This trip took place from May 11th to 18th, 2016.

This trip marks my first visit to Japan, spanning a total of 8 days. The journey covered 8 cities: Osaka, Kyoto, Toyama, Kanazawa, Takayama, Nagoya, Kawaguhiko, and Shinjuku.

Summary of Travel Expenses

Roundtrip Airfare (Don Mueang - Osaka) for 2 people: 15,897 Baht

  • Airline: Nok Scoot
  • Price per person: 7,948 Baht (excluding checked baggage and meals)

JR Pass: 13,500 yen per person

  • Note: This is a voucher that needs to be exchanged for a physical pass at a designated counter in Japan.

In addition to the above, there will be additional costs for food, bus tickets, or at some stations where the Pass cannot be used. These will be announced according to the details of each day.

The following is a plan before the trip.

Day 1 (Osaka)

Departing from Don Mueang Airport, the flight took off around 9:30 AM, arriving in Osaka at approximately 5:00 PM (Japan Standard Time is 2 hours ahead of Thailand Time). The journey took approximately 5 hours.

Upon exiting the aircraft, proceed to the opposite side of the JR station to exchange your ticket. The exchange counter will resemble this (left: ticket to be exchanged, right: ticket received after exchange).

After that, take the JR Kaisai Airport train to Shin-Imamiya Station to check into our accommodation and leave our luggage. The accommodation is about 450 meters from the station (Hotel Lucky 1,600 yen / person).

With bags packed, it was time to wind down. We walked back to the original station and continued on to Namba Station to find delicious food on Dotonbori Street.

For our first meal of the day, we opted for a local favorite: takoyaki. Acchichi Honpo's generous portions, featuring nine takoyaki balls for only 500 yen, were a delicious bargain. While the queue might be long, it's definitely worth the wait!

Of course, this is not enough to shake the stomach. Let's move on to the legendary ramen restaurant.

No disappointment, the broth is well-rounded, delicious and rich. I finished the whole bowl. (In the picture, the queue will be very long. It is recommended to walk back to the bridge and walk straight for a while. You will find another branch with fewer people.)

After a satisfying meal, we continued our stroll through the city.

On the way back, stop by the supermarket. Fresh produce is discounted late at night, so you can stock up for breakfast.

The first photo shows a regular price of 580 yen, discounted by 40% to 348 yen.
In total, today's food expenses amounted to around 2,000 yen.
The first night in Japan concluded with exploring the Dotonbori district in Osaka, focusing on walking and enjoying delicious food.

Day 2: Kyoto

Waking up early, I left my accommodation and took a train to Osaka Station, transferring to the Tokaido Line to reach Kyoto Station. Upon arrival, I purchased a Bus One Day Pass for 500 yen at the Kyoto Station front. This pass allows unlimited rides on city buses throughout the day, making travel both economical and convenient. (Japanese buses have screens displaying the next stop, eliminating the fear of getting lost.)

Today's Itinerary: Exploring Kyoto with Efficiency

Our day begins with a whirlwind tour of four destinations, requiring us to prioritize efficiency. To facilitate this, we'll first store our luggage.

Boarding the bus with our One Day Pass, we alight at the Horikawa Shinmodashi stop. Our temporary home, Kyoto Guesthouse Hanari (1,900 yen per person), awaits. After dropping off our belongings, we're ready to embark on our adventure!

Today's planned travel schedule.

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

The first stop was Arashiyama, also known as the "Bamboo Forest" among Thai tourists. Wherever we went, we encountered Thai people. Additionally, it coincided with a field trip for Japanese students, making the area exceptionally crowded.

After visiting the Nonomiya Shrine and walking around until almost noon, we started to feel hungry. We decided to stop for a bite to eat on the way. This restaurant had a menu with prices displayed, so we decided to give it a try.

