kyoto & osaka!

[katyami.livejournal.com]

Hello, lovely Arashians! :) In a dream come true, I will finally be setting foot in Arashi-land Japan for the first time in just 3 weeks! I will be in Kyoto for the 1st week for an academic conference, Osaka the 2nd just for fun. Of course, I'd love to make use of my time to exercise my inner fangirl! Since I am not quite familiar with these two cities, however, I'd like to ask a few things. =]

1. What Arashi-related places are there in Osaka and Kyoto? -- Places they've been to, something they've recommended in a show (if any?), movie/drama/theatre locations, etc... I know Ohno-kun had his theatre show way back, Nino Ooku & his Nippon-no-Arashi chapter...

2. My main concern isn't buying merchandise, but any information on JE shops in Kyoto would be great as well! (There's already a similar post for Osaka [http://arashi-on.livejournal.com/2851272.html] so no need for that unless there's more to add.)

3. General touristy question, but... what other places/sights shouldn't I miss? -- In Kyoto I'll mostly be busy, but will have some evenings free to explore. The week in Osaka is basically empty though, and other than the aquarium, eating okonomiyaki & takoyaki (any famous restaurants/stalls?) and supposedly seeing plum blossoms, I don't have any ideas!

4. Any other places nearby in the Kansai area worth making a day trip to? Even better if it's somehow connected to Arashi. :P

Thank you so much!! <3 Since it's also my first time, any general tips/info about travel in the region would be greatly appreciated. (I can speak enough Japanese to survive.) I'll also have an ~8hr layover at Narita, unfortunately not enough for Tokyo...so I'm thinking of venturing out to Narita the town. If anyone knows anything about that, and if Arashi stuff can be spotted there too, I'd be very grateful!

Comments

[katyami.livejournal.com]

Thanks for your reply! :) Hmm, yeah, I figured Osaka would have more compared to Kyoto, and that most of it would be focused on the Kansai Johnnys. Which only makes sense. But I wiiiish they did more around Japan ;)

I'll have to search up those places in Osaka! Osaka Jo Hall as in the castle? I hear only the garden is really worth going to since the interior has been reconstructed (and not really old anymore), right? Haha I have no idea. And I actually don't think I've heard of the Philosopher's Walk!

Thanks again =]

[universalgoo.livejournal.com]

Cool!

I'm going to Japan this summer for the first time and I will backpack from Tokyo to Kyoto to Osaka to Fukuoka and many more places! I would also like to know some Arashi-related places but I guess I'll make a similar post when it's closer to the trip.

Anyway, I don't know any Arashi-related places but I do know where I'm going to go when I'm in Kyoto and Osaka:

Kyoto
Kyoto Tower
Higashiyama
Maruyama Park
Philosopher’s Path
Ginkakuji
Kinkakuji
Nijo Castle
Sagano Scenic Railway
Hozugawa River Cruise
Fushimi-Inari Shrine
Gion Matsuri – Festival

Nara (on the way to osaka from kyoto)
Todaiji
Isuien Garden
Yoshikien Garden
Kasuga Taisha – Grand Shrine

Osaka
Osaka Bay Area
Osaka Aquarium
Tempozan Ferris Wheel
Naniwa Food Theme Park
Mount Tempozan
World Trade Center
Dotonbori
Amerikamura
Hozenji Yokocho Alley
Shitennoji Temple
Osaka Castle
Umeda Sky Building
Hankyu Entertainment Park
Kitashinchi
Tsutenkaku Tower
Kushi katsu

Kobe (close to osaka)
Boende
Mount Rokko
Kobe Chinatown
Sorakuen Garden
Kobe Harbourland
Meriken Park
Kobe Tower
Maritime Museum

[naeusix.livejournal.com]

Wow you certainly know where you're going! Care to share your Tokyo list too? Hahahah! I'll be heading to Tokyo for a week too in the summer, and am really excited on finding out any Arashi-related places I can visit! So far I only know of the Johnny's Shop, Ebisu Garden from Jun's Hanadan and Aiba's Keikarou in Chiba! Was planning to head to Kyoto for a couple days too but had to let that go because there just wasn't enough time. Guess I'll visit Japan again some other time!

