A couple of weeks ago, the partners in Moe’s firm treated all their associates to Japan. Because I’m super kaladkarin, I tagged along as well.
This is our second time in Osaka- we visited around the same time last year with my brother and sister-in-law. But, we never really got to go around because we spent around 95% of our time shopping. We made a perfunctory visit to the Osaka Castle, spent half a day in Universal and the rest of the time, we were going nuts buying stuff.
This year, since their firm had a fixed itinerary, we actually went around visiting places.
I decided to share with you some of my kwentos about both trips. Will write about practical tips first:
WHAT TO WEAR
Okay, before anything else: Winter in Japan can get crazy cold. The temperature forecasts may not seem particularly daunting especially for those who have experienced colder winters; but dude, it gets windy as f*ck.
Don’t be fooled by all these Japanese women wearing short skirts and tights- they are all immortal. If you plan to visit Osaka around wintertime, do yourself a favor and bundle up.
Here are some things that I did to keep myself comfy and toasty:
Investing in good coats: I have two really thick winter coats that I wore the last time I was in Osaka. They’re bulky but wonderfully insulated. I briefly considered buying cheaper, thinner ones for this trip so I could fit them all in my luggage and have entirely different outfits for 8 days. But then I figured that I’m a grown-ass woman who needed to keep her joints warm more than she needed cute selfies. Comfort trumps vanity. Besides, the more space I saved in my luggage, the more I could shop. Hehehe.
Layering: Despite wearing bulky coats and thermals last year, I was still freezing my ass off. So this year, not only did I pile on more layers of clothing, I went for those “extra warm” thermals in Uniqlo.Wearing the ordinary ones are for Nordic Vikings. We are from the tropics- the “extra warm” label spells a world of difference.
I also bought hardcore long johns from Columbia. I figured if they were good enough for Mt. Everest, they would be good enough for Japan. They were hella expensive, so I only bought a pair and saved it for the coldest part of our itinerary: The Kyoto-Narra tour. I was so happy with them that I ended up reusing them when we visited the Yamazaki distillery. (Yes, staying toasty trumps hygiene as well).
All the layers made me look like an Oompa-loompa. But while every one was complaining about the cold weather, I was walking around with my coat unzipped. Like an Oompa-loompa boss.
Investing in comfy foot wear: Last year, I had on these cheap, fashionable boots from Aldo. They certainly kept me warm, but they definitely did not provide my spoiled, sedentary feet any reprieve from all the walking. So this year, I got these awesome Doc Martens leather boots with rubber soles. They were wonderfully cushy and cozy so I could walk longer without whining (Disclaimer: I said I could walk LONGER without whining, I never said I stopped whining altogether).
Bringing winter accessories: Hats, scarves, wool/thermal socks all help lock in the heat. The thing about layering though, is that you have to peel these off when you go inside heated establishments. Moe actually takes the time to meticulously re-layer every time we need to head out again. I bundle up on the go. So I look nicely put-together when we leave the hotel, but end up looking like a harassed tourist by the end of the night. They kept me warm though, so it’s all good.
Buying disposable hand warmers: You can get these in any convenience or drug store in Japan for less than 500 yen a pack. I find wearing gloves quite bothersome, so they were lifesavers. You just pop them in the pockets of your coat and wait for them to magically heat up. (Thank you Booboo for bugging me about this!)
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
It is crazy expensive to take a cab in Japan. Moe’s bosses were nice enough to book the entire group airport transfers on the way there, but since we were staying behind, we needed to figure out the easiest but most cost-efficient way back.
When we arrived in Osaka last year, my brother had this bright idea of taking the airport train, transferring to the subway and then walking a block to our hotel.
It seemed like a good plan on paper. But good plans have a way of going awry, especially when you’re in a foreign country. We ended up getting royally lost. It took all of my puny strength to drag my luggage up subways stairs and down alleyways that by the time we got to the hotel I was on self-pity mode. (My very thoughtful husband took a picture of me plopped pathetically in the lobby – I looked like a kid who got all her Halloween candy taken away.)
Anyway, I say skip the extra subway ride and the walking. You can either:
Look for a hotel with an airport shuttle service: Some hotels have airport services exclusive for their guests. Others have public airport limos stopping by on a set schedule. This year, since we stayed in Swissotel for the latter part of our trip, we had the convenience of having an airport train stopping right inside the hotel complex (more on this later). Made things super easy!
