The holiday we didn't quite mean to take but did anyway because promo flight tickets were too tempting to resist (though we paid the price for it later; more on that in a bit).
The last time we went to Japan, we were told by many online articles/forums that 10 days was enough to see many Japanese cities. We chose to spend those 10 days in Tokyo instead with day trips out because we were too lazy to coordinate lodging/transport/luggages across multiple cities. We didn't have that excuse this time round because we'd already spent 10 days in Tokyo and seen all we'd like in that part of Japan.
Time to put in more effort to see more of the world (with limited time).
Traversing part of Kansai from Kyoto to Hiroshima in under 12 days
(more accurately, 11).
Here goes!
7 December 2018, Friday
Day 0 - KIX -> Shin-Osaka -> Kyoto
(We got into Kansai International Airport at 5pm.)
First thing after arriving in Kansai International Airport: queue up at the JR office located right by the train entrances (a short walk from the airport terminal, follow the clear signs and head to the KIX train station) to get our ICOCA cards and our one-way Haruka tickets (discounted if you get it together with your ICOCA at the JR office) to Kyoto.
(Return Haruka tickets are also available but we weren't coming back this way so we got one-way tickets instead).
An hour's train ride later,
hello Kyoto!
First stop after dropping our luggages off at our hotel/apartment (lodgings listed at the end!) -
Gogyo Ramen,
highly recommended by TripAdvisor and various food blogs.
Some of these blogs forgot to mention (unless the cover charge is a recent addition) that a ¥400 cover charge applies to each diner regardless of order. The cover charge includes a small side dish (very small). The restaurant only informed us of this cover charge after we were seated so it wasn't the most convenient to stand up and go. Thankfully, we were quite interested in the ramen nonetheless so we put up with the charge.
(Small dish included in cover charge pictured above.)
The burnt ramen was as other blogs have mentioned, distinct burnt taste, interesting broth, a decent bowl of ramen.
(To be honest, it wasn't that out-of-this-world to warrant the cover charge.)
After dinner, a quick stroll through Nishiki Market at night, which was obviously peaceful given that most of the shops were closed by the time we took our after-(late)dinner stroll. Still, I always find the other side of popular tourist destinations interesting so this was a welcomed stroll after dinner.
Also helps that our accommodation in Kyoto was nicely located for us to conveniently explore most of Kyoto's popular spots.
Next stop on our night stroll round our accommodation: Gion.
It was slightly after the time that Gion would be most lively at and we got there to see businessmen being escorted to their transport home after their business dinners.
Best thing about Japan: it never quite feels shady/un-safe even at late hours of the night.
There's always something to see.
And eat.
Managed to get ourselves the famous Japanese melon pan (named after its resemblance to a rock melon, not actually melon-flavored; silly James asked me why he couldn't taste the melon 😅).
Very yum. Can't beat the Japanese where bakes and ice cream are concerned.
Final stop before we headed back and called it a night: the trusty konbini.
Got to love convenience stores in Japan.
8 December 2018, Saturday
Day 1 - Kyoto
Started the morning on the Philosopher's Path, enjoying the peace and serenity in an otherwise heavily-packed-with-tourists Kyoto.
It was off-season and most of the autumn leaves had fallen by the time we got into Kyoto, but that made the path less popular with tourists. There was hardly any foot traffic and we met mostly locals along the way. Great way to start the morning.
The Philosopher's Path is a long scenic walk that can be accessed from multiple points and covers multiple shrines along the way. We passed by Eikando Temple but chose not to pay for the entrance into the shrine.
Stopped by Nanzenji Temple to see its often-photographed aqueduct.The aqueduct can be found on its grounds that's open to the public and doesn't require an entrance ticket. We didn't pay for Nanzenji's entrance ticket either because we figured we'd experience shrine-overload soon enough being in Kyoto.
Passed by Chionin Temple as well.Gave that a miss too after exploring its grounds for a bit (grounds are usually free to explore for all shrines in Japan. You pay entrance fees to enter the main halls).
We did pay for the entrance into Kodaiji.
Worth it.
We walked past so many shrines on our walk down the Philosopher's Path that eventually I lost track of which shrine we were at.
James: "Omg it's another sanmon."
Blasphemous I know, but with the number of shrine entrance gates we passed by in Kyoto (majestic and gorgeous as they were), we very quickly developed shrine-saturation.
