Japan Japan

Back from first Japan trip! It was wonderful minusing the falling ill part which lasted about half the trip. Advice to those who are travelling to Japan, do keep yourself hydrated for the autumn season. Its not fun catching a cold. Grr... Nonetheless the first few days were great.

Contrary to popular beliefs in Singapore, it's actually pretty affordable to travel to Japan on own instead of following the tour groups. One thing for sure, living cost in Japan is high. A meal cost on average of 700 Yen which translate to about 10 Sgd. The killer bit is of course the transportation. JR pass makes travelling extremely convenient. Do also get a one-day coupon for subway/buses in whichever prefecture you are at. Saves a fair bit on transportation. And taxi-ing works best if you are travelling for short distance of 2km as the fare only starts ticking after 2km. Taxi starts at 500 Yen in Osaka and 750 Yen in Tokyo.

Personally, I prefer Osaka area. Osaka serves as a fantastic jumpboard to many interesting places, many of which are world heritage sites. Nara, Himeji and Kyoto are in close proximity with Osaka, especially if you are empowered with the JR pass that allows you to take the Shinkasen (i.e. the bullet train).

Nara - a place famous for its deer park where deers roam freely around in a park. Feeding of deers is allowed. Train ride takes approximately 30 min from Osaka Shitennoji JR station. Admission to park is free and a world heritage site, Todaiji Temple (pictures below) is situated in the park. Autumn is a great time to visit as its the only time you get to buy hot roasted sweet potato and savour it in the cool weather.

Himeji - Place to find the most beautiful castle in Japan. About 30 min by Shinkasen from Shin-Osaka station.

Kyoto - Probably the prefecture with the most number of world heritage sites. I wouldn't mind going back there again to explore the Kiyomizu Dera temple (look out for next blog) and see it in the day. Another hot favorite of mine is the below Golden Pavilion. Went there at about 3 plus when the sun is about to set. It's just pretty!