Take a cab to the nearest airport limo or airport train station: This saves tons more money compared to taking the taxi all the way to or from the airport, but it affords you the convenience of not having to drag your luggage through public streets and subway stations. Like I said earlier, we were shopping like crazy when we were in Osaka last year so we ended up doing this on the way back.
TAKING THE TRAIN
In Osaka. you will inevitably do a lot of walking. It is unavoidable. I averaged around 15,000-20,000 steps a day. If you’re a sedentary creature like me – don’t be a hero. Take the train, bus, even a cab when you need to. The more energy you conserve, the more exploring you can do. You will get plenty of cardio regardless.
The Osaka subway station however, is not for the spatially-challenged.
My husband and my brother have the skills and the patience to navigate. So for both trips, I was just mindlessly following the leader like some doped up cult member.
Anyway, the simplest way to take the train is to get a prepaid card instead of paying for each subway trip separately. It’s a little cheaper, plus you don’t have to figure out how much fare to pay every time you go somewhere. (To find out which prepaid card suits your needs click here).
Some rookie mistakes that we ended up making:
1. Although we had prepaid ticket cards for the nearer subway lines, we paid for individual fares whenever we had to take the JR Train (which takes you to farther places like Universal or Kyoto).
Moe and I ended up overpaying a couple of times because we would punch in the wrong destination. And just like the rookies that we were, we looked on forlornly as the exit machines swallowed up our tickets. We learned a little bit too late, that you could actually get a refund if you overpaid. You can look for a ticket machine with a refund function, or you can approach one of the attendants manning the information booths.
2. Moe and I used the Rainbow card for 90% of the trip. This is a prepaid card that you can use practically in all subway lines. Since it’s consumable, the amount of money that you have in the ticket decreases every time you exit a station (it records every trip that you make so you can find how much money you have left at the back of the card).
There was one particular time that I only had 100 yen left. We were 99% sure that was not enough to get where we’re going, but I decided that I wanted to milk that 100 yen as far as it could go. So, I took the chance and used it anyway. I figured that I could probably just whip out my new card once it stops working.
I was able to enter the subway station by using my old card. But as expected, I couldn’t exit. “Not a problem,” I thought smugly, as I nonchalantly inserted my new card. To my horror, I still couldn’t get through- the machine kept on beeping, and beeping and beeping- alerting everyone that there was some disruptive tourist on the loose.
Moe, who was already on the other side of the exit, was getting a little bit embarrassed by the slight commotion we were causing. He was insisting that the new card I was holding was probably defective so he would have to buy me another one. My stubborn and kuripot Dysangco genes could not fathom letting all that money go to waste (“all that money” amounted to just less than 500 php by the way) so I refused to be defeated (besides, unlike Moe, I have no issues about looking clueless and kawawa). I ended up asking for help from a nice grandfatherly subway attendant.
After several minutes of broken phrases on our part (“New card! No working! Has money!”) and lots and lots of exaggerated hand gestures on his part, he was able to explain to us that the ticket that I used entering records our entry point. So if I wanted to use a new card to exit, I needed to insert the old card with the new card into the machine. I tried it and not only did it work, but it also proceeded to deduct the fare from my old card first and then and credited the rest from the new one.
Mind. Blown.
I’m from a 3rd world country guys -this type of artificial intelligence totally bowls me over.
Despite all the rookie mistakes, I actually enjoy taking the train in Japan because even during the busiest hours, people come and go in organized chaos: Everyone is walking briskly in different directions, but no one is pushing or jostling anyone aside. Dude I swear, I get jostled around more in Megamall on a weekday afternoon than squeezed inside a train in Osaka during rush hour.
And I guess that’s one of the things I love about Osaka. Everyone is extremely patient and polite.
Just to give you an example; common etiquette in Japan dictates that you leave the left portion of the escalator empty for the people who need to go up or down in a hurry.
There was one time though, that Moe had to put the paper bag he was carrying down while he was fixing his stuff. He ended up unwittingly blocking the left side of the escalator. A middle-aged man, who was hurriedly walking up, literally just stopped in front of our package and patiently waited for Moe to move it. He didn’t step over it, didn’t even make any kind of noise that indicated that we were blocking his way. He just patiently waited. When I noticed him a few seconds later, I sheepishly moved the paper bag out of the way. Instead of rolling his eyes or giving us an exasperated stare, he bowed graciously and thanked us. What a sweetheart!
Needless, to say, I absolutely love Osaka. I loved it so much that I will probably spend another couple of entries talking about the places that we visited and the people that we met. But I kinda went overboard making kwento, so that’s pretty much it for the first part. Hope you stay tuned for part 2!
