japan 2012

07-Dec-12Reach Kansai airportOsaka to Kyoto

By JR Haruka limited express train Icoca card"Haruka" limited express trains (tokkyu) connectKansai Airportwith Tennoji Station (30 minutes, 1760 yen by unreserved seat, about 2300 yen by reserved seat) and Shin-Osaka Station (50 minutes, 2470 yen unreserved, about 3000 yen reserved).

Hankyu limited express (Osaka-Umeda - Kyoto-Kawaramachi)Duration: 44 minutesPrice: 390 yenFrequency: Every 10 minuteshttp://www.jorudan.co.jp/english/

7 to 13 KyotoHotel Oaks Kyoto Shijo59-61 Nishinotoin, Shijo, Shimogyo-ku

Kyoto,600-8494

Japan

+81753710941Kyoto StationKarasuma LineTake to Shijo Station

Kyoto

Central Kyoto

Nijo Castle

The entrance of Nijo Castle is a short walk from Nijojo-mae Station along the Tozai Subway Line.FromKyoto Station, take the Karasuma Subway Line to Karasuma-Oike Station and transfer to the Tozai Line to Nijojo-mae Station. The whole trip takes about 15 to 20 minutes and costs 250 yen. Alternatively, the castle can be reached from Kyoto Station by Kyoto City Bus numbers 9, 50 or 101 (15-20 minutes, 220 yen one way), or from Shijo Street by Kyoto City Bus number 12 (15 minutes, 220 yen one way from Shijo-Kawaramachi bus stop).

Hours:8:45 to 17:00 (entry until 16:00)

Closed:Tuesdays in Jan, Jul, Aug and Dec (or following Wed if Tue is anational holiday)December 26 to January 4

Admission:600 yen

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Kyoto Imperial Palace is a ten minute subway ride fromKyoto Stationalong the Karasuma Subway Line. Get off at Marutamachi or Imadegawa Station. Imadegawa Station is closer to the Imperial Agency Office and the entrance gate of the Imperial Palace.

Nishiki MarketThe Nishiki Market street runs parallel to Shijo Avenue, one block north of Shijo Avenue. It can be reached on foot in less than five minutes from Shijo Station on the Karasuma Subway Line (4 minutes, 200 yen fromKyoto Station) or Karasuma or Kawaramachi Stations on the Hankyu Line.

Hours:Varies by store, typically 9:00 to 18:00

Closed:Varies by store, typically Wednesday or Sunday

Admission:Free

Sento Palace

Sento Imperial Palace is located within theKyoto Imperial Park. It can be reached fromKyoto Stationin about 10 minutes by the Karasuma Subway Line. Get off at Marutamachi or Imadegawa Station. Both stations are about a 15 minute walk from the entrance gate of Sento Palace, however, Imadegawa Station is closer to the office of the Imperial Household Agency.

Pontocho

Pontocho (, Pontoch) is one ofKyoto's most atmospheric dining areas. A narrow alley running from Shijo-dori to Sanjo-dori, one block west of the Kamo River, it offers a wide range of dining options, including inexpensiveyakitori, traditional and modernKyoto Cuisineand highly exclusive establishments that require the right connections and a fat wallet.

Business hours and closing days of restaurants, bars and shops vary by establishment, but they are typically open from around 17:00 to around 23:00. Some also open for lunch. And many feature open air patios looking over the river in summer. An increasing number of establishments have English menus.

The closestbusstop to Pontocho is Shijo Kawaramachi, which is served by numerous bus lines, including lines 17 and 205 fromKyoto Station. The closest train stations are Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Line and Shijo Station on the Keihan Line.

Honganji Temples

The Honganji temples are located a 10-15 minute walk north ofKyoto Station.

Nishi Honganji

Hours:5:30 to 17:30 (March, April, September, October)5:30 to 18:00 (May to August)6:00 to 17:00 (November to February)

Closed:No closing days

Admission:Free

Higashi Honganji

Hours:5:50 to 17:30 (March to October)6:20 to 16:30 (November to February)


Admission:Free

Shoseien Garden



Admission:500 yen

Eastern Kyoto

Ginkaku-ji directbusnumber 5, 17 or 100 fromKyoto Stationin about 35-40 minutes and for 220 yen one way. Alternatively, you can reach Ginkakuji by foot along thePhilosopher's PathfromNanzenjiin about 30-45 minutes.