[universalgoo.livejournal.com]

Tokyo
Ueno Zoo
Ameyoko
Tokyo Water Bus
Sensoji Temple
Tokyo Sky Tree
Meiji Shrine
Yoyogi Park
Ebisu Garden Place
Hachiko Statue
Shibuya Crossing
Harajuku
Takeshita Dori Street
Rikugien
Koishikawa Korakuen
Imperial Palace
Park Hyatt Tower
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Roppongi Hills Mori Tower
Tokyo Tower
Eitai Bridge
Rainbow Bridge
Ghibli Museum

Kisarazu
Red bridge
Kimisarazu Tower
Odayama Park
Shojoji Temple

Yokohama
Minato Mirai 21
Chinatown
Ramen Museum

Kamakura
Daibutsu
Kamakura Hiking Trails
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu

[naeusix.livejournal.com]

Wow you certainly did your research

Ghibli Museum's first on my list hahaha but I heard that you have to get tickets in advance right? I'm planning to go to Yokohama too, dying to get on the Cosmo Clock 21 ferris wheel!

[universalgoo.livejournal.com]

Haha, yeah! Yokohama will be fun. :)

Yes, you need to book the tickets in advance but I'm not exactly sure where depending on where you live.

Go here to find out more:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3041.html

[katyami.livejournal.com]

Whoa, what a huge list. XD Thanks, I'll look into some of these places I suppose! Your trip sounds epic... how long are you staying in Japan? :)

[universalgoo.livejournal.com]

For a little more than a month! :D

[nakahara02.livejournal.com]

:D i went to Kyoto/Osaka last year in late sept/early oct just before the leaves turn red...
I cant really help you on 1. It was more of a sightseeing trip hence i didnt really look out for arashi related stuff, though i did went to the temple/bridge in kyoto that ohno went to in their tourism(?) CM. and it's really pretty:) a very calm place to be. it's at Tofukuji temple.

2. from what i know, the JE shop in Kyoto has closed down, saw the infor in some lj and it's not stated in JE shop main website already too. But yup, i guess you can still visit the Osaka one, though i totally forgotten abt visiting it when i took down directions to go there....

3. 3 wks from now, I'm not sure whether the flowers have blossomed yet, since in tokyo it's usually in the late march.. Kyoto have beautiful temples! but seeing that you'll only be free ard evening(temples most prob closed ard that time but you can try fushimi inari which i think open for 24/7 but could be dark..), you might want to visit pontocho area/Gion district to get a taste of the culture. it's beautiful with the old buildings and structures. And if you're lucky, you can spot geisha/maiko:)

For osaka, you can get Osaka Unlimited 1 Day Pass (easily purchase at the airport, for me was in Kansai intl airport) it's not only a train pass with unlimited rides but comes with lots of free tickets/admissions to places and of course the HEP FIVE ferris wheel too! [there's a 2 days pass but imo, one day pass is more worth it as compared to the 2 day as it include more places.]here^^ (http://www.pia-kansai.ne.jp/osp/en/)

4. NARA! :D you can make a one-day trip to NARA, one day is definitely enough:) and it's just 690yen one way taking the JR nara line from kyoto.

I heard of ppl visiting Narita Village when they have a stopover at Narita Airport, even my friend was interested in going(we're going tokyo this march^^). I havent really research much on it but google shld be able to help on this:DDD hope this helps! AND ENJOY!

[katyami.livejournal.com]

The one where they sing a song and went to different cities around Japan and kept going "NYA~"?? XD I don't remember a bridge. Or am I thinking of the wrong CM?

I definitely won't make it for the cherry blossoms, but apparently late Feb-March is plum blossoming season or something? :) Hopefully there is some sort of pretty flowering going on to make the temples even prettier haha. Yeah, my conference activities go on during the day, and end 3-4PM... I suppose a lot of temples might be closed by the time I get there? (I'm staying close to Nijo Castle/Station). Not sure if you know, but in Gion, is there anything to do besides walk around (and hope to see geisha)? Are there actually shops/restaurants? =/

Thanks a ton for all the info! :)

[nakahara02.livejournal.com]

YES! that cm! XD

oooh i didnt take note about plum blossoming... yup when i was there, most temples close about that time, some ard 5pm. There're actually a lot of shops and restaurants along karasuma shijo on the way to Gion. I stayed in Gojo area so i always walked(yes, it might sound crazy to walk a 30mins one-way journey to gion) and there's alot of department stores! which is good for dinner:) since food get discounted in those basement food area:Q__ and department stores are where you can find money changer too:)

[wayof-life.livejournal.com]

If I'm not wrong, J shop in Kyoto has closed down. I haven't gone to the one in Osaka (forgot about it, oops) though.

In kyoto, around 5PM, you can try going to gion where maiko might appear (depends on luck; I saw about 4 maiko and that's about it). There's a store just a few metres from the start of gion street that sells very nice, authentic kyoto sweets (something like mochi) :D If you have time to travel, go to Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji. But that's if you realllly have time to travel because by bus, it takes nearly two hours just to get to either of the places.

