I have always love travelling. I have traveled far and near, but still going to Japan is my maiden wish which I hope to go there one day. And so, when I came across a reasonable fee backpacking group to Osaka, Japan. I quickly whats-app my friends and invited them to tag along with this group. Unfortunately, everyone has their own program and just couldn't join me. Well, that shouldn't be a hurdle to me then, because I can travel on my own. Luckily, one friend of mine named Zeeb, was also looking for similar trip and so we both without actually finding out whom and whom is in this group (from West Malaysia) registered and paid our trip fee. The fee that we paid sufficiently covers the airfare (from KL to Kansai Airport), rest-house accommodation and train pass tickets.
I was really excited and looking forward to set my foot in Osaka, Japan. I did some research about it but I prefer to flow along with the itinerary prepared by the group we join. One thing I know very well (a sharing from a friend who went there earlier) that the prices of expenses over there will be slightly higher as compared here in Kota Kinabalu. And so, I prepared extra budget for that purpose as I want my travelling to be exciting and enjoyable.
Come the day on the 8th September 2017, my friend and I set our foot for the first time at Kansai Airport, Osaka after a not so tiring 6 hours flight through Air-Asia. The moment I enter the airport, I can already feel the warmness and kind hospitality of the people over there. Everyone was greeting us which makes me feel so good. Even when we did our immigration checking (my goodness, they have about 30 counters), it was so quick and friendly. I can already sense that my five days stay gonna be memorable.
We met the other travelers at the airport (8 of us all in all), hop into the train (our main transport) and check in into a cozy, small and simple rest-house. Again, this is my first time staying in a house with people that I do not know except for my friend Zeeb, but then I am adaptable and can easily blended in with them.
The next few days was an eye opener, enjoyable and exciting trip for all us. We visited Kyoto, Nara and Kobe as well as city tour around Osaka including visiting the Universal Studio of Japan, Osaka. We did a lot of walking, sometime running a bit here and therebecause we need to catch the next train, standing up and queuing was quite common though. I do admire their train facilities for the public which I wish we have it here in Kota Kinabalu. It makes the travelling from one city to another easier. I think everyone uses the train over there including the big bosses of companies. The next thing I like about is their clean, dry and friendly washroom/toilets. And it is Free of Charge. Everywhere I visited either its at their park or shopping area, the toilets are all clean with ample of tissues.
And the people here are just honest. On the last day, I accidentally left my bag-pack at the train-station and only realized it when the train was already moving. We stopped at the other train-station and my tour leader assured me that I will get my bag-pack. Indeed, when she went back to the previous station and return with my undisturbed bag-pack. It feels good to have that assurance. My friend Zeeb also left her shopping bag at one of the washrooms, and when she return to check on it, it was still there. Isn't it nice?
The bamboo forest was amazing. Nara park was beautiful and well maintained by the community. My visit to Osaka Castle was memorable as I had the opportunity to wear their Kimono (traditional costume) for photo-shooting. All in all, my trip was quite short but one thing for sure, I am coming back again. This time, longer days and it will be somewhere during spring or autumn.
I love Japan.