Trip to Japan, 2023

 

I’ve always wanted to go to Japan again. I’ve been to Japan 3 times before, once in 2009 with my parents along with a tour group, once in 2015 with my parents and my sister in a private tour, and in 2018 to visit my cousin who works there. I was going to go to Japan in 2019, but had to go to my sister as she passed away that year. We all knew the pandemic stuff happened in between, and with the LSAT stuff I need to take care of, my wish to travel to Japan was put on hold until 2023.

In 2009 and 2015, I didn’t speak Japanese at all. In 2018, I took a semester of Japanese 1 with Professor Sumitomo in Pasadena City College, so I had a very impaired understanding of the Japanese language. In 2023, however, since I’ve taken 4 full years of Japanese and have had some decent conversations in between, I am comfortable traveling there by myself speaking the language. Let me just say, I am very glad that I was able to use my Japanese to converse with the locals. I mean sure, there are bits and pieces where I don’t understand, but they were always kind enough to explain it to me.

So yes, please read along to my 16 day Kansai Travel Blog thing, as I spent all of my time within the greater Kansai area. Enjoy!


Planning Stage

Before December 4th, 2023

Highlights:

  • Requirements

  • Introduction to the Metro system

  • Travel plan structure

  • Flight information

  • Hotel information

  • Recommended belongings


Day 1

December 4th, 2023

Highlights:

  • Flight

  • Airport Metro to Namba

  • Dotonbori

  • Takoyaki

  • Shinsaibashi


Day 2

December 5th, 2023

Highlights:

  • Kuromon Market

  • Kani Doraku

  • Kaiyukan

  • Tsutenkaku

  • Kobe Beef Sushi

  • Uniqlo


Day 3

December 6th, 2023

Highlights:

  • Himeji Castle

  • Kokoen Park

  • Himeji Zoo

  • Kobe

  • Steak House Medium Rare

  • Ferris Wheel


Day 4

December 7th, 2023

Highlights:

  • Train Confusion

  • Kinosaki Onsen

  • Morizuya Ryokan

  • Onsenji Temple

  • Bathhouses


Day 5

December 8th, 2023

Highlights:

  • Ryokan

  • Kyoto

  • Kinkakuji

  • Ryoanji

  • Ninnaji

  • Deep Fried Wagyu Cutlets


Day 6

December 9th, 2023

Highlights:

  • Bus Experience

  • Kimono Rental

  • Professional Photographer

  • Kiyomizudera Temple


Day 7

December 10th, 2023

Highlights:

  • Fushimi Inari Daisha

  • Senpon Torii

  • Inari Udon & Sushi

  • Tofukuji

  • Nijo-jo

  • Gosho


Day 8

December 11th, 2023

Highlights:

  • Nara

  • Todaiji Temple

  • Deers

  • Kasuga Daisha

  • Heijo Palace

  • King of Gyoza


Day 9

December 12th, 2023

Highlights:

  • Iga Ueno

  • Iga Ueno Castle

  • Ninja Museum

  • Ninja Restaurant

  • Ise

  • Ise Jingu


Day 10

December 13th, 2023

Highlights:

  • Ultraman M78 World Shop

  • Black Pork Deep Fried Cutlets


Day 11

December 14th, 2023

Highlights:

  • Koyasan

  • Okunoin

  • Fukuchiin

  • Temple Lodging

  • Vegetarian Shojin Ryori


Day 12

December 15th, 2023

Highlights:

  • Temple Morning Class

  • Shojin Ryori Breakfast

  • Fish cakes


Day 13

December 16th, 2023

Highlights:

  • Yakuza Fair

  • Okonomiyaki


Day 14

December 17th, 2023

Highlights:

  • Kyoto

  • Toji


Day 15

December 18th, 2023

Highlights:

  • Rolex Shopping

  • Japanese-style Lunch


Day 16

December 19th, 2023

Highlights:

  • Breakfast


Day 17

December 20th, 2023

Highlights:

  • Sukiyaki

  • Airport Delay

  • Flight Experience

  • BBQ in China