Kansai Independent Travel | This Summer, Take You on an Osaka Citywalk

📍 Osaka · 👁 10 reads · ❤️ 1 likes

If your first trip to Japan was to explore the Tokyo metropolitan area, then your second will definitely be Kansai. As an equally prosperous and developed city, Osaka has never lacked travelers. Whether it's Universal Studios, shopping malls, classical architecture, or Japanese cuisine, there are plenty of reasons to check in.

Taking advantage of summer break, I brought my child and my newly obtained three-year multiple-entry visa, and hopped on a flight.

One of the five Universal Studios theme parks in the world, and the only one with the Super Nintendo World area. Who didn't have Mario in their childhood? For this pilgrimage, I had prepared my strategy early.

[About Tickets]

USJ uses dynamic pricing, dividing tickets into A, B, C, D tiers based on different visitor volumes like weekdays and weekends. Tier A corresponds to the least crowded weekdays and is the cheapest.

Additionally, USJ sells an "Express Pass" that allows holders to use fast lanes, saving a lot of queuing time. EP comes in 4-item and 7-item versions, not cheap. You can decide whether to buy based on your needs.

Regardless of which ticket you buy, it is recommended to purchase in advance before entering the park! Also download the app and bind your tickets so that the ticket information shows on the app immediately upon entry.

[Entering Nintendo World]

Super Nintendo World is the most popular area in USJ, not a walk-in attraction. Without EP, there are two ways to enter:

1. Queue before opening

The legendary "front door" method: after the park opens, jog and try to be among the first to enter. This is the most economical way, no timed entry ticket needed, just whoever comes earliest. But the obvious bug is that someone is always earlier than you. I went on a weekday during summer vacation. The park opened at 08:20, we started queuing at 08:00, entered at 08:40, and still didn't make the first wave. Everyone came too early!

2. Get a timed entry ticket via the app

I recommend this method. As soon as you enter, bind tickets through the app and get a timed entry ticket. For multiple people, it's suggested to bind on one phone and draw together to avoid someone not getting a ticket.

For timed entry tickets, it's first-come-first-served in the morning, and in the afternoon it's a "lucky wheel." I entered at 08:40 and got a 09:10 timed entry ticket. In the half hour in between, I even quickly finished "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey." Timing was just right. Usually after 10:00, it's hard to get a ticket. On peak days it's even earlier, so plan your time.

My play route: Yoshi's Adventure – Coin Mini-Games – Kinopio's Cafe – Mario Kart (Single Rider)

It takes a lot of courage to play in the amusement park under the scorching 35°C sun! To take nice photos, I woke up early to put on makeup and carried sunscreen, not wanting to get tanned or sunburned!

This time I used ALLIE UV Sunscreen Gel, which is hugely popular in Japanese beauty magazines, especially for outdoor use. Its advantages of being sweat-proof and friction-resistant are prominent. It doesn't feel greasy even on the entire arm.

I especially want to praise the new ALLIE UV Cheek Color. This little thing is incredibly useful. I prefer the orange shade. Applied on the cheeks, SPF50+ PA++++, it both provides sun protection and perfectly adds color to the cheeks. So practical, right? Selfie time – looking good?

[Additional Tips]

1. You must buy a wristband! Without a wristband, you can't play coin mini-games or collect coins, losing half the fun. Suggest preparing in advance or buying at the Mario store.

2. Stay at a hotel near USJ, which greatly reduces morning rush hour traffic. In case of subway issues, it won't affect your trip.

3. Timed entry tickets only allow one entry; you cannot re-enter once you leave. So have fun to the fullest before exiting!

The most representative of Osaka's city characteristics is undoubtedly the Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade. On the approximately 600-meter street, there are densely packed over 200 shops, including popular food, unique boutiques, and beloved drugstores, making it a must-visit shopping destination in Osaka.

Shinsaibashi has a得天独厚 location. From Kansai Airport, take a direct airport bus, about 80 minutes. Alternatively, take the Nankai Electric Railway to Namba Station and transfer to the Midosuji Line subway to reach Shinsaibashi.

The hotel I stayed at, Shinsaibashi Grand Hotel, is located in a prime spot right next to the shopping arcade. The room was a bit small, but the facilities were good and the breakfast was delicious!

Because I booked through Ctrip, when I checked in, they gave me a sample of ALLIE sunscreen. Isn't that the one I usually use? A small tube, easy to put in my bag, super convenient, just what I needed.

The first stop at Shinsaibashi must be the Glico sign!

Standing on the Dotonbori Ebisu Bridge, you can see the famous "Glico Running Man" sign. It is said to have a history of over 200 years. The Japanese drama "Hanzawa Naoki" also filmed here, with an endless stream of people taking photos.

At night, the colorful neon lights and flashing signs bring boundless energy here.

If you have time, you can take a sightseeing boat for a water tour. The bridges here have various shapes, each with its own story. The boats have multi-language guides, so you won't miss any interesting spots!

Second stop at Shinsaibashi: go to drugstores for shopping!

First-timers at Shinsaibashi might get disoriented. There are so many drugstores: Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Daikoku, Don Quijote, COSMOS, SUNDRUG... almost all well-known drugstores are gathered here, making it overwhelming.

Of course, each drugstore sells different products and prices. My suggestion is to first list your shopping items, compare prices, and finally concentrate on buying from one store! This way you can enjoy discounts and tax refunds, and save money.

I went during summer vacation, so I specially compiled a "Summer Essentials" shopping list, including sunscreen, mosquito repellent, wet wipes, face masks, etc. I successfully bought everything! Here's for your reference.