Miranda says
Wow, sounds like you had a wonderful trip. It gets really cold and windy here too. layering is essential…I’ve never been to Japan but it is one of the things on my bucket list. I love the idea of a prepaid subway card! We don’t have a subway here, so I haven’t really had much experience with that. But we are planning a trip to Washington DC, I will be looking into getting a prepaid card. Thanks for sharing your adventure!!
Pia says
You’re welcome Miranda! Thanks for reading. Hope you get to tick off Japan from your bucket list soon!
Phoem Ponce says
I’ve been dying to visit Japan. I’ve always wanted to feel what it’s like to be in a place with snow! How did you go about the Visa Procedures? Was it easy? Did the firm include you in getting Visas for the workers? I love your sense of style even if you’re under a lot of layers of cloth! ahahaha! Your photos made me want to go to Japan even moreeeee!
Pia says
Hi Phoem! Thanks for the compliment. Hahaha. Anyway, we visited Japan last year and got a multiple entry visa so we my husband’s office didn’t have to fix our papers again. We asked a travel agency to fix our visa just to make sure we don’t miss out on any of the requirements – but it’s actually a really simple process. We got ours in a little over a week. 🙂
Paula Morgan says
Thanks for sharing your mistakes 🙂 I think I would make most of the same ones so you may have saved me from embarrassing myself. We took a train to our hotel on our last trip (Barcelona) thinking it would be easy but it turned out we got very lost and ended up arguing, which we never do on holiday! Sometimes a taxi is money well spent after a long flight.
Pia says
Thanks for reading Paula! We ended up arguing a couple of times too! Hahaha, i think that happens when you’re exhausted from all the exploring and you just want to get from point a to point b with the least amount of effort. You’re right, sometimes just cabbing it is worth the extra expense. 🙂
ROBERT LEE | Amazing Life Daily says
I heard so much about Osaka from friends who went there. I was told that if one so chooses, it is not as expensive as one might think. It is definitely not Tokyo, but it is Japan. So, apart from being amazed at the sights and cleanliness, visitors are often impressed with the politeness and the discipline of the Japanese. Now I am adding one funny stories to my recollection years from now… so… you and your card. LOL.
Pia says
Hahaha. Thanks Robert! yeah, i really seem to be prone to bloopers. :p Yes, I was surprised that it wasn’t that expensive. You can get a nice, filling meal for a little over 300 yen – that’s less 150 pesos! And you can’t go wrong with the food- everything is good – so you can’t go wrong even if you’re on a budget. 🙂
Jill says
Wow. This is more like an Osaka survival guide. This is really helpful for the clueless. It may be just ordinary for the Japanese, but winter for Filipinos takes time to get used to. I have an Osaka native friend. It’s good that she speaks English, so I can get ask her to help me around. You’re so lucky to get to tag along this trip!
Pia says
Thanks jill! Having a friend will definitely help a lot. Most of the people in Osaka know a little bit of English – but only enough to cover the basics. If you want to get tips or have a conversation it would come in handy to have a translator. 🙂
Herbert Kikoy says
I usually travel with survival on my mind. As much as possible I need to make something beyond the norms. Havent been to Osaka but this will surely be handy when time comes. Im not closing my doors to foreign trips. Will be waiting for the part 2 of your adventure 😛
Pia says
Thanks Herbert! Hope you get to visit Japan soon!
Indrani says
How lucky to get to visit Osaka! Indeed a memorable experience for you. That kind of winter does require lot of layers. And you look so good in the pictures. I can imagine the card experience, I would have been totally awed too.
Pia says
Thanks Indrani! Glad to know I’m not the only one who was floored! It’s a really cool place- lots of stuff to see!
Scenes From Nadine (Nadine Smith) says
You are so right about the weather in Japan! When I went to Tokyo, I didn’t bring any gloves with me because I thought I could handle it. But when we got there, I couldn’t move my fingers because it was sooo cold!!! So I had to buy thick gloves on the spot… and even those weren’t enough to keep my hands warm. Crazy! But I love it. And I love Japan. Oh, and I love your story about the old man who bowed after he waited for you to move your things. The Japanese people are the sweetest, most polite, and most helpful people I have ever met! They really go out of their way to help you or make things easier for you!