This bowl of chilled soba costs 600 yen. After recharging, we returned to Kyoto Station to catch a train to Jr Inari Station. We stopped by the Fushimi Inari Shrine, also known as the "Red Torii" by Thais.

The provided text is empty. There is nothing to translate.

Please provide the text you want me to translate.

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

The place was extremely crowded, making it difficult to find an opportunity to take a clear photo without people in the background for an extended period of time.

The sign is illegible. It is unclear what is being requested.

No text provided for translation.


The red torii gate and the locals' kimonos create a truly captivating scene.

Afterward, we returned to Kyoto Station and boarded the Kyotoeki-mae Bus, either route 106 or 206, to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, also known as the "Pure Water Temple." We arrived at the temple around 5:30 PM, but it closed to visitors at 6:00 PM, leaving us with limited time to explore.

The scenery would be much more beautiful if you came during the fall foliage season.

In addition, I visited the Gion district at night. It is said that this area was once a center for geishas, but perhaps because I arrived late, I did not see any. Today, it has mostly become a restaurant district.


A shadowy corner in a Gion alleyway.

Before returning to my accommodation, I watched the color-changing stairs at Kyoto Station. Today, I visited four places and my legs are extremely tired. I'm going to sleep as soon as I get back to my accommodation.

This trip will primarily involve traveling by bus and train, with a significant amount of walking. The backpacker approach offers the advantage of experiencing local life and firsthand observation of reality.

Day 3 (Kanazawa-Toyama)
We set off early in the morning from Kyoto Station. Today, we will take a bus to Kanazawa Prefecture.

Today's plan is to visit three main attractions by taking the Kanazawa Loop Bus. Tickets can be purchased in front of the station.

Our first stop was the Omisho Fish Market, where we went hunting for fresh fish to eat. The market was brimming with a wide variety of seafood, including shrimp, oysters, crabs, fish, vegetables, and fruits. It was impossible to resist making a purchase.

After wandering around for a while, wondering what to eat, I finally decided to try this set.

This set looks good value for money, with salmon, sea urchin, roe, shrimp, tuna, squid, etc., and it also comes with pork bone broth.

Compared to similar products sold in packs in nearby stores, the taste is no different. In conclusion, buying the packed version is cheaper.

Sea urchin roe + shrimp roe, these two are the best.

Of course, I'm not full, so I'll have another set of tuna. 555

After recharging, we traveled to Kanazawa Castle, which is divided into two sections: the castle itself and the surrounding garden. Due to a fire, only a few buildings within the castle are open to the public (and there is an entrance fee). We opted to explore the garden instead.

Kenrokuen Garden: Ranked Among Japan's Top Three

Kenrokuen Garden is widely considered to be one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan.

I spent a long time walking around here, taking photos until I was lost in the moment. Then I continued on to the old town of Higashiyama. By the time I arrived, the shops were starting to close.

Regrettably, I arrived late to a rather quiet atmosphere. Fortunately, I had a pass that allowed me free travel on the Shinkansen today, so I decided to take the opportunity to visit Toyama and try the famous Black Ramen.

This restaurant is easy to find, located in the CIC shopping mall directly opposite the station. A bowl of ramen costs between 770 and 870 yen, and it's a delicious and filling meal. It's time to head back (after stopping for some ramen).

Tonight, we will be sleeping like backpackers at Khaosan Kanazawa Family Hostel in a budget bunk bed for two people at a cost of 1,473.14 yen.


The day's journey came to an end. It was another day of extensive walking, leaving my legs aching all over. I practically collapsed onto the bed, utterly exhausted.


Day 4: Takayama

Our journey to Takayama began with a ride on the Nohi Bus, taking us to the World Heritage Site of Shirakawago. The scenic route featured tunnels cutting through mountains, interspersed with breathtaking river views. The journey itself was as captivating as the destination.

Upon arrival, you will encounter a bridge over the Shokawa River, which serves as the entrance to Ogimachi village.

