Tag: itinerary

Rediscovering SEOUL After 9 Years: Exploring Namsan Park, Myeong-dong & Yeouido Hangang Park [November 2024]

Late last year, my friends and I flew to Seoul, South Korea, for a little over a week, with our trips overlapping. It was my first visit to South Korea in 9 years. I was surprised by how much had changed, but I was also happy to see that most of the old establishments remained.

Previously, I shared our visits to Bukchon Hanok Village, Changdeokgung Palace and its Secret Garden, and Insa-dong. Today, I will share photos and details from our visits to Namsan Park, Myeong-dong, and Yeouido Hangang Park.

In case you missed it, I wrote about the step-by-step process I followed to get my multiple entry South Korean tourist visa. You can check it out here.

 Plane Ticket

I scored my return ticket through Cebu Pacific Air’s anniversary ₱1 fare sale in March 2024. Initially, I only paid ₱4,329.30 when I first booked the ticket. This fare included a confirmed seat on the flight and a 7-kilogram carry-on allowance.

Months before the flight, I added 20 kilograms of checked luggage allowance each way and paid ₱1,980. Then, a day before my flight back to Manila, I added another 20 kilograms of luggage allowance for ₱1,100. In total, I paid ₱7,409.30 for a return fare with 20 kilograms of allowance to Seoul and 40 kilograms of allowance back to Manila.

This ticket was definitely a steal. It was worth every penny, considering how affordable it was, and that the additional baggage cost was just a little over 70% of the original ticket price. Props to Cebu Pacific Air for making every Juan’s travel dreams possible.

Accommodation

I was in Seoul for 9 days and 8 nights, overlapping with my friends’ schedules. For all 8 nights, my friends and I decided to stay at just one property for the entire trip. We chose Bunk Guesthouse Hostel in Hongdae.

During the first 4 nights, I stayed with 3 other friends in the property’s family room with a balcony. For the remaining 4 nights, I stayed with one friend in the twin room with bunk beds. Both rooms had private toilets and showers and included a simple complimentary breakfast every morning. My share for the 8 nights in these two rooms amounted to ₱13,243.97. I think we got a good deal considering the property’s location, the room types we chose, and the amenities we enjoyed during our stay.

Previously, I wrote about Bunk Guesthouse Hostel in one of my Hostel of the Day features. I hope you check out the feature and review here, and I also hope you consider the property for your next trip to Seoul.

Going Around Seoul

My friends and I used the rechargeable T-money card for all our public transportation rides during the trip. Seoul offers a few unlimited transportation passes for several days, but these did not fit our itinerary, as we mostly took the subway to and from just one place each day. There was even a day when we did not use our T-money cards at all.

We received a free T-money card when we picked up our passports at KVAC in October 2024. Our companions, who did not have a T-money card, bought theirs at the Airport Station.

Namsan Park

Namsan Park surrounds Namsan Mountain and is a popular spot for both tourists and locals, offering hiking opportunities and a civic space. At the top of the mountain is where N Seoul Tower is located, which provides a panoramic view of the city throughout the day.

The park is accessible by bus from Seoul and Myeong-dong Stations, via hiking trails, and by the Namsan Cable Car. My friends and I opted for the cable car ride, which costs ₩15,000 roundtrip. We went up shortly after sunset and enjoyed the beautiful night views of Seoul, while braving the freezing weather.

We did not go up to the N Seoul Tower because most of us had already been there before.

Entry to N Seoul Tower costs ₩26,000 per adult. Discounted N Seoul Tower and Namsan Cable Car tickets are available for purchase on Klook.

Nearest train station: Myeong-Dong Station of Seoul Subway Line 4 (Exit 3)

Myeong-Dong

Myeong-dong is a popular shopping district in Seoul, home to hundreds of brands, cosmetic shops, restaurants, and cafes. It is famous for its shopping street, where you can find everything you need—and even things you don’t!

My friends and I visited Myeong-dong twice during the trip. First, we accompanied a friend to buy something at a shop. Later, my friend and I went there to attend Sunday Mass at Myeongdong Cathedral.

Nearest train station: Myeong-Dong Station of Seoul Subway Line 4 (Exits 5, 6, 7 & 8) or Euljiro 1(il)-ga (Hana Bank) Station of Seoul Subway Line 2 (Exits 5 & 6)

Yeouido Hangang Park

Yeouido Hangang Park is a popular park that offers scenic views of the Han River and the Seoul skyline. It also has a pool, pathways, and biking trails.

I visited this park two or three times during the trip and enjoyed the relaxing views at sunset. At one point, I also rented a bicycle for ₩3,000 an hour and biked to the National Assembly area and back. I have to say, this is one of those places in Seoul that I will keep coming back to.