Pia says
Ooh! I’ve never been to Tokyo! We’re planning to visit that next. But it does get crazy cold doesn’t it? If it weren’t for my heat warmers I don’t think I would have survived! and yes, I love how polite and gracious the Japanese are! Especially the older ones! 🙂
Me-An Clemente says
I’ve personally experienced winter in Japan twice because of my parents. First time, I went I had to pile on lots of layers especially that Uniqlo wasn’t still around. They certainly made winter more bearable because of their “heattech.” By the way, some of the women who wear tights ans skirts wear the kind for winter. I actually tried wearing those kind and I didn’t feel cold that much.
Pia says
Hi Me-an! I can’t imagine going to Japan without Heat-tech. Hahaha! They’re lifesavers! Anyway, yup i figured they were thermal tights. I wore those under my jeans the first time i was in Osaka and I was still freezing to death, so it still amazes me when I see the women there wear just that under their skirts!
Maaya Legaspi says
Japanese are really courteous. Not that I already went to Japan but seeing their tradition in animes and movies, I can’t help but love Japan even more. I love those tiny bits of shorts stories you have there. Hehe. Makes me want to visit Japan the soonest. And yeah, living in a third world country, we’re just used to people bumping each other especially during rush hours. Lol. It’s like a deadly amazing race.
Pia says
Hahaha. I love the amazing race reference – it does feel that way sometimes! thanks for reading maaya!
Ferna says
This is a heads up for us who havent been to Japan will certainly take note of this and if this will happen to us for sure I will remember this post. I am amazed at how Japanese still composed themselves regardless of what Moe did in the left corner, they waited patiently when in fact they know that it was their lane (fastest one), amazing culture.
Pia says
Thanks Ferna! They are the most polite, most gracious and most respectful people I’ve ever encountered! I think it’s part of what makes their country so special talaga. 🙂
Yan says
Waaah all this Japan posts are making me want to save up for a trip as well! This was a fun read! Mind blown din ako with your experience with the card. Just, how?!?! @_@ I’m probably gonna crazy over there as well with all the technology! XD
Pia says
It’s so awesome how high-tech everything is there. Even the toilets I wanna take home! Hahaha. Hope you get to visit Japan soon!
Liana says
I heard so much of Osaka, and this sounds like a survival guide, the cold must have been crazy, and I’ve been places where it’s really cold! Your Japan posts are amazing, and it’s so incredible I didn’t take anytime before to check up on this, because essentially, my interest is high! I live in Europe so for me, it’s another world!
Pia says
Thanks so much Liana! Hope you get to visit Japan also!
Mirriam says
Truly, Uniqlo’s winter coats are the best. They are bulky indeed but they do save your ass in the cold haha I love your story about using cards in the train. Medyo nakakahiya nga yun but, hey, it’s quite a story. Maybe, it’s high time to study a bit of Japanese language. By the way, I love how you insert phrases/quotes into your photos. They are so unique!
Pia says
Thank you Mirriam! I love children’s/young adult books so I always love inserting some of the stuff I read in my posts! I’m with you on Uniqlo! Super sulit! And yes, maybe I should try learning Japanese since I plan to visit again and again and again. hehehe. 🙂
Mommy Queenelizabeth says
That seems to be a very enjoyable trip! I’ve been dreaming of Japan too maybe someday. And Osaka is a great place to explore. Meanwhile, i always fancy looking into winter jackets when im in the malls. I always wanted to invest a few nice winter clothes in case il be needing one soon!
Pia says
Hi Elizabeth! Yes, I suggest you get coats before you need them. I had a hard time finding a reasonably priced one kasi I waited the last minute. I suggest you go look for one towards the latter part of the season, para sale! Hehehe.
Maria says
Wow! You’ve got such an adventure. Mistakes can’t be prevented most of the time; what’s important is that we learn something from them. If I were to make an itinerary for a trip to Japan, Osaka would be second in line after Tokyo. The castle just mesmerizes me that when I watch anime shows and it’s featured, I could see myself teleporting!
Pia says
Thanks Maria! I haven’t been to Tokyo! I would love to visit soon! But friends who’ve been say that it’s definitely more fast-paced and busier than Osaka. Some of them like Tokyo better, some prefer Osaka. It would be great to visit both so I can compare. 🙂 And yes, Osaka Castle is lovely! oh, We met a guy who got married there! Wala lang. Galing. Hehehe.
theresa says
Layering here in PH is practically difficult even if it’s the rainy days. There would be easy. It screams fashion. Osaka is a place my husband love and would love to go on a trip there someday.
Pia says
You’re right, it’s easier to porma with layers. hahaha. It can get bulky though! Would definitely recommend Osaka- there’s so much to do! Plus it’s closer to Nara and Kyoto, so sulit!