If you just started planning your trip and wondering how to prepare for Japan, then read this post first.
KOBE
This town is famous for some of the best beef in the world, Kobe Beef. Osaka to Sannomiya station is only a 1-hour train ride ready to have the meal of your life. Kobe offers many attractions depending on what you like such as Zoos, Botanical gardens, museums and more. Here I’ll be talking about a restaurant that offered the best experience and meal who is also ranked in the top 3 restaurants for serving Kobe Beef. Other restaurants offer similar standards; however, I did not have time to try them. After having your meal, have a lovely picturesque walk at night in Chinatown which is beautifully decorated. Feeling peckish or fancy a snack, try some new foods there while you are at it.
A chain restaurant amongst 4 others within Kobe, up to you which one to go to. Make a reservation beforehand or you will not get a seat as they are always booked up. Worried about language? No problem, they speak English as well as offer an English menu. As for the meal, you have the choice of going for a 5-course menu, all small portions and gourmet style food or going for the meat on its own. Depends on your hunger level and personal preference on the day. This is what the 5-course menu looked like:
The beef is cooked right in front of you with some vegetables and literally melts in your mouth with no effort whatsoever.
The presentation of each dish is immaculate while the different flavours dance in your mouth leaving you wanting more and more at the end. The town is beautifully lit up at night-time so come for dinner to see it.
Savour the food and each bite you take as it will only add to the experience and make it that much better especially since they are small portions.
Overall, one of the best meals I have ever eaten in my life and definitely want to go there again someday.
Hours:
Monday – Tuesday: 11AM – 3PM, 5PM - 10PM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday – Sunday: 11AM – 3PM, 5PM - 10PM
Personal Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Average Cost: ¥10,000 – ¥13,000 (£75 – £100) per person
NARA
City known for the deer park with deer also roaming around the city, get the chance to feed them for ¥200. The most fascinating thing is they bow to you before they get the food. Expect some slight headbutting or biting your clothes to get some especially if there is more than one. There are many signs explaining what to do, so do not panic. Here is something to look forward to if you decide to go:
There are also many temples around this park to see while you look at the deer. One of the most famous being Todaiji temple housing a big buddha statue. The temple has a ¥500 entrance fee or ¥800 if you also want to visit the museum.
How to get here?
From Osaka, go to Namba station and take the Kintetsu-Nara line to the last stop Kintetsu-Nara. The travel will take 40-50 mins, from there you can walk to the park.
From Kyoto, you can take the Kintetsu limited express from Kyoto station all the way to Kintetsu-Nara which will take 40 mins.
Amongst one of my favourite places in Japan, it’s an amazing place to unwind while enjoying the environment. Be present, let your troubles go and enjoy.
Looking for a place to refill your energy after the park? Look no further, great food and portion sizes for a reasonable price. Look for a little alleyway next to the station until you find this place.
You may have guessed from the name, their speciality is Tonkatsu (deep fried breaded pork cutlet). What makes this place special? The portion sizes, the atmosphere, the service and the price. You get so much at a very reasonable price and the food is delicious and you get to grind your sesame seeds. It does get very busy so there may be a small wait, but I guarantee it is worth it.
If alone or with someone else, the experience is very enjoyable, and it may be something new worth trying. Meat eaters should try this Japanese speciality at least once.
Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 11AM – 10PM
Personal Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Average Cost: ¥1,000– ¥2,000 (£8 – £15) per person
After Osaka, if you are heading towards Tokyo then I would suggest moving on to Kyoto. There are some magnificent temples, shrines to see while eating some different types of food before arriving in the capital of Tokyo. In my honest opinion, Tokyo is a bit overrated compared to other cities within Japan and is not the best representation of the country. There are many better places to visit but it is worth a couple of days to see the main attractions.
Skip to the Tokyo section here if you are not interested in Kyoto.
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