5D5N in Osaka Japan

My trip to Japan still feels like a dream come true. I remember praying, telling God that if it was truly His will for me to go, He would make a way, especially with the flight and hotel to stay within my budget. And He did. With that one answered prayer, and before I knew it, I was sitting on a plane. Six hours later, I stepped onto the grounds of Osaka. Tired from the long haul, yet overflowing with excitement. Come along with me as I explore Japan for the next five days! 

Day 1 Arrived In Osaka

Arrival was smooth, especially since I'd registered online. The airport layout was straightforward and easy to navigate. The airport to train station is conveniently connected. From level 2, find exit E and follow the sign and walk straight to the trains station. There were both counter and kiosks to purchase a train ticket to Namba or Umeda (options if you're heading towards Osaka). There were multiple train lines to choose from, but we chose the most affordable line - Nankai Electric Railway Airport Line. After over an hour, I finally reached the heart of Osaka. 

Shinsaibashi & Namba

Shinsaibashi is one of the liveliest areas in Osaka, whether it's a weekday or weekend, the energy never slows down. We were there early to snap some photos without people photobombing every shot. It's worth heading there early in the morning before the crowds take over. 

What really caught my eyes were the storefront. Gigantic, over-the-top signboards shaped like the food they sell, from giant sushi to huge eyeballed octopus. The whole street makes me feel hungry, and honestly, it's an experience to at least have once in Osaka. 

Even the narrow alleyways in Namba are full of character. The nights when the street lights lit up, it feels like a whole new street! 

Sonoda

My first Japanese set meal of the trip and what better way to start the day. I came in during lunch, which I highly recommend as they have special set menus that are affordable and good combo. The tofu set I ordered deserves a praise. It was one of the best I've ever tasted. Silky, soft and subtle eggy flavour that melts with each bite. Simple yet unforgettable. 

Gyomu Super Kozu Supermarket

A supermarket that locals go to - hardly any tourists during my visits (which says a lot considering the number of times I ended up returning!). One thing I quickly learned: Japanese supermarkets have their own system. After paying, they hand you a separate basket to fill up all your paid items, and you move to a packing counter to bag everything yourself. A small tip if you ever shop in supermarket! 

The food choices were overwhelming in the best way. I spent too much time deciding, but walked out with the creamiest yoghurt pudding, probiotic, the softest Japanese bread and a bunch of packed items to take home. Their prices are affordable, so definitely stop by if you're near the Kuromon market area. You might discover a favourite snack....or ten. 

The Meshiya 24 Sennichimae 

Another set meal to end the night. At this point, I was clearly falling in love with Japan’s set meals because you’ll notice this ordering style popping up repeatedly throughout my trip. At this particular outlet, everything was self-service. I choose my meal from the vending machine, get my ticket, hand it over… and soon enough, my food arrives. 

I ordered the pork cutlet rice bowl, which was crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfectly soaked in that sweet-savoury sauce. It was the kind of comforting meal after a long day of exploring. Simple, satisfying, and exactly what I needed before calling it a night.

Day 2 Osaka City Walk & Shopping

Sukiya 松屋

It's a well-known chain store in Japan and I had to order the set meal (again) to taste the variations. They had a good selection of sauces and the rice? Tasted consistently the same across other chains I've tried so far. To me, the quality of rice should be uncompromised and it's my favourite comfort food on any day.

Osaka Castle

I was so thankful to God for the beautiful blue sky that morning as all the photos turned out so brightly lit and the view was majestic. We enjoyed a peaceful stroll at the park and felt the perfect way to start Day 2. After that, we hopped on a JR train and noticed the intricate murals decorating the station entrance walls. Little details like that make every corner of Osaka felt like a discovery. 

Ramen Tendo

This was hands down the best ramen I've ever tasted. The broth was rich and deeply flavoured. You could tell it has been boiled to perfection for hours. Every slurp was comforting. I remembered vividly ordering the marinated egg to go alongside and it tasted - just too good. 

Day 3 Nara Park & Thrifting

Temmasa 

If you want to experience an authentic local eatery with quick serve and no English speaking staff, this is the place. You order, they serve. I had a simple bowl of udon but the portion is huge and the spring onions were unexpectedly good. They tasted completely different from those used in Chinese cooking. 