Tip: Unless you're very religious (no offence to devout Buddhists) or truly into architecture (no shame if you're a building-fanatic), there's no need to spend tonnes on all the entrances into all the shrines (not exactly cheap too considering some shrine entrances cost up to ¥1000). Google the shrine at the entrance (or before travelling there) and decide if the sights inside are worth your money.
Spent the rest of the morning strolling along Ninenzaka, Sannnenzaka, and aimlessly wandering around the beautiful alleys and streets of this side of Kyoto before leaving the area, heading for our next stop.
Hello Nishiki Market!
Got to love Japanese markets, the best places to get a whole spread of local delicacies.
Can't say it's cheap because mostly everything in Japan tends to be slightly pricey (you're paying for the quality and freshness), but definitely not a place to miss.
Also, had to make a stop by Yojiya.
Only found in Kyoto, great place to stop by to get souvenirs for any cosmetic-crazy friends.
Or just to buy some hand cream for yourself because your skin is cracking from the sudden change in climate.
(Three Star, Kyoto.)
And then to end the day with tonnes of vintage shopping because where else to do vintage shopping besides Japan?
(Non-exhaustive) List of vintage shops to go crazy at:
3. Small Change
4. Three Star
(Three Star was my favorite with its widest collection of more affordable vintage/thrift.)
Lots of walking/exploring,
very satisfied.
9 December 2018, Sunday
Day 2 - Kyoto
Started the morning bright and early at the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine.Free to enter with no entrance fees throughout, definitely not a place to miss when you're in Kyoto.Also, best to complete the entire hike up to the last torii gate if you can afford the time (approximately 2-3 hours depending on your hiking speed).
The sights nearing and at the top were worth all the trekking.
Also, the cats.
😻
The food stalls at the exit of the shrine?Not so much.
Definitely not this stick of "Kobe beef" available at one of the stalls. Don't fall prey like James.Opt for the cheaper stick if you must.Or just save your money and eat elsewhere.
This coffee place located within walking distance of Fushimi Inari?
Worth it.
More random walking-exploring after our morning stroll at Fushimi Inari.
We walk a lot (a lot is probably an understatement) when we travel because I refuse to take public transport where I can help it. 30-minute walk? Close enough. 40-minute walk? Why not.
While most tourists might find every-day suburban areas underwhelming/un-exciting because of their lack of extraordinary sights, we enjoy exploring the every day.
A foreign place is best understood on foot.
Even better if it's early winter and the weather is very pleasant for walking.
Walked ourselves to Kyoto's local brewery.
Cold beer tastes best after some hard work.
Slow and easy 2nd day in Kyoto,
the best kind of travelling.
10 December 2018, Monday
Day 3 - Arashiyama -> Kyoto Station
Starting the day super (not even bright yet because before sunrise) early because Arashiyama.
The place gets packed with bus-loads of tourists after 9am so come late at your own risk.
We arrived at 7.15am and had the place peaceful and quiet, largely to ourselves, until after 9am when the hordes of tourists started streaming in.
Arriving bright and early also meant we had the famous bamboo grove to ourselves (save for a handful of other early-bird (kiasu) tourists) and got to fully enjoy the supposed-to-be serene and peaceful bamboo garden.
Having experienced the same bamboo groves the last time I was here at 10am,
waking up at 5am to get here by 7am this time round?
Definitely worth it.
Morning coffee after our morning stroll through the bamboo grove.
Didn't have to queue this time because #early.
Makes the coffee taste that much better. lol.
More morning strolling through the Arashiyama neighborhood, making our way to the first shrine on our list.
Gio-ji Temple.
We were so early, the uncles were still cleaning up the fall leaves that had fallen (lol) on the moss garden.
Slipped our minds that we were visiting in early winter and that the moss garden wouldn't be as green and luscious as it appears on photos online. Still, the entrance ticket was worth it because we got to see (and photograph) the most vibrant autumn leaves we'd see on our entire trip.
More strolling through the preserved street,
on our way to the next shrine on our list.
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple.
We originally wanted to stop by Adashino Nenbutsu-ji as well, which is located on the same path to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji (you'll pass by Adashino Nenbutsu-ji first). Its bamboo garden was closed for maintenance and we'd experienced shrine-saturation by then so we made the choice to head straight to the end of the path for Otagi Nenbutsu-ji.
