Pre-trip Preparation

Dear friends, today I'd like to share my recent 5-day-4-night in-depth travel experience in the Kansai region. As a travel blogger who has visited over 30 countries, I believe the Kansai region is definitely worth planning for an in-depth tour. It offers not only the elegant majesty of ancient Kyoto but also the modern prosperity of Osaka and the leisurely atmosphere of Nara.

Before going to Kansai, I spent two full weeks preparing. First, I obtained a 15-day Japanese tourist visa. Getting a Japanese visa is actually very convenient now - with employment certification and proof of assets ready, it usually takes 3-5 working days. However, I recommend applying at least one month in advance to avoid affecting your travel plans.

Transportation Guide

Speaking of transportation in the Kansai region, the most hassle-free option is buying a Kansai Thru Pass. I remember foolishly buying individual tickets my first time, only to later discover this pass is absolutely invaluable. It covers not only round-trip transport from Kansai Airport to the city but also travel between Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara, as well as subways and buses within each city.

For example, a one-way ticket from Kansai Airport to central Osaka costs around 1,200 yen, so that's 2,400 yen round trip. Meanwhile, a 5-day Kansai Thru Pass only costs around 9,000 yen, saving you at least 40% on transportation costs.

Accommodation Choices

For accommodation, I recommend choosing two base points: Kyoto and Osaka. For instance, I stayed 3 nights in Kyoto and 1 night in Osaka this time. Why this arrangement? Because Kyoto's attractions are relatively spread out, and many temples are most beautiful in the morning, staying in Kyoto allows you to get up early and avoid crowds.

Specifically, I recommend staying near Shijo Kawaramachi in Kyoto. It's close to Yasaka Shrine, Gion, and Kiyomizu Temple, and you can visit Nishiki Market in the evening. The guesthouse I stayed at, though small, had everything you need, and most importantly, was perfectly located - just a 10-minute walk to Gion.

Itinerary

On the first day, we went directly to Kyoto from Kansai Airport. Our first stop was Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). In the afternoon sunlight around 3 PM, the entire building gleamed golden, creating a breathtaking reflection in the Mirror Pond. The 1,000 yen entrance fee might seem expensive, but it's absolutely worth it.

On the second day, we got up at 6 AM to visit Fushimi Inari Shrine. Why so early? Because the thousand torii gates are so famous that after 9 AM, it becomes extremely crowded. The morning Inari Shrine was quiet and peaceful, with the torii gates appearing mystical in the morning mist, making for more atmospheric photos.

On the third day, we went to the Arashiyama area. The Bamboo Grove is a must-visit spot, but I must remind everyone to time it right if you want good photos. I arrived around 10 AM when the sunlight created beautiful light and shadow effects through the bamboo. Following the bamboo path, you can also visit Tenryu-ji, one of Kyoto's five great Zen temples.

Food Exploration

Regarding Kansai cuisine, Osaka's Kuromon Market is a must-visit food paradise. The fresh seafood, grilled meat, and sushi here are popular among locals too. I especially recommend a shop called "Daiki Suisan" - their sea urchin sushi is unforgettably fresh.

In Kyoto, you must visit Nishiki Market. This 400-meter-long market street houses over 400 shops. From traditional wagashi to Kyoto-style pickles, from fresh sashimi to grilled skewers, they have everything. I discovered a century-old tofu shop here - their sesame tofu is silky smooth with a lingering taste.

Shopping Guide

If you're a shopping enthusiast like me, Osaka's Shinsaibashi and Namba will definitely satisfy you. These areas have not only major brand stores but also many high-value drugstores. I noticed that Japanese brands like Rohto eye drops and Lion toothpaste are 20-30% cheaper here than at airport duty-free shops.

Practical Tips

Finally, here are some practical tips:

In Kyoto, buses are the main mode of transportation. I recommend downloading Google Maps - it can accurately tell you which bus to take and where to get off.

Tap water in the Kansai region is safe to drink, so there's no need to buy bottled water. However, if you prefer room temperature water, bring your own bottle as Japanese beverages are typically served cold.

Japanese convenience stores accept UnionPay cards, but for small amounts (under 1,000 yen), cash is recommended as many traditional shops only accept cash.

Conclusion

The Kansai trip left a deep impression on me. This region perfectly blends tradition and modernity, showcasing the charm of Japanese culture. What attracts you most about the Kansai region? Is it Kyoto's ancient temples or Osaka's modern atmosphere? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.