Japan Trip

Apr 20—2026

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I flew out of the Philippines via Cebu—whose airport, by the way, is absolutely gorgeous. Unfortunately, my immigration experience wasn’t as pleasant (I’ll save that story for another time).

I landed at Kansai International Airport a little past 10:00 PM and made my way out by around 11:00 PM, only to realize that the last bus for the service I had booked had already departed.

I originally had a limousine bus ticket bound for Namba Station, but the only available service at that hour was headed to Umeda Station. I ended up purchasing another ticket from a kiosk with the help of a very kind staff member, which, admittedly, cost more than I had planned. Still, I would recommend the limousine bus if you’re arriving within operating hours. It’s easy to locate, comfortable, and takes away the stress of navigating luggage through public transport.

For my stay, I chose Holiday Inn Osaka Namba, and the location could not have been more convenient. It’s within walking distance of major attractions and shopping areas, and just a minute away from a 24/7 Mega Don Quijote, which, as you can imagine, led to several late-night shopping sprees.

Hotel rooms in Japan might be small but the complete room amenities make up for it

After checking in, I ordered dinner via Uber Eats and settled in for the night.

Not long after, I realized I had forgotten to pack toothpaste, so I made a quick trip to Don Quijote (“Donki”) and a nearby Lawson. Stepping inside was both overwhelming and exciting. The sheer variety of chocolates, snacks, skincare, and makeup was incredible. What was meant to be a quick errand for essentials turned into a full-on shopping haul.

Day two was dedicated almost entirely to shopping. Being just a minute away from Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, I found myself hopping between Uniqlo branches and secondhand stores. Prices in Osaka were noticeably better compared to Tokyo, which made the experience even more satisfying. I came across a white Chanel bag for around $1,700—a piece I’m still thinking about and slightly regret not purchasing. On the bright side, I did manage to find a lovely Louis Vuitton bag for my mother, which felt like a great deal.

The following day, I visited Katsuoji Temple. Getting there was straightforward, I simply followed the directions on Google Maps. Having a preloaded Suica card made the journey smooth and hassle-free.

I had booked my ticket via Klook in advance, and I highly recommend doing the same. The queue for on-site ticket purchases was extremely long, while those with pre-booked tickets were able to enter immediately without any wait.

Upon entering the temple grounds, visitors are given an illustrated postcard to stamp at various points along the way. Completing it reveals a full image, making the experience feel interactive and rewarding as you explore the temple.