Take bus 5 from Kyoto Station to Ginkaku-ji-michi bus stop5009 to 4.30 daily

Kiyomizu-dera From Kyoto station, take bus 100 or 206 to Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi, 10 minute walk uphill 3006 to 6 daily

Nanzen-ji Nanzenji is a 5-10 minute walk from the nearest subway station, Keage Station on the Tozai Line (about 20 minutes, 250 yen fromKyoto Stationby subway via Karasuma-Oike Station), or a 5-10 minute walk from the nearest bus stop, Nanzenji-Eikando-michi bus stop (35 minutes, 220 yen from Kyoto Station by Kyoto City Bus number 5).Nanzenji is also located only a short walk from the southern end of thePhilosopher's Path, while Ginkakuji Templeis at the northern end.

Sanjusangen-do

Sanjusangendo is located next to the Hakubutsukan-Sanjusangendo-mae bus stop (10 minutes, 220 yen fromKyoto Stationby bus numbers 101, 206 or 208) or a five minute walk from Shichijo Station along the Keihan Line. Alternatively, it takes about twenty minutes to walk there from Kyoto Station.

Hours:8:00 to 17:00 (9:00 to 16:00 from November 16 to March 31)Admission ends 30 minutes before closing time.


Admission:600 yen

Eikando

Eikando is a 15-20 minute walk from the nearest subway station, Keage Station on the Tozai Line (20 minutes, 250 yen by subway fromKyoto Stationvia Karasuma-Oike), or a five minute walk from the nearestbusstop, Nanzenji-Eikando-michi bus stop (35 minutes, 220 yen from Kyoto Station by Kyoto City Bus number 5).

Hours:8:00 to 17:00 (9:00 to 16:00 from November 16 to March 31)Admission ends 30 minutes before closing time.


Admission:600 yen

Higashiyama district

FromKyoto Stationtakebusnumber 100 or 206 in direction ofKiyomizudera. The Higashiyama district can be accessed from multiple bus stops between the Gojozaka (10 minutes, 220 yen one way) and Gion (15 minutes, 220 yen) bus stops.

Alternatively, the district can be reached in a 10-15 minute walk from Kiyomizu-Gojo Station or Gion-Shijo Station along the Keihan Line, from Kawaramachi Station along the Hankyu Line or from Higashiyama Station along the Tozai Subway Line.

Kodaiji Temple



Admission:600 yen (Kodaiji and Sho Museum)900 yen (Kodaiji, Sho Museum and Entokuin)

Kodaiji Sho Museum

Hours:9:30 to 18:00


Admission:300 yen

Entokuin Temple



Admission:500 yen

Yasaka ShrineHours:Always open


Admission:Free

Muruyama ParkHours:Always open


Admission:Free

Shorenin Temple Hours:9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)Special evening hours during the spring and autumn evening illuminations.


Admission:500 yen (special fee for evening illuminations)

Chionin Temple

Hours:Temple buildings are open from 9:00 to 16:00 (until 15:30 from October to February)Temple grounds are always open


Admission:Free

Hojo and Yuzen Gardens

Hours:9:00 to 16:30 (entry until 16:00)Special evening hours during autumn and spring evening illuminations


Admission:500 yen (combined ticket), 400 yen (Hojo Garden only), 300 yen (Yuzen Garden only)

Southern Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari Shrine is located just outside JR Inari Station, the second station from Kyoto Station along the JR Nara Line (5 minutes, 140 yen one way fromKyoto Station, not served byrapid trains). The shrine can also be reached in a short walk from Fushimi Inari Station along the Keihan Main Line.

Hours:Always open


Admission:Free

Tofukuji

Tofukuji is a ten minute walk from Tofukuji Station on the JR Nara Line (2 minutes, 140 yen fromKyoto Station) and the Keihan Main Line. Alternatively, the temple is a ten minute walk from Tofukujibusstop (15 minutes, 220 yen from Kyoto Station by Kyoto City Bus 208).Hours:9:00 to 16:30 (April to October)8:30 to 16:30 (November to early December)9:00 to 16:00 (early December to March)Admission ends 30 minutes before closing time.


Admission:400 yen (Tsutenkyo Bridge and Kaisando Hall), 400 yen (Hojo and gardens)

Toji Temple

Toji is located a 15 minute walk southwest ofKyoto Station. Alternatively, it can be reached in a five minute walk from Toji Station along the Kintetsu Kyoto Line (2 minutes, 150 yen from Kyoto Station).

Hours:8:30 to 17:30 (until 16:30 from mid September to mid March)Admission ends 30 minutes before closing.


Admission:500 yen (800 yen during special openings of the pagoda)

Daigoji

Daigoji Temple is located a 15 minute walk or shortbusride (200 yen, every 20 minutes) from Daigo Station along the Tozai Subway Line. FromKyoto Station, take a JR train to Yamashina Station (5 minutes, 180 yen) and transfer to the Tozai Subway Line (8 minutes, 250 yen).

