Wakayama - Nagoya - Osaka 7 days 6 nights

This trip took us on a long journey through three cities in Japan: Wakayama, Nagoya, and Osaka. The trip lasted from August 22nd to August 28th, 2018, and covered a total of 6 days and 4 nights. We traveled on Airasia X Flight XJ612, departing from Don Mueang Airport at 00:55 AM and arriving at Kansai International Airport at 08:40 AM.

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Prior to our trip to Japan, we purchased a 5-day JR Osaka – Nagoya Area Pass.

Pocket Wifi can be purchased through the Klook app.

August 22, 1961

Upon arrival at Kansai International Airport in Osaka, we sought out the Ninja Wifi booth to collect our Pocket Wifi and the JR Ticket office to exchange our Japan Rail Pass, obtained in Thailand, for a 5-day travel pass.

Osaka - Nagoya

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Once you have obtained a ticket for your trip, the interface will appear as shown here.

We obtained our tickets and traveled to Wakayama, which took only 30 minutes from Osaka Station. We left our luggage at Wakayama Station and took a train to Kada. Our first destination was Awashima-Jinja Shrine, which took 25 minutes to reach from Kada Station. Note that a separate ticket is required for travel from Wakayama to Kada, as this route is not covered by the pass we purchased.

(Train fare is 330 yen per person.)

Upon arriving at Kada Station, we continued on foot to Awashima Shrine. The heat in Japan can be truly extreme, and by the time we reached the shrine, we were drenched in sweat.

The walk from the station to the shrine takes approximately 20 minutes, but it's a sweaty 20 minutes.

Awashima Shrine: A Sanctuary for Fertility and Childbirth

Awashima Shrine, also known as Awashima Jinja, is renowned for its blessings related to fertility, childbirth, and easy deliveries for women. It is believed to be the birthplace of the Doll Festival, and the Japanese consider it a celestial realm for dolls.

The shrine is adorned with dolls throughout its premises, and visitors can even donate unwanted dolls. For those seeking blessings for fertility or struggling with conception, Awashima Shrine offers a sacred space to pray for their desires.

After spending some time at the shrine, we returned to Wakayama Station to collect our luggage and took a train to Kii-Katsuura Station. We checked into our accommodation, Oyado Hana.

August 23, 1961

Today, we planned to visit Kumanonachi Taisha Shrine (熊野那智大社), but the typhoon caused the JR train service to be suspended.

In the afternoon, when we had to travel to Iseshi Station, we were unable to visit Kumanonachi Taisha Shrine. As a result, we decided to leave.

The journey from Kii-Katsuura Station to Iseshi Station takes approximately 3 hours. Upon arrival, I left my luggage at my accommodation.

We stayed at Senco Inn Ise-Ekimae.

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The atmosphere while riding the train at Iseshi Station

After leaving our luggage at the accommodation, we wasted no time in heading to Geku mae (Ise Grand Shrine Outer Shrine), which was about a 10-minute walk from our accommodation. Before entering the shrine, it is customary to wash your hands thoroughly. This is done at every shrine to cleanse oneself of any impurities or negativity before entering the sacred space. This is a tradition in Japan.

The shrine here is related to the Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Inner Shrine), which we will visit next. This Shinto shrine was founded approximately 2,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest shrines in Japan.

We took refuge in this shrine for a while to avoid the typhoon. It's a bit frustrating that we had to postpone and cancel some of our planned visits due to the weather. Before checking into our accommodation, we bought some food to stock up in our room. I must say, Japanese umbrellas are really good; they can withstand strong winds and don't break easily. I bought one for only 550 yen.

August 24, 1961

Day three. Today there is still some rain, but not as much as the previous two days. It's still possible to travel, haha.

Today, we will visit Futamiokitama Shrine (Futamiokitama Jinja) by bus.

Boarding:

• Depart from Iseshi Station, bus stop 10.
• Purchase a 1-Day Pass at the Iseshieki Information Centre located within Iseshi Station.

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After boarding the bus, it will stop at the front of Ise Grand Shrine (Inner Ise Shrine), which is related to the shrine we visited yesterday. If you want to go to Futamiokitama Shrine, you need to change buses here. Take bus stop 1 and it will take 30 minutes to get there.

Futamiokitama Shrine: A Place of Love and Harmony

Futamiokitama Shrine, dedicated to the deity Sarutahiko Okami, one of the six great gods of Japan, stands as a testament to love and harmony. Its unique feature, the Meoto Iwa, a pair of rocks resembling a male and female, connected by a sacred rope, symbolizes the union of two souls. This iconic landmark attracts numerous couples seeking blessings for a harmonious and fulfilling relationship.

