10 days in Southern Vietnam with less than ₱15k budget. Learn how this Filipina did it!
Contributed by Chinito Wanders
I never imagined the day would come when I would be travelling to Japan. There are few reasons why Japan wasn’t in my bucket list:
I’ve had a few people telling me that all I thought about Japan weren’t really true and that it’s not that expensive travelling there, that if you just follow the guidelines in the railway, you wouldn’t get lost, and that there is so much to see and do other than cherry blossoms and shopping.
I admit, I am not a super budget traveller. But I do budget when travelling. It’s just that I don’t have the patience to book for a seat sale. As long as I think that the airfare is worth it, then I book for the trip. That’s why, in this Japan trip, my round trip airfare from Cebu to Kansai International Airport (Osaka) costs almost ₱12,000 already. Although, if you’re based in Manila, the airfare will be way cheaper and could save you a lot of money and if you’re patient enough to wait for a seat sale.
So, it came to a point that I challenged myself to travel solo outside the country for the first time and Japan is the destination of choice. Admittedly, I almost gave up in pushing through with this trip because when I researched about the places to go to and the transportation I needed to use, all seemed indeed complicated. But I told myself “I can do this. It’s going to be an adventure.” I guess getting lost will also be an adventure. Hahaha! I just needed time to research all the necessary things that I need to know about Japan — the places I want to visit, where to stay, the mode of transportation and what to eat. Those are the basic things that I needed to know to get me started.
My first decision was to travel to Tokyo then Hakone to see the Mt.Fuji. But it all changed when I found out that I have a small chance of seeing Mt. Fuji without the clouds blocking its grandeur. I made further research then I read that Kansai Region has a lot of sightseeing spots and not to mention tons of food to eat. (Exciting! Hahaha!) Not to mention the bowing deer in Nara. So I opted and decided that I’ll travel to Kansai Region. Visiting 3 cities: Kyoto, Nara and Osaka respectively. Since those are the places that seemed to have the things that I wanted to see and do.
I finally managed to put everything up, piece by piece, and made the best itinerary I can possibly make.
First, you needed to apply for a Japan visa if you’re from the Philippines. Please refer here on how to apply for a Japan visa.
I had mine processed at Friendship Tours in Cebu. They are the only accredited agency to process the Japan visa directly in Cebu. Friendship Tours is located in the Oakridge, Banilad, Cebu.
Also read: My 7-Day Trip to Japan: Travel Tips & Cost Breakdown for Filipino Travellers
Departure date from Cebu: 6 Sep 2016 –> 3.05pm-7.55pm
Departure date from Japan: 10 Sep 10,2016 –> 8.40pm- 11.50pm
So let’s get the details started!
I headed straight to Kyoto.
If you are travelling from Kansai International Airport to Kyoto, then your first stop may be the Travel Desk of Kansai Tourist Information Center. This is located on the first floor of the Terminal 1 building. Inquire where you can buy the ICOCA Card + 1 way Haruka Express train going to Kyoto.
Upon exiting to the arrival hall, buy a data tourist SIM card in a vending machine located at the right side of the wing when you get out of the arrival area. It costs ¥3,500 for 30 days with 1.5 GB data. This will be more than sufficient in your 5-day tour. Be sure to read the instructions carefully in activating the card. You need an internet to activate the card. Just use the airport’s wifi or the JR Station’s (the station is on the 2nd floor adjacent to the Kansai Airport. You may ask the Travel Information desk for direction) wifi.
After registering your Sim card, go to the 2nd floor and head to the other building (this is the JR Train station). Get ICOCA card + Haruka One way pass in the JR Office (one way only to Kyoto) for ¥3,600 (1,600 for the Haruka, 1,500 credit on your ICOCA and 500 deposit). Just have your card charge an additional ¥2,000 in advance. A total of ¥5,600. There will be signs leading you to the JR Office.
Please refer here about ICOCA card Information.
After getting your ICOCA Card, ride the HARUKA TRAIN to Kyoto. Train station entrance is in front of the JR Office. Try to look for the TV Screen outside the office for the Haruka train departure schedule. You may also ask the attendant in the JR Office.