Sanboin, Shimo Daigo and Reihokan Museum (lower grounds)

Hours:9:00 to 17:00 (until 16:00 from early December through February)Admission ends 30 minutes before closing


Admission:600 yen each for Sanboin, Shimo Daigo and Reihokan Museum1000 yen combination ticket for Sanboin and Shimo Daigo1500 yen combination ticket for Sanboin, Shimo Daigo and the Reihokan Museum

Kami Daigo (upper grounds)

Hours:Entry from 9:00 to 16:00 (until 15:00 from December through February)Everybody must return to the base of the mountain by 17:00


Admission:600 yen

Uji City

Northern Kyoto

Kinkakuji

Kinkakuji can be accessed fromKyoto Stationby direct Kyoto City Bus number 101 or 205 in about 40 minutes and for 220 yen. Alternatively, it can be faster and more reliable to take the Karasuma Subway Line to Kitaoji Station (15 minutes, 250 yen) and take ataxi(10 minutes, around 900 yen) orbus(10 minutes, 220 yen, bus numbers 101, 102, 204 or 205) from there to Kinkakuji.Hours:9:00 to 17:00


Admission:400 yen

Ninnaji

Ninnaji is a ten minute walk west ofRyoanji Templeand just a few steps from Omuro Station on the Keifuku Kitano Line, a small, tram like train, which connectsArashiyamawith the Kitano district.

Hours:9:00 to 17:00 (until 16:30 from December to February)Admission ends 30 minutes before closing time


Admission:500 yen (Goten palace buildings); admission to the rest of the grounds is free except during the cherry blossom season when a 500 yen admission fee applies.

Enryaku-ji

Enryakuji is located on Mount Hieizan, which lies on the border ofKyoto PrefectureandShiga Prefecture. The mountain can be ascended from either the Kyoto side by Eizan Cablecar and ropeway, or from the Shiga side by Sakamoto Cablecar. There is also a toll road that leads up to the temple, which is used bybusesfrom central Kyoto.

By Sakamoto Cablecar(around the year)Take the JR Kosei Line fromKyoto Stationto Hiei-Sakamoto Station (15 minutes, 320 yen one way), from where it is a 15 minute walk or 5 minute bus ride to the lower station of the Sakamoto Cablecar. The cablecar ride takes 11 minutes and costs 840 yen one way or 1570 yen for a round trip. From the upper station, Hieizan's Todo area can be reached in a 5-10 minute walk.

By Bus(around the year)There are directbusesfromKyoto Stationand Keihan Sanjo Station to Hieizan's Todo area. The one way trip takes about one hour and costs 750 yen. There are 4-6 buses per day, except from December through mid March, when there are only two buses per day on weekends only.

By Eizan Cablecar and Ropeway(does not operate in winter)Take the Eizan Main Line from Demachi-yanagi Station in northeasternKyototo Yase-Hieizan-guchi Station (15 minutes, 260 yen). From there, take the Eizan Cablecar and Eizan Ropeway to the summit of Hieizan (15-20 minutes, 840 yen one way, 1640 yen round trip). From the summit, it is another 5 minutebusride or 30 minute walk to the Todo area. The cable car and ropeway do not operate from early December to mid March.

Hours:8:30 to 16:30 (March to November)9:00 to 16:00 (December)9:00 to 16:30 (January and February)Saito and Yokawa areas open 30 minutes later and close 30 minutes earlier


Admission:550 yen (entrance to all three areas)450 yen (treasure house)

Ryoanji

From Kyoto Station Ryoanji can be reached directly by JR bus. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes, costs 220 yen and is covered by theJapan Rail Pass. There are buses every 15-30 minutes. Alternatively, Ryoanji is a five minutebusride or 20 minute walk west ofKinkakuji.

The temple can also be reached by the Keifuku Kitano Line, a smalltrainthat runs through the calm residential areas of northwesternKyotoand offers a connection toArashiyama. To access Ryoanji, get off at Ryoanji-michi Station from where it is a 5-10 minute walk to the temple.

Hours:8:00 to 17:00 (8:30 to 16:30 from December through February)

Closed:No closing dates

Admission:500 yen

Ohara

FromKyoto Station, the fastest way to reachOharais to take the Karasuma Subway Line to its terminal station Kokusaikaikan Station (20 minutes, 280 yen) and then Kyoto Bus number 19 to Ohara (20 minutes, 340 yen, every 40 minutes). Alternatively, Kyoto Bus number 17 provides a direct connection from Kyoto Station to Ohara (60 minutes, 580 yen, every 20 minutes) via Shijo-Kawaramachi (45 minutes, 510 yen). The bus rides are not covered by the 1-day bus pass.