Lots of whimsical statues, rarely visited temple in Arashiyama because it's further away from the main attractions in the area.Quiet, peaceful, statues each with a different expression,worth it.
After the morning in Arashiyama, we made our way back and onwards to explore Ponto-cho.
Exploring the area on foot while we still have sunlight (the sun set after 4.30pm everyday because we were there early winter; felt like a race against time everyday because a lot of places also adjusted their closing hours to match sunset).
Strolling along the back alleys along Kamo River.
This city is ridiculously photogenic.
Grabbing another coffee at Kamogawa Cafe before heading back where we came from on our evening stroll back to our guesthouse.
Before we could help it, night was upon us. And it was only 5.30pm.
Confusing indeed for a bunch of kids from Singapore.
Goodnight Kyoto!
11 December 2018, Tuesday
Day 4 - Nara -> Kyoto Station
(We activated our Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass on this day.
We ordered online through Klook while we were back in Singapore and picked our passes up at KIX's HIS counter when we arrived on our first day.
Show your pass to the counter staff located by any of the train gantries on the day you wish to activate and they'll stamp the start date. Subsequently, enter train stations by flashing your pass where the counter-staff is located by the side of the gantries until your pass expires after 5 days. More information on the pass can be found on countless websites.)
Day-trip to Nara for the morning,
a place famous for its free-roaming (friendly) deer.
They were truly everywhere.
And mostly friendly and won't shy away from you because they're expecting food.
Easy stroll through Nara Park which eventually brings you to a shrine.
Which we skipped because we were quite done with visiting shrines by then.
(so not religious, sorry)
We did quite enjoy being surrounded by deer everywhere we went though.
Photobombed,
by deer.
Stroll through the neighborhood brought us to many places that I've mostly forgotten the names (or sequence) of by now.
I do however remember chancing upon this very gorgeous house that was free to enter that made me wish I could live in there forever.
Naramachi Nigiwai-no-le.Very worth the time.
More deer-related things.(This was very freshly-made in the shop and very yummy.)
And of course I had to buy another one because 1. yummy and 2. wanted to take this shot.
More wandering around.
And trespassing into someone's abandoned private property because the brown weeds were pretty and begged for a poseur hipster picture.
On the train back to Kyoto Station, fulfilling my bento-on-train dreams by getting myself a box of famous persimmon leaf sushi from Nara.
Back in the city after a full day-out in Nara to explore Kyoto Station and its various spots.
Spent quite a while trying to locate this kaiten sushi place that we wanted to try.
Not too bad for cheap conveyor belt sushi.(Not quite worth the search high-and-low.)
Finally found Tamagotchi!
Tried really hard to resist as we went from BIC Camera to SofMap to Toys"R"Us.
Finally caved at Toys"R"Us because they had one last older box-set anniversary version that was already sold out everywhere else.
Entertained many passers-by and countless counter staff after I activated my Tamagotchi on this day.
😂
Tried really hard to resist as we went from BIC Camera to SofMap to Toys"R"Us.
Finally caved at Toys"R"Us because they had one last older box-set anniversary version that was already sold out everywhere else.
Entertained many passers-by and countless counter staff after I activated my Tamagotchi on this day.
😂
12 December 2018, Wednesday
Day 5 - Kyoto -> Kobe -> Hiroshima
Morning coffee very important.
Even better when it comes with ice cream because ice cream in cold weather,
even better.
Our Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass didn't entitle us to reserved seats (reserve your seats at an additional cost) but we were fortunate enough to find seats on most of our train rides the 5 days on our passes).
Even when we didn't manage to get seats on packed trains, standing by the doors at the end of the carriages and watching the view out the window always made time pass faster anyway.
Also, save money.
Had to pass by Shin-Osaka again because Osaka is in the middle of Kyoto and Kobe.
We'll see you soon enough Osaka!
And hello Kobe!
We deposited our luggages into the lockers readily available at Shin-Kobe station and had planned to do the hike up to Nunobiki Waterfall and take the Shin-Kobe ropeway down before heading for lunch (Kobe beef!).
