#DORAgoes to Kansai Region, Japan
Japan, a country known for advanced technology. Impeccable organization, disciplined and patriotic countrymen comes in next. While pop culture references highlights ninjas, animés, harajukus and some sushis and ramens. But the advancements and modernization in Tokyo overshadows what deep culture Japan has.
Which brings us to Kansai region, where fellow DORA @jennytiu tours us to the cultural and historical heart of Japan. Kyoto was listed as her #DORADREAMDESTINATION and it’s definitely one of the stops featured here. Now join us as she courses us through her travel snippets!
There is something with Japan that makes people want to come back. I have yet to meet someone who has been to Japan that doesn’t wanna do so as soon as possible.
This time around, I was fortunate enough to have the chance to visit Japan’s Kansai region at the peak of the Sakura season!
These flowers mark the end of winter and the start of spring. Peak blooming varies per region. Popular tourist cities like Osaka, Kyoto & Tokyo have it around late March to early April, while Sapporo up north have it around late April to early May. I came and conquered during the first week of April.
In Kyoto, the imperial capital of Japan, is home to more than a dozen UNESCO World Heritage sites. Since two days was not enough to visit all of them, we chose to visit the most popular sites.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Ginkakuji
Namely there are, Kiyomizudera an ancient Buddhist Temple and Ginkakuji a Zen Temple. Both of which dates back from several centuries ago. It’s impressive that the structures have survived for hundreds of years. The highlight landmarks of Kyoto are the Fushimi Inari Shrine and Bamboo Path respectively. The Fushimi Inari Shrine is famous for its bright orange structure and it is mainly popular because of the torii path you’ll be walking by. This shrine is actually being patronized by businessmen, merchants and manufacturers. Meanwhile, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is such a pleasure in the eye as it gives off zen calmness.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
If you are into animals, you may visit Iwatayama Monkey Park in Arashiyama. Adorable monkeys can be seen and fed.
Next stop is Miyajima and Hiroshima.
Itsukushima Shrine and Peace Memorial Park
Miyajima is famous for its floating tori gate. The said gate appears to be floating on water during high tide. We didn’t have much time to spare in order to explore the island. We were only able to visit the Itsukushima Shrine. It has such a deep story behind it whether religious or historical references. But it is definitely a National Treasure of Japan.
Watch out for hungry wild deer! They are abundant in the area so be careful specially if you’re eating or have food in your bag!
Our last destination is Hiroshima. This is an infamous city because a nuclear bomb was dropped here during the height of World War II. Today, the city is completely re-built. The city’s Peace Memorial Park commemorates the tragic event which happened 60 years ago.
Dontonburi
In Osaka first time visitors must not miss the popular sites such as Osaka Castle and nearby themepark – Universal Studios Japan. Currently these are extremely popular because of the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
However, Osaka is actually known as the country’s gastronomist’s town where locals and tourists are spoiled with choices of where and what to eat. Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki are two of the region’s most famous dishes but you can also find Yakiniku, Curry and Sushi in abundance.
Dontonburi is a popular foodie destination because of the variety of traditional and modern Japanese dishes available. Notable restaurants can be found in this area as well as picture worthy landmarks. The famous Glico Man and Kani Doraku Crab can be spotted here. “Kuidaore” (eat till you drop) as they say!
And of course some Sakura and Matcha flavored ice creams all through-out the trip shouldn’t be missed!
Shinkansen
Bullet Trains: The country is connected by its vast network of efficient train transportation system. This makes travelling from one city to another fast and convenient through their shinkansen/bullet train network. Albeit not being cheaper than flying domestic, most locals prefer taking the train.
I was most excited for our Kyoto daytrip. Kyoto prefecture is about 56 kilometers away from Osaka. It can be reached through a 15-min shinkansen ride. Taking the JR Special Rapid train is a more economical option and it can take you to Kyoto in about 30 minutes for half the cost! Told you shinkansen rides are expensive! But I guess worth the try.
Umeda Sky Building: This is one of the recognizable buildings in Osaka. Going up is already a breathtaking experience as the escalators are hanging in the sky. Try your best not to look down because it’s definitely not for those who are afraid of heights. On top is a view of Osaka where you can see the clean lined landscape which bears Japan’s signature all over it.
In every travel, there’s shopping involved! But since we didn’t go to major shopping cities not much shopping happened. However here are two things that I have Tori Takeaway and a literal takeaway Pablo Cheese Tarts to be brought back home!
So on your next trip to Japan, don’t hesitate to visit other regions! It’s not really a big country but it has a lot to offer in every city. The more you explore and get out of the condensed tourist traps, the more you’ll learn and see the true Japan. Sayonara!