When you arrive at Kyoto, check in at your hostel/ hotel. Mine was K’s House Kyoto – Backpackers Hostel. I chose to stay in this hostel mainly because of the good feedback it had from Agoda.com. Address: 418 Nayacho, Shichijo-agaru, Dotemachi-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
Also read: My 6-Day Solo Travel in Japan: Tips, Costs & Itinerary for Filipinos
This hostel can easily be reached on foot from Kyoto Station. Just go out from the Central exit of JR Kyoto Station, cross the street towards Kyoto Tower and walk along Karasuma-dori (the street on the east side road of Kyoto Tower, near Starbucks). Turn right at the intersection of Shichijo-dori and Karasuma-dori and walk for about 5 minutes until you reach Kawaramachi-dori. Cross a signal and then turn left on the first street along Kawaramachi-dori. You will find K’s House (white building) and Zen Café on the road to your right. Or you may just use your Google Maps to locate your Hostel/Hotel.
Kyoto Tower
After checking in, tell the receptionist that you want to get a one-day unlimited bus Pass for ¥500. This bus pass is all you need for your Kyoto Tour the next day. Ask for any advise for your next day’s itinerary, specifically about what bus to ride. This will help you get started. Also, ask for a bus map and Kyoto City map.
I woke up early and proceeded to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. I woke up around 6.30am and left the hostel around 7am. I want to be early to avoid the crowd of tourists who might spoil my photos with lots of photobombers. Lol.😁
After I loaded my self with tons of photo ops, I walked to Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama. This is the place where you get to see the Japanese macaque, the only monkey species you could find in Japan.
If you had enough of the place already. You may now proceed to temple run.
Temple Run –all temples can be reached via bus.
My first stop was, Ninna-ji Temple, World Heritage pagoda – free entrance
Second is, Kinkakuji temple (golden palace) – ¥400 entrance fee
I headed to Nijo Castle after Kinkakuji Temple. Refer to your bus map or Google Maps to get there. To my dismay, the castle was closed at that time due to some reconstruction. Oh well, just don’t forget to include this in your itinerary. I read that its wonderful inside the castle. By the way, on regular days, the castle ticket office closes at 4pm. So be sure to go there before it closes.
The temples look pretty much the same for me that’s why I only opted to visit two temples and the castle. Also, my feet were getting tired from all the walking.
After visiting Nijo Palace, I walked to Menbakaichidai Fire Ramen for dinner then went back to the hostel and called it a day.
Also read: My Quirky Food Experiences in Japan Every Filipino Foodie Must Have
Still the same routine. I woke up early in order for me to have good photo ops at the location as this place gets pretty crowded when it’s getting late just like the bamboo forest.
First stop was Inari shrine or Fushimi Inari Taisha in Google Maps.
It was raining that day and I was just lucky that some foreigners offered to take me back to the main entrance because I was stuck in the restroom area for nearly an hour, waiting for the rain to stop. And yes, when we arrived back at the entrance, the rain stopped. Darn! I was very thankful for her. Thank you, Christine. That was her name.
Because I don’t want to get wet anymore, I bought an umbrella. And guess what, after I bought the umbrella, it didn’t rain ever since then. Darn again! Hahaha. Well, I just carried it with me and brought it back home to remind me of that day.
After that, I rested for a while and ate a king crab meat in a stall. Then, I went my way off to Nara.
I’m excited that I’ll be seeing free-roaming deer!!! Weeeeh!!😜
From Keihan Railway Fushimi Inari Station (keihan Line-Yodoabashi) – à Tambabashi Station, transfer to Kintetsu-Tambabashi Station using Kintetsu-Kyoto Line, NOT THE LIMITED EXPRESS as it is not applicable to your ICOCA Card (kintetsu Nara), and arrive in Kintetsu Nara Station.
Once in Nara, you’ll most likely start this itinerary at Kintetsu Nara Station. Get yourself to the fountain just up the stairs from Kintetsu Nara Station to begin this walk.
Kofuku-ji Temple
Nandaimon Gate
Todai-ji Temple
Daibutsu Hall
You may have lunch in between your walk. I recommend you eat at Kamameshi Shizuka. The location is just adjacent to Nara Park, you will know it’s the one as people queue outside the restaurant.
My Kamameshi Nara Special
After visiting Nara, proceed to Gion neighbourhood & Yasaka Hall Gion Corner. Now, it’s time to hunt for some geisha!
