DIY JAPAN ITINERARY, EXPENSE & TIPS: NAGOYA, OSAKA, KYOTO, NARA

Almost at the end of 2019 and this blog is going to celebrate its 9th year in the virtual world. Nothing much has changed, apart from the frequency of my posts, I still love this site like when I've written my first post, it still gives me warmth and comfort like as if it is my real home in the www.

Today, let me share something special - I created an extension of this blog on YouTube with the goal of learning new ways of sharing and connecting. I tried creating a video and learning like a baby. This one I made for my recent Japan trip last spring.

Please take the time to watch my video and hit the subscribe button for more travel videos.

For those who are more into the itinerary we've all been used to (excel with budget and expense), Tips and Travel Guide here's one for you :)

This is my second time in Japan, and I'm loving this country more and more. Visiting during spring or Sakura season was not really on my plans - because I don't think that the pink cherry blossoms really is my kind of thing. But it caught my heart 3000 times, the vibes, the calming weather of spring is a must experience in Japan. Highly recommended to those who are traveling with their family especially with kids and grannies. In this trip we were able to spend a day in Nagoya, Osaka, Nara and Kyoto.

List of Documents for Japan Tourist Travelers:

1. Passport
2. Japan Visa
3. Proof of Identification (we had our company ID, according to some readings it could serve as an immediate proof of work and financial source to support the travel.)
4. Printed Copy of Plane Ticket (Includes the return ticket booking)
5. Printed Hotel Booking (This was checked upon exit from PH immigration. You are required to declare when filling up the immigration form.)

What to wear during Spring/Sakura Season:

Japan's spring season begins in March and ends in May. This is when the beautiful and colorful Cherry Blossoms and other flowers blooms. The Sakura Season is quite shorter than the spring time, it will only last around two weeks and may vary yearly.

During spring time, the temperature may go up to around 17 and as low as 3 depending on the place you are going to visit. Based on our experience, we were there late March to April and the weather was still very cold for a Pilipina who's used to the Philippine weather. I think the temperature that time ranges from 3 to 10 at most during day time, it also rained from time to time which made it feel colder. With that, proper set of clothes is very crucial for you to enjoy your spring vacation.

Here's my TIPS:

1. Make sure to bring your thermal inner wears. I had mine from Uniqlo - those were the sets I bought for my last winter trip.
2. You will never go wrong with having a bubble jacket and a thick coat. Based on my experience, spring could be windier than winter, so be ready with some good outer layers to keep you warm :)
3. Do not under estimate the convenience of having a good pair of sneakers and flats. This is specially if you are doing a DIY Trip, because while boots could bring your look to a whole new different style, it could also make or break your day specially if you are not use to wearing them. Remember to always choose comfort over style - and nothing beats if you can hit both.
4. BUY THEM IN YOUR COUNTRY or bring one from your closet!!! You will do yourself a huge favor of buying these cold weather apparel here. When we were there last March, stores were already updating their stocks for spring and summer collections, finding a good clothing that will keep you warm might be very difficult and costly during this time.
5. Layer with colors. Spring is a happy and vibrant season, so you may wanna go with the vibes. Colors like bright yellow, green, pink, sky blue were my favorites.

Arriving at Nagoya International Airport at night/sleeping at the airport:

I've been flying with Cebu Pacific for most of my travels and that includes my Japan trip. If you are flying with them and looking for cheaper Japan flight, you might have noticed that Nagoya as point of entry is one of the best option. If you are flying Manila to Nagoya here are some quick guides you might want to consider.

1. Sleeping at the airport is okay. We have tried this because most of the Cebu Pacific flights to Chubu International Airport is at night. Leaving Manila at 3PM and arriving in Japan at 8PM, and since we usually avail of JR Passes and it is not smart to activate it at this point just to cover the train ticket out of the airport.
2. Find a place closer to train station. If it is your fist time, navigating around might be a little bit challenging specially that your body is still adjusting to the cold weather. While taking a taxi could be an option, it will be on a hefty cost. 
3. Wear you warm clothing before going out of the airport. The night in Nagoya when we visited last spring was still as cold as winter - no kidding.

Getting around Nagoya and Japan in General:

Getting around Nagoya is just very similar to getting around anywhere in Japan. It's very easy and convenient, but considering the following tips might help your trip too. 

