Hey, it’s Wes and Chanda, and welcome to DinkLife! Today, we’re back with another blog, and we’ve got some exciting updates to share with you about our recent trip from Tokyo to Osaka in Japan. So grab a glass of your favorite box wine 😉 or crack open a cold IPA because we’re diving into our travel adventure!
Our main reason for visiting Osaka was to explore Universal Studios, but we also took the opportunity to go on day trips to Hiroshima and Kyoto. Let’s start from the beginning. We woke up early in the morning and headed to the train station to catch our bullet train. However, finding the JR Pass office turned out to be a bit more challenging than we expected. It felt like a scavenger hunt, but eventually, we located it. Keep in mind that there might be a long line, so be prepared to wait for your train tickets.
The Japan Rail Pass gives you unlimited access to all Shinkansen bullet trainsexcept the Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen
Once we got our tickets, we noticed that the number on the ticket isn’t the platform number. You need to check the board at the station to find your platform. Don’t worry; it confused us too at first, and we couldn’t find this information in any of the videos we watched, so we wanted to make sure we mentioned it.
The bullet train experience was phenomenal. If you’re traveling from Tokyo to Osaka and want to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji, request a seat on the Mount Fuji side(right side) of the train. The view is breathtaking! The first-class seats were fantastic, offering plenty of comfort, footrests, tray tables, and even outlets (make sure to bring your charger). The train also had restrooms, including a urinal for men! 😛
Now, let’s talk about the logistics of traveling with luggage. If you have large luggage, it’s best to reserve space in the luggage compartments at the back of the train or sit in the back where there are designated spots for luggage. We recommend avoiding bulky luggage as it can be inconvenient when navigating transfers and getting from the train station to your destination.
When we arrived in Osaka, we had to take a couple of subway lines to reach Universal Studios. Having smaller bags or no luggage at all makes the journey much more manageable. Remember, the train ride from Shin-Osaka Terminal to Universal City is around 20-25 minutes.
We stayed at the Park Front Hotel, which is located on Universal Studios property. The hotel had a beautiful lobby with a New York theme, and our room on the 12th floor was incredibly spacious. However, keep in mind that this was not a typical Japanese hotel room. We were pleasantly surprised by how quickly our luggage was delivered to our room. It felt like magic!
The hotel also had a laundry facility, which came in handy during our stay. You can wash and dry your clothes in the same machine, and laundry detergent is included. Just remember to estimate the weight of your laundry and check the time it takes to wash and dry. The cost was around 600 yen, making it a convenient option for longer trips.
After checking in, we headed to Universal CityWalk to grab some food. It’s essential to mention that the layout of CityWalk in Japan is different from what we’re used to in the States. It’s more vertical, resembling a mall with different levels. There are numerous restaurants to choose from, including Japanese cuisine, fast food, and international options.
But now, as our journey comes to an end, we can’t help but reflect on the incredible experiences we had and the memories we made during our time in Japan. From the exhilarating rides and magical world of Universal Studios to the somber yet profound visit to Hiroshima and the awe-inspiring beauty of Kyoto’s temples and shrines, this trip exceeded our expectations.
Japan truly captivated our hearts with its rich culture, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality. It’s a country that offers something for everyone, whether you’re a fan of anime, history, nature, or simply exploring new places.
We hope you enjoyed following along with our adventures and that our tips and insights were helpful if you’re planning your own trip to Japan. As always, thank you for joining us on this journey, and whatever you decide to do just get out there and do it!
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