Full bloom Cherry Blossom at Osaka Castle
The cherry blossom, or sakura in Japan, is the flower of trees in Prunus subgenus Cerasus. Sakura usually refers to flowers of ornamental cherry trees, such as cultivars of Prunus serrulata, not trees grown for their fruit.
This post is my 7th time to visit Japan particularly in Osaka and Kyoto for the period April 4-11, 2026 with my best friend, Rome Frias. This was my second time in Osaka and Kyoto. Now, let me narrate how did its details unfolded from day to day and how I spent on it.
While at Rome's apartment in Pasay City
Coming from my Albay residence, I left at 5:46 P.M. boarding an airconditioned Alps Bus on April 2, 2026 for a discounted fare of P880 (Gross is P1,100) since I am a senior citizen already and arrived at Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX0 in Paranaque, Metro Manila at 3:35 A.M. the following day, barely 10 hours of road travel. I stayed with Rome until after trip's departure on April 4, 2026.
Day 0 - April 4, 2026
Upon arrival at Mactan Domestic Airport
Rome and I left NAIA Terminal III at 7:25 P.M. boarding Cebu Pacific Flight No. 5J 573 on April 4, 2026 and arrived at Cebu Domestic Airport (Mactan) at 9:05 P.M. for a layover for Kansai International Airport, with an air travel duration of 1 hour and 40 minutes. Rome treated me then for a dinner at the airport's Harbor City Restaurant.
The world-class Mactan International Airport
After our dinner, we proceed to the adjacent Mactan International Airport for an early check-in at around 10:00 P.M. It was already at dawn of April 5 leaving at 2:55 A.M. boarding Cebu Pacific Flight No. 5J 5108 and arrived at Kansai International Airport at 8:15 A.M.
Day 1 - April 5, 2026: Osaka Late Afternoon Tour
Upon arrival at Terminal I of Kansai Airport Station
While at the airport, we did the following transactions:
- ATM withdrawal of 10,000 yen equivalent to P4,093.10 or US$61.56 with a withdrawal charge of 110 yen or P54.02 or US$0.68.
- Purchase a Kansai 3-Day Pass of 6,500 yen or P2,557.52 or US$40.01.
- Purchase a Japan sim card for 2,500 yen or P1,023.28 or US$15.39.
- Purchase an ICOCA card for 2,000 yen or P818.55 or US$12.31 where its 500 yen is a deposit or P204.64 or US$3.08 while the other 1,500 yen can serve as a train card load or can be used to purchased food or other items anywhere in Japan like the convenience stores and malls.
Lunch at Matsuya Fastfood near Namba Station
We boarded a train from the airport at 10:45 A.M. using my 3-day Kansai train pass for 45 minutes. If I did not use the train pass the regular train fare would be 970 yen or P396.99 or US$5.97. We arrived at Osaka Namba Station at 11:30 A.M. We had a long walk searching for our hotel location using the Globe Map app. This is the reason why a traveler in Japan should have an internet access starting from the airport. Since we were hungry, we stopped at Matsuya fastfood to have lunch at 12:02 Noon. My order was a grated radish beef rice bowl for 680 yen or P278.31 or US$4.19.
Locking our luggage at our hotel accommodation
It was only 12:59 Noon when we arrived in our hotel accommodation at Henn Na Hotel Express Osaka located at 1-5-20 Nipponbashi, Chu O-ko, Osaka 5420073 and the check-in should be at 2:00 P.M. Since, early check-in is not allowed, we just locked our luggage down the locker provided to us to secure valuables and then we went out for a nearby sightseeing. The hotel can be called thru their telephone number at 815055742800.
Hotel self check-in
At around 2:20 P.M., we returned back to the hotel for self check-in. Everything is done online and nobody will assist. As you encoded all the check-in details at the terminal, you will get your hotel key card.
Room 709 Henn Na Hotel Express Osaka accommodation
Upon entry in our hotel room. We rested for a couple of 2 hours. We have no sleep since coming from Mactan International Airport the other day.
Sakuranomiya Park
My first Cherry Blossom experience at Sakuranomiya Park
From our hotel, we took a train using a 3-day Kansai train pass. But in another train route heading to our destination, the pass was not valid. Thus, we need to use the ICOCA card as an alternative thru JR Nishisakuranomiya from JR Nishitsukuhashi Station to Sakuranomiya station for 360 yen or P147.34 or US$2.22.
