Planning a Trip to Osaka in Late July

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  tanoshiiki on 27/04/2016 - 20:56

  +1

  `1. Hiroshima?

  `2/3. If you are just staying in the Kansai area, you may find some of the JR Kansai passes more economical. The wider all Japan JR Pass can only be purchased outside of Japan, although I recall reading recently they are introducing purchase to tourists within Japan soon. JR Passes info http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2357.html

  `5. Then don't go to too many cities :) Is your total trip in Japan 7 days? If yes, visiting 4 cities within 7 days is more than enough (and would not be relaxing to me), but I guess it depends what you define as "relax".

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  altomic on 27/04/2016 - 21:56

  +3

  Hi, I lived in Japan for 4 years.

  Is there any other city worth travelling to from Osaka other than Kyoto, Kobe and Nara? -Tokyo is pretty cool just for it's enormity. but 7 days is more than enough for those 3 cities you have planned. seriously, take your time. just walk around. catch a local bus and check out the suburbs. go to some supermarkets and shopping centres/ shopping covered streets/malls. walk around very late at night. it's so different. be excited.
  Should we buy JR passes before going to Japan or after arrival at Osaka?- no. not really worth it all as those 3 these cities are so close. plus buses are very cheap between cities and there are local trains which allow you to travel on the "everyday routes". many Japanese don't own cars and therefore public transport is pretty decent.
  Which JR pass should we buy? -nah, don't bother.
  Is there any day pass for travelling in the Osaka subway system? Or can we use JR pass in the Osaka subways? -never really visited Osaka.
  We have no ambition of seeing too many places. Just want to have a relax holiday. I do welcome any idea of places to visit during our short stay in Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Nara. -see above
  What would you choose between accommodation near Namba and Showacho? try a Ryokan - which is a traditional japanese inn. here is a site for booking and another one. I always try to stay at them as usually they are cheaper, you sleep on a proper futon on tatami, have a shared bathroom, and it's more personable.
  Any advice on shopping, eating and gift to bring back to Australia. - gifts -go to the 100yen shops there. the range is amazing if you find a big one. lots of novelties - some very different things. I always tried to find second hand stores with antiques - these are hard to find usually. restaurants- nothing specific but I recommend just going to random places. Izakaya's are very casual type restaurant that are usually inexpensive and can have great atmosphere. convenience stores are also well stocked with not only sandwiches and sushi but some have pre-cooked meals (and alcohol) - plus it's all very fresh.

  I'm heading to Japan at the end of june for 2 weeks and am super psyched about it.

  Have fun in Japan. it's such a contradiction - so modern, so precise, so complete yet backward and so "Japanese". (it's hard to describe).

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  Tech5 on 27/04/2016 - 22:13

  +2

  I try convince everyone who is going to Kyoto, to stop by Kurama Onsen. You won't regret it.

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  cheweychipsahoy on 29/04/2016 - 10:09

  +1

  Travelled to Japan last November, amazing place. Can definitely recommend just getting a JR Kansai pass if you're preferring to stay in those areas. Honestly, I really liked Tokyo, but I think Osaka was a better experience. If you're planning on going out to bars and such, don't miss Bar Nayuta! It's a small cosy den (a little hard to find) but the atmosphere is amazing and the drinks are delicious! Enjoy your time.