Japan, often nicknamed the ‘Republic of Railways,’ boasts a diverse array of railway stations. Unlike in South Korea, where railways are privatized, Japan has a complex network of lines operated by various companies. While South Korea’s subways and trains are generally considered safer, there’s an advantage to some older Japanese train stations—they often allow for swift movement to the train ...
In Japan, you can find a general store named Don Quijote. It offers a unique shopping experience, different from general stores in Korea. With various items packed into narrow spaces, it feels like a treasure hunt. From household goods to clothing, medicines, food, electronics, souvenirs, and more, Don Quijote is a distinctive general store where you can find a wide ...
After exploring Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka in Kyoto, Kyoto Tower caught my eye on the way down. Although it was not yet 9:00 AM, all the shops were closed, creating a serene atmosphere. As it was the last night of my Kyoto trip, I didn’t want to return to my accommodation just yet. Considering where to spend time, the thought of ...
In Arashiyama, located in the western part of Kyoto, there are various tourist attractions, and one of the well-known spots is the “Torokko Train,” also considered a famous tourist destination. Originally, the Torokko Train was a small freight train responsible for transporting goods. It was a box-shaped train that ran on tracks laid in areas inaccessible to trucks or regular ...
When traveling to a country or city, visiting a tourist center in the region or city can provide valuable information about the journey. In the past, during my travels in Singapore, I visited the tourist center on Orchard Road, Singapore, to gather useful information. Similarly, I obtained helpful information from the tourist center in Tokyo’s Shinjuku. “Kyoto Tourist Center for ...
When traveling to Kyoto, it’s common to visit through Kyoto Station. However, this time, upon entering Kyoto via the Keihan Line to Fushimi Inari Station and later Kyoto Station, I experienced Kyoto differently. “Kyoto Station, the hub of Kyoto” Before seeing stations like Fushimi Inari Station, I had the impression that Kyoto’s stations were somewhat old-fashioned and relatively small. I ...
After spending two nights in Osaka, I decided to stay in Kyoto from the third day onwards. Since my accommodation, the “Urban Hotel Kyoto,” was near Fushimi Inari Shrine, it made more sense to move to Fushimi Inari Station rather than going to Kyoto Station. Originally, I planned to explore more of Osaka using the JR Pass before heading to ...
The area around Osaka Namba Station is considered the heart of Osaka travel. If we were to list major tourist spots or busy districts in Osaka, Namba Station, Dotonbori, and the Umeda area, a bit further north, would top the list. Among them, for first-time visitors to Osaka, the most visited area is the Namba Station – Dotonbori area. “Diverse ...
After unpacking at “Sunplaza2 Annex” near Shin-Imamiya Station in Osaka, it was already evening. It was my first arrival in Osaka, and with the need for some rest looming soon, I decided to explore the nearby area lightly instead of immediately using the Japan Rail Pass. “Scenery from Osaka Namba Station to Shin-Imamiya Station” As I hadn’t had dinner yet, ...
There are various ways to travel from Kansai International Airport, the gateway to the Kansai region in Japan, to the central area of Osaka. These include regular trains, buses, limousine buses, taxis, and express trains. Among them, the “Rapi:t Train” is the fastest means of transportation to Osaka Namba. “Fastest Transportation from Kansai Airport to Osaka Namba, Rapi:t (Rapid) Train” ...
Youngpoong Bookstore is a large bookstore that can be found throughout South Korea, along with Kyobo Bookstore. Currently, Kyobo Bookstore holds the top spot among domestic bookstores, but Youngpoong Bookstore seems to be diligently catching up. In major regions of South Korea, you can find at least one large bookstore, and in the Gangnam area, Youngpoong Bookstore, along with Kyobo ...
Arriving at Tokyo Station and exploring the surroundings, it was time for dinner on the fourth day of my Japan trip. Considering the yet-to-be-tasted renowned Japanese dishes, the thought of having “Gyukatsu” crossed my mind. Since I was at Tokyo Station, I decided to search for “Tokyo Station Gyukatsu,” and surprisingly, I found a restaurant not far from the station ...