With Rome at Sakuranomiya Park
The park is just a walking distance from the train station and it was quite accessible. It was an overwhelming experience and looking around, I was amazed that most of the people there groups or families having picnic enjoying food and drinks. There is no entrance fee in this massive park.
One of my best pictures at Sakaranomiya Park
The park is a long stretch of land along Okawa River which is officially the lower section of the Yodo River. It is actually a section of the waterway famous for its name Kema Sakuranomiya Park, a 4.2-kilometer linear riverside park that features approximately 4,500 cherry trees, making it one of the most popular hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spots in the city.
The following pictures were still taken at Sakuranomiya Park:
We stayed at the park until 6:28 P.M. In returning to our hotel accommodation, we took a train using ICOCA card at the Entrance Earth Bridge of Daichi Nihonbashi to Sakuranomiya stations amounting to 190 yen or P77.36 or US$1.17. The rest of the 2 train routes were charged in our 3-day Kansai train pass. On our way back to the hotel, we had dinner at Family Mart Nihonbashi 1-chrome store with a meal pack of Spiced Cutlet Curry for 645 yen or P263.98 or US$3.97.
Day 2 - April 6, 2026: Osaka Day Tour
Osaka Castle
The hotel has a complimentary breakfast, though unlike my previous accommodation in Fukuoka of Unplan Fukuoka where breakfast items are unlimited, here it only provides one frozen meal pack without coffee or other drinks.
Heading to the Hydrangea and Deutzia Garden
Our first destination for the day is the Osaka Castle arriving there at 9:55 A.M. using my 3-day Kansai train pass. This is my second time to visit this tourist spot. The first time was when I first visited Japan. The body of water visible in the picture is called moat, an artificial body of water surrounding the castle. Hydrangea and Deutzia Garden is just a short walking distance from Tanimachi 4-chrome train station and facing the Southern Outer Moat.
While at Hydrangea and Deutzia Garden
Osaka Castle is consist of the inner castle grounds covering approximately 60,000 square meters (15 acres). However, when including the surrounding Osaka Castle Park - which encompasses moats, fortifications, and extensive public green spaces - the entire complex spans 1,056,000 square meters (105.6 hectares or about 260 acres).
There is no entrance fee to the castle complex, but if the visitors desire to enter the main castle, the fee is 1,200 yen or P491.13 or US$7.39 for adults. On my part, I did not enter the castle since the complex itself is more than enough to enjoy.
Miraiza Osaka-Jo Complex
Getting inside the Otemon Gate might be almost 90 meters away from Hydrangea and Deutizia Garden and as we enter the castle complex, we reached the Miraiza Osaka-Jo Building, a chic complex in a historic building, featuring restaurants, bars and samurai and ninja themed stores.
A stone's throw from Miraiza complex
Most of the trees inside the castle complex are not of cherry blossom species. Though the complex offers the best scenery whatever angle you maybe.
Capturing the castle at its totality
There are a lot of concrete benches around the castle and even food stalls and souvenirs. We did not bother to enter the castle for we were contented already with the whole complex.
The view from the elevated foot of the castle
The other side of the castle
This part is just near the Marked Stones and Yamazato-maru where it empties to the Northern Inner Moat connected by the Gokurakubashi Bridge.
Overlooking the North Outer Moat
The other part of the castle complex
The best thing visiting tourist spots is the accessibility and availability of the comfort rooms without fee at all with a very clean facility, but I do not see any cleaning staff.
Osaka Museum of History
The Osaka Museum of History (right side building)
At 11:51 A.M., we had crossed the street heading to the Osaka Museum of History where it has an entrance fee of 600 yen or P245.55 or US$3.69. It is a 13-storey building with two basement levels, and features 4 main exhibition floors (specifically levels 7, 8, 9, and 10) dedicated to showcasing the city's 1,400-year history. Visitors typically take an elevator directly to the 10th floor and work their way down, viewing full-scale replicas, historical dioramas, and excavation sites. The upper-level windows also offer a stunning elevated view of nearby Osaka Castle.