In Osaka, Shinsaibashi is the place to go for shopping. You'll get to see hosts loitering around the start of the street (on the bridge) around 7PM :D There's also Shitennouji and Tennouji Park, near Tennouji Station. And of course you can never miss out Osaka Castle, it's very pretty although you need to walk quite a bit from the station to the entrance, and a bit more to go near the castle. While you're at the aquarium, check out Tenpozan Ferris Wheel, which is just beside it; very nice view, especially in the night!

From Kyoto to Osaka, I would recommend going Nara. You get to see the very beautiful Nara deers, many famous temples and traditional food. From Osaka, you can go to Himeji about an hour away, which is famous for Himeiji Castle. If you still have some time to spare, you can go to Kobe. Kobe has a good sea view, and has the suspension bridge with the longest central span. You can see tidal Naruto whirlpools from there but I don't know what time do they actually appear... Kobe is about 30-40 minutes away from Osaka.

JR does not run through Kyoto so you'll have to purchase those one-day pass for private lines, if you travel much. Osaka has JR lines but many of the tourist attractions are more accessible via other private lines.

[katyami.livejournal.com]

How long/at what time were you in Gion for when you saw them? :) I'd definitely love to catch even just a glimpse haha. Also, do you remember the name of the store? Sounds yummy :P

..does it seriously take two hours?! I'm going to be in the Nijo area... I heard buses are the best way of transportation, but there's also subway and private train lines or something, right?

Thanks for all the suggestions, I'll try to do some research on them for sure. :) And well of course, speaking of Kobe...do you know anything about reasonably not-too-over-a-student-budget-priced beef? x)

[wayof-life.livejournal.com]

I went Gion at about 5PM, stayed for 20-30 minutes only. It's really hyped up about seeing Maiko 'cos if you're really unlucky, you wouldn't see them at all... They try to avoid the crowd and tourists, you see. I don't remember the name of the store though, 'cos I threw the packaging away after eating lol. But I do remember they have some samples out there to try, and you have to walk down small stairs to enter the store. If you're walking out of Gion Street, turn left ;)

That's what my friends told me, that's why I didn't go ): There are private lines but they don't go direct to those places. You'll still need to take a bus from the terminal of the lines and thus many people recommend taking bus; you just need to board one transport (especially for people who can't read Japanese, less confusion), and you get to look around. But the bad thing is buses tend to go round and round before reaching the destination, thus longer travel time.

Unfortunately, Kobe Wagyu Beef is very expensive because it's like some best beef in the world. I myself have not tried it 'cos it's sooooo expensive. The cheapest I ever heard is about 4000yen, and I don't even know the portion D: Anything closer to "melt in your mouth", prepare to splurge at least 10,000yen per person ;_;

Google and you can find some reviews of "cheap" Kobe beef. You can check out this page: http://paulstravelpics.blogspot.com/2008/07/kobe-beef-in-kobe-step-by-step-photo.html

Oh! And in Kobe, go to Mt. Rokko in the evening. Said to have one of the best night views in Japan! :D

[universalgoo.livejournal.com]

Actually, I think Himeji Castle is closed partially for renovations. We were thinking of going there as well but now we don't know. :/

[wayof-life.livejournal.com]

It's still open to public :) You'll see scaffolds at portions (they're restoring in stages) but you still can walk around and take a look etc without much obstruction and wet-blanket from the works. The restoration is scheduled to finish in 2015 so... it's still quite a long way :\

[violapod.livejournal.com]

Hello!
I will also be making a trip to Kyoto soon...so, I've been researching a bit.

Mago Mago 74. Castletown: Nijou Castle.
Ohno recommended:
1. Toyouke Tofu Shop (Kitano Tenmanga Shrine area) Dish: Tofu Donburi.
2. Yasuikonpira Shrine
3. Takigawa Inn: This is where he stayed for 2 years when he was 16.
4. Kanshundou: Famous sweets shop, he recommended, but actually did not go there.
Sho recommended:
1. Okutan: Super $$$ tofu
2. Rakushou: Sweets shop. Dish: Shiratama anmitsu
I do not know if all of these places still exist...

AnShi 40 (2011.03.26)
Recommended Food by Guest Funakoshi Eichirou:
1. Aburi Saba Sushi: Manzara Honten Shop (Kawara City, Kyoto)
2. Sukiyaki Bento: Mishimatei
3. Baumkuchen: Viyon

Hope this helps! Have fun!