Unfortunately, we failed to plan the hike properly beforehand and after spending quite a bit of time in a light drizzle trying to find the start of the trail, we realised we underestimated the time we needed to hike+ropeway+lunch before rushing for our next train to Hiroshima.
We gave up our hiking plans and explored the surrounding area instead.
See pretty Starbucks in rustic colonial house?
Must go in.
Must also feed Tamagotchi.
And then to feed ourselves at this famous Kobe beef restaurant that came highly recommended on TripAdvisor.
Didn't make reservations but thankfully managed to get seated because we arrived 5 minutes before they opened to be the first in line as walk-ins.
Kobe beef,
so not cheap but so good it's hard to beat.
Most expensive meal we had on our trip,
but James was very happy.
Worth it.
Back to Shin-Kobe station to pick up our luggages from the lockers and onto the next train.
Goodbye Kobe,
Even better when it comes with ice cream because ice cream in cold weather,
Even when we didn't manage to get seats on packed trains, standing by the doors at the end of the carriages and watching the view out the window always made time pass faster anyway.
We'll see you soon enough Osaka!
We deposited our luggages into the lockers readily available at Shin-Kobe station and had planned to do the hike up to Nunobiki Waterfall and take the Shin-Kobe ropeway down before heading for lunch (Kobe beef!).
Unfortunately, we failed to plan the hike properly beforehand and after spending quite a bit of time in a light drizzle trying to find the start of the trail, we realised we underestimated the time we needed to hike+ropeway+lunch before rushing for our next train to Hiroshima.
Must go in.
hello Hiroshima!
Dropped our luggages off at our hotel for the night and headed for the park.
No trip is complete without a visit to Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park.
We decided to give the Peace Memorial Museum a miss as the main building was under renovation and only limited exhibitions were available.
Mixed feelings aside, this was a sobering visit.
Worth it.
Spending the evening wandering the streets of Hiroshima city.
And very delicious ice cream from Polar Bear.
Slow and easy day from Kyoto to Kobe to Hiroshima.
Busy travelling starts tomorrow.
Busy travelling starts tomorrow.
13 December 2018, Thursday
Day 6 - Hiroshima -> Miyajima
Making the early morning trek from Hiroshima to Miyajima via ferry from Miyajimaguchi.
Hello Miyajima!
(This island's been on my bucket list for a while.)
Arriving early meant we made it before high-tide and got to catch the iconic torii gate at low-tide.
Worth our waking up at 5.30am to drag our asses over to the island!
After dropping our luggages off at our guesthouse on the island for the night, we started our morning hike up Mt. Misen.
Slightly spooked by the countless snake signs that dotted the way up the mountain.Nice of them to warn us, but really not too helpful for the nerves when we barely saw fellow hikers that morning.Note-to-self: maybe start hiking up forested mountains later in the day when there's more foot traffic.
Thankfully didn't meet any mamushis,
and was greeted by gorgeous views at the top instead.
Ropeway down from the top,
must feed Tamagotchi.
First stop after the morning hike: Itsukushima Shrine (pay to enter).
And then the tide came in,
and we got to see the famous torii gate in a different light.
Then a stroll around the island, down its famous Omotesando shopping street.
Japanese street food,
the best.
And then a stop for coffee,
must feed Tamagotchi.
This island has deer too!
And a stop at Daisho-in Temple (free to enter).
This local brewery that I was looking forward to visit was closed on the day we were on the island, but they had a stand downstairs that's open all year round so a stop was in order.
Cold beer in cold weather after a morning hike and stroll around the island.
Very worth it.
And then we waited for sunset to view the torii gate in yet another light.
Froze our faces off along with many others.
Miyajima,
why you so beautiful.
Goodnight Miyajima
♥
Very worth it.
14 December 2018, Friday
Day 7 - Miyajima -> Okayama -> Kurashiki -> Okayama
Very early start to the day, checking out of our guesthouse on the island and heading for the port for the ferry back to Miyajimaguchi.
We'd originally wanted to make a day-trip to Okunoshima but the JR train line that gets us to the port for the ferry to the island was suspended and under maintenance due to previous heavy rains.
The alternative way to get to the port was too tedious and time-consuming.
We gave up on Okunoshima and headed straight for Okayama to drop our luggages off at our hostel for the night before heading for Kurashiki.
Chancing upon a random pretty floral arrangement wall on our walk to the historical quarter of Kurashiki.