The following pictures are just few of the exhibits which can be viewed at the museum.
The last photo above showcases the entire view of Osaka Castle captured through its glass window. We stayed at the museum until 1:03 P.M.
Looking for a place to have lunch
After boarding a train, we went back near Dotonbori to search for the place where we can have lunch. Of course, we always look for a fastfood where we found Hakkai Ramen fastfood, Rome's lunch treat.
Sakuranomiya Park
Sakuranomiya Park near Japan Mint
Our intention was really to tour in Japan Mint, where it is an active government facility that manufactures coins and medals. It serves as a major tourist attraction for its historic museums, factory tours, and world-famous cherry blossom walkways.
Crossing the bridge
Though, we were able to locate Japan Mint, we did not get inside. Instead, we crossed the street and trailed on a concrete stairs down to the scenic riverside with a long lane of cherry blossom and we were amazed to it. As we looked opposite the river, we can see that cherry blossom at the opposite was denser. Thus, we decided to cross the bridge.
The other side of the bridge which offers dense cherry blossom trees
As we entered the park, we learned that the park is still a part of Sakuranomiya Park. But it is not the place where we visited the other day, this is quite distance. It only means that the park is really that extensive found along Okawa River.
Picnic goers at the park
Much to my amazement, this part of the park compared to yesterday was even more scenic with less crowd. The other day, that part of Sakuranomiya was really crowded with people. Maybe that one was more accessible by train. This one, we had quite plenty of walking.
Such a rewarding scenery
Realizing that this one offers a better view, we stayed here from 3:57 P.M. until 5:47 P.M. The moderately strong wind results to cherry petals fall on the ground.
River cruise package can also be availed
While we rested lying on the big roots of the cherry blossom trees, Rome and I, were speechless of the experience and we let time pass unnoticed, as we were continuously mesmerized by the falling of the cherry blossom petals.
Experiencing Vibrant Dotonbori at Night
The busy evening of the Dotonbori District
After boarding a train, we ended up in Dotonbori District. It was my second time since my first visit in Japan. This time, I am very much appreciative of its details.
The Yoshinoya Fastfood
To be honest, in my first 6 visits in Japan, I never tried to look for fastfood. I thought then that the meal packs at the convenience stores were very much cheaper, but it was not really the case. My friend Rome convinced me to try fastfood since during my 6th visit, we were also together, though we only stayed together in Fukuoka and he continued his trip to Osaka and Kyoto when I returned to Manila.
My meal package at Yoshinoya for 965 yen or P394.95 or US$5.94
My dinner meal was a Beef Bowl with savory meat sauce and green onion for 748 yen or P306.14 or US$4.60 and I ordered for additional bowl of rice for 217 yen or P88.81 or US$1.34. About the fish, it is not a part of the order, it was given to me by Rome. The Beef bowl has rice on it.
The view outside YoshinoyaYoshinoya is just a stone's throw to the Ebisu Bridge, where most of Dotonbori activities take place. The parallel promenade on both sides of the bridge is packed with street food vendors, 3D mechanical crab signs, and terrace-seating restaurants. The river is just a short 5-minute walk from Namba Station, which served by the Midosuji, Sennichimae, and Yotsubashi subway lines.
The iconic section Ebisu Bridge in Dotonbori
This river is running through the area of Dotonbori River, an iconic 400-year-old canal in Centra Osaka. It is the epicenter of the bustling Minami district and is famous for the Tonbori River Walk, a neon-lit promenade along both banks.
The Tombori River Cruise
The river cruise departs frequently from the pier right in front of the Don Quijote Store where tickets costs around 1,500 yen or P613.92 or US$9.23.
The Glico Running Man neon lit sign
Every tourist that visit Dotonbori does not miss to capture a picture of the neon-lit sign of the Glico Running Man at the background.
This is how we spent our evenings at our hotel accommodation
Day 3 - April 7, 2026: Nara and Kobe Day Tour
Nara Park with Todai-ji Temple
Arriving in Nara Park
Unfortunately, not all train routes can be covered by my 3-Day Kansai train pass. For JR Lines, I have to use my ICOCA card. Like for JR Nishi-Tsuruhashi to JR Nishi-Osaka heading to Kobe for 200 yen or P81.85 or US$1.23. We arrived at the park at 10:39 A.M.