[katyami.livejournal.com]

Ahh yes, this is what I was looking for!! I *thought* I remembered a Joukamachi episode when they went to Kyoto, but didn't know which one. I'm actually staying in the Nijo area too! I'll have to go dig up that episode and re-watch it. :)

That Mishimatei place is so expensive... I don't think I'd be able to go. But they made the beef look SO delicious *drools* (though they can make almost any food seem yummy I guess xP)

Thanks a bunch!! And please do let me know if you manage to stumble across any other info. :) Hope you enjoy your trip as well!

[leavittc.livejournal.com]

Don't you just love how much Arashi teaches us about their country? They've pretty much planned out your trip for you! XD

[gilsy.livejournal.com]

Hello ! Really excited to see this post here, since I will be heading to Japan in less than a week (YAY!) and will be in Tokyo and Osaka. Its a really short trip though, i'll only have 3 days in Osaka and approximately 4 in Tokyo. Still want to try going to Kyoto and hopefully Nara and Kobe too, though it might turn out to be a big rush ! No worries, more reasons for me to return !

Just want to ask, any recommendations of places to go (or must see!) with such a tight schedule ? My 3 days in Osaka are generally unplanned, though we're planning to head to Gotemba Premium Outlet for a bit.
And Tokyo too ! Since I'm kinda overwhelmed by all the stuff I found and the places to visit, I was hoping someone could enlighten me on the best places to go !
Oh, I'm planning to visit Matsumoto Castle too ! (:

[mintceres.livejournal.com]

I won't be helpful, but I'm SO bookmarking this post, for reference when I'm going to Japan in November.

[redpanda.livejournal.com]

I've visited Kyoto [I'm staying in Nagoya currently] and I don't believe there are a lot of idol shops there. :( I hear there are a lot in Osaka though [including an official JE shop] so you might want to do most of your Arashi shopping there ^^ I'm hoping to visit Osaka soon.

[leavittc.livejournal.com]

Everytime I go to Kyoto, I absolutley MUST go to Arashiyama. (not just because I love the name. Arashi+my bias OTP). The area around it borders on touristy, but there are amazing places to eat around there. But the mountain itself is gorgeous, especially this time of year. There's also a very popular Monkey Park, where you can get close and personal with all different types of monkies and give them peanuts and such. It's a lot of fun around there. In the warmer seasons, they have kyaks and such that you can rent, but this time of year I would recommend the Monkey Park. A few minutes walk from the monkies is the most breathtaking view I've ever seen, where you can see half of Kyoto spread out in front of you. It's most definitely a 'can't miss' in my opinion.

[anglophile09.livejournal.com]

There's Ninna-Ji in Kyoto, where some of Ooku was filmed. Also, if you go to Arashiyama in Kyoto, there's a music box museum in the area with a gift shop. When I was there they had One Love and Love Rainbow as music boxes available. :)

[uruwashigurl.livejournal.com]

am planning to visit Kyoto/Osaka too!!!!
but might be around Oct/Nov..this post is soooo helpful! ^^

[meiko-michan.livejournal.com]

I studied in the Osaka area for over a year. I remember a very good idol shop in "America Town". That sells plenty of older official concert goods and plenty of other things. I can't remember the name of the station at the moment, but when I find out from a friend I will let you know.
I do recommend going to Kobe to visit the port at night. If you take the Hankyu line from Umeda to Sannomiya you can get there. Or the JR line. If you want to know more feel free to ask.

[kyokutan.livejournal.com]

Having lived in Kobe for 6 months I definitely recommend a day trip there.
If you have time, you should go up Mt Rokko and see the " 10 Million Dollar view". More info here: http://feel-kobe.jp/_en/sightseeing/spot/?sid=116

And also Kobe Port Tower and Mosaic, Nankin-machi (China Town) are my other recommended spots.

As for Arashi related things, in Sannomiya there's a small unofficial idolshop, it's kinda sketchy but I found some really nice Arashi posters there and other nice things. There's also one close to Harbourland that sells a little Arashi related stuff (posters, keychains... stuff like that)

Also, I know that a lot of Gantz was shot in Kobe, though I could never find any locations while I was there ^^;

Hope you have a nice trip! Kansai is great, everyone is really friendly!

[godsgirl7.livejournal.com]

Nara is a pretty cool historical place too. :) I've only been there once, but I liked it! And you can feed the deer! (Although the deer have cute faces, but they are ridiculously greedy omg)

I feel like all there really is to do in Osaka is eat and shop XD But I hope you can find some cool stuff to do! I loved the aquarium! :) And it'd be nice if you could find fun stuff to do in Kyoto in the evenings. All the touristy places like shrines and stuff close at like 5pm though...

Anyway, I don't know about any special Arashi stuff to see, but I hope you have a good time! :D