Had to stop for pictures because #photowhore.
First stop: morning coffee at this very rustic, authentic coffee place.
They roast their own beans and only serve coffee.
Very delicious drip coffee.
Walking the streets of Kurashiki,
exploring the Bikan Historical Quarter.
Another photogenic city, best for enjoying a quiet afternoon.
And sesame ice creams.
I don't even like sesame but this was not bad.
Ignorant me didn't even realise that I was in the hometown of MT tape.
Was kinda disappointed we didn't make it to Okunoshima, but making it there would have meant we would miss Kurashiki in daylight (no thanks to the short days in early winter).
Thankfully, the quiet, slow late morning-early afternoon in Kurashiki made up for the disappointment.
Back to Okayama after our stop at Kurashiki to explore the area around Okayama station, which was mostly full of mega malls and eating places.
After some exploring around grabbing ourselves some konbini dinner,
we called it an early night and headed to our hostel.
Another long day of travelling tomorrow.
I don't even like sesame but this was not bad.
15 December 2018, Saturday
Day 8 - Okayama -> Naoshima -> Osaka
Leaving our hostel bright and early to head for Uno where the ferry to Naoshima would be.
On the train to Uno,
then the ferry,
hello Naoshima!
Rented ourselves some electric bicycles to travel around the island.
Best decision ever.
Stopped and parked our bicycles by the side of the road (responsibly, out of the way of vehicles) for pictures whenever/wherever.
Got ourselves the Art House Project Multi-Site Ticket (¥1,030/person; available for purchase either at the port's information centre on Naoshima or at the various art house sites) and visited all 6 of the art houses.
Alternatively, you can also pay entrance fees at each of the art house you're interested in (¥410/person/art house).
Photography is prohibited in most of the art houses but we were assholes and sneaked a few.
Sorry, art.
Too pretty, didn't resist.
😔
Quirky store designs and random street art dot the island,
and torii gate,
and Yayoi Kusama's iconic yellow pumpkin.
Also, this chubby fluffy cat that I made friends with on our way back to our bicycle parking lot after Yayoi Kusama's yellow pumpkin.
I didn't want to leave.
But leave we had to, to make our way round the island and back to our starting spot by the pier because...
... this gorgeous bathhouse was on our must-do list.
Definitely not supposed to take pictures when in a public bathhouse but I was the only one in there the entire hour I was there (perks of getting to places early) and the place was so gorgeous I couldn't resist.
Sorry uncle and auntie of I Love Yu.
I love you (and your gorgeous bathhouse).
😍
Alternatively, you can also pay entrance fees at each of the art house you're interested in (¥410/person/art house).
Sorry, art.
Too pretty, didn't resist.
Cold local beer after soaking in quirky art bathhouse.
Best day ever (after Miyajima).
Goodbye Naoshima!
Best day ever (after Miyajima).
On the shinkansen back to Shin-Osaka,
fulfilling another bento-on-train dream.
Hello Osaka!
Got into Shinsaibashi by nightfall and dropped off our luggages at the hotel we'd base ourselves from the next 3 days in Osaka.
Headed for dinner at Gyozaoh! at Dotonbori (very yum and affordable gyoza),
followed by a quick stroll around the area before calling it a night.
Best way to end an already-great day.
Got into Shinsaibashi by nightfall and dropped off our luggages at the hotel we'd base ourselves from the next 3 days in Osaka.
Headed for dinner at Gyozaoh! at Dotonbori (very yum and affordable gyoza),
16 December 2018, Sunday
Day 9 - Shinsaibashi -> Namaze/Takedao -> Umeda -> Nakazakicho
Started the day bright and early again, this time on the train to Namaze station to begin our walking trail through the abandoned JR tunnels along Mukogawa Gorge.
We followed the hiking directions from this blogger.
Flat hike that's tedious only because of the uneven rocky paths. Otherwise, it's a very simple 2-3 hour walk that rewards you with plenty of gorgeous sights along the way.
BRING A TORCHLIGHT.
Start of our hike after exiting Namaze station.
Scenic already.
Forums and articles online weren't kidding when they said the tunnels were pitch-dark.
My phone's camera AI did very well over-compensating the lack of light but we were greeted by complete darkness save for the light coming from our own torches and the torches of other Japanese hikers.