The freely roaming herd of sika deer in Nara Park
Nara Park is a 660-hectare grounds where a number of herd of sika deer freely roam around. They are revered for centuries as sacred Shinto messengers of the gods, the population hit a record high of 1,687. Designated as National Monuments, they are incredibly friendly but remain wild animals capable of biting or knocking you over.
The first major gate to Todai-ji Temple
Rome and I just noticed that these sika deer will not stay with you long if they sensed that you have no food with you to feed them. In the park, there is a safe food tourists can buy called shika-senbei (deer crackers) sold throughout the park for about 150 to 200 yen or P61.39 to P81.85 or US$0.92 to US$1.23. Additionally, many of the deer have learned to bow their heads to ask for crackers. Be patient, as teasing them with food may cause them to become pushy or aggressive. When you are out of crackers, clearly raise both hands with open palms facing the deer to signal that you have no more food.
The Tojai-ji Temple
There is an entrance fee of 600 yen or P245.55 or US$3.69, where we finally get in at 11:45 A.M. It was raining then when we got in.
The Great Buddha (Daibatsu) at Daibutsuden building of Tojai-ji Temple complex
Inside the Tojai-ji Temple is the Great Buddha or the Japanese called Daibutsu which stands approximately 14.98 meters (49 feet 2 inches) tall and weighs around 250 to 500 tons. Its massive face is 5.3 meters (17.5 feet) long, and it sits inside the Daibutsuden, one of the world's largest wooden buildings.
With the backdrop of the Great Buddha
Todai-ji Temple houses the largest bronze Buddha statues on earth. The left and the right to Daibutsu are also buddhas. The Great Buddha statue designated as a national treasure, and the world's largest wooden structure. It was originally founded during the Nara period (710-784), when Nara City, now popular with tourists, originally served as the capital of Japan.
The buddha left to the Great Buddha or Daibutsu
The museum at the back of the Great Buddha
From the main temple, we had a long walk back to the train station, but prior to leaving the park, we stayed at the Starbucks inside the park for a hot chocolate matched with a cake bought by Rome for us two. We finally left the place at 2:09 P.M.
Kobe Late Afternoon Tour
Leaving Nara and heading to Kobe
From Nara, we boarded a train heading to Umeda using the 3-day Kansai train pass. But the next train trip from JR West Osaka to JR West Shin-Nagata in Kobe costed us 660 yen or P270.12 or US$4.06, we used the ICOCA card.
Arriving at Shin-Nagata Station
Since it was already 4:24 P.M. when we arrived in Shin-Nagata and we did not have our lunch yet, Rome hosted a KFC lunch. The meal was a burger and chicken with no rice, because the store does not have rice for their meals.
Rome dwarf by the Tetsujin 28 (Gigantor) Monument in Kobe
My human size compared to the Gigantor Monument
Our trip to Kobe where we arrived there at 4:24 P.M. was to visit the Tetsujin 28 Monument, an 18-meter-tall, 50-ton, full-scale steal monument designed to symbolize reconstruction following the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake located in Wakamatsu Park. This free-to-view landmark was created in 2000 to honor manga artist Mitsuteru.
On our way to Shin-Nagata Station
The not-so-busy establishments in Shin-Nagata'
While at Shin-Nagata Station for our trip back to Osaka
We left Shin-Nagata at 5:39 P.M., where the train fare using my ICOCA card from JR West Shin-Nagata to JR Nishi Osaka is 660 yen or P270.12 or US$4.06.
Dotonbori for Dinner
Another moment at Ebisu Bridge in Dotonbori
Alighting from Namba Station, we had a walk passing thru the Dotonbori District and crossed Ebisu Bridge heading to Yoshinoya for our dinner of an order of Beef Bowl with Savory Meat Sauce and green onion, but I did not order for additional rice. Thus, my meal package was only at 748 yen or P306.14 or US$4.60. The good thing in Japan fastfood is they have free drinking water and it is unlimited. From the Yoshinoya, we had a long, long walk to the hotel.
Day 4 - April 8, 2026: Kyoto Tour
We did not wake up early and after breakfast, we checked out from Henn Na Hotel Express Osaka at 9:37 A.M. Since my 3-Day Kansai train pass had expired, all my fares will be charged to my ICOCA card. With this, I loaded my card with 2,000 yen increasing my account balance to 2,190 yen.
