Hello Kitty and the whole of Sanrio Universe are the corner stone of the Japanese kawaii culture. Whether you are obsessed with Hello Kitty already or have a soft spot for anything cute and pastel coloured, you want to keep on reading. Hello Kitty is everywhere in Japan - it's at the supermarket… Read More
Do you know what’s in the centre of Japan? The Kansai region known as western Japan is located in the middle of Honshu (the main island of Japan). Not only that, the Kansai region was at the centre of Japanese politics and culture until the 19th century. The region consists of 10 prefectures and m… Read More
Universal Studios Japan® in Osaka has gone beyond over the top for its fifteenth anniversary. Unveiling not only new Wand Magic area sand a stunning night show at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™,it has also created the world's largest Minion Park.Visitors to Wand Magic at the Wizarding Wor… Read More
Sarah was inspired by the fact that Kyoto is a city where one can come in contact with and experience Japanese culture on a daily basis. Kyoto is introduced as a historical and traditional setting in most researching it. However, Sarah found that Kyoto is also quite an innovative, modern destina… Read More
Leah, her two children and partner visited Japan for the very first time over Easter break 2017. During their holiday they visited Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. And in each city, they visited one theme park: Tokyo DisneySea, Universal Studios Japan and Toei Studio Park ‘Before heading to a travel dest… Read More
Essential highlights of Japan now and then The towering skyscrapers and ornate temple pagodas that symbolise Tokyo and Kyoto today are also an expression of the rich culture and history of Japan. Each city is a fascinating journey between modernity and tradition, and must be experienced on any tri… Read More
Maiko Maiko are the apprentice geisha of Kyoto, which remains a bastion of this antique entertainment culture in Japan today. Although they may come from any part of Japan to study the geisha arts, once they become maiko, all speak in the Kyoto dialect. Maiko live, study and work in the Gion… Read More
Day or night, the 'Kitchen of Japan' brims with traditional charm and modern edge Travelling through time in Osaka Read More
Osaka is Japan’s western capital, and the underdog of Japanese travel destinations. Pioneers and built Osaka on innovative ideas; they were the ones who brought us instant noodles, and sushi train. An air of nostalgia complement the city’s modern, trail-blazing energy, which is just what makes… Read More
Osaka’s mecca of street food Kuromon Ichib Known as one of Osaka’s largest food markets, Kuromon Ichiba is a must-visit spot for a tasty feed. Locals come to this 114 year-old market for their daily shop, some socialising, and of course delicious street food. The market spreads out in all f… Read More
Loud and proud nightlife hub Dotonbori Dotonbori prides itself as the most popular entertainment district in Osaka; Encompassing both sides of the Dotonbori canal, the area is home to many of Osaka’s signature nightlife destinations. The best way to begin your adventure there is with a walk… Read More
In the Takarazuka Revue, all the women are beautiful – and so are the men. The motto of the Takarazuka Revue is "kiyoku, tadashiku, utsukushiku" – a reminder to live with purity, integrity, and beauty. These are three qualities that the founder of this all-female musical theatre troupe, Ichizo K… Read More
For most visitors, a day at Universal Studios Japan begins at Osaka station hopping aboard a train on the JR Sakurajima (also known as Yumesaki) line. Even at 10am on a weekday, you can expect the carriages to be packed to the roof with excited families, school kids, groups of young women and men, … Read More
"The craft and attention to detail across The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ at Universal Studios Japan is incredible", Harry Potter author JK Rowling said after a test run in July 2014. It has become one of the biggest highlights of the Osaka theme park, which welcomed a record total of 12.7 … Read More
Welcome to Osaka The birthplace of the sushi train, spiritual home of the okonomiyaki pancake, and a mecca for comedians, Osaka is a city that is always up for fun times. Its beautifully restored feudal masterpiece, Osaka Castle, along with Japan's tallest building, Abeno Harukas, represent the… Read More
Osaka Castle, Osaka Aquarium & Tempozan Ferris Wheel This route covers the traditional heart of Osaka, and the city's bay area. It's especially nice during early spring, when you'll want to linger in Osaka Castle Park and enjoy the sea of cherry blossoms. The park is perfect for a run,… Read More
Osaka Science Museum, Floating Garden Observatory & Abeno Harukas As well as a food mecca, Osaka is a famous source of innovation and new ideas in Japan. It's the city where Panasonic was founded, as well as Nissin Foods - the company that blessed the world with instant ramen noodles. This ro… Read More
Naniwa-no-Yu, Santa Maria & Hep Five Just when you thought you'd seen it all, you discover that there's a natural hot spring walking distance from Tenjinbashisuji 6-chome (T18) on the Tanimachi Line, just two stops from Higashi-Umeda (T20) in the heart of downtown Osaka. It's called Naniwa-no-… Read More
Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, Tsutenkaku Tower & Hozenji Yokocho Discover the traditional atmosphere of Osaka on this route, starting among merchants houses and other classic pieces of architecture that portray the city circa 1830 - 1844. They are featured in the Edo period streetscape a… Read More