Sanzenin Temple

Sanzenin Temple is located a ten minute walk uphill from Ohara bus stop.

Hours:8:30 to 17:30 (until 16:30 from December to February)Admission closes 30 minutes before closing time.


Admission:700 yen

Takao

Takao is connected with central Kyoto by local JR buses and Kyoto City Bus.

JR buses for Takao leave from Kyoto Station every 20 to 30 minutes, cost 500 yen one way, and should take 50 minutes to get to Takao. The bus can also be boarded at several stops along the way, including JR Nijo Station and Omuro Ninnaji bus stop. Thebusis covered by theJapan Rail Pass.

Takao can also be reached by Kyoto City Bus number 8, which departs from Shijo Karasuma every 30 to 60 minutes, costs 500 yen one way, and should take 45 minutes. Because Takao is outside the flat fare zone of the Kyoto City Bus network, the one-day bus pass will not fully cover the fare.

All buses stop at Takao bus stop (, known as Yamashiro-Takao in case of JR buses), which is most convenient for accessing Jingoji and Saimyoji. While Kyoto City Buses terminate at Takao bus stop, JR buses continue to run deeper into the valley and two minutes later stop at Toganoo bus stop (), which is most convenient for accessing Kozanji.

Jingoji



Admission:500 yen

Saimyoji

Hours:9:00 to 17:00


Admission:400 yen

Kozanji

Hours:8:30 to 17:00


Admission:Free for grounds, 600 yen to see the "first manga" scroll.During the fall season entrance onto the grounds is 500 yen.

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine can be directly reached by Kyoto City Bus number 50 fromKyoto Station(220 yen, 30 minutes). An indirect but perhaps quicker route during rush hours is to take the Karasuma Subway Line to Imadegawa Station and catch the 102 or 203busto the shrine. In either case get off at the Kitano Tenmangumae bus stop.

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Hours:5:00 to 18:00 (April to September)5:30 to 17:30 (October to March)


Admission:Free

Flea Market

Hours:25th of every month from 6:00 to 21:00

Plum Grove and Maple Tree Garden

Hours:Early February to mid March and early November to mid December from 10:00 to 16:00.Autumn illumination on weekends until 20:00 during the peak of the autumn leaf season.

Admission:600 yen

Shimogamo ShrineKamigamo Shrine

Shimogamo Shrineis a 15 minute walk from Demachi-Yanagi Station on the Keihan Line. Alternatively, Kyoto City Bus number 4 bound for Kamigamojinja-mae can be taken from the station to Shimogamojinja-mae bus stop (5 minutes, 220 yen) directly beside the shrine.

Kamigamo Shrinecan be reached in 30 minutes from Demachi-Yanagi Station or Shimogamo Shrine by Kyoto City Bus number 4 (220 yen). Get off at the last stop, Kamigamojinja-mae. Alternatively, the shrine can be reached in a 15 minute walk from Kitayama Station on the Karasuma Subway Line.

Shimogamo Shrine

Hours:6:30 to 17:00


Admission:Free

Kamigamo Shrine

Hours:8:00 to 16:00 (from 8:30 from November through March)


Admission:Free

Daitokuji

From Kyoto StationDaitokuji is located next to Daitokuji-maebusstop (45 minutes, 220 yen by bus numbers 101, 205 or 206 fromKyoto Station) or a five minute walk from Kitaoji-Horikawa bus stop (30 minutes, 220 yen by bus number 9 from Kyoto Station). Alternatively, take the Karasuma Subway Line to Kitaoji Station (13 minutes, 250 yen) from where you can reach the temple in a short bus ride (220 yen) or 15 minute walk.

Daisenin

Hours:9:00 to 17:00 (until 16:30 from December to February)


Admission:400 yen

Ryogenin

Hours:9:00 to 16:30

Closed:No closing dates

Admission:350 yen

Kotoin

Hours:9:00 to 16:00

Closed:Small number of irregular closing days

Admission:400 yen

Zuihoin

Hours:9:00 to 17:00


Admission:400 yen

Western Kyoto

Arashiyama

By Keifuku Railways (Randen)The small trains on the Keifuku Arashiyama Line connect Arashiyama with Omiya Station at the intersection of Shijo Street and Omiya Street in central Kyoto (20 minutes, 200 yen). Keifuku Railways also provides access to Kitanohakubaicho Station in northern Kyoto, not far fromKinkakuji,RyoanjiandNinnajiTemples (20-30 minutes, 200 yen). One transfer of trains is required along the way. Keifuku Arashiyama Station is located in the very center of Arashiyama.

