for the presence of geiko (geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha), with the Gion Kobu being the largest hanamachi (geisha district) in Kyoto. Occasionally, you might spot them on Hanami-koji Street. The Gion area has many tea houses and ryotei (traditional restaurants), and its classic architecture and charming shops are well worth a visit. It's a great place for nightlife and also offers opportunities to rent kimonos and yukata. Additionally, the Gion Matsuri, held annually in summer, is widely known. During the Gion Matsuri, people parade through the streets in lavishly decorated floats while playing traditional music with flutes, gongs, and drums. It is the most lively time of the year in Kyoto, attracting over100million visitors.
Transportation : Take the Hankyu Kyoto Line to Kawaramachi Station, the Keihan Main Line to Gion-Shijo Station, or a city bus to Gion Stop.
Admission : Free entry
Opening Hours : Open all day
3Nara:
(1) Nara Park:Nara Park is an urban park located at the foot of Wakakusa Mountain in Nara City.Todai-ji Temple,Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and other famous historical sites in Nara are all located here, making it a must-visit destination when exploring Nara.
Nearby the park isWakakusa Mountain, which offers a fantastic view of the Nara landscape. Every1month, the traditional“Wakakusa Yamayaki (mountain burning) festival”is also held here.
The best way to enjoy the park is to stroll leisurely through it. It is also home to the densest population of deer, and feeding the adorable creatures is one of the highlights for visitors.
These deer are quite spirited — they will approach you if they see deer crackers in your hand, so be cautious of herds that may try to gently (or not so gently) knock you over.
To the north lies Todai-ji Temple, whose grand Great Buddha Hall is the world’s largest wooden structure. Inside, you can see the world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha. Climbing up to Nigatsu-do offers a panoramic view of Nara. To the southeast at the foot of Kasuga Mountain is Kasuga Taisha Shrine, surrounded by lush greenery that gives it an ancient and natural ambiance. During the annual2month and8month Obon or Mantoro Festival, thousands of lanterns are lit along the stone path leading to the main hall, creating a magical and sacred atmosphere that is truly unforgettable.
Additionally, nearby attractions such as the Nara National Museum, Isuien Garden, and Kofuku-ji Temple are also worth visiting.
Transportation : It is aboutJRa10-15-minute walk from either Kintetsu Nara Station or
Nara Station to Nara Park. Kintetsu Nara Station is closer to the park. If you’re near Todai-ji or Kasuga Taisha, you can also walk there . Admission:
Free Opening Hours:
(2)All day:Todai-ji(is the head temple of Japan’s Kegon sect of Buddhism, also known as the Great Eastern Temple or Golden Light Four Heavenly Kings National Protection Temple. Located east of Heijō-kyō—)today’s Nara—1998it is one of the Seven Great Temples of Nanto and has a history of approximately 1,200 years. Todai-ji728was established in [year] by Emperor Shōmu, a devout Buddhist. The temple served as the head of all provincial temples across the country. As it was built east of the capital, Heijō-kyō, it came to be called “Todai-ji” (Great Eastern Temple); there is also a “Sai-ji” (Western Temple). The Great Buddha Hall of Todai-ji measures68meters in width and57meters in depth, making it the largest wooden building in the world. Inside the hall stands a colossal statue of the50-meter-tall Great Buddha15(Vairocana). The temple grounds also include the Nandaimon Gate, Nigatsu-do, Sanjū-do, and Shōsō-in. The Nandaimon Gate features famous twin wooden statues of Niō guardian deities. Nigatsu-do offers a view overlooking the Great Buddha Hall and a panoramic sight of the city of Nara.?Admission:
Adults[amount] yen, Children500[amount] yen300Transportation:
From:Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station, you can take the city loop bus toJRDaibutsuden-Kasuga Taisha-mae“(Daibutsu Line... stop name in Japanese), which takes about”5 minutes. It is also an approximately-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station.20Opening Hours:
Opening hours：11January to2March:8:00-16:30(3The month of is postponed to17:00)4April to9June:7:30-17:30(10The month of is moved forward to17:00)
(TIPS:There is a Nara Temple exclusive version of theHELLO KITTY, which is worth buying)
(3)Naramachi,“once known as”Nara’s oldest town,19features rows of houses built in the
century that exude strong Edo-period charm. The Naramachi Koshōkan showcases the culture and lifestyle of common townsfolk. Recently, cafes and shops created from traditional residences have become popular — these quaint-looking yet fashionably renovated coffeehouses or tea houses offer a different charm from the Nara recorded in ancient history. Also located within Nara's old streets is the equally world-heritage-listed Yakushi-ji Temple.Transportation:
Located near Nara Station, it is a commercial street within walking distanceAdmission:
Free entryOpening Hours:
Open all day4(Toshodai Temple)Tōshōdai-ji, located in Nara City, is a group of buildings designed in the architectural style of China’s prosperous Tang Dynasty. It was personally founded by the Chinese Tang Dynasty monk Jianzhen and serves as the head temple of Japan’s Ritsu sect of Buddhism. It has been designated as a National Treasure of Japan. Jianzhen, a high-ranking monk of the Tang Dynasty (year688―763), the6After crossing to Japan seven times, construction began in the third year of the Tenpyō-hōji era (674 AD)759and was completed around770675 AD.