Also read: Geisha Hunting in Kyoto: How to Spot a Real One
Upon arrival in Gion Shijo Station, there will be Tourist Information Center. You may ask some details where you might spot an actual geisha and visit other sites or where you can have the best Okonomiyaki in Kyoto or where the best place to have some dinner. The attendant is very knowledgeable so take it from her.
Gion Tsujiri –matcha dessert shop in Gion. Eat Tokusen Tsujiri parfait / ¥1,383
Issen-Yoshoku Okonomiyaki
A ¥680 okonomiyaki may seem pricey at first but the generous amount of ingredients in this savoury pancake fully justified its price and should be on your must-eat list! Exploding with ingredients, the okonomiyaki resembles a huge overflowing pancake.
Cost: ¥680
Opening hours: 11.00am – 3.00am (except Sundays which closes at 10pm)
Address: 238 Giommachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0073, Kyoto Prefecture 〒605-0073東山区祇園町北側238番地
Nearest station: Gion-Shijo station (祇園四条駅)
This time I woke up at 8.30am. A bit late since I needed a bit of rest from a fully packed itinerary and since my plan was just to stroll along Nishiki Market and have a good time eating freshly made/cooked foods.
I checked out and left my luggage in their storage room before I went to Nishiki Market. I walked my way to Shijo Station which was about a five-minute walk from the hostel then hopped on a train to Gion-shijo station (the nearest station to Nishiki Market). Alighted at Gion-Shijo Station then walked my way to the market after which I started my quest for good food.
After I had a very good gastronomic activity, I went back to my hostel to freshen up a bit, got my luggage and went on my way to Osaka.
I booked a one night stay in Osaka at Khaosan World Namba Hostel. I have read good feedback about this hostel and it is surprisingly near to subways and even JR Bus Station going to the Airport. Though this hostel is pricier than the average, I think its location is an added bonus.
Google Maps will show you the fastest route going to your hostel from Kyoto, just carefully follow it.
Upon arriving at the hostel, I checked in and then asked the receptionist for some advise on places to go. You may ask for an Osaka map from them for free. I went up to my room, rested for a bit before I went on strolling around Dotonburi / Shinsaibashi.
After I rested, I started my walk to Dotonburi. Dotonburi area might be the centre kitchen of Japan. The area has tons of restaurants, food stalls and everything about Japanese food is there. Go in an all out food spree!
Along the neighbourhood are Shinsaibashi and Umeda where there are tons of boutiques to shop in. If you want to buy some souvenirs, go to Tenjinbashi.
What to eat: Creo-Ru Takoyaki, Japanese Dango, Taiyaki, Tako Tamago in karamon market, Kura Sushi etc.
2 kinds of Takoyaki, a Korean-inspired ramen, Fugu, Piere Lotti Ice Cream and lots of ready to eat foods in convenience stores.
I went back to my hostel almost midnight just when my feet was like falling apart from all the walking, but it was fun! Really fun!
I woke up at around 8am and had breakfast at the hostel. I just bought food from Family Mart the night before and placed it in the fridge and have it heated up by the morning.
I had an early checkout and left my luggage at the hostel while made a last minute strolling in Osaka. I visited Osaka Castle. Again, just use your Google Maps for the fastest route for you to get there.
After I was done wandering around Osaka Castle, I went back to Dotonburi area for some last minute souvenir shopping and food trip.
Also read: 18 Places in Japan that Look Just Like a Fairy Tale
I went back to my hostel before 2pm and collected my luggage, then headed to OCAT JR Namba Bus Station for a limo bus to the airport. It is located just one block away from the hostel. It’s very near. You may ask the receptionist for the detailed instructions to locate the building, but it’s very close. The bus station is on the 2nd floor of the JR Building.
After getting on the 2nd floor of the JR Station Building, you will be able to see a ticketing area where you can buy your bus ticket going to the airport.
In a flash, I was already going back to the Philippines. It was a pretty short five-day trip with actually just four whole days to explore Kansai Region, but it was definitely a one-of-a-kind experience. Yes, in my experience it may be a bit more expensive to travel in Japan than in any other Asian country I’ve been to but you would be amazed not just because of the scenic spots or the food but you can also appreciate how rich their culture is, how they value and preserve it. I made lots of great memories and tons of checked items off the bucket list. I hope I will be able to go back to Japan, and this time, it will be Tokyo and the famous Mt. Fuji.
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