Almost going to Tokyo and Kansai!
 

Hello,

I once made a topic about my future vacation to Japan! I’m now making my day planner, but I find it hard to fill out the days in Kyoto and Osaka. I’m staying one week in Tokyo, afterwards I will visit Hakone for Mt. Fuji and then I’ll stay in Kyoto for 5 days and 6 days for Osaka, I’ll end my vacation with 2 days in Tokyo (excl. travelling).

I find it really hard to get around in especially Osaka. I’m staying there because I’m hoping to meet an old friend and because the nightlife is absolutely super! (so I’ve heard). Still I don’t know what else to do there! Please help me and any other must-sees in Japan are very welcome because I want to go home with the idea that I’ve REALLY seen Japan. It’s a once in a life trip so I want to see as much as possible. I really want to explore the Kansai region, but there is too much to see, I don’t know where to start or what to choose! What I do know is that I want to spend one day in Hiroshima, that’s possible from Osaka or Kyoto right?

My interest are:
- History (mythology and culture)
- Fashion (though I probably see enough in the Tokyo shopping districts)
- Animation~
- Weird/cute Japanese thingies

I also enjoy the nightlife, but I don’t fancy going out with my dad all the times, since I’m taking this trip with him. My dads interest are more of the cultural stuff, seeing the scenery and history of the country. He’s also into electronics so that would be interesting for him.

Please help me! I already have some interesting tips so everything is welcome!

Osaka is just as hard to get around in as Tokyo. There is even a similar loop line that circles the city.

I don't know how old you are so am not sure what kind of nightlife you want, but there are tons of things to do

OSAKA
Osaka Science and Technology Museum
Osaka Castle
Namba District (Ame-mura, Nampa-bashi)
Shopping in Umeda

NARA
Nara Dai-butsu
Nara Park

KYOTO
Kinkakuji
Mount Kyoto
Monkey Mountain
Kyoto International Manga Museum

TAKARAZUKA
Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum

KOBE
Merikan Park
Old Foreigner's Homes tour
Aquarium at Suma

And that is just scratching the surface

Turning 19 in July, thanks sounds good. Any more? Which temples should I definitly see in Kyoto?

Kiyomizu is a must see.

Kiyomizudera (Pure Water Temple)

Also see Fushimi Inari which is a shinto shrine, as opposed to a Buddhist temple

Fushimi Inari Shrine - Kyoto, Japan

Maybe this website will Help ^_^
JAL Guide to Japan - OSAKA ( City Information )

You might also want to visit Koya-san and Himeji Castle for the history/culture side, and walk through Den Den Town in Osaka for the electronics. American Mura is another place to see in Osaka.

Yes I would definitely recommend kiyomizudera, and monkey mountain. They both have amazing views.

Also Himeji castle is really cool, and Himeji itself was a pretty fun city. Pretty easy to get around in the main area. Plus the castle has a new garden that was very beautiful.

My personal favorite that was mentioned on here would have to be Daibutsu in Nara. The temple and Buddha were spectacular, and the deer outside were just as fun. Todaiji was another good one.

We have similar tastes, Barone...I agree with you.

One note, Todaiji is the name of the temple that houses the Daibutsu, and I believe it is the largest wooden structure in Japan...or maybe the world.

It seems we do MMM. Awesome! I agree with all of the ones that you suggested that if have been too. Although I haven't been to all of them.

Ah yes, my bad about todaiji. I was thinking of a different one in Nara, which has some of the oldest wooden buildings in the world. Horyu-ji is the name of it I think. Personally I would recommend Daibutsu over this one, that is if you can only go to one. But if your dad is into history and scenery Horyu-ji is pretty interesting. Plus the architecture here is amazing. And they even have a museum inside.

Wow! So much to see! Thanks! You've been a great help :3


Also, I'd really like to spot geisha's in Gion. I've heard you might see them in Gion around noon, aren't there geisha shows or something? Or organasations that give you the ability to meet maiko and take picture (omg real tourist here) and is there more to see in Gion?

I'd also like to see kabuki theatre, it is very expensive? I guess the best location to see a show is in Ginza right?

Go to Gion in the early evening. That is when the Maiko are going to work. Please be polite about taking photos and don't try to stop them, they are busy. There has been problems with tourist (including Japanese) taking their photos. Have fun!:ywave:

Go to Kyoto or Gion and you can spot Geisha and Maiko almost guaranteed. Their services can be rented, but it is very expensive, and not really a touristy thing. I don't know about "geisha shows". That would be what they do, but they are private affairs, like I mentioned.

I believe there is a Kabuki theater in Osaka...

I went to Kabuki in Osaka, and it was the most boring thing I've done.

It was muggy, crowded and completely untranslatable... I don't even remember if it was expensive.

Luckily an old woman fanned me off the whole time :D

I kind of have to agree. I went to probably the same one, and I think we had a piece of paper that told us in English what the story was all about, but it was a little like watching a play in slow motion. I don't know how long it was, but it felt very long.

I cant remember what the place was called, but it was near Gion. This place combined many of the traditional Japanese arts in a convenient 1 hour show. They went through a tea ceremony, two people playing a stringed instument ( I think it was a koto), a traditional comedic play, ikebana, and Bunraku. Bunraku is the puppet show where there are three guys to a puppet, and they are all wearing black so its harder to see them. I though the show was pretty good, it was kind of a crash course in Traditional Japanese arts. Plus it was only an hour so it wont take up a whole day.

Edit: Ah, I found the place I went to. It is 7 different Japanese arts in an hour.

Gion Corner:Kyoto Traditional Musical Theatre

That sounds like the perfect crash course for the MTV generation. Nice find!

10 things to do in Osaka
 

Here's an article with a list of 10 things to do in Osaka.. They're all quite "touristy" though.

Guide books tend to gloss over Osaka but it's great to get around and there's loads to see. I'd avoid kabuki; I love the Umeda Sky Building and Den Den Town's a good place to go if you want to feel attractive!