First published on TripZilla, in collaboration with Klook.

Read Part 1 before continuing.

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We only had one objective to achieve in Osaka and that was to visit Universal Studios Japan (USJ)! We’re huge diehard fans of Harry Potter and the thought of being able to visit USJ’s Harry Potter World was enough to have us shivering with anticipation. We decided to make USJ our first stop in Osaka and saved the activation of our JR Pass for the day after. From the airport, we took an express train that brought us right to Namba in central Osaka.

Visiting Harry Potter World was indeed like a dream come true. The only thing is – not everyone is guaranteed entry into this magical wonderland. You’re only permitted to enter with a timed-entry ticket, which is available at a booth after you enter the park. Being the kiasu and desperate fans that we are, we opted for the Express Pass, which included a timed ticket for Harry Potter World, on top of the usual park entrance ticket. We booked both online, and all we had to do was turn up at the gates with our confirmation emails. Trust us – you’ll be thankful once you realise you escaped joining the back of a snaking queue with your heart on overdrive.

In fact, why not make the most out of your USJ experience and get the USJ VIP Wristband? Not only will you get to enter the park and be first in line for any of the attractions before it opens, it also allows you to enjoy entry into Harukas 300 – the tallest building in Japan – for four pax as well as a special discounted rate of just ¥1000 (~S$12) per person at an accommodation in downtown Osaka. It’s super value for money!

Besides, USJ has both Harry Potter World and Minion Park. Do you seriously need any more reason to visit?

Day 1 & 2 of JR Pass: Osaka – Kyoto – Osaka (overnight in Kyoto)

Kyoto is said to be the Japan of yesteryear, boasting a labyrinth of thatched houses and mesmerising sights. Our favourite part had to be the Higashiyama district, a preserved neighbourhood that contained lots of boutique shops and hole-in-the-wall restaurants/cafés. We also rented a kimono, got our hair styled and pranced down the streets in true Japanese fashion.

Everything in Kyoto pretty much closes once night falls, but we kept ourselves occupied with a traditional ‘One Night in Kyoto‘ activity! We watched a traditional Japanese dance performed by an actual Maiko (Geisha apprentice), dined on a Kaiseki (traditional Japanese meal) and more.

We recommend visiting the Fushimi Inari shrine early, as the passageway through the torii gates lined along the slopes of Mt. Inari does start to get crowded after 10am. Fans of the movie, ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’, would recognise this site as one of the movie’s filming locations! 

Stop by Kichi-Kichi for its famous omurice; we watched as the chef sliced open the famous fluffy omelette right in front of us. Absolutely delicious!

We also took a short 15-minute ride from Kyoto station to Saga-Arashiyama station to check out the tranquil Arashiyama Bamboo Forest as well as the Togetsukyo Bridge. 

How to get there: 14-minute journey (one-way) from Shin-Osaka station to Kyoto station via shinkansen

Day 3 of JR Pass: Osaka – Kobe – Osaka

Cliché or not, we simply loved saying that we had Kobé beef in Kobé. Steakland is, by far, the most popular joint for that good old Kobé beef fix; however, this only results in long queues that may even last past an hour. We decided to treat ourselves and splurge on a teppanyaki Kobé beef meal at a nearby restaurant, and what can we say? It was so, so good - but we probably won’t be able to look at another steak for quite a while.

Kobe is also home to a Chinatown boasting plenty of scrumptious eats. Otherwise, get your retail therapy fix at Kobe Motomachi Shopping Arcade.

How to get there: 21-minute journey (one-way) from Osaka station to Sannomiya station

Day 4 of JR Pass: Osaka – Himeji – Osaka

Having just undergone a rigorous five-year long restoration process, Himeji Castle (otherwise known as White Heron Castle) is truly a sight to behold. We easily spent half a day here exploring the vast castle grounds and the interior of the castle itself. There are lots of shops lining the street leading up to the castle as well.

We were treated to this panoramic view from the top of the castle!

How to get there: 38-minute journey (one-way) from Shin-Osaka station to Himeji station via shinkansen

We got back to Osaka in the late afternoon and decided to visit the Osaka Aquarium, which is one of the largest in the world! The aquarium was lovely, where we spent the evening marvelling at whale sharks, seals, manta rays, turtles and possibly every fish species known to mankind.