Togetsukyo Bridge

Bamboo Groves

Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street

Tenryuji

Tenryuji is just a short walk from the Keifuku Arashiyama Station, which is connected by the small Keifuku trains (also referred to as Randen) with theRyoanji/Kinkakujiarea and Omiya Station along Shijo-dori Street. The temple can also be reached in a 5-10 minute walk from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, which is connected withKyoto Stationby train (10-15 minutes, 230 yen).

Hours:8:30 to 17:30 (until 17:00 from late October to late March)


Admission:500 yen (an extra 100 yen for entrance into the temple buildings)

Daikakuji

Daikakuji is a 15 minute walk north from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station (15 minutes, 230 yen one way fromKyoto Station) or a 25 minute walk north of Keifuku Arashiyama Station. Alternatively, take bus number 91 from Saga-Arashiyama Station (5 minutes, 190 yen, 2-3 buses per hour) or bus number 28 from central Arashiyama (10 minutes, 190 yen, 2-3 buses per hour) to access the temple.

Hours:9:00 to 17:00 (admission ends at 16:30)


Admission:500 yen800 yen (Combination ticket including the Reihoukan Museum)

Jojakkoji Temple

Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)Closed: No closing daysAdmission: 400 yen

Nisonin Temple

Hours: 9:00 to 16:30Closed: No closing daysAdmission: 500 yen

Gioji Temple


Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple


Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple

Hours: 8:00 to 17:00Closed: No closing daysAdmission: 300 yen

Arashiyama Hanatoro

Hours:17:00 to 20:30, December 8 to 17, 2012

Myoshinji

The temple grounds of Myoshinji are a five minute walk from JR Hanazono Station (10 minutes, 190 yen fromKyoto Station) or a three minute walk from Myoshinji Station along the Keifuku Kitano Line.Ryoanji Templeis a 10-15 minute walk from Myoshinji.

Guided Tours

Hours:Every 20 minutes from 9:00 to 16:00 (except around lunch)


Admission:500 yen

Taizoin Temple

Hours:9:00 to 17:00


Admission:500 yen

Keishunin Temple

Hours:9:00 to 17:00 (until 16:30 from November to February)

Closed:Some irregular closing days

Admission:400 yen

Daishinin Temple

Hours:9:00 to 17:00

Closed:Some irregular closing days

Admission:300 yen

Katsura Imperial Villa , Katsura Riky

Katsura Rikyu is located in westernKyoto, a 15 minute walk from Katsura Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line. Alternatively, you can reach the villa by Kyoto City Bus number 33 from Kyoto Station in about 20 minutes. Get off at "Katsura Rikyu-mae" bus stop.

Free tours of Katsura Imperial Villa are held several times daily in Japanese only. No tours are held on Sundays andnational holidays. Most Saturdays are also unavailable. Check with the agency for an up to date schedule.

To book a tour, you need to apply in advance with your passport at the Imperial Household Agency's office inKyoto Imperial Park. Reservations are often possible on the same day as the intended visit. The agency office is open Monday to Friday from 8:45 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 17:00.

Additionally, a small number of tour spots are available for reservation over the agency's website (see links below), however, these often get booked out. Online reservations must be completed several days before the intended visit.

Osaka

13 to 18

Kyoto to Osaka

Hankyu limited express (Osaka-Umeda - Kyoto-Kawaramachi)Duration: 44 minutesPrice: 390 yenFrequency: Every 10 minuteshttp://www.jorudan.co.jp/english/

Hotel Hillarys556-0006 Osaka, Osaka, Naniwa-ku Nippombashi 3-4-10

Osaka Aquarium

Osaka Aquarium is located at Osakako Station on the Chuo subway line.

Hours:10:00 to 20:00 (entrance until 19:00)

Closed:Seven irregular closing days per year (see official website)

Admission:2000 yen

Shitennoji

Shitennoji is a short walk from Shitennoji-mae-Yuhigaoka Station on the Tanimachi Subway Line. Alternatively, it can be reached in a ten minute walk north of JR Tennoji Station on the JR Loop Line.

Inner precinct

Hours:8:30 to 16:30 (until 16:00 from October through March)


Admission:300 yen

Gokuraku-jodo Garden

Hours:8:30 to 16:30 (until 16:00 from October through March)Admission ends 30 minutes before closing time.

Closed:Frequent closures, particularly during the first ten days of many months.