Nearest train station: Yeouinaru Station of Seoul Subway Line 5 (Exits 2 & 3)

In summary, our visits to Namsan Park, Myeong-dong, and Yeouido Hangang Park gave us a perfect mix of nature, shopping, and relaxation during our time in Seoul.

Have you been to these places before? What do you think of them? Are you considering visiting them in the future? If you have any questions or would like to know more, feel free to post them in the comments section below or send them via email to contact@thewkndtravel.com. I would be happy to respond! Stay tuned for more upcoming posts about Seoul and South Korea. You can also check out other posts about this Seoul trip under the Seoul 2024 category.

Before you go, I hope you can like, follow and share my social media pages – Facebook and Instagram. This will help me increase my reach; it will also keep you up-to-date with the latest blog posts, itineraries, hostel of the day features, and flight reports on this website. Thank you and see you next time!

PS. Photos were taken using my Google Pixel 8 Pro.

Rediscovering SEOUL After 9 Years: Exploring Bukchon Hanok Village, Changdeokgung Palace Secret Garden & Insa-dong [November 2024]

In November 2024, I traveled to Seoul, South Korea, for the first time in nine years. I had visited Seoul previously in 2014 and 2015, both times with my work colleagues. This time, I spent 9 days and 8 nights with my high school friends. While I had to work on some days due to previously scheduled important meetings, I made sure that the workdays did not spoil my Seoul holiday.

My friends and I explored many places during this trip, but today I will focus on our adventures at Bukchon Hanok Village, Changdeokgung Palace Secret Garden, and Insa-dong. Read on to discover what you can see and expect at these locations, especially during the beautiful autumn season.

In case you missed it, I wrote about the step-by-step process I followed to get my multiple entry South Korean tourist visa. You can check it out here.

Plane Ticket

I was lucky enough to score a ₱1 base fare ticket to Seoul during Cebu Pacific Air’s anniversary sale in March 2024. My ticket originally cost ₱4,329.30 for a round trip. This included a guaranteed seat on both flights and a 7-kilogram carry-on luggage allowance. Cebu Pacific Air allows you to add checked baggage based on your needs. In my case, I added a 20-kilogram allowance for the flight to Seoul and 2 x 20 kilograms (a total of 40 kilograms) for the return flight to Manila.

With the added checked baggage allowance, my return ticket cost only ₱7,409.30. This is an incredible deal, considering it includes baggage allowance for both flights, including a generous 40 kilograms on the way back. A massive thank you to Cebu Pacific Air for making these types of international fares possible. The airline truly provides an opportunity for every Juan to fly.

Accommodation

I stayed for 9 days and 8 nights, which overlapped with my friends’ time in Seoul. During those 8 nights, my friends and I decided to stay in a single accommodation, and we chose Bunk Guesthouse Hostel. It is a highly-rated place located in the vibrant and bustling Hongdae District.

For the first 4 nights, we stayed in a family room (with 1 full bed and 2 single beds) with a balcony. After some friends left for Manila, we transferred to a twin room with bunk beds for the last 4 nights. My share for the 8-night stay amounted to ₱13,243.97. I personally think it was a good deal, especially considering we stayed in private rooms for the entire stay and enjoyed free breakfast every morning.

I also wrote about Bunk Guesthouse Hostel in one of my recent Hostel of the Day features. I hope you can check it out here.

Going Around Seoul

My friends and I used a T-money rechargeable card for all our public transportation needs during this trip. We initially considered getting the Climate Card, but we decided it would not be worth it, given the differences in our schedules and plans.

We received a free T-money card when we picked up our passports at KVAC in October 2024. Our companions who did not have a T-money card bought theirs at the Airport Station.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village is a residential area of restored traditional Korean houses dating back to the early 20th century. The village is home to hundreds of traditional hanoks, which have become a popular tourist destination due to their beautiful and intricate architecture. There is no entry fee to visit the village.

Nearest train station: Anguk Station of Seoul Subway Line 3 (Exits 1, 2 or 3)

Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden

Changdeokgung Palace is one of the ‘Five Grand Palaces’ built by the kings of the Joseon Dynasty. It is located to the east of Gyeongbokgung Palace. The palace was once the site of state affairs and served as the residence of the royal family during the Joseon era.

Changdeokgung Palace is also famous for its Secret Garden, which can only be visited through a guided walking tour. Tickets for the palace and the timed walking tour can be purchased at the entrance. Adult tickets cost ￦3,000 for entry to the general palace grounds and ￦5,000 for the timed walking tour. The Secret Garden is located within the palace grounds, and visitors wishing to explore it are required to purchase both tickets.