Day 5 of JR Pass: Osaka – Nara – Osaka

We love animals and we’ve always thought that the feeling was mutual. Apparently, we were wrong. We went to Nara expecting docile Bambis lounging around in a bubble of zen, but boy were the Nara deers frisky. They do tend to get a little aggressive when they’re lusting after that packet of food in your hand; some of them even bite your sleeves in an attempt to get you to drop the biscuit you’re holding. However, despite all this, it was quite an experience witnessing deer roaming freely about the streets. 

Interestingly, as with all Japanese, the deer here at Nara are exceedingly polite and actually bow back when you bow to them! Don’t believe us? Give it a try.

Once they're well-fed, however, they're really rather endearing!

How to get there: 50-minute journey (one-way) from Osaka station to Nara station via JR Yamatoji Rapid Service

Day 6 of JR Pass: Osaka – Hiroshima (overnight at Hiroshima)

Hiroshima and Nagasaki are both steeped in history, being the two sites of the atomic bombings back in World War II. A visit to Hiroshima was sombre and sobering to say the least; part of the Peace Memorial Park, the A-bomb Dome was the only building left standing near the bomb’s hypocenter. The building has been preserved till this very day and now serves as a stark symbol of peace. 

It’s easy to get around Hiroshima; the JR Pass is valid on the city’s hop-on-hop-off bus, which will bring you to most of the city’s main attractions such as the Samurai Castle (so named due to its resemblance to a Samurai's uniform!).

How to get there: 87-minute journey (one-way) from Shin-Osaka station to Hiroshima station via shinkansen

Day 7 of JR Pass: Hiroshima – Miyajima – Hiroshima – Osaka

A trip to Hiroshima is not complete without a trip to the nearby island of Miyajima. The torii gate that appears to be floating during high tide is the icon of Miyajima; visitors are even able to walk right up to the gate during low tide! 

There are numerous oyster beds near Miyajima, making the island a heaven for all self-professed oyster fans.

And surprise surprise, Miyajima is also home to a herd of free-roaming deer! The JR Pass can also be used on the JR ferry, which will take you to the island within a short ten-minute ride.

How to get there:

• Hiroshima – Miyajima: 50-minute journey (one-way) via JR Sanyo Line and JR ferry
• Hiroshima – Osaka: 86-minute journey via shinkansen

If you wish to stay in Osaka after your JR Pass expires, do consider getting the Osaka Amazing Pass! This is an all-in sightseeing pass that covers most of Osaka’s main attractions, such as Osaka Castle Museum, Umeda Sky Garden Floating Observatory and more. This pass will also give you unlimited use of the city’s subway, tramway and bus system, as well as discounted prices in select food outlets. Don’t forget to end your trip with a jaunt along Dotonbori, a vibrant district that comes alive in the night with dozens of food establishments, souvenir shops and the like.

Breakdown of costs for above itinerary: 

7-Day JR Pass VS point-to-point tickets

• • 7-Day JR Pass: USD243 (~S$344)
  • Point-to-point tickets:
    • Osaka – Kyoto – Osaka: [2 x ¥2,810 (~S$35)] = ¥5,620 (~S$70)
    • Kyoto – Arashiyama – Kyoto: [2 x ¥240 (~S$3)] = ¥480 (~S$6)
    • Osaka – Kobe – Osaka: [2 x ¥410 (~S$5)] = ¥820 (~S$10)
    • Osaka – Himeji – Osaka: [2 x ¥3,740 (~S$46)] = ¥7,480 (~S$92)
    • Osaka – Nara – Osaka: [2 x ¥800 (~S$10)] = ¥1,600 (~S$20)
    • Osaka – Hiroshima – Osaka: [2 x ¥10,230 (~S$126)] = ¥20,460 (~S$252)
    • Hiroshima – Miyajima – Hiroshima: [2 x ¥590 (~S$7)] = ¥1,180 (~S$14)
• Total: ¥37,640 (~S$464)

Total cost savings : S$464 – S$344 = S$120 with the JR Pass

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Continue reading Parts 3 and 4.