Admission:300 yen

Treasure House

Hours:8:30 to 16:30 (until 16:00 from October through March)

Closed:Long closures between exhibitions

Admission:500 yen

Sumiyoshi Taisha

Sumiyoshi Taisha is located in southernOsaka, a few steps from Sumiyoshi Taisha Station on the Nankai Main Line. From Nankai Namba Station, the one way ride costs 200 yen and takes less than ten minutes bylocal trains. Note that faster train categories do not stop at Sumiyoshi Taisha Station.

Sumiyoshi Taisha can also be reached by the Hankai Tramway Uemachi Line from Tennoji. Take the tram from Tennojiekimae Station and alight at Sumiyoshikoen Station (15 minutes, 200 yen), which is at the doorstep of the shrine.

Hours:6:00 to 17:00 (from 6:30 from October through March)


Admission:Free

Osaka Castle

The recommended approach to Osaka Castle is through Otemon Gate at the park's southwestern corner. The closest station is Tanimachi 4-chrome Station along the Tanimachi Subway Line and Chuo Subway Line.The closest JR station to Osaka Castle is Osakajokoen Station on the JR Loop Line, a 10 minute, 160 yen ride from JR Osaka Station.

Castle Tower

Hours:9:00 to 17:00 (entrance until 16:30)Extended hours during various holidays and special exhibitions

Closed:December 28 to January 1

Admission:600 yen

Nishinomaru Garden

Hours:9:00 to 17:00 (until 16:30 from November through February)Longer hours during thecherry blossomseason.

Closed:Mondays (or following day if Monday is anational holiday)

Admission:200 yen (350 yen during the extended hours of the cherry blossom season)

DotonboriBest seen at night, Dotonbori never truly closes with some restaurants open 24 hours.One ofOsaka's most popular tourist destinations, this street runs parallel to the Dotonbori canal. It is a popular shopping and entertainment district and is also known as a food destination. At night it is lit by hundreds of neon lights and mechanized signs, including the famous Glico Running Man sign and Kani Doraku crab sign.

Shinsaibashi Shopping ArcadeHours vary by store; typically opening around 10:00-11:00 and closing around 18:30-20:00.Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade and the surrounding Shinsaibashi area is Osaka's premiere shopping center. Approximately 600 m long, this area is unique as it combines chain retail stores and trendy boutiques with expensive department stores and top designer fashion labels.

AmerikamuraHours vary by store.Locally known as "Amemura," this shopping district is considered Osaka's counterpart toHarajukuand is a good place to see the cutting edge of teenage fashion and culture in Japan. It is a lively atmosphere that is populated with cafes, clothing stores, and thrift shops with a younger feel than the nearby Shinsaibashi.

Den Den TownHours vary by store; typically opening around 10:00-11:00 and closing around 19:00-20:00.Located in the Nipponbashi area, Den Den Town is an electronics district comparable toTokyo'sAkihabara, and you may be able to bargain to a better deal. Den Den Town is becoming known as an otaku paradise with numerous manga and anime retailers as well as maid and cosplay cafes located there.Namba ParksShops are open 11:00-21:00. Restaurants vary but most are open from 11:00-23:00.Built to resemble a natural canyon, Namba Parks is designed to be a break of nature amidst the sprawling urban landscape. It features a 120 tenant shopping mall including a cinema, amphitheater, and a rooftop garden. The 6th floor is made up of numerous restaurants including some Korean, Italian, and Vietnamese places.

Osaka Hikari Renaissance (12 to 25 Dec) in Nakanoshima

Osaka to Kobe (14-Dec)

FromOsaka, there are several ways to arrive in Sannomiya: Trains on theHankyuandHanshinprivate lines depart respectively from Hankyu-Umeda and Hanshin-Umeda stations. TheTokkyu() express takes roughly half an hour to reach Sannomiya (310). Hanshintrains also operate to Kobe from Namba station.Kaisoku Kyuko() trains depart every 20 minutes, reaching Sannomiya in 45 minutes at a cost of 400. In some instances you may have to change trains at Amagasaki.

Sorakuen Garden

Sorakuen is a ten minutes walk north of Motomachi Station (JR and Hanshin Railways) and a five minute walk north of Kencho-mae Station (Kobe Subway).


Closed:Thursdays (or following day if Thursday is anational holiday), December 29 to January 3

Admission:300 yen

Shin-Kobe Ropeway () is one of three services that lifts tourists up the southern slopes of theRokko mountain chain. The ropeway departs from next to Shin-Kobe Station, Kobe'sshinkansenstation. As it ascends, it passes by the Nunobiki Waterfall and the Nunobiki Herb Garden, giving a nice aerial view of both. The highlight of the ride lies in the observation deck located just beside the top station, which offers spectacular views ofKobeand is a popular night view spot.