Transportation: Take the bus bound for“Rokujōyama”and get off at the“Tōshōdai-ji”stop. Alternatively, start from the entrance of Kintetsu Nishikyō Station and walk700meters, which takes about10minutes.
Admission: Adults600yen, high school and junior high school students400yen, elementary school students200yen. Hondō (Main Hall): Adults500yen, high school and junior high school students300yen, elementary school students200yen. Shin Hōzō (New Treasure House): Secondary school students and above:100yen, elementary school students50yen.
Opening Hours:8:30-17:00(Last entry:16:30)
Kansai Travel Guide – Tools Edition
Considering the influence of the Kansai dialect, understanding Japanese in the Kansai region is a few levels more difficult than in places like Tokyo. In daily travel, besides using convenient tickets to save money and plan your itinerary, some essential travel aids are indispensable.
1Essential Transportation Aid – Google Maps:Google Maps will navigate and display information based on your phone’s system default language, making it a great tool for finding your way while traveling in Japan. If you’re heading to a location or get lost, you can easily reach your destination using Google’s location and navigation features.
2Essential Language Communication Tool – Youdao Translate: Traveling in Kansai can be a huge challenge due to the language barrier. Even if you're fluent in English, you may still feel quite helpless at times—especially when asking for directions or ordering food. In such situations, a reliable translation tool becomes essential.
: Two highly practical features are strongly recommended: First is the image translation function. Whether it's the name of a subway line, a restaurant menu, or a brochure in a mall, simply take a photo, and it will automatically recognize and instantly translate the text. This feature is incredibly useful for shopping and dining.
: The second practical feature is Chinese-English mutual translation. For instance, when going through customs, bargaining, or asking for directions during transit, if gestures just aren't cutting it, you can directly speak Chinese to the translator, which will then convert your words into English for communication. While it’s not as convenient as having direct Japanese voice translation, real-world experience shows that most Japanese people have a decent level of English.
3: An indispensable trip assistant――Lonely Planet Trip Planner
: The Lonely Planet Trip Planner offers200: classic itineraries for multiple countries. For most first-time travelers with no overseas experience, features like one-click itinerary copying and on-the-go editing on mobile devices greatly lower the barrier to planning international trips.
: To address the common frustration of language barriers abroad, the Trip Planner introduces a thoughtful "Asking for Directions" card feature. OpenApp: turn your phone sideways or tap the destination name, and an “Asking for Directions” card will appear on the screen, displaying the destination’s name and address in both Chinese and English(: or local script.): Another highlight of the Trip Planner is the shake-to-use feature. For users who aren’t comfortable using maps for planning, getting lost is often the most frustrating part of traveling. Now, just shake your phone, and the Trip Planner will optimize your daily route based on the shortest distance.
4: An indispensable travel know-it-all――Travel Box
: Travel BoxAPP: is a travel utility app for mobile phones. Currently, it includes functions such as world clock, trip weather, real-time translation, destination guides, expense tracker, trip billing, real-time currency exchange, emergency assistance, and travel insurance. It is highly expandable. Before you go, check the weather, or convert yen to RMB directly while shopping—all rely on this app.
5: Some useful localAPP
: (1: ) Top recommendation: Japan Self-Guided Travel Train & Metro Guide Map Collection (priced at50: RMB). It features detailed maps and navigation for popular Japanese tourist cities, making it an indispensable helper for independent local travel.
: (2: ) Osaka Travel Guide: local itinerary planning in Osaka;
: (3: ) Next Stop, Kyoto: a travel guide to Kyoto;
: (4: ) Nara Self-Guided Travel Map: a travel guide to Nara.