1. ALLIE UV Sunscreen Gel

ALLIE sunscreen is highly popular in Japan and is placed in prominent positions in many drugstores, showing Japanese people’s recognition of ALLIE.

The Japanese version of ALLIE UV Sunscreen Gel is an ocean-friendly formula, having passed water environment risk assessment, so it can be used with confidence.

As a high-factor sunscreen with SPF50+ PA++++, it's suitable for daily commuting and travel. It can be used on both face and body. Especially for outdoor travel, walking under the sun, it's important to use a waterproof, sweat-proof, friction-resistant sunscreen that doesn't easily come off.

Drugstores usually have testers, so you can try the texture. It has a watery gel texture, easy to spread, not greasy. Try it on your arm – it gives a natural sheen.

For those who want to simplify makeup, try ALLIE Tone Up UV Sunscreen Gel. It can also be used as a primer or BB cream to correct skin tone. Available in purple, apricot, and beige – choose according to preference.

By the way, I also recommend ALLIE UV Cheek Color. Dot it on the cheeks, and it instantly brightens your complexion. Plus, it's high-factor sunscreen – multi-functional, I love it!

2. VAPE Mosquito Repellent

A must-have household mosquito repellent in many Japanese homes. No need to ignite, no smoke, no plug-in, no noise, no annoying wires. Just two AA batteries for long-lasting mosquito repellent. Safe for humans, suitable for homes with babies and pregnant women.

3. Biore Cooling Wet Wipes

New product in 2023. When sweating profusely, wipe the skin for an instant cooling effect like talcum powder, lowering temperature by 1-3°C. Feels like you never sweated, keeping cool and refreshing. Available in "unscented," "fresh floral," and "fresh herbal" – 20 sheets per pack.

4. Deonatulle Deodorant Stone

A small stick like a concealer. It's an ointment that can be applied directly to areas that sweat a lot, like underarms and neck. It adheres tightly to the skin, forms a film instantly without staining clothes, inhibits sweating and odor, with a light minty scent.

5. Kobayashi Cooling Eye Mask

For tired eyes from long hours in front of computer screens. Wear a cooling eye mask for 10 minutes. The mint ingredient soothes eye fatigue. Don't open your eyes when using – it can be a bit spicy.

6. Queen's Premium Mask

A "3-minute mask" suitable for those with busy mornings. Unlike other masks that require 15 minutes, this one has strong permeability and a triple penetration process. Just 3 minutes – the time it takes to browse your phone. For those who often stay up late, have dull skin, or enlarged pores, use the gold one – it tightens pores.

Remember to bring your passport when shopping at drugstores, as it is needed for tax refunds.

Third stop at Shinsaibashi: I recommend visiting PARCO. The 6th floor anime street is a world of 2D culture.

Take the elevator to the 6th floor, and you'll see the Studio Ghibli's Donguri Republic. The Totoro greeting at the entrance and the recreation of the classic scene from "Spirited Away" where No-Face rides the train are also must-visit photo spots.

Additionally, there is the first Godzilla specialty store in western Japan, Crayon Shin-chan store, and Sword Art Online store, among other anime merchandise shops. Anime fans have another pilgrimage site.

From Shinsaibashi to Dotonbori, there are so many popular foods to check out! Kani Doraku, Takoyaki King, Wang's Dumplings, etc. Find a restaurant that interests you and give it a try!

Oh, by the way, Osaka's summer UV rays are very strong. Be sure to apply sunscreen when shopping during the day~~~

When thinking of hot springs in Japan, many people imagine resort hot springs far from the city or hot springs hidden in the mountains. Actually, in Osaka city, you can also experience a full healing hot spring trip by taking the train~

Soraniwa Onsen is the largest hot spring theme park in the Kansai region. Its decoration style combines ancient Japanese city features with modern fashion design. In a space full of strong Japanese atmosphere, you can relieve all your fatigue.

First step upon entering: pick a favorite yukata. Ladies have two styles: one-piece and dress type; men also have various colors. Choose the best obi for yourself, and go take beautiful photos!

Unlike many hot spring parks that prohibit photography, the 4F outdoor Japanese garden at Soraniwa Onsen is perfect for taking commemorative photos.

There are thousands of torii gates, waterfalls, large ponds, and seasonal flowers. While wearing a yukata, walk through the torii gates to enjoy the scenery, and soak your feet in the foot bath to heal your body and mind. It's such a comfortable experience. If you like fish therapy pools, you can also pay extra.

We happened to see a summer cooling song and dance performance, which was colorful... The daily performance schedule can be obtained at the entrance.

The 2F Soraniwa Honmachi is very popular. On both sides of the Taiko Bridge, you can buy coins to play various games. The town's treasure "Soraniwa Tenjin" allows you to make wishes and also learn to dance with the costumed performers.

Gourmet Yokocho has Japanese-style talk shows. During the show, they will invite you to taste sake. You can also buy delicious yuzu wine and apple wine at home.

At Soraniwa, you can enjoy nine different types of baths, including an open-air bath with flowing spring water from 1000 meters underground. It's very beautifying.

There are many pools: a "clean water hot spring" that lowers body temperature and tightens skin with cool water, and a "silk hot spring" that looks as smooth as milk... If traveling with family, the "family private hot spring" that can accommodate many people is the best choice, and you can even sing karaoke inside.

Soraniwa Onsen's business hours are 11:00-23:00. For specific ticket prices, refer to the official website. It's about 60 minutes by car from Kansai Airport. Soaking in the hot spring before going home is so comfortable!

Travelogue Directory

1. Chapter 1: Having Fun at Universal Studios Japan

2. Chapter 2: Shopping Heavily at Shinsaibashi

3. Chapter 3: Soaking at Soraniwa Onsen

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