An alternative way to get to the top station is via a hiking trail from Shin-Kobe Station. It is somewhat surprising that only a few steps north of the station are forests shielded from the rumbles of the city. A 15-20 minute climb through the woods takes you to the 43 meter tallNunobiki Waterfall, whose name comes from its appearance like a hanging cloth. Five minutes east from here is the Miharashi Observatory, which offers decent views of the city.

A further 20 minute scale up the mountain takes you to the middle station of Shin-Kobe Ropeway and the lower entrance ofNunobiki Herb Garden. This is one of Japan's largest herb gardens with hundreds of herb species and seasonalflowers. The garden has a glasshouse at which the growing of flowers andfruitssuch as guavas and papayas is made possible throughout the year.

At the upper entrance of the garden is the top station of Shin-Kobe Ropeway. Here, in addition to the observation deck, is a rest house with a cafe,restaurantand souvenir shop which sells many herbal and aromatic products. There is also a "Rose Symphony Garden", where visitors can enjoy viewing different varieties of roses during their blooming seasons while listening to music.

Hikers, who do not wish to enter the herb garden, can reach the top station and observation deck by following a 30 minute trail that bypasses the garden on its east. After reaching the ropeway's top station, the same trail continues on to Mount Maya, one of the peaks of theRokko mountain chain

It takes five minutes to walk from Shin-Kobe Station to the lower station of Shin-Kobe Ropeway.To access the hiking trail to the waterfall, leave Shin-Kobe Station through the exit on the first floor to the south (the ticket gates are located on the second floor), where you will find a tunnel that leads below the station building northwards to the forested mountain.

Shin-Kobe Ropeway

Hours:10:00 to 17:00 (until 20:30 on weekends,national holidays, and July 20 to August 31)Admission ends 15 minutes before closing time


Admission:1400 yen (round trip and admission to herb garden)900 yen (one way and admission to herb garden)800 yen (round trip after 17:00)

Nunobiki Herb Garden

Hours:10:00 to 17:00


Admission:200 yen (herb garden only)

Mt Rokko

From Sannomiya Station, take the Hankyu Kobe Line to Rokko Station (7 minutes, 180 yen), from where it is a ten minute bus ride by bus number 16 to the base station of the Rokko Cablecar. Note that the same bus can also be boarded at JR Rokkomichi Station (15 minutes) or Hanshin Mikage Station (25 minutes) and costs 200 yen from any of the three stations. The cablecar ride up the mountain takes 10 minutes and costs 570 yen one way or 1000 yen for a round trip ticket.

Kobe Harborland is a shopping and entertainment district along the waterfront ofKobe's port area, offering many cafes,restaurants, shops and other amusements. It is also a popular dating spot.

The two largest shopping complexes in the area are Mosaic and Canal Garden.Mosaicis a pleasant shopping complex along the waterfront with a variety of small fashion boutiques and a wide selection of restaurants, many of which overlook the harbor. A small amusement park with ferris wheel is found at one end of Mosaic.Canal Garden, on the other hand, is a shopping mall with a Hankyu department store, Sofmap electronics store, a sports store and various family fashion outlets.

The shopping area is surrounded by walking paths and promenades including a waterfront boardwalk and the Gaslight Street, a street that is lit in the evenings by old fashioned gas street lights. Other attractions in the area include a cinema and a few restaurants housed in renovated 19th century brick warehouses which remain from a former dockyard.

Kobe Harborland starts just outside of JR Kobe Station and the Harborland Subway Station. Alternatively, it can be reached in a five minute walk fromMeriken Park.

Kitano-cho (, Kitanoch) is a city district at the foot of theRokkomountain range where many foreign merchants and diplomats settled after the Port of Kobe was opened to foreign trade in the second half of the19th century. More than a dozen of the former mansions, known as Ijinkan, remain in the area and are open to the public as museums.

Most of the houses charge an admission fee of between 300 to 500 yen, while combination tickets are available to see multiple houses. The entire district is pleasant to walk through and offers a variety of cafes,restaurantsand boutiques, making it a favorite among young Japanese couples.Kitano-cho is about a 10 to 15 minute walk from either Sannomiya or Shin-Kobe Stations.

Luminarie Festival (13 to 26 Dec)

Osaka to Nara (17-Dec)

The fastest route fromOsakais to take the privateKintetsu Nara Linefrom Namba Station.Kaisoku-Kyk() trains run three times per hour to Kintetsu Nara (40 minutes, 540).

Nara Park (Nara Koen)

Nara Park is a five minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station or a about a 20 minute walk from JR Nara Station. Alternatively, the park can be reached bybus. There are multiple stops around the park.