Upon arrival at the reception area, you can store your belongings in the lockers provided. If the lockers are full, you can leave your belongings at the information desk. Shortly after, I came across a group of Bigbike riders, which made me want to ride one myself.



After admiring the beauty of the vehicles, let's turn our attention to the natural beauty of the area. The village is surrounded by vast rice fields, offering a chance to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the wide-open spaces.

At this point, you can take a bus (300 yen per person) to the viewpoint.
When you drive up the mountain, you will see this view. If it is snowing, it should be beautiful.


After a tiring walk, we stopped by this restaurant for lunch. We were pleasantly surprised to find that the beef rice bowl only cost 600 yen and came with a delicious miso soup. To top it off, we had some soft serve ice cream. This is a must-try for anyone visiting the area.

Stroll through the souvenir shops. Everything in Japan is so adorable.


After exploring the city, we continued our journey to Takayama Old Town, where we strolled through the historic streets as the evening approached.

The city is full of souvenir shops, but they all close at 5 pm. I took some photos of the evening instead.

Strolling around taking photos, this one was taken at the red bridge, Nakabashi. Waiting for the right moment between cars was a long wait.


A must-try local dish is the Kyoya Hida Beef, priced around 1800-2100 yen per set. While delicious, the portion size is rather small, and the accompaniments are not particularly satisfying. Compared to Korean BBQ, it might not be as fulfilling.

After a tiring day of walking, we decided to relax at the onsen in the city center for 1000 yen. It has both indoor and outdoor baths, as well as amenities such as foot and body massagers, shampoo, conditioner, razors, cotton swabs, hair gel, serum, and more. The onsen is well-equipped with everything you need for a relaxing experience.

Tonight, we will be staying at K' House Takayama, a backpacker-style accommodation with shared rooms for four people.

The cost is 780 yen per person. I am unsure of the nationalities of my roommates, as one arrived at 3 or 4 am and the other is a Japanese-American woman who does not speak Japanese.

This concludes the fourth night of my trip.

Day 5: Nagoya

Today, we planned to travel to the hot spring town of Gero. We intended to walk around for about an hour before heading to the hot spring. However, due to the accumulated fatigue from the past few days, we fell asleep on the train and missed our stop. As we couldn't go back (trains here run on a schedule), we decided to visit Nagoya Castle instead.

The outer courtyard of the castle features a ninja show, where performers showcase their impressive acrobatic skills, including flips and jumps.



Despite being held in the blazing sun, the show was met with an overwhelming audience. Children were particularly captivated, and after the show, they flocked to visit the castle itself. Inside, the castle serves as a museum, showcasing models of the castle, ancient samurai swords, and other historical artifacts.


The original text is empty. There is nothing to translate.

We then took a bus to the TV tower station, taking the opportunity to walk and enjoy the atmosphere on both sides of the road.

The route will take you past Central Park, before continuing on to Oasis21, where you can capture stunning photos at night.

After walking all day, I started to feel hungry, so I went back to the station area to find something to eat. I stopped for ramen.



I came across a restaurant in the station that had a menu with pictures and prices. I decided to try a bowl, and I was surprised by how big it was! Even though I have a big appetite, I couldn't finish it. As for the taste, I would give it a 6 out of 10.

After a satisfying meal, we headed to the maid cafe on the upper floor of Don Quijote, where we were greeted by the adorable and energetic maids.

Today's accommodation almost didn't happen because we broke the rules. We didn't think that asking to use the bathroom outside of business hours would almost get us kicked out of the accommodation. The owner, an old man, only spoke Japanese, and we couldn't understand him. We could only say "sorry" dozens of times. Sigh~

Business Hotel Oise

Price: 4,800 yen for 2 people

Amenities: Air conditioning, computer, refrigerator

Notes:

  • The accommodation is good, but the hotel is strict about time.
  • Be careful not to break any rules, as you will be reprimanded.

