Tribute to Astro Boy and Black Jack anime creator - Day trip to Tezuka Osamu Manga Museum

In May 2010, I traveled in Japan using the JR Pass. While traveling in Kansai Osaka area, I visited Tezuka Osamu Manga Museum 手塚治虫 記念館 in Takarazuka 宝塚 area between Osaka and Kobe.

Astro Boy statue at Tezuka Osamu Museum in Takarazuka

Day trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima Island Part TWO - Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park and Museum

For the second half of the same day trip, I visited Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum. I finished the day by visiting Hiroshima Okonomiyaki mura (お好み焼き 村) for its famous Hiroshima style savory Okonomiyaki pancake.

May Peace Prevail on Earth. Atomic Bomb Dome. Hiroshima Japan.

Day trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima Island Part ONE - Itsukushima Shrine

In 2010, I traveled to Hiroshima (広島) and Miyajima Island (宮島) on a day trip while I was traveling through Japan using JR pass. My hotel was based in Fukuoka in Kyushu and I took the day trip to the Hiroshima area on a sunny day. I figured that Hiroshima is at midpoint between Osaka and Fukuoka, which also makes planning a day trip to the area from Osaka very feasible.

Sacred wedding ceremony. Hiroshima Miyajima Itsukushima Shrine

Osaka Reasonable Affordable Hotel

Updated on January-28th-2018

I have always liked to stay in Osaka during my trips to the Kansai area (Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe) Staying at a hotel in Osaka will put travelers in the middle of the kansai area geographically. Being based in Osaka will allow travelers to have the easy access to Kyoto to the east, Kobe to the west, and Nara/Uji to the south. Osaka Hotels are typically less expensive than Tokyo hotels. For travelers with limited amount of vacation time, I believe in hotels in convenient locations or interesting areas. Many different areas in Osaka have different characteristics; certain area is more suitable for foodies and some areas are more suitable for shoppers. I have listed my recommendations for reasonably priced hotels in different areas in Osaka.

Wonderful Osaka

How to get from Kansai International Airport to Osaka, Kyoto or Kobe: KIX Airport Access and Transportation

With increased popularity of tourism in the Kansai (roughly Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe) region in Japan, flying into Kansai International Airport (airport code: KIX) means travelers can save time on the easy access of the airport to the areas of interest in Kansai. I am dedicating this blog post to some of the most convenient ways to get to Osaka, Kyoto, or Kobe.

Access from Kansai International Airport to Osaka, Kyoto or Kobe is quite easy

Best Food in Osaka Japan

Best food in Osaka Japan

Osaka is known for its delicious food at affordable prices. While there are some similarities to food in Tokyo and other parts of Japan, some of the distinct Osaka dishes are symbolic to the area. Although many of the Osaka dishes are served in other cities in Japan and throughout major cities in the world, I tend to think Osaka food tastes much better when traveling in Osaka. I have listed a few popular dishes and restaurants in Osaka that are unique to the region.

Kushikatsu Deep Fried Goods on a stick - Iconic Osaka food

Planning for your trip to Osaka Kyoto and Kobe in Japan

Planning your own trip to Osaka/Kyoto/Kobe could be quite rewarding because the Kansai area is of close proximity of three major cities in west Japan, Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe. Kansai offers great experiences in modernity in Osaka, history in Kyoto, and exquisite cuisine in Kobe. While many visitors tend to have strong desires to stay within Kyoto due the vast number of shrines and temples, I will always recommend having a mixture of the Osaka/Kyoto/Kobe flavors to enrich your diverse Kansai experiences.

Bustling Osaka provides easy access to both Kyoto and Kobe