Todaiji

Todaiji is located in the northern part ofNara Park. It is about a 30 minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, or about a 45 minute walk from JR Nara Station. It can also be reached bybusfrom either station. Get off at Todaiji Daibutsuden from where it is a 5-10 minute walk to Todaiji's main building.

Daibutsuden Hall

Hours:8:00 to 16:30 (November to February)8:00 to 17:00 (March)7:30 to 17:30 (April to September)7:30 to 17:00 (October)


Admission:500 yen

Todaiji Museum

Hours:9:30 to closing time of Daibutsuden Hall (admission ends 30 minutes before closing)

Closed:Between exhibitions

Admission:500 yen (museum only), 800 yen (museum and Daibutsuden Hall)

Isuien Garden

Located in central Nara, a visit to Isuien Garden is easily combined with seeing other attractions such asTodaiji TempleandKofukuji Temple, which are both a ten minute walk away.Isuien Garden is also located a 15 minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station. From JR Nara Station, the garden can be reached by taking frequently departing buses bound for Aoyamajutaku or Kunimidai-hachichome to Oshiagecho bus stop (5 minutes, 180 yen, platform 5 or 6).

Hours:9:30 to 16:30

Closed:Tuesdays,New Yearholidays,Obonholidays

Admission:650 yen

Kasuga Taisha

Kasuga Taisha is located in the east ofNara Park. It is about a 30 minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, or a 45 minute walk from JR Nara Station. Alternatively, it can be reached bybusfrom either station. Get off at the Kasuga Taisha Honden bus stop (180 yen, frequent departures).

Kasuga Taisha

Hours:6:00 to 18:00 (April to September)6:30 to 17:30 (October to March)


Admission:Free (outer area), 500 yen (inner area)

Botanical Garden

Hours:9:00 to 17:00 (until 16:30 from December to February)Admission ends 30 minutes before closing

Closed:Mondays from December to February (or the following Tue if Mon is anational holiday)

Admission:500 yen

Treasure House

Hours:9:00 to 17:00 (Admission until 16:30)

Closed:Closed irregularly for exhibit changes

Admission:400 yen

Shin-Yakushiji Temple

Shin-Yakushiji Temple is about five minutes by foot south ofNara Park. The temple is also a ten minute walk from the Warishicho bus stop, which can be reached on frequently departing Nara City Loop Buses and other buses from both JR Nara Station (10 minutes, 180 yen, platform 1) and Kintetsu Nara Station (5 minutes, 180 yen, platform 1).

Hours:9:00 to 17:00


Admission:600 yen

Kofukuji

Kofukuji is a five minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, or a 20 minute walk from JR Nara Station. Kofukuji can also be reached from JR Nara Station by clockwise running loopbusnumber 2 or any of the buses bound forKasuga Taisha(7 minutes, 180 yen). Get off at Kencho-mae bus stop.

Hours:9:00 to 17:00 (National Treasure Museum and Eastern Golden Hall)


Admission:600 yen (National Treasure Museum), 300 yen (Eastern Golden Hall), 800 yen (both)

Nara National Museum

The Nara National Museum is located inNara Park, a 15 minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station or a 30 minute walk from JR Nara Station. Alternatively, it can be reached bybusfrom either station. Get off at the Himuro Shrine/National Museum bus stop next to the museum.

Hours:9:30 to 17:00 (until 19:00 on Fridays from April through October and on various holidays throughout the year); Admission ends 30 minutes before closing

Closed:Mondays (or the following Tueday if Monday is anational holiday)

Admission:500 yen (includes admission to both wings of the museum)

Naramachi

Naramachi is located about a 10-15 minute walk to the south of Kintetsu Nara Station. From JR Nara Station, it is about a 20 minute walk to the southeast. Loopbusnumbers 5 and 6 serve Kintetsu Nara Station, JR Nara Station and Naramachi.

Gangoji Temple

Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (entrance until 16:30)Closed: No closing daysAdmission: 400 yen

Koshi-no-Ie Residence (Naramachi Lattic House)

Hours: 9:00 to 17:00Closed: Mondays (Tue if Mon is a national holiday) and the day following national holidays (except weekends)Admission: Free

Nara Craft Museum (Nara Kogeikan)

Hours: 10:00 to 18:00Closed: Mondays (Tue if Mon is a national holiday) and the day following national holidays (except weekends)Admission: Free

Naramachi Shiryokan

Hours: 10:00 to 16:00Closed: WeekdaysAdmission: Free

Imanishike Shoin Residence

Hours: 10:00 to 14:00 (entry until 13:30)Closed: Mondays, summer holidays, winter holidaysAdmission: 350 yen

On Matsuri (Dec 15 to 18)

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