Day four in Kyoto is pretty packed with two different places to explore: Himeji castle and the Osaka area. If you are like me, you can start the journey early at 7:00am to catch an early train, so you will have ample time for both places!

Getting to Himeji

Starting off at 7:00am, take the local direct JR special rapid train (shin-kaisoku) from Kyoto Station to Himeji. It takes ~90 minutes and costs ¥2270 one way to reach Himeji from Kyoto.

In this post, I’ve mentioned that if you are exploring only the Kansai area, you do not need to purchase the JR Rail Pass because they are expensive and will not be worthwhile. If you intend to visit Himeji, I will recommend you to purchase the Kansai Area Pass for ¥2200 which provides you with unlimited JR train usage for 1 day. That is to say, you have already saved A LOT going to himeji alone!

Booking is simple and no payment is required. Visit here and book online with your particulars before the trip, then bring the booking confirmation to the JR Ticket Office in Kyoto Station or Airport to exchange and pay for the pass.

Getting to Himejijō

When you have reached Himeji, you can walk ~15 minutes towards the castle Himejijō. You can also choose to board the shuttle bus in front of the station, I remember it costs ~¥100 for a 1-day ride.

As a national treasure and a world heritage site being the oldest temple in Japan, it has recently completed its renovation in 2015. Perhaps it was knowing the tragic story behind the castle and the ghostly history of Okiku’s well, there was an instant eerie feeling the moment I entered the castle. Nonetheless, it was beautiful and magnificent.

The inside of the castle was mostly too crowded to fully enjoy. The queue was so long and the hot weather did not help. A girl almost passed out half way while climbing the staircases! Be sure to bring along a fan if you’re coming in the summer.

Getting to Osaka

You will probably take 2-3 hours to walk around the castle. On return, head back to Himeji Station and take the JR special rapid train towards Shin-Osaka (~1 hour). The train ride costs ¥1490, but if you have the Kansai Area Pass, it is covered!

When you have reached Shin-Osaka Station, transfer to the Osaka city subway Midosuji Line and ride towards Shinsaibashi (~15 minutes,¥280). From there, simply follow the one-way street to explore the Minami (South) of Osaka. This long stretch of street is called Shinsaibashi-suji, and it’s a heaven of food and shops for your wildest shopping spree!

Dotonbori 

As you walk along the street from Shinsaibashi, you’ll soon find yourself standing on a bridge where everyone tries to take a picture with the famous Glico man. This is when you know that you have arrived at Dotonburi! Oh, remember to try the famous Osaka Takoyaki (octopus ball) and Okonomiyaki (savoury pancake), they are absolutely yummilicious!

Best seen at night so I would recommend you to stay in Osaka for dinner to watch as night falls on Dotonburi. The lively place ‘never’ closes, certain restaurants even open 24 hours!

Kuromon Market

As you reach the end of the street, you will arrive at the famous Kuromon Market. If you’re unsure where it is, get help from Google Map. if you’re taking the subway, stop at Nippombashi Station and walk ~2 minutes to reach the market.

I’d recommend you to visit early or around lunch time, as almost everything will be closing around 4:00pm. Nonetheless, this market is packed with seafood, meat and vegetables stalls. There are also many eateries providing freshly washed seafood like uni and scallops, do give them a try!

Amazing Osaka Pass

If you prefer a more touristic Osaka trip (museums and cruise etc.), you should consider this Amazing Osaka Pass. It’s a very good deal where a 1-day pass costs ¥2300 and 2-day pass costs ¥3000 – with so many sightseeing facilities covered! You are probably unable to finish all spots in 2 days, so do plan ahead wisely.

Return to Kyoto

After a long day, take the subway Midosuji Line to Umeda station. Walk ~5 minutes to Osaka station and take the JR special rapid train back to Kyoto station. It takes ~30 minutes and costs ¥560, it is covered under the Kansai Area Pass.

Remember to check out my day five in Kyoto here where I explore the city of deer – Nara!

Details of the castle for today:
Himejijō 姫路城

Hours:
9:00am-5:00pm (Sep-Mar)
9:00am-6:00pm (Apr-Aug)
Closed 29-30 Dec
Fees:
¥1000 / adult
*You can add ¥100 to visit Kokoen Garden 好古園. It is located outside of the castle, a short walk west of the main gate (Otemon Gate).