Suggestions for a week in and around Osaka?

[jhm]

If you want to go to Japan, Nagoya or Osaka are fine as destinations. It's about 2:30 to 3 hours by Shinkansen (bullet train) from Osaka to Tokyo. Nagoya is sort of in between those two.

If you do go, you should consider buying a rail pass which gives you unlimited travel on the Shinkansens (except for the fastest ones which only reduce the journey time by 10-20 minutes), other JR trains and some other transport (e.g. the Miyajima ferry) for a cetain period, e.g. 7 days for 37,800 yen (about US$420). You can make (free) seat reservations in advance on the trains.

As far as not speaking Japanese is concerned, the only problem I have with that in Japan is ordering food in restaurants which only have a Japanese menu without pictures and no English speaking staff (or from a vending machine with buttons in Japanese outside a noodle shop etc). Otherwise, in my experience at least, the Japanese are in general very friendly to tourists and willing to help so I've never had any issues with not speaking English.

[phaleesy]

Unfortunately, despite a long string of wait-listed bookings created, I've not got any nearer to a confirmed redemption ticket to Tokyo. Osaka ticket possible but tight. Nagoya redemption ticket readily available. Hmmm... possible option? Since in reality, most of the places you guys mentioned are within shooting distance via rail, right?

I heard Sakura week likely to be in the 3rd week of April this year for Osaka and surrounds. Would be a lovely time to visit.

I think I read from somewhere that Nagoya is a really nice airport. Just take the train to other destinations if that's the case.

Must check out the sakura map nearer the time. We'd be in Japan during the first week of April. We might have to go further south if the current prediction for sakura is the 3rd week of April around Osaka.

[jhm]

I think I read from somewhere that Nagoya is a really nice airport.

I didn't have the time to check out the onsen at Nagoya airport (Central Japan International Airport (nicknamed Centrair)) which allows you to view the planes taking off and landing whilst soaking in the bath! The airport is 35km away from the city and linked by trains (the most rapid of which takes about 30 minutes). The security queue was horrendous but for reasons unknown, an airport staff spotted me immediately and escorted me through the staff/crew security line. There's an unexceptional *A lounge.

NGO is one of the HUGE one's favourite places it seems.

Must check out the sakura map nearer the time. We'd be in Japan during the first week of April. We might have to go further south if the current prediction for sakura is the 3rd week of April around Osaka.

Q Shoe ... Q Shoe ... as I've said.

[QSG]

Be very careful about timing your trip for Sakura viewing.....one year it is mid March, another year it is mid April one can never tell!

http://www.sakurazensen.com/3kikan-h...sou-hikaku.htm

For example on the map at the top of the link, it shows the Sakura starting to bloom 3/25 and being in full bloom 4/5 (in the Osaka area)!!!! The map shows the Government weather forecast and also the Weather Channel forecast! The second map in the link shows last years forecast and actual sakura bloom season!

The Japanese are very serious sakura forecasters !

[Kyo]

NGO definitely has its own character and charm. I enjoyed a great time in NGO on my second time there simply because I had a close friend return to NGO (my friend's hometown) for the holidays and it definitely opened up the city to more than just the temples etc. (e.g. yama-chan)... but NGO is definitely not Osaka, nor nearby. If the OP wants to maintain Osaka, as per the title of this thread, then I think NGO disqualifies itself automatically?

[KC*]

Be very careful about timing your trip for Sakura viewing.....one year it is mid March, another year it is mid April one can never tell!

http://www.sakurazensen.com/3kikan-h...sou-hikaku.htm

For example on the map at the top of the link, it shows the Sakura starting to bloom 3/25 and being in full bloom 4/5 (in the Osaka area)!!!! The map shows the Government weather forecast and also the Weather Channel forecast! The second map in the link shows last years forecast and actual sakura bloom season!

The Japanese are very serious sakura forecasters !

Haha... cannot read a word.

From your chart, it would be early Apr? My friend's info was some while ago, so it may not be as accurate as yours. Hmmm...

Will check if there are tickets earlier part of Apr, then, since I am flexible.

Kyo - my first intention was Tokyo, but no tickets. Then Osaka, but no tickets. Hence Nagoya as third option. It's OK, I guess, since the idea is to take a break and burn some miles. Haven't been to any of the 3 cities so I guess it is fine. Will let my wifey decide.

[jhm]

Amongst many other reasons, here's a culinary one - the same reason I went to Norway... for salmon. It's the best in the world. And Kobe is world-famous for... Kobe beef. Where better to eat Kobe beef than in Kobe? I've since been back twice!

That reasoning doesn't always apply, e.g. Singapore is world famous for Singapore noodles but Singapore is definitely not the place to eat Singapore noodles! And I think the Scots (amongst others) would disagree with your statement about salmon!

Personally, the best part of sakura viewing is the copious amounts of drinking involved but phaleesy will no doubt - like last year in Tokyo's Ueno Park - only be concerned with photos...

[Pinkfloyd]

That reasoning doesn't always apply, e.g. Singapore is world famous for Singapore noodles but Singapore is definitely not the place to eat Singapore noodles! And I think the Scots (amongst others) would disagree with your statement about salmon!

Personally, the best part of sakura viewing is the copious amounts of drinking involved but phaleesy will no doubt - like last year in Tokyo's Ueno Park - only be concerned with photos...

The Norwegians and Scots and their salmon! Pesonally I hate the fish... Regarding Singapore noodles, when people (mainly Americans, Australians and some Europeans) find out where I am from, more often than not, the first thing they tell me is "Ohh, I really like Singapore noodles!" and I'll be like "Err we don't actually have them there..." But then again I guess it's like Hong Kong noodles in Singapore...

[QSG]

For example the high temperature for today is 17, which is already above the the temperature needed for the Sakura to bud/bloom! If the high temps continue through February then you will certainly see the Sakura bloom earlier in March!

[fumitani]

fumi, I will be sure to one day take up your kind offer of a tour around the special places you mention!

Just let me know and i'll do some advance seraches for the special places They keep changing because the police crack down on these special places

[fumitani]

LOL! Naughty, naughty...

Anyway, my suggestion is... drop Osaka and go to Kobe. It's my most fave place in Japan by far. fumitani, you're one lucky bugger... I will be sure to pay you a visit the next time I'm there! hehe

Kyoto's too docile, Osaka's too urban. If I had more time I'd also check out Hiroshima and I'm told Nara is peaceful with lots of old Japanese heritage + culture (friend living there)...

I'm always here now, unless I have a short business trip to Tokyo

[Kyo]

fumitani, if you have a short business trip to Tokyo on the 22nd, let me know

Back to the topic at hand, I vote for a thread re-title so that it's not just Osaka suggestions as we've truly gone past that now!

[fumitani]

fumitani, if you have a short business trip to Tokyo on the 22nd, let me know

Back to the topic at hand, I vote for a thread re-title so that it's not just Osaka suggestions as we've truly gone past that now!

i'll miss you by 3 days.

I'll be in Tokyo on Feb 24th-March 2nd

[fumitani]

The Japanese are very serious sakura forecasters !

Japanese need their Hanami (party under Sakura trees at night when fully bloomed. Drink + Dance + Eat) It's not crazy they are INSANE!

[KC*]

i'll miss you by 3 days.

I'll be in Tokyo on Feb 24th-March 2nd

Athough I started this thread, looks like I am the only one not able to get to Japan... sheesh... I'll be thinking about Sakuras and Onsens while eating pork knuckles in Germany...

Yup. Change that title. But how?