Final Up to date
Japan is having a cultural second. As soon as an unique and weird vacation spot, now it’s a must-visit scorching spot for American vacationers.
Trendy and historical cultures mix collectively seamlessly right here.
The meals is so good it’s been exported around the globe. And overlook New York, as a result of Tokyo is actually town that by no means sleeps!
Airbnb has unveiled its winter journey report. This winter, the 2 most searched-for worldwide locations for American vacationers had been each in Japan.
Osaka got here in second place and unsurprisingly, the mega metropolis of Tokyo took the primary place crown.
Visiting Osaka
Osaka is Japan’s kitchen in addition to its celebration capital. The nightlife right here is raucous, and the folks appear way more pleasant as a result of they’re out to have an excellent time.
I’ve spoken to extra native folks in Osaka than I ever have in Tokyo!
Maybe essentially the most well-known attraction in Osaka is Dotonbori. That is an space filled with neon lights and is the place you may see Osaka’s well-known operating man. It’s additionally residence to Osaka’s iconic meals avenue, which is the place to be when the solar goes down.
However there’s a lot extra to see and do in Osaka than its Vegas-style leisure.
For a style of historical Japan, go to the historic Ikutama Shrine. This shrine has pink tori gates just like the extra well-known shrines of Kyoto, however with out the crowds. It’s a bastion of calm in a loopy metropolis! Entry is free.
Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of many oldest shrines in Japan, can be situated within the coronary heart of Osaka.
For the very best views on the town, go to the highest of the Umeda Sky Constructing. With its floating backyard, this observatory is greatest visited originally of your journey to actually assist you to perceive the size of town.
Entry costs 2,000 yen ($13) per person.
I used to be stunned by simply how a lot I favored Osaka; we visited for its theme parks (that’s what occurs whenever you journey with youngsters) and proximity to historical Kyoto however fell in love with its vibrancy and laid-back vibe.
Getting To Osaka
Each Osaka and Tokyo are each properly related to the U.S. You possibly can fly nonstop to Osaka from 3 American airports; Honolulu, Los Angeles and San Fransisco.
Honolulu is each the most cost effective and closest entry level to get to Osaka, however it’s extra seemingly you’ll want the comfort of a mainland American hub.
The following most cost-effective choice is to fly from Los Angeles. Flying on December 2 and returning every week in a while December 9 will cost $693. This flight is operated by Japan Airways.
For those who select this route you’ll have an outbound flight time of 12 h 40 and an inbound flight time of 10 h 05.
Visiting Tokyo
For those who solely go to one metropolis in Japan then it actually must be Tokyo. In actuality, town is so large and various that it must be tackled such as you’re visiting a small nation!
Tokyo is the one metropolis I all the time need to return to, and you may uncover a special aspect to it each single time.
After all, you may go to town’s iconic tall buildings just like the Tokyo Tower and the Tokyo Skytree. Entrance to the Tokyo Skytree costs 3,100 yen ($20) to go to each decks. As in Osaka, do that early in your journey to actually admire the size of town.
Tokyo can be cram packed filled with historical sights. The Senso-ji temple is maybe essentially the most well-known (sadly it’s additionally essentially the most crowded, so get there as early as doable) and the Imperial Palace is properly value exploring, notably its gardens that are a shocking oasis of calm.
If you wish to get off the overwhelmed path then attempt Ebisu Yokocho. A maze-like space of tiny streets with hidden bars and eating places the place you may sit shoulder to to shoulder with locals and get an actual style of Japanese nightlife.
And though it’s not a lesser-known attraction, everybody ought to go to Akihabara Electrical City a minimum of as soon as. The land of neon and gaming is a mecca for nerds and a real visible delight.
So many individuals make the error of making an attempt to cram the entire of Japan right into a 10-day trip, however all they’re actually seeing is a highlights reel.
Significantly better to choose one metropolis and actually get to comprehend it as an alternative. And mine’s a vote for that first metropolis being Tokyo!
Getting To Tokyo
Because the bigger and extra well-known metropolis, it ought to come as no shock that Tokyo is considerably higher related to the U.S. than Osaka. You possibly can fly nonstop to Tokyo from 16 U.S. cities.
Deep breath to learn this checklist! These choices are: Los Angeles, Honolulu, San Fransicso, San Jose, New York, Detroit, San Diego, Chicago, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Washington DC, Dallas and Boston.
On the time of writing the most cost effective departure airport is Los Angeles. Flying on December 2 and returning on December 9 will cost $526. This flight is operated by United Airways.
You’ll have an outbound flight time of 11 h 45 and an inbound flight time of 9 h 55.
There are 2 giant worldwide airports in Tokyo; Haneda and Narita. Each are equally properly related to central Tokyo, so I are inclined to fly into whichever is most cost-effective! But when switch time is essential to you, then Haneda airport is way nearer to town.
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Opinions expressed listed here are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accepted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the publish.