Day 6: Kawakuchigo

Embark on an early morning journey, boarding a train to Lake Kawaguchiko. Today, we visit Mount Fuji! We walk to the Meitsu Bus Center and embark on a bus ride that takes approximately four hours.

The dense fog today made it difficult to see the mountain peaks, only catching glimpses of them during the bus ride. Upon arrival at the station, tickets for the Shibazakura festival can be purchased at the outdoor plaza.

The itinerary is as follows: Upon arrival, we can check in at our accommodation, which is located just across from the station. Then, we will take a bus to visit the Shibazakura Festival.

The event featured a diverse array of flowers. I had planned to capture Mount Fuji with the flower garden as a backdrop, but the thick fog, strong winds, and intermittent rain rendered visibility impossible. The temperature was a chilly 14 degrees Celsius, making for an exceptionally cold experience.

I decided to take a bus ride around the lake, as shown in the picture, and get off at stop 21 near Oishi Park. However, I was disappointed because the fog was too thick today to see the mountain peaks. I will try again tomorrow morning.

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

The dense fog throughout the day prevented us from seeing Mount Fuji… T^T What a bummer… Let's look at a miniature Mount Fuji instead!

This model serves as an example of volcanic rocks collected from across the country.

As the sun began to set, the last bus had already departed, leaving me stranded. With no other options, I decided to return to my accommodation and indulge in a delicious meal.

The chilly weather called for a hearty shabu-shabu, a Japanese hot pot dish. For just 1,000 yen per person, we were presented with a delectable set that left us feeling completely satisfied.

As dusk falls, the streets become quiet and deserted. By 8 pm, everything is closed, leaving an eerie silence in its wake. The atmosphere is one of solitude and tranquility.

Today's accommodation is Koe House, priced at 1261.61 yen for 2 people. It's a semi-ryokan style with shared bathrooms. It's nice to be able to sleep like this for a day.


Day 7: Kawaguchiko to Shinjuku

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

I intended to photograph Mount Fuji in the morning to make up for yesterday's missed opportunity, but I had to give up due to the persistent rain throughout the day. The clouds and fog obscured the mountain peak all day. I could only wander around the bus stops near the lake, visiting nearby attractions, and decided to reschedule my bus to Tokyo earlier.


It takes about 2 hours to reach Shinjuku. You can store your luggage in a locker at the station and then enjoy some free time.

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

Stopped by Don Quijote for souvenirs, grabbed some food (beef rice bowl and grilled salmon), walked until our legs were sore, then waited to board the night bus back to Osaka. Time flies, 7 days already! Starting to miss Thai food.


This night bus from Tokyo to Osaka costs 4,400 yen per person. It looks like this:


I arrived in Osaka early in the morning. There wasn't much to do except eat. I'm heading back to Thailand today. Hooray!

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

Total expenses for this trip

Accommodation Costs

Day 1 - Osaka: Hotel Lucky - 1,600 yen per person Day 2 - Kyoto: Kyoto Guesthouse Hanari - 1,900 yen per person Day 3 - Kanazawa: Khaosan - 1,473.14 yen for 2 people Day 4 - Takayama: K' House - 1558.46 yen for 2 people Day 5 - Nagoya: Business Hotel Oise - 4,800 yen for 2 people Day 6 - Kawaguchigo: Koe House - 1261.61 yen for 2 people Day 7 - Tokyo-Osaka: Night Bus - 4,400 yen per person

Food costs are typically between 1,000 and 2,000 Yen per person per meal.

Round-trip tickets from Don Mueang to Osaka cost 7,948 baht per person, excluding checked baggage and meals.
Travel will require a JR Pass, which costs 13,500 yen per person.

The total cost for this 8-day, 8-city trip was approximately 50,000 yen (15,000 baht).

Thank you for reading to the end.











The sentence is already in English.

#takayama#nagoya#kawaguchiko#shinjuku#kyoto#osaka#international travel#japan#eat and travel
Comments