Boy was I glad that we met many other hikers on the way.
Times like these, other people = sight for sore eyes.
Light at the end of the tunnel.
Couldn't be more welcomed/rewarding.
One of the best hikes we've done.
Very worth it.
Boarded the train at Takedao station at the end of our hike and made our way back to Umeda.
Strolling through and around Tenjimbashisuji Shopping Street,
and chancing upon this very legit-looking takoyaki stall that had a line of local Japanese waiting for their takoyakis.
What do you do when you're in foreign land and see a (reasonable) queue for what looks like very legit local food?
Join queue.
This was the best takoyaki we had on our trip.
Crispy on the outside, full of filling inside, delicious sauce and ingredients.
Put all the takoyaki stalls in Dotonbori to shame.
Best chance discovery ever.
And we still don't know its name (because can't read Japanese).
Can someone who reads Japanese kindly tell us what the signboard says?
We planned to have lunch at Kura Sushi but arrived at the restaurant at 12.30pm to a long line of waiting customers. The queue number machine at the door said it was a 45 minute wait or the next reservation slot was 3pm 😓
We took a reservation number for 4pm and headed to our next destination first.
Hello Nakazakicho!
Known as Osaka's hipster area (compared to Tokyo's Shimokitazawa), this place was full of hidden cafes and vintage shops.
This cafe we wanted to visit was closed for a week.
They also felt quite unfriendly with their "No Photo" signs everywhere outside the door.
We soon found out after wandering around the neighborhood that most other places were the same, exuding a somewhat hostile-snobbish vibe.
Maybe it's our faces.
😅
We left after wandering around the neighborhood for a bit, never quite feeling welcomed anywhere.
(Non-exhaustive) List of vintage shops to go crazy at in Nakazakicho:
1. Green Pepe
2. Sakura Building (a whole building in the area filled with small vintage shops)
3. Yamastore
Headed back to Kura Sushi for very late lunch/early dinner,
back into the arms of welcoming-friendly Japanese.
And then back to Dotonbori/Shinsaibashi for the night.
This area is so huge it's impossible to complete in a night.
Or maybe we were just too exhausted by the hordes of tourists.
Still, nightlife/lights are worth it.
They also felt quite unfriendly with their "No Photo" signs everywhere outside the door.
We left after wandering around the neighborhood for a bit, never quite feeling welcomed anywhere.
Headed back to Kura Sushi for very late lunch/early dinner,
back into the arms of welcoming-friendly Japanese.
Or maybe we were just too exhausted by the hordes of tourists.
17 December 2018, Monday
Day 10 - Osaka
Starting the day at Kuromon Ichiba Market.
Really, love, Japanese, markets.
Also, really love oden.
This was everything I needed to start the morning right.
After a heavy round of binge-eating round the market, we left and headed for Amerikamura.
For more vintage shopping.
But first, stop at random drain cover because #pretty.
And random pudding stall because if it says "champion" you have to eat it.
This was really good pudding.
Street-life.
Sort of.
Stopping at Lilo Coffee Roasters for a really good cup of drip coffee because shopping needs breaks.
(Coffee was so good and people in the cafe were so friendly, we stopped by again the next day,
and also got our fateful news there. More later.)
For more vintage shopping.
(Non-exhaustive) List of vintage shops to go crazy at in Amerikamura:
1. Mandarake Grand Chaos Shop (vintage toys)
3. Pigsty
Then early dinner at Ichiran on Dotonbori.
Because James must have Ichiran.
Ending the day with this other pudding that's also quite yummy.
#fatdieus
18 December 2018, Tuesday
Day 11 - Osaka
When you think it's your last day on holiday so you spend the day slow and easy, visiting the places you previously enjoyed that are within walking distance from the hotel.
Starting the morning back at Dotonbori/Shinsaibashi, because you decided you want to have kushikatsu before you leave but didn't want to queue the previous times you walked by.
Only 10am and this tourist hotspot is already filled with people.
Kushikatsu for brunch.
Then back to Lilo Coffee Roasters for another cup of yummy coffee before leaving for the airport for our flight home.
Or so we thought.
While sitting in the cafe, James got a text from Scoot to inform us that our flight has been delayed due to "operational issues". Our flight out of KIX was originally scheduled for 6.55pm but was now going to depart at 7.30am the next day instead.