The area surrounding the shrine is filled with frog statues, believed to be the sacred animal of the deity Sarutahiko in Okami. Every three years, a grand festival is held at this shrine to perform a ceremony of changing the rope that hangs between the two rocks. (When we visited, the rope was broken! We missed the opportunity to capture beautiful pictures for you, so sad!)

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Near Futamiokitama Shrine, there is the ISE Sea Paradise aquarium located near the bus stop. On our way back, there happened to be a walrus or sea lion show, so we stopped by to watch before returning. Honestly, I've never seen a sea lion show before, and it was quite cute. If you're traveling with children, I highly recommend this place as it's very kid-friendly.

After returning from ISE Sea Paradise by car, we continued on to Ise Grand Shrine (Inner Ise Shrine). This shrine is highly renowned in Japan. The Japanese believe that Ise Grand Shrine is the dwelling place of the Sun Goddess and has a direct connection to the Japanese Imperial Family. It is also the largest shrine in the country. Anyone who visits must pay their respects at least once in their lifetime.

After finishing our sightseeing, we checked into our hotel and left our luggage. We then continued our journey to Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, by train. We took the train from Iseshi Station to Nagoya Station, which took about 2 hours. In Nagoya, we stayed at the Apa Hotel Nagoya Sakae.

August 25, 1961

On the fourth day, we will visit Nagoya Castle. The nearest station to our accommodation is Sakae Station. Take the subway to Shiyakusho Station, exit from Gate 7, and walk for about 5 minutes to reach Nagoya Castle. (Admission fee is 500 yen per person).

Upon entering the gate, there will be a card stamping point. Note that the stamp ink will be transparent. When illuminated with a flashlight, it will glow.

Upon entering, we encountered a group of dancers participating in the annual Nagoya Dance Competition, a yearly event that we coincidentally stumbled upon during our visit.

Nagoya Castle: A Symbol of Resilience and Tradition

Nagoya Castle, constructed in 1612 by the powerful shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, stands as a testament to the city's rich history. Despite suffering significant damage during World War II, the castle was meticulously restored in 1959, becoming a symbol of Nagoya's resilience and enduring spirit.

The castle's iconic golden dolphin ornaments, known as "Kinshachi," serve as a reminder of its role as a protector against fire. These mythical creatures, perched atop the castle's roof, embody the city's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and traditions.

Translation:

Within the castle grounds, there is the Hommaru palace, which served as a guest house for visitors to the royal family at that time. Today, it has become the first castle to be designated as a national treasure. Every room is luxuriously decorated with gold-covered walls and beautiful paintings. It really is beautiful, you have to see it for yourself.

One corner of the room offers a view of the Nagoya Castle tower.

After exploring the Nakagoya Castle, we continued our journey to Nittaiji Temple.

Take the train from Shiyakusho Station back to Sakae Station and transfer to the Higashiyama Line. Get off at Kakuozan Station and exit through Exit 1. Walk for approximately 10 minutes.

Nittaiji Temple: A Symbol of Thai-Japanese Friendship

Nittaiji Temple (วัดมิตไตจิ) was established in 1904 during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) of Thailand. The temple's origins lie in the King's generous gift of a sacred Buddha relic and a thousand-year-old bronze Buddha statue to the people of Japan in 1900. In response to this gesture of goodwill, the Japanese constructed Nittaiji Temple in Nagoya to house the relic. The temple's name reflects its Thai-Japanese connection: "Ni" from Nihon (Japan), "Tai" from Thailand, and "Ji" meaning temple.

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The left side of the image depicts a portrait of King Chulalongkorn, Rama V.

After visiting the temple, we returned to our accommodation via the same train line. In the evening, we headed to Oasis 21 for dinner.

Before ascending to the rooftop of Oasis 21 (admission fee of 500 yen per person),

August 26, 1961

On the fifth day of our trip, we visited Atsuta Shrine, taking the subway from Sakae Station.

Get off at Jingunishi Station, exit 2, and walk for about 5 minutes.

Atsuta Shrine: A Place for Victory and Triumph

Atsuta Shrine, renowned for its association with victory, has long been a popular destination for those seeking divine assistance in overcoming challenges. Legend has it that a former lord of the region prayed at the shrine for success in battle and emerged victorious. This tale has cemented the shrine's reputation as a place where prayers for overcoming enemies, rivals, and obstacles are answered. As a result, many Japanese people visit Atsuta Shrine to pay their respects to the deities and seek their blessings for triumph in their endeavors.

Shirotori Garden is located near Atsuta Shrine, approximately a 10-minute walk away. Visitors to Atsuta Shrine can easily extend their trip to include Shirotori Garden. This garden offers a quintessential Japanese experience, with its serene atmosphere and traditional landscaping. While the garden's beauty and tranquility are undeniable, it's recommended to visit during the cooler evening hours to avoid the midday heat. The entrance fee is 300 yen per person.

