Introducing Kyoto and Osaka

Well hello everyone! It's been about two weeks since I last posted an article! You very well know that I was on holiday in Japan, so here I am with the articles to share!

First and foremost, one doesn't necessarily have to break the bank in order to visit Japan. I have heard stories of people spending so much money and when me and my friend were there, it was not the case at all. Neither did we scrimp or starve ourselves. We bought everything we wanted to eat, we bought quite a lot of things to bring home, me especially, and by our last day, I still had Y10,000 to spare, which I used at the airport to buy the yummy Nama Royce chocolates! :-)

The point of entry to Kyoto and Osaka is the Kansai International Airport. It is the 3rd busiest airport in Japan, and the 30th busiest in all of Asia.

                 

  

We arrived in Japan at night, and we also left during the night, so the pictures I was able to take are not so bright, but let me just say that there was no hint of any disorderliness at the airport whatsoever. 

                

From check in to passport control, everything was done smoothly and in an orderly fashion. 

I guess I can say the same for all other type of service they provide.

There is free wifi at the airport, which, for us world travelers is a very important thing, so that we can stay in contact with the rest of the world while in transit. Travel to and from the airport is most convenient by train, and there are options available.

Speaking of trains, there are a myriad of trains to choose from. You just have to know which one suits you best. From the airport though, it is a choice between the Nankai Railway and the JR Railway. We took the Nankai train both times, and we paid Y920 all the way to Shin Imamiya station, from where our hotel was within walking distance.

Umeda is the center for all train companies, if not most of them. In Osaka, there is JR, there is Hankyu, there is Nankai, there is Osaka Metro, there is Osaka Monorail, and these train networks are independent of each other and therefore run by different companies. It could get confusing at first, but once you get the hang of it, you'd know which one to take.

This is the main terminus of the Hankyu Railway. Take note that there are several types of train lines as well. There is the bullet train, commonly known as the shinkansen, there is a rapid/express train, and there is a local train. The most expensive, and therefore the fastest, is the shinkansen, next the rapid/express, depending on the train company, and then there is the local.

There is not much difference between the traveling time of the rapid and the local trains. It is just a difference of 20 minutes or so, and you are paying the difference of between 400-600 yen. So, in my opinion, it is better to take the local, that way you maximize your money, and you just have to plan your time wisely. After all, you are not in a race, you are on vacation.

This trip was not my first time in Japan, but each time, I marvel at the discipline they have, in boarding trains, and in everything they do. Everyone patiently lines up for the train, and you don't hear anyone being noisy inside the trains. The only ones who are noisy are some itinerant tourists who may not have been informed about the train etiquette. They are to be emulated.

We took the local train every chance we got, and we saved a lot of money that way, plus we also got to rest our weary feet as we were walking quite a lot in between sites we visited. I say this was a very smart decision on our part, and we were able to maximize our money that way.

The trains were all very clean, and even during rush hour, you don't get jostled or pushed as in Hong Kong or in Manila, which is closer to home. 

What I did was always map out the day's itinerary the night before, so we will know which trains or buses to take, where to transfer, and so on and so forth, that way you also save time getting lost or trying to find your way. It was definitely a learning process as we took the rapid train on the way to Kyoto on the first time we went there. We asked the staff, and they pointed us to the fastest one, ha ha. They think everyone is in a rush.

                  

One very helpful tip when you are inside train stations and are transferring from one network to another. Look up- there are directions available. If all else fails, you can always ask the staff, they are willing to help. Always, and they are very kind as well, so have no fear.

                  

In Kyoto, the most convenient way of going from one site to another is by bus, because some of the sites are not accessible by train or the train stations are a bit far from the nearest train station. This is where the Kyoto city buses come in handy. You may want to get a day pass for the buses, which costs Y600 per day. This pass is unlimited for 24 hours, so you can take as many bus rides as you want from one destination to another. If you don't get the bus, it costs you Y230 per ride.

And then there's the vending machines. It wouldn't be Japan if you don't see a vending machine almost every corner you turn. And they have every vending machine for every product imaginable! 

Some restaurants don't even take your orders personally, you just input your order in a vending machine, insert your payment and give the order sheet to the waiters and they will deliver your food! Talk about efficiency, but then, on the other hand, it loses the personal encounter. Machines may have to do most of the jobs in the future!

This is the logo for the Hankyu Railway. We took the Hankyu train to Kyoto, we also took the JR Rapid on our first trip there. We also took the Kintetsu Railway, which is yet another train company.

I will add here a map of the railway system, just so you have an idea of how complicated the train system of Osaka is. It looks daunting at first, especially when you come from a country that does not have a train system or have only one, but like I said, once you get used to it, you can navigate the maze with your eyes half closed. 

Oh, and before I forget, you might be wondering what transportation card to get. It will depend on what transportation you will be using most of the time. We got the ICOCA card, which works on all kinds of trains and buses. Initial purchase is Y2000, and there is a deposit of Y500, and you can just top up the balance as needed. Very convenient as you don't have to queue for tickets each time.

This is the area for the train operator by the way. We sat at the end of the train one time and I was able to see the controls. :-) So, with the introductions done, I will be taking you to an adventure in Japan! Stay tuned!