So, let me tell you a story. Before Europe, I've always dreaming of going to Japan, so when the time has come a.k.a travel fair π I went to get the airplane tickets, 6 months prior the travel date. Although we (me and my finance, and now husband) did not get the cheapest price possible, which is 4,5 mio all in, we managed to get 5,5 mio all in with Singapore Airlines.
To be completely honest, I did not do a very deep research and preparation like I did before Europe, so here goes...
First off, better book local/ connecting train tickets, all kinds of tickets (if possible) in advance. You will save a lot. I recommend to look onto KLOOK for these. (see how that rhymes? π)
What's Osaka without this photo right?
We arrived at Osaka around 11 PM, the bad news was, I book a connecting train ticket from Kansai Airport to our hotel through klook but the ticketing kiosk closed at 11.30. Once I get my luggage, I ran to find the kiosk and luckily it still opened! then the intimidating "ticket machine" part comes...of course you can choose English for the menu but since there were a long queue on the ticket machine, I feel rushed to finish my booking, so I ended up failing to buy my first ICOCA card (basically similar to E-money in Indonesia) on that day.
Somewhere in Namba
Osaka
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The next day, we first went to GLION Museum, where old iconic cars were displayed. Ticket price is around IDR 80K and bought it from TRAVELOKA. Initially we went here to find the iconic AE 86 car from Inital D cartoon, but unfortunately the car has been sold π. Nevertheless, the car collection was interesting. Then we went to UNIVERSAL STUDIO OSAKA! to be completely honest, this place is the reason why we went to Osaka on the first place. Obviously to experience the Harry Potter land. We bought our ticket though Traveloka as well, because it's cheaper than Klook. Again, it never disappoint you in any way! SO MUCH FUN, although I cannot stand the cold, It was around 10C during the daytime and get so much colder at night. Foods are overpriced, but that was expected.
A must right?
Hogwarts Castle - Universal Studio Osaka
Trying to look fine when it's freezing
The highlight of the Harry Potter land was definitely visiting the Hogwarts castle and trying out Butterbeer. Although it was basically root beer with foam, it still tasted really good. I wish they made a canned version to take home as a souvenir. Oh, you may refer to this video for Universal Studios Osaka Food Review!
The next day we went to Dotonbori, which is a shopping district in Osaka. First thing first, I went to Apple Store to get a pair of iphone charger/ cable. 20% cheaper than Indonesia, FYI. My friend also told me Japan is the only Asian country that has has 1:1 price compared to US. Second is Hongkong and third is Singapore, and somewhat true, because my husband also bought a 2017 secondhand touchbar macbook pro for 30% less compared to Indonesia price and it is physically 90% new. So Much WIN!
This is what we came for
To be completely honest with you, this Japan trip is very rushed, so I don't really have a day-to-day itinerary list. After strolling around in cold, we stumbled upon a random ramen shop. I did not even look for the shop name as I can't read hiragana. I only saw that they serve chicken ramen (i don't think it's halal tho...) and the picture seems very appetizing so we went straight in. And IT IS SO GOOD!
Makotoya Ramen
The broth is super flavorful, the chicken charsiu were also very tender, it tasted heavenly on a cold weather. They also serve kimchi on the side to cut the greasiness.
Few tips that might help:
1. Most restaurants offer refillable water/ ocha for free
2. ABC mart prices were cheaper than Tokyo, so if you are looking to buy sneakers try Osaka ABC mart first
3. Most hotels (even hostels) have hairdryer, so you don't have to bring your own
4. Try to avoid coming home around 6 or 7 pm as trains are really packed
So that is all of my highlights on Osaka, and see you at Kyoto post!