A 12.5-hour delay, with no indication in the text if lodging/compensation was provided given the long delay.
Tried calling their customer service hotline/call centre but couldn't get through despite a long wait on the line (international call, thanks Scoot). With no form of contact, we could only check their website's FAQ to find out what to expect. Their website stated Scoot would not provide accommodation in the event of any delays and that we would have to secure our own accommodation in case of long flight delays.
With our new check-in timing changed to 4.30-5.30am, we decided to book a hotel in KIX so we could make it in time for check-in without having to pay exorbitant taxi fees to try and get to KIX from Osaka city. Thankfully, there was an available room and it wasn't going to cost us too much (it did cost us SGD250 though).
Now that we suddenly had extra time on our hands before our flight home,
more wandering then!
After dinner at Chojiro (a kaiten sushi place we wanted to check out but thought we didn't have time to but now did), we set our minds on locating the quaint craft beer place we had walked past on our first night in Osaka.
Didn't know the shop's name, didn't remember which street we took turns on, gave up trying to locate the shop after another try the previous night, but now that we had extra time on our hands...
... we found it!
Hot beer in winter.
Take my money.
Also, kawaii waitress who made us feel really welcomed.
Had the best chat over craft beer on tap.
Flight delay,
worth it.
(Sometime between the third cup and fourth, we got another text from Scoot to inform us that our flight was pushed back another hour to 8.30am instead, lol.)
After a good round of chatting/beer, we made our way to KIX to stay for the night.
Or so we thought.
While sitting in the cafe, James got a text from Scoot to inform us that our flight has been delayed due to "operational issues". Our flight out of KIX was originally scheduled for 6.55pm but was now going to depart at 7.30am the next day instead.
With our new check-in timing changed to 4.30-5.30am, we decided to book a hotel in KIX so we could make it in time for check-in without having to pay exorbitant taxi fees to try and get to KIX from Osaka city. Thankfully, there was an available room and it wasn't going to cost us too much (it did cost us SGD250 though).
Didn't know the shop's name, didn't remember which street we took turns on, gave up trying to locate the shop after another try the previous night, but now that we had extra time on our hands...
19 December 2018, Wednesday
Day 12 - KIX
Bonus day (lol) spent in the airport, eating more konbini food for breakfast and getting ready for the flight home.
Got to our gate to find out that the plane had been further delayed.
Finally caught sight of our plane arriving at the gate at 8.45am.
Took off at 10am.
Goodbye Japan,
for real this time.
Places we stayed at over our 12 days in Japan
.
.
.
7-12 December: Koiyama Guest House
(convenient location, within 15-20 minutes walk from Nishiki Market and Gion;
cosy apartment unit with its own washroom, mini kitchen, fridge and microwave oven;
beds were not too bad and the only issue I had with it was the lack of a proper mirror, apart from the tiny one in the washroom)
12-13 December: Hiroshima Washington Hotel
(15-20 minute walk to Peace Memorial Park; clean and comfortable business hotel;
great for a night's stay)
13-14 December: Miyajima Guest House Mikuniya
(10 minute walk from the pier, which felt way longer because we had to lug our baggage with us across the sandy paths; unique homestay experience and beautiful rooms; shared toilets with a private bath available for use for individuals/couples/families; very friendly owner)
14-15 December: Kamp Houkan-cho Backpacker's Inn & Lounge
(10 minute walk from the station; bar downstairs with occasional live bands/events; there was a live band performance the night we stayed which was interesting because we got to experience a little of the Japanese indie scene but also meant it got really loud upstairs in our rooms; paper-thin walls meant bad soundproofing; uncomfortable futons; shared bathrooms that were not the cleanest when we were there)
15-18 December: Hotel Felice Shinsaibashi By Relief
(convenient location, within 5 minutes walk from Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori; clean and comfortable business hotel that had very friendly and helpful staff; public bath facilities on level 13 was a bonus; only issue was the greasy smell that permeated the walkways where we stayed on level 5 due to bad ventilation, and the slightly musty smell in the washroom for our room)
18-19 December: Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport
(conveniently located right inside KIX airport, in a separate building that's a stone's throw away from the check-in counters in Terminal 1; konbini downstairs, very much appreciated)
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Till the next review,
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