While at Sennichimae Line at 10:08 A.M.
Our train fare from Daichi Nihonbashi to Daichi Umeda is 240 yen or P90.23 or US$1.48. We were actually lost.
While at Midosuji Line
Finally, we made it right boarding from JR West Osaka to JR West Kyoto for 580 yen or P218.05 or US$3.57 arriving in Kyoto Station at 11:45 A.M. Then, since it was already lunch, we just carried our luggage and searched for a place for lunch where we finally decided to dine at Gihanhajimedo of Kyoto Tower Food Hall. This is just opposite the Kyoto Station.
Arriving at Kyoto Central Station
The building where the Kyoto Tower rises dominantly is just across the street from the Kyoto Central Station. It is now officially renamed Nidec Kyoto Tower, an observation tower made of steel tower considered as the tallest structure in Kyoto with observation deck at 100 meters and its spire at 131 meters.
My lunch meal at Gihanhajimedo
My Rome sponsored lunch at Gihanhajimedo was a Yulinchi - a Chinese deep-friend chicken with a special sauce, 2-piece black sesame dumplings, pickled mustard greens and rice which costs 1,350 yen or P507.53 or US$8.31.
Stayed longer at Gihanhajimedo Restaurant
Though, we finished our lunch at 12:45 Noon, since our accommodation check-in is at 2:00 P.M. It took us to walk for 30 minutes walk heading to our accommodation.
Our Kyoto accommodation
We arrived in our accommodation at 2:45 P.M. at Ryokan Oh To, a Japanese Old House. We did not like the landlord. I think, he was the owner. He also lives there. He was not accommodating. He got irritated when asked and he banged the door when I knocked at his door, shouting inside and bangs the door, but he does not come out at all. By the way, like our Osaka accommodation, this accommodation was again paid by Rome for the two of us taking charge only as his own expense.
This is how the accommodation looks like
Since we were tired due to a long series of train rides, we just rested and decided to go out at 4:10 P.M. to have a stroll on a nearby tourist spot.
Yasaka Shrine
Yasaka Shrine is also known as Gion Shrine, is a historic Shinto shrine built in 656. It is famous for its vibrant vermilion gates and hundreds of illuminated lanterns, it is free to enter and open 24 hours a day.
The Main Gate of Yasaka Shrine
We left our accommodation at 4:40 P.M. and walked for around 30 minutes heading to Kyoto Station Bus Terminal. This terminal is located at the Karasuma Exit (North Exit) of Kyoto Station. The passenger bus we took was at Platform D1 with bus number 206. The bus fare from this terminal to Yasaka Shrine is 230 yen or P86.47 or US$1.42.
Arrival at the Yasaka Shrine
We arrived at the shrine at 6:36 P.M. The first time I visited this tourist spot was during my first Japan tour and it was at daytime. My realization was, it looks magical at night than during day time.
Yasaka Shrine's brightly lit-up Maiden Hall
The Maiden Hall is a dance stage or offering hall. It is a traditional wooden pavilion where sacred dances and ceremonies take place, surrounded by hundreds of glowing lantern donations from local businesses.
The Honden Hall
Honden hall is a designated National Treasure where it was built in 1654 and it features a unique Gion-zukuri architectural style, a single, sweeping cypress bark roof which covers both the inner sanctuary and the worship hall under one structure.
Strolling deeper into the shrine's complex of food stalls
The shrine complex covers a total land area of approximately 30,000 square meters. This includes the shrine's central complex as well as the adjacent Maruyama Park, which is seamlessly connected to the shrine grounds.
Some of the food stores at the shrine complex
The cherry blossom illumination at the Marayuma Park
This cherry blossom illumination centers around the Gion Shidarezakura (weeping cherry tree), an iconic annual event typically runs from late March to early April, with the tree spectacularly lit up nightly from 6:00 P.M. to to 10:00 P.M.
The hot cake-like selling takoyaki at Marayuma Park
I was enticed to buy this takoyaki and I tasted it better compared to those I tasted in the Philippines where its 3-piece pack costs 600 yen or P225.57 or US$245.55.
