WEBSITE：https://www.jessieontheroad.com/
1. Essential Documents
- Passport
- Visa (Printed electronic version)
- Japan entry scan code (VJW Blue & Yellow Codes) or paper form from the flight
- Japanese Yen (JPY)
- SIM card (5 days, 3GB for ¥18.9)
- China customs declaration (Mini-program: Customs Traveler Finger Service)
- Universal Studios Japan (USJ) tickets + app binding
- Suica card (iPhone wallet binding & recharge)
2. Must-Have Apps
- Google Maps (Navigation & maps)
- USJ Universal Studios Japan (Ticket binding and checking ride wait times)
- Japan Transit (Subway and bus information)
3. Hotel Accommodation
- Osaka: MYSTAYS Hotel 💰 ¥535/2 nights
- Kyoto: M’s Kyoto Station Kasuga Hotel 💰 ¥644/1 night
4. Itinerary
- Day 1: ✈️ Kansai Airport → Nara → Osaka Hotel Check-in → Shinsaibashi Shopping
- Day 2: Osaka Hotel → Universal Studios Japan
- Day 3: Osaka Parco Shopping → Kyoto Hotel Check-in → Kyoto Station Shopping & Dining (Isetan + Matsumoto Kiyoshi)
- Day 4: Check-out → Kyoto Station Luggage Storage → Fushimi Inari Taisha → Kiyomizu-dera → Sannen-zaka & Ninen-zaka → Return luggage → Head to Kansai Airport ✈️
Day 1: Arrival in Japan
•Kansai Airport to Nara Station (1.5 hours)
▪️ Ticket for HARUKA Express from Kansai Airport to Nara
💰 ¥88 (Discounted to ¥77.6)
Ticket collection:
- Follow the railway logo from the airport; find the blue JR line and green machines (foreigners often queue at the blue JR side). Green machine requires passport for scanning.
- You will receive two tickets: One for HARUKA from Kansai to Tennoji (reserved seat), and the other for the Yamato Kaisen to Nara (no reserved seat).
- Scan your smaller ticket at the station entrance.
- After arriving at Tennoji, transfer to the Yamato Kaisen for Nara at platform 16 (Q20). Make sure the train is going towards Nara.
- At Nara station, scan the larger ticket to exit.
▪️ Nara Station to Kasuga Taisha Shrine (8-minute bus ride)
After storing your luggage at Nara Station, purchase a bus ticket from the tourist information desk. Take bus 2 to Kenchoazuma Bus Stop, then walk 10-15 minutes to Wakakusa Mountain.
•Kasuga Taisha Shrine to Nara Station & Hotel (1.5 hours)
After visiting the shrine, head back to Nara Station for your luggage.
Day 2: Universal Studios Japan
Hotel to Universal Studios Japan (33 minutes)
- From Sakaisuji-Hommachi Station, take the Chūō Line to Bentencho.
- Transfer to the Osaka Loop Line and get off at Nishikujo Station, where you will switch to the JR Yumesaki Line to Universal City station.
Important tips for USJ:
▪️ Buy tickets in advance via Klook (88% off with UnionPay).
▪️ Download the USJ app to link your tickets and check ride wait times.
▪️ Collect Nintendo World entry passes upon arrival to avoid waiting.
Must-do attractions:
▪️ Super Nintendo World (Must visit early)
▪️ Mario Kart Ride (VR experience with cool photos)
▪️ Spider-Man Adventure (3D ride experience)
▪️ Harry Potter Forbidden Journey (Don’t miss this if you haven’t been to Beijing’s USJ)
▪️ Jurassic Park Ride (Intense rollercoaster)
Parades & Shows:
▪️ Zombie Street Parade: 18:00 – Closing
▪️ Halloween Shows: 19:30 – 20:30
Day 3: Kyoto Exploration
Kyoto Station Shopping & Dining
After checking into your Kyoto hotel, explore the shopping areas around Kyoto Station (Isetan, Matsumoto Kiyoshi).
Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kiyomizu-dera:
Visit iconic landmarks in Kyoto and return to Kyoto Station for luggage retrieval.
Day 4: Departure
Kyoto Station to Kansai Airport
Return your luggage at Kyoto Station, explore Sannen-zaka & Ninen-zaka before heading to the airport.
5. Shopping
Discounts
Use Alipay to unlock currency exchange rates and coupons for discounts.
Montbell (Outdoor Wear)
📍 Namba City, Osaka: 10% tax refund
📍 Kyoto Montbell Store: Discounts available.
Lululemon (Activewear)
📍 Lucua, Osaka
📍 Shinsaibashi Daimaru: Use coupons for extra savings.
Matsumoto Kiyoshi (Pharmacy)
📍 Shinsaibashi Store
Get coupons for ¥1200-¥40 off.
6. Other Tips
Train Station Tips:
Always check Google Maps for your platform and train types. In Japan, trains can go in multiple directions from the same platform. Always double-check which carriages to board.
Suica Card Recharge:
Use Apple Wallet to bind your Suica card before your trip. Make sure you have linked your card to a valid bank account before leaving China to avoid verification issues abroad.
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