1. Take advantage of tourist passes, especially if this is your first time. Their train stations are not so simple for those who haven't been to countries with extensive metro railway system. Having a pass might save you from paying if you happen to mistakenly enter or aboard the wrong train. I prefer the 

   Kansai Wide Area Pass - Japan Rail Pass 

    for this trip. 
2. Ask for help. Japanese are very helpful and accommodating, so if you already feel that you are kinda lost, don't hesitate to ask.
3. Learn the art of using Google Maps. Japan's transport system is perfectly integrated with google maps, and it works like magic! You can see the travel time, which train to take, which platform and even the fare cost is there.
4. Be respectful and obedient to their commuting etiquette. Japanese are nice and Japan is such an ideal place to visit and even settle - and this is primarily because of the incomparable discipline and manners of the Japanese. Note that, talking loud and accepting calls while in public transport can be very disturbing. Throwing your rubbish just anywhere is a big NO, NO. Cutting the line is a shame! So please be mindful :)

 🌸Detailed Itinerary and Expense for your Spring in Japan:🌸

6D5N SAKURA SEASON TRIP (Nagoya, Osaka, Nara, Kyoto)
		Time/Duration		Budget
Day1 (MNL-Nagoya)	Manila to Nagoy via CebPac	3:00:00 PM	8:25:00 PM	6,000.00
	Wifi Gadget Rental - Global Wifi			1,500.00
	Airport to Nagoya Station			1,500.00
	Check-in Leo Star Guesthouse (15mins walk from Nagoya Sta.)			4,750.00
Day2 - Nagoya	Breakfast	6:00:00 AM	7:00:00 AM	500.00
	Yamazaki River Sakura Viewing	7:00:00 AM	11:00:00 AM	500.00
	Lunch	11:00:00 AM	1:00:00 PM	500.00
	Toyota Automobile Museum	1:00:00 PM	3:00:00 PM	1,500.00
	Nagoya to Kyoto via Tokaido Shinkansen Line	3:00:00 PM	4:00:00 PM	3,500.00
	Kansai Wide JR Pass Exchange @ Kyoto Station	4:30:00 PM	4:30:00 PM	4,700.00
	Check-in Osaka Guesthouse Nest (4mins walk away from Teradacho Sta.)	4:30:00 PM	6:30:00 PM	4,500.00
	Dinner	7:30:00 PM	9:30:00 PM	500.00
Day3  - Osaka	Breakfast	7:00:00 AM	8:00:00 AM	500.00
	Universal Studios Japan (📸Photo opt, 🍺Butter beer, 🏰 The Harry Potter and the forbidden journey ride)	9:00:00 AM	2:00:00 PM	6,000.00
	Lunch	11:00:00 AM	12:00:00 PM	500.00
	Osaka Castle	2:00:00 PM	4:00:00 PM
	Namba:Dotonbori (Glico Man + Shopping)	4:00:00 PM	7:30:00 PM	-
	Dotonbori Dinner	7:30:00 PM	9:30:00 PM	500.00
Day4 - Nara	Breakfast	7:00:00 AM	8:00:00 AM	500.00
	Nara Park	9:00:00 AM	12:00:00 PM	500.00
	Food trip (dango 🍡, mixed street food @ Nara Park then ramen🍜 and mochi @ the ground floor of Azusasekkei Osaka - which we discovered by accident while looking for a place to eat near Umeda Sky)	12:00:00 PM	1:00:00 PM	500.00
	Todai-ji Temple	1:00:00 PM	3:00:00 PM	1,500.00
	Umeda Sky Building	4:00:00 PM	7:30:00 PM	-
	Dinner	7:30:00 PM	9:30:00 PM	500.00
Day5 - Kyoto	Breakfast	7:00:00 AM	8:00:00 AM	500.00
	Osaka to Kyoto	9:00:00 AM	10:00:00 AM	-
	Fushimi Inari Shrine	10:00:00 AM	12:00:00 PM	-
	Lunch	12:00:00 PM	1:00:00 PM	500.00
	Arashiyama Bamboo Grove	1:00:00 PM	3:00:00 PM	-
	Gion District	3:00:00 PM	5:00:00 PM	-
	Nishiki Market	5:00:00 PM	7:00:00 PM	-
	Kyoto to Osaka	7:00:00 PM	8:00:00 PM	-
	Dinner	8:00:00 PM	9:00:00 PM	500.00
Day5 - Osaka-MNL	Breakfast	7:00:00 AM	8:00:00 AM	500.00
	Pack-up	8:00:00 AM	10:00:00 AM	-
	Check-out	10:00:00 AM	11:00:00 AM	-
	To airport	11:00:00 AM	12:00:00 PM	-
	Lunch	12:00:00 PM	2:00:00 PM	500.00
	Osaka to Manila	7:00:00 PM	10:00:00 PM	6,000.00
TOTAL EXPENSES				49,450.00

ABOVE INFORMATION WERE BASED ON HOW WE DID IT. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO DROP A COMMENT IF YOU FEEL LIKE ADDING SOME OR SAY YOU HAD A BETTER WAY THAT YOU WANT TO SHARE.