Nara Park

We hopped on the Kintetsu train to Nara and the moment we stepped out of station and walk about 100m, we were greeted by Nara's deers. They roamed freely and the air carried whiffs of the ammonia from their droppings. It was a chaotic and adorable moment all at once, where tourists were feeding them biscuits and they were trying everything to get more. One bold deer even pulled a piece of paper from a tourist and took a bite! 

As we walked further into the grassland area, the scene transformed. It was one of the most calming open area where I could spend hours sitting on the bench soaking in the peaceful surroundings. It was a moment of pause and breathe. 

Kamakura

We stopped by a Chinese-japanese fusion eatery for a quick lunch before our thrifting adventure begins.  They serve mediocre ramen but exceptionally good karage (fried chicken) and fried rice. 

Must visit stores nearby: 

Daiso: great for affordable household items and souvenirs

Sun Drug: go-to for affordable cosmetics

Hex Five: mini local supermarket to snag  local rice crackers and snacks

Souvenir Store (near the entrance of Nara station): Persimmon jam (a must buy), warabi mochi

Nakatanidou Mochi Shop

Walking further down the main shopping street, we visited the famous mochi pounding shop in Nara. Before long when we arrived, long line of customer were formed. The fresh mochi is made with local herb filled with red bean paste and dusted with roasted soy bean powder on the outside. Each bite was soft, chewy yet not sticky at all. Sweetness was just right - the highest compliment you can get from an Asian.

See You 

A local thrift that offers clothing and accessories categorised by branded / well known brands. 

2nd Street

Locating across the previous store, this thrift store is orderly and easily the most affordable thrift store I visited on my trip. There were huge varieties of items to browse and good selection of camping gear (that are new!) to look out for. 

Day 4 Uji, Kyoto

Yoshinoya

This is another well-known Japanese chains for quick meals. I had to visit the store just for natto. It's a love hate kind of dish, but I'm quite pleased with the fermented flavour especially when it's mixed with soy sauce and paired with rice. It was a descent breakfast that is satisfying enough to kick start the day. 

Day Trip to Uji (Land of Matcha)

I couldn't visit Osaka without stopping by Uji in Kyoto, the birth place of matcha. I was anticipating the green colour scheme on the train as soon as I hopped on the last train to Uji! I'm so glad to be able to enjoy the green train ride that stopped at the last stop - Keihan Railway train station. The station building was mesmerising and designed by a local architect named Hiroyuki Wakabayashi. 

Uji River

After exiting the train station, I strolled across the bridge, and the river came into view with clarity. I could hear the gentle rush of water and the whisper of the wind through the trees. It was a little disappointing that it was drizzling that day, but the sounds of nature made up for it. I could have spent the entire day sitting by the river, breathing in the fresh air and watching the world go by. The water was so clear that I could see the rocks beneath, and even catch glimpses of small fish darting around.

Byodo-in Omotesando

Here's the shopping street selling all things green tea and matcha. Had the best 3 flavoured dango (rice dumplings) ever layered from lightest to strongest in flavour - sencha, matcha and houjicha. It was served warm, which soothe the tummy on a cold, windy day. The tea ice cream was exceptionally good as well, which was a surprise, though the matcha ice cream we tried down a few row was a little underwhelming in comparison.

Recommendations:

Dango: 丸吉（Marukichi）

Matcha cheesecake and French biscuits: Itoh Kyuemon - Byodo-in Temple

Matcha / green teas: Takamura Sankō-en (sadly it was closed during my visit)

Horii Shichimeien (Matcha Shop)

This is located across the busy shopping street and walk down towards the end of that street. The well-known store for earthy, smooth matcha. We bought a tin and it captures the culture of Uji very well with the earthy and grassy flavour yet not acidic at all. 

Matsunoya

A popular chain for pork cutlet. The pork cutlet was cooked to perfection.

Day 5 Library Visit & City Walk

We were blessed with another beautiful day in Osaka and the city view reflected as is on camera. City walk has always been my favourite activity on any day of a trip. 

Konbini (Convenience Stores)

I made quick runs at both Family Mart and 7 Eleven. 7 Eleven won in terms of varieties and I found most of the famous snacks, yoghurt milk drink and hands down the best egg sando ever. 