The final stop for today is Osu Kannon Temple. Take the subway from Jingunishi Station and transfer at Kamimaezu Station to Osu Kannon Station. Exit through Gate 2 and walk for approximately 3 minutes.

Translation:

This short text describes a Buddhist temple with a brief history. The original temple was built in 1333 in Owari Province. Due to frequent flooding, Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu relocated the temple to Nagoya in 1612. The text notes the lack of information about the temple's purpose or specific offerings.

Translation:

Nestled alongside Osu Kannon Temple lies Osu Kannon Dori, a renowned shopping street in Nagoya. This vibrant hub boasts a diverse array of shops, catering to every whim. From delectable sweet treats and savory culinary delights to trendy apparel and unique second-hand treasures, Osu Kannon Dori is a shopper's paradise. Be prepared to loosen your purse strings, as the allure of its offerings is sure to tempt even the most disciplined spender.

Having had our fill of Nagoya, we boarded a train from Nagoya Station and continued our journey back to Osaka.

Take the JR Tokaido Line to Osaka Station (approximately 3 hours). From there, take the train to Tamatsukuri Station and walk to your accommodation. If you have large luggage, it is recommended to use the elevator, as the stairs can be steep. Tonight, we will be staying at Sun Village Tamatsukuri (JR Tokaido Line fare: 3,350 yen per person).

August 26, 1961

On the sixth and final day, we will sneak away to Universal Studio Japan. We will check out of the hotel.

Leaving the accommodation early in the morning, we took the train from Tamatsukuri Station to Nishikujo Station to leave our luggage.

From Nishikujo Station to Universal-City Station

Tickets for Universal Studio Japan and Express Pass 4 (for 4 rides without queuing) can also be purchased through the Klook app before arriving in Japan. If you book via mobile phone, you can have the staff scan the barcode through your phone. There is no need to print it on paper. You can choose whichever method you prefer. This is what the purchased ticket looks like.

Upon entering, you will be greeted by the iconic Universal globe. Don't forget to snap a picture!

The atmosphere inside Universal Studios Japan

The fun is over. We will pick up our bags at Nishikujo Station and take the train from Nishikujo Station to our destination.

To exchange your Nankai Line Airport Express train tickets purchased from the Klook app, proceed to the Japan Holiday Tourist Information Center located in the OCAT Building at JR Namda Station. From NAMBA Station, take the train to Kansai International Airport.

We returned on Airasia X Flight XJ611, departing from Kansai International Airport at 11:55 PM.

Arrival at Don Mueang Airport at 3:50 AM.

Traveling in Japan by train or bus: Tips for a smooth journey

When traveling in Japan by train or bus, it's crucial to plan ahead and check schedules carefully. Trains and buses often depart for different destinations at different times, so double-checking your route and schedule is essential to avoid getting lost. Additionally, checking the weather forecast before you leave is highly recommended. Unforeseen weather conditions can disrupt travel plans and cause delays.

By taking these precautions, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience in Japan.

Translation:

Thank you for following along with my trip until the end. I apologize for not including photos of the accommodation.

I believe the information I have provided will be useful to many people. If there are any errors, I sincerely apologize.

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Details
Tourist attractions

Wakayama:

• Awashima Jinja Shrine: A Shinto shrine dedicated to the goddess of childbirth and safe passage at sea.
• Ise Grand Shrine: One of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu.
• Futamiokitama Shrine: A Shinto shrine known for its "meotoiwa" (夫婦岩), two large rocks connected by a rope, symbolizing marriage and unity.
• ISE Sea Paradise: A marine park with a variety of attractions, including an aquarium, dolphin shows, and a roller coaster.

- Nagoya: Nagoya Castle, Nittaiji Temple, Oasis 21, Atsuta Shrine, Shirotori Garden, and Osu Kannon.

• Osaka: Universal Studios Japan

Tickets (all booked through Klook)

• JR Osaka - Nagoya 'Ise - Kumano - Wakayama Area Pass for 5 days (3,302฿)

- Nankai Line Airport Express Train Ticket - Namba Station to Kansai Airport (335฿)

• Universal Studio Japan 1 Day Pass (2,279฿)

- Express Pass 4 - Universal Studio Japan (3,280฿)

• Pocket Wifi (7 days 1,603฿)

Accommodation (All booked through Booking.com)

• Hana Inn (1 night 2,696฿)

• Sanco Inn Ise - Ekimae (1 night 2,770฿)

• APA Hotel Nagoya Sakae (2 nights, 6,089฿)

• Sun Village Tamatsukuri (1 night 585฿)

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