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How Much Money Do I Need For Kyoto

Japan is much cheaper than you think, especially now with a weak yen. And Kyoto is much cheaper than Tokyo. Indeed, Kyoto is one of the cheapest major destinations in the developed world. Don't believ

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Kyoto Travel Guide

Make the most of your trip to Kyoto with our comprehensive Kyoto itineraries and detailed guide to essential attractions in each of Kyoto’s fascinating districts. Whether you’re searching for the best

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Getting Around Kyoto

Kyoto is incredibly easy to explore by public transport (trains, subways, buses and taxis) or under your own steam (by bicycle or walking). This is a detailed guide to getting around Kyoto, with infor

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1 Day Osaka Foodie Itinerary

This one-day Osaka foodie itinerary takes you through some of the highlights of Osaka's vast culinary scene. It includes the famed Kuromon Market, fabulous mochi and takoyaki, killer okonomiyaki, and

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A Guide To Mysos Visit Japan Web And Japan Entry Procedures

The Japanese government recommends that you use the Visit Japan Web app but it's NOT mandatory. You always have the option of filling out a paper arrival (disembarkation) card and customs declaration

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A Taste Of Osaka By Bike

Discover a taste of what Osaka has to offer by following this 7-hour cycling itinerary. Robert Kodama takes us on a route that will allow you to discover some of the tourist hotspots as well as some o

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Abeno Harukas

Abeno Harukas might not be the tallest building in Japan anymore - that accolade now belongs to the Tokyo Skytree - but this skyscraper still towers above everything else in Osaka and western Japan. H

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Abeno Takoyaki Yamachan

Located in the Tennoji and Abeno districts, takoyaki purveyor Yamachan is one of the most famous and highly-rated in its genre, and for good reason - their octopus balls are just some of the most deli

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Ajinoya

Ajinoya is a Bib Gourmand okonomiyaki specialist near the Dotombori Arcade. With fast, friendly service, and rich, delicious okonomiyaki, it's one of our favourite places to sample Osaka's signature d

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Akari Soba

Looking for an escape from Dotonbori's relentless crowds? Akari is a charming, homey soba shop will whisk you away to a calmer, quieter world - along with some delicious soba and tempura to boot. ![

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Akiyoshi Umeda Branch

Akiyoshi might be a yakitori chain, but their skewers are consistently good and they have English menus, making this a tourist-friendly option. Plus, their restaurant spaces are usually larger and hav

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Aloft Osaka Dojima

The Aloft Osaka Dojima is a stylish and reasonably priced hotel in Dojima, a short walk southwest of Osaka Station and Umeda Station. Considering the convenient location and competitive rates, it's a

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Amerika Mura

Amerika-mura - or Amemura to the locals - is a warren of narrow streets which is at the heart of youth culture in Osaka, with dozens of shops catering to fans of urban apparel and hip-hop wear. But ev

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Ana Crowne Plaza Osaka

In the heart of the Kita-Shinchi entertainment district, this hotel is at the upper end of the mid-range price bracket and it can feel like a proper luxury hotel. ![ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka](https://ph

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Aochi

Head over to the west side of Shinsaibashi in the Minami district and you'll find Aochi, a creative kappo restaurant run by a husband-and-wife team. They serve gorgeously fresh, intriguing dishes base

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Arde Shin Osaka

arde! Shin-Osaka is a straightforward shopping and restaurant arcade on the second floor of the station building. It's a decent place for a quick meal or shopping while passing through the station are

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Asai

Asai is a one-star Michelin restaurant in Minami Ward that's a great place to try out kaiseki. Sitting at the counter and watching the chefs create their sublime dishes is part of the appeal of this p

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Banpaku Memorial Park

Need an escape from central Osaka? Head up north to Banpaku Memorial Park, a large 260-hectare park with a strange, towering statue and a few brilliant museums. Pa

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Bar 19

Love your cocktails with a side of sunset? Head up to the top floor of Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Hotel. It's just a short walk from the station. The brightly-lit bar is a great place to watch t

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Best Curry Rice In Osaka

Japanese curry is a gloriously flavourful, umami-packed sauce with gently spicy depths. Here are our recommended Osaka curry rice places to eat. ![The ramshackle exterior of the Mannenkare restaurant

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Best Day Trips From Osaka

Osaka is the heart of Kansai and it's a great base for exploring the region. The best daytrips are Kyoto (14 minutes by shinkansen), Nara (30 minutes by express train) Hiroshima (1.5 hours by shinkans

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Best French Restaurants In Osaka

Whether you're seeking more rustic, down-to-earth bistro fare or craving the more rarefied Michelin-starred stuff, you'll find incredible Japanese interpretations of French cuisine in Osaka, both mode

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Best Izakaya In Osaka

Izakaya and sake specialists (they're almost the same thing) are everywhere in Osaka. Spending an evening in an izakaya is one of the best ways to really experience this city - you'll sample great foo

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Best Kaiseki Kappo Other Haute Cuisine In Osaka

Consisting of multiple small dishes served one by one, kaiseki cooking is highly seasonal and rarefied. This style of Japanese fine dining is what inspired nouvelle cuisine and degustation menus. For

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Best Kushikatsu In Osaka

Kushikatsu is deep-fried, battered food on skewers - the perfect drinking food. Here's our list of recommended kushikatsu restaurants in Osaka. ![Two wooden skewers of kushikatsu, sat on a grill pan

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Best New Hotels In Osaka

Several great new hotels have opened in Osaka in the past year. The luxury hotel market has seen the biggest growth with brands like Four Seasons and Autograph Collection making their Osaka debut. Her

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Best Okonomiyaki In Osaka

Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake-shaped dish filled with your choice of ingredients. Here are some of our favorite okonomiyaki restaurants in Osaka where you can try one of city's most famous dishes.

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Best Osaka Boutique Hotels

Boutique hotels are popping up all over Osaka. So if you're looking for a small-ish hotel with lots of personality, check out our list of Osaka best boutique hotels. ![Double guest room in The St. Re

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Best Osaka Hotels For Families

Osaka is a great destination for families travelling to Japan. Here's a carefully curated list of the best family-friendly hotels in the city. ![A Pokémon-themed room with a soft Snorlax toy and Poké

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Best Osaka Budget Hotels

Believe it or not, you can easily get a hotel in central Osaka for less than US$130 per night! Here are the best Osaka hotels in the budget category. ![Twin room in the Hearton Hotel Shinsaibashi, O

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