Tamade Supermarket - Suōmachi

Another supermarket run! This time we found a lot of local snacks that the other supermarket doesn't carry and great choice to bring some souvenirs home. One of the must try in supermarket is the Meiji Fresh Milk - it's fragrant and light in taste, which became my top favourite drink in Japan. 

Let us pause for a moment and take in the city view. It was a peaceful stroll as most people are working. We even witnessed a live drama shooting nearby the area. 

Nakanoshima Children's Library

A little nook to check out within the Namba area. While most collections are children's book but most adults came in to browse. The ambient is chill and quiet, great to spend some time reading while enjoying the riverside view. Although I couldn't read Japanese, but I found two Ghibli cookbooks and was in awe at the illustrations and recipes. There's also a lovely green apple installation that you can take a picture with! The library features a small souvenir section with good selection of Japanese-themed items. The 3D menu display replicas are hyperealistic and detailed. 

Clocks and watches seemed to be everywhere. On buildings, in train stations, and even in unexpected corners. Punctuality truly is part of Japanese culture. Even if you don’t wear a watch, you can always tell the time just by observing the places you visit.

Unatoto Unagi

Had a hearty bowl of unagi don. Hidden among the tender, melty unagi were tiny anchovies that added a surprising crunch and texture, making every bite more interesting. It was a good meal and experience. 

Kogaryu Takoyaki

You can't be visiting Osaka without trying the octopus balls (takoyaki). This store claims to be one of the best with affordable price. It indeed was so good that I wish I had extra tummy room for more.

Okonomiyaki

We passed by this place so often that we decided to walk in on the last day of our trip. It was well worth our time as we get to try their crushed cucumber pickles, yaki soba (fried noodles) and okonomiyaki (must try in Osaka). 

Vending Machines

They are everywhere, even on a random alleyway and it's a mandate to take a picture with it as a memento. Here's a view of the same machine by day vs night. 

Malls Worth To Shop At

Japan is a shopping heaven, especially worth it if you purchase items that are over 5,500 yen to take advantage of tax-free shopping. Here are my top recommendations around Umeda, Shinsaibashi & Namba area:

Hep Five: Kinji Used Clothing store, hipped young brands

Lucua 101 & Lucua1100: Sit right opposite each other, you can shop most Japanese stores and brands (e,g, 3Coins, Departmental Stores, GU, Muji, etc.)

Grand Front Osaka: JINS! (the only store that is worth going as the employees are super helpful and friendly)

Shinsaibashi: Parco Mall (ABC Mart, Ghibli Store)

Namba Walk: OS Drug (cheapest drugstore), BicCamera

Namba City Mall: Departmental stores, ABC Mart, Seria, C-pla (Gachapon), Uniqlo, 3Coins+, Workman, etc.

The City's Drain Covers

Took a snap of drainage covers as a digital memento from each area I visited. 

Kamon Hotel Namba

A cosy and peaceful area to live in when travelling within Kansai region. Despite the poor ratings online and room being small, the space is clean and pleasant in smell. 

Day 6 Departure

On the final morning, I woke up while the city is still half asleep and headed to the train station for the airport. I enjoyed the last glimpse of Osaka on the train and returned home. 

Total Budget Breakdown (per person):

Connecting Return Flight (KCH>KUL>KNS)	RM2300
Hotel (5 Nights)	RM700
Travel Insurance	RM78
Airport Express Train (to and fro)	RM60
Food	RM350
Transportation (Icoca Card)	RM155
Shopping	RM500
Total	RM4143 (+/-)

Tips: Get a tax refund when you shop over ¥5500 in tax-free malls/outlets.

Apps to download:

Wise: For emergency funds

Payke/Google Translate: Translate product packaging

NERV: Disaster or earthquake alerts

VoiceTra: More accurate speaking translations

Flush: Public toilet search

Non-apps related:

Cash: still a king in Japan so best to bring enough

ICOCA Card: purchase, use and return to get a refund (highly recommend for new visitors as it's the most affordable if you plan your route by area well compared to purchasing those passes you see online)

Overall, my promised travel plans with my sister turned out to be one of the most memorable trip and can't wait for a new adventure soon! 

All photos by Prisc

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