Universal Studios Japan: Experience the Movies

April 24, 2013

Touched down Osaka, Japan. Where to go? Universal Studios Japan ex- the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Unfortunately, I went there a year before the scheduled opening of the Harry Potter themed attractions.

Universal Globe

Seriously, we went directly to Universal Studios (USJ). Upon arrival at Kansai International Airport, we immediately purchased bus tickets to USJ bringing with us my big luggage. I didn’t care what other people might think. Haha! Travel Tip: There is luggage storage at the entrance of the park. You may leave your things there for a fee (I forgot how much though).

Too bad the weather didn’t cooperate during my trip because it was raining. But it didn’t stop me to enjoy and maximize my day trip to the park. After all, I didn’t know when can I visit this park again? Not until they announced the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opening soon! I’m not a die-hard harry potter fan but will surely be back there to see the attraction! HAHA!

Like my suggestion in all other theme parks, get a copy of the park map immediately and plan on how you maximize the place. Make sure to include in your schedule the park shows and performance. 

Universal Studios Japan:

Mandatory photo!

Itinerary: Kyoto

Before every trip, it is very important to research on the places you intend to visit.   It is equally important to plot everything so that you can maximize the little time you have bearing in mind the expenses you will incur.

Let’s face it, sometimes researching for your trip can consume most of your time before your dream vacation. Of course, if you are on a tour group, they prepare everything for you.

Sharing to you my 2-day itinerary in Kyoto, Japan.

Golden Pavilion

Day 1: April 26, 2013

06:05AM – Arrival at Kyoto Station via Overnight bus from Nagano Prefecture

06:05AM – 07:00AM – Travel to Cathedral of St.Francis Xavier (We arrived on a Sunday so we decided to attend mass before going around)

07:00AM – 07:30AM – Quick tour in the church and prepare for mass

07:30AM – 08:15AM – Holy Mass

08:15AM – 09:45AM – Travel to Kyoto ShuhokakuHotel (leisure morning walk)

09:45 AM – 10:20AM – Early registration and left our luggage

10:20AM – 1!:15AM – Breakfast near hotel

11:15AM – 12:00NN – Walk from hotel to Kiyomizu-dera (including the 20min from the city streets to the main entrance)

12:00NN – 01:00PM – Explore Kiyomizu-dera

01:00PM – 01:30PM – Walk to Kodaji Temple

01:30PM – 02:15PM – Explore  Kodaji Temple, Maruyama & Yasaka Park Shring

02:15PM – 03:00PM – Explore Kyoto downtown and Gion area

03:00PM – 03:30PM – Travel to Kyoto Shuhokaku Hotel

03:30PM – 05:00PM – Check in and Rest (Eat snacks from convenience store)

05:00PM – 06:00PM – Travel to Kyoto University (I visited a place near the university)

06:00PM – 06:30PM – Met with the Director of the place

06:30PM – 07:30PM – Travel back to the Hotel

07:30PM – 08:30PM – Rest

08:30PM – 09:30PM – Special Kaiseki dinner at the Hotel

09:30PM – 10:30PM – Wash up! Prepare for tomorrow

Day 2: April 27, 2013

06:00AM – 07:00AM – Wake up! Prepare ~

07:00AM – 07:40AM – Hearty breakfast at the Hotel

07:40AM – 08:15AM – Pack things (We leave the hotel at night so we need to check-out early)

08:15AM – 09:00AM – Travel to Kinkakuji

09:00AM – 10:15AM – Explore Kinkakuji (GoldenPavilion)

10:15AM – 11:00AM – Travel to Ryoanji

11:00AM – 11:45AM – Explore Ryoanji

11:45AM – 12:30PM – Travel to Nijo-jo

12:30PM – 01:45PM – Explore Nijo-jo (Nijo Castle)

01:45PM – 03:00PM – Lunch and Rest! (We walked a lot!)

03:00PM – 03:30PM – Continue to stroll to Imperial Palace

03:30PM – 04:15PM – Explore Imperial Palace

04:15PM – 04:30PM – Travel to Gion area

04:30PM – 06:00PM – Explore Gion at night and bought some souvenirs

06:00PM – 06:20PM – Go back to Hotel

06:20PM – 06:30PM – Just grab our luggage!

06:30PM – 07:00PM – Travel to Kyoto Station

07:00PM – 07:40PM – Explore Kyoto Station

07:40PM – 08:30PM – Dinner at McDonalds in Kyoto Station

08:30PM – 09:30PM – Rest

09:30PM – 10:30PM – Went to the bus, board and rest again!

10:30PM – Departure!

That’s it for my Kyoto trip. It was very short so I just visited the major destinations in town.

This is just a simple guide to help you plan your Kyoto escapade. Feel free to modify my itinerary according to your interest and schedule.

If you have more time in Kyoto, you can explore other places: (not a complete list)

Ginkaku-ji – Silver Pavilion. Arashiyama.. Shugakuin Imperial Villa. Tenryu-ji. Kamigamo & Shimogamo Shrines. Mount. Kurama. Kyoto National Museum.

Enjoy your Kyoto trip!

Kyoto | Imperial Palace: The Emperor's Residence

April 27, 2013

To conclude our Kyoto trip, we went to Kyoto Imperial Palace, ‘just walking distance from Nijo-jo,’ according to many Japanese. But this doesn't mean 5min walk. Aha. Just like in other developed countries, a 20-30min walk is a norm for them. Just to make things clear, its around 2.8km from Nijo Castle. Now, it’s for you to decide if you want to walk.

In our case, we walked from the castle to the palace. I’m good with the walk given the cool weather and pleasant view, including traces of Cherry Blossoms. I also enjoyed observing Japanese lifestyle and culture.

Kyoto Imperial Palace was the home of the country’s Emperor until 1868, when they transferred to Tokyo Imperial Palace (been there in 2009). 

Imperial Palace Main Gate

Kyoto | Kinkaku-ji: Golden Pavilion in Nature

April 27, 2013

First thing on the list in our 2^nd and last day in Kyoto – my number 1 place to visit, Golden Pavilion – Kinkaku-ji. It’s arguably the most famous temple in Kyoto and even in the country.  Make sure to visit the place to understand its magnificent beauty. A perfect place for reflection of what you have done with your life. HAHA!

After freshening up and a hearty breakfast, we immediately went to Kinkaku-ji. I was very excited to see the temple that I woke up early and researched some fun facts to appreciate the structure more. Travel Tip: It’s good to read prior before visiting a place to know its value. Reminder to self: Read, and not just pure photos!

The entrance to the temple was already very inviting because it was perfectly maintained. You can already feel a serene ambiance leading to the main temple. The locals and tourists were also very disciplined. Who would dare throwing rubbish here?