Osaka

[drron]

Late March and April are not times for cheap hotel rooms.We are staying in Kyoto 28/3-2/4 but booking a year out was able to get a points stay at the Westin Miyako Kyoto.Has been booked out for a couple of months now even though asking insane prices for the last rooms.

 

[gojun]

If you ever need help with directions, Google maps or Hyperdia is your best friend.

Just going off Google Map's directions:

• Kyoto Station to Osaka Station - Platforms 4,5 - Tokaido-Sanyo Line, towards Himeji
• Walk from Osaka Station to Umeda Station Subway. From memory, there was limited signage indicating where Umeda Station is. However, there are signs for the subway line you need to take, the Midosuji Subway Line, the red line. If lost, just try to find an escalator that goes underground, you'll either end up an arcade, shopping centre or somewhere close to the Midosuji subway station. Make sure you don't go towards to the Hankyu line, the brown line.
• Umeda Station to Shinsaibashi Station - Midosuji Line, towards Tennoji
• Look for Exit 8 and that will take you to the entrance of Nikko Hotel

Both the Shinkansen (bullet train) and local JR train takes the same time from Kyoto to Osaka Station. If you have a JR pass, take which ever train comes first. If you don't have one, then get the local train.

If it's your first time in Japan, it's important to know which exists to take. Otherwise, you could end up on the other side of the station, for large stations it would be a 15 minute walk back to the other side!

If you need advice and things to do when you're in Osaka, message me and I'll respond!

Avoid the Nigerian owned clothes stores in Ame-mura (America Town), they usually sell fake/imitation merchandise!

 

[Tassieoptom]

Thanks Gojun, no wonder I was getting confused, lol. Will take your notes and advice on the correct exits. Am so looking forward to the trip. Many thanks.

 

[drron]

If you are staying in the Kansai only then there are several area train passes that you can use that are cheaper than the JR pass.Here is the link-
https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/

So we are using one of the regional passes as then we go on a cruise but tour the JR East region later so getting a JR East pass which doesn't have to be used on consectutive days.Fortunately for us we can get the current JR East pass before it is discontinued-it is much better value than the JR pass if travelling on the main island basically north of Tokyo-
JR EAST PASS | Fares & Passes | JR-EAST

 

[gojun]

The Kansai pass only covers JR trains. If you're staying in Umeda or Namba area, you'll be using the subway system a lot more. The ticket from Kyoto to Shinsaibashi is ¥800, ¥240 is the cost of the subway.
If you're going to Nara, you can get there on the Kintetsu. The JR Nara station is about 15 minute walk from the Kintetsu Nara Station, which is the closer station to Todaiji Temple and the Deer Park.

I don't think you'll get your money's worth getting one of those passes. From Shinsaibashi to Kobe station on a normal is ¥650 and the time difference is very minimal.

You'll only ever utilize the JR train system if you're travelling to the outskirts of the Kansai area, even that is not going to get your money's worth...

Unless I'm missing something... The only passes worth getting are the weekend one day subway passes

 

[drron]

But it does get you from the airport to Kyoto.And a day trip to Himeji and definitely worth it.
As well we have been to Japan on >30 occasions so this trip is just about Sakura and the JR lines will definitely cover our needs.

 

[gojun]

Perhaps... could do a day trip to Kobe and Himeji.

I do not advise going to the zoo at Himeji Castle, the animals are kept in crowded cages. You can see that they're stressed and mentally affected by their living conditions. They're are 2 polar bears pacing around in a cage that's maybe 25m^2 and in the middle of it is a pool......

 

[drron]

We are going for the sakura at the castle.Have visited before and did not visit the zoo.

 

[kevrosmith]

This pass Notes Regarding Usage of the Osaka Amazing Pass : Usage Guide : Osaka Amazing Pass 2015

And this pass KANSAI THRU PASS (English) | Ticket&Goods | SURUTTO KANSAI

are invaluable for the Osaka and Kansai area. Includes transport on the subway and private rails and buses and also includes entry to many tourist attractions.

Some are consecutive days passes, so take care to read the t&c's.

 

[gojun]

Bring a blanket, load up on the beers and drinks at the conbini, buy snacks and food from vendors, lots of vendors near the station, and enjoy your Ohanami.

I was there last year when the castle just opened, the line to get in for the castle tour was a 4 hour wait... no thanks! You can just wander around in the garden outside the castle.

 

[gojun]

I'll be heading back to Osaka in August. If there was anything specific anyone wanted me to check out or review for them, let me know!