My friends and I joined the 2:30 p.m. Secret Garden English tour. We bought our tickets a few hours in advance and spent the time exploring Bukchon Hanok Village while waiting for our scheduled tour.

Nearest train stations: Anguk Station of Seoul Subway Line 3 (Exit 3) or Jongno 3-ga Station of Seoul Subway Lines 1, 3 and 5 (Exit 6)

Insa-dong

Insa-dong is a cultural neighborhood located near Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village. It was once Seoul’s antique and art market, but today it is renowned for its modern galleries and tea shops. The area is also home to many artisan shops and cafes, making it the perfect place for a relaxing afternoon stroll.

Nearest train stations: Anguk Station of Seoul Subway Line 3 (Exit 6) or Jonggak Station of Seoul Subway Line 1 (Exit 3-1)

My friends and I did try to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, but unfortunately, we arrived after it had already closed.

Thank you for joining me in today’s post about Bukchon Hanok Village, Changdeokgung Palace and its Secret Garden, and Insa-dong. I hope you enjoyed reading about these incredible spots in Seoul. Whether you are planning your own trip or simply exploring from afar, these places are worth a visit especially during autumn.

Have you been to these places before? What do you think of them? Are you considering visiting them in the future? If you have any questions or would like to know more, feel free to post them in the comments section below or send them via email to contact@thewkndtravel.com. I would be happy to respond! Stay tuned for more upcoming posts about Seoul and South Korea. You can also check out other posts about this Seoul trip under the Seoul 2024 category.

Before you go, I hope you can like, follow and share my social media pages – Facebook and Instagram. This will help me increase my reach; it will also keep you up-to-date with the latest blog posts, itineraries, hostel of the day features, and flight reports on this website. Thank you and see you next time!

PS. Photos were taken using my Google Pixel 8 Pro.

Sakura 2024: NAGOYA & INUYAMA – Peak Sakura Around Aichi Prefecture’s Capital City + First-Ever Traditional Japanese Festival Experience [April 2024]

Early last year, my friends and I flew to Japan to experience the world-famous cherry blossom season. We began our journey in the snowy, cold towns of Takayama and Shirakawa-go. Then, we traveled to Osaka to relax for a few days. After that, we took the Shinkansen down to Hiroshima for 48 hours before heading back to Osaka. We used our JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass to take quick trips to Nara, Kobe, and Himeji. We then made our way to Kyoto, where we witnessed the beginning of the full Sakura bloom in the city. Our 20-day Japan trip ended in the capital of Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya.

We spent a few days exploring the city and even visited the nearby town of Inuyama, where we experienced our first-ever traditional Japanese festival. We visited some usual sights, but focused mostly on the Sakura, food, and last-minute shopping. Allow me to share more details about the final leg of our 2024 Sakura trip below.

Nagoya & Inuyama

Nagoya is the capital of Aichi Prefecture and one of Japan’s industrial and financial centers. Located in the heart of Honshu Island, Nagoya is the country’s fourth most populous city but is often overlooked in favor of the usual Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. The city has a laid-back yet modern vibe, with a unique character that is loved by both foreigners and expatriates.

Inuyama is a small city located north of Nagoya, known for its beautiful wooden castle. The city is also famous for its historic houses and the annual Inuyama Festival.

In case you missed it, I visited Nagoya back in 2016. It was the first stop on my 13-day solo trip around Japan. You can check out my previous post about Nagoya here.

Flights To & From Nagoya

The Philippines’ major carriers, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air, offer daily flights to Nagoya from Manila. My friends and I avoided the peak airport crowds by flying with Cebu Pacific Air to and from Chubu Centrair International Airport in Nagoya.

I have written about these two flights, and I hope you can check them out here: Flight Report: CEBU PACIFIC AIR 5J 5038 – Manila to Nagoya – Perfectly-Timed Low-Cost Flight to Central Japan and Flight Report: CEBU PACIFIC AIR 5J 5039 – Nagoya to Manila – Unexpected Inflight Treats on Our Expensive Flight Back to Manila.

A few years ago, I wrote about how to apply for a Japan tourist visa. Click here to learn more about getting one for yourself.

Kyoto to Nagoya

Kyoto and Nagoya are connected by multiple train and bus routes daily. My friends and I took the most economical option and traveled by highway bus from Kyoto Station to JR Nagoya Station.

We took the Meitetsu Bus, which left Kyoto Station at 1:30 p.m. local time and arrived at JR Nagoya Station at 4:00 p.m. This 2.5-hour bus ride cost us only ¥2,600 each, which was charged as ₱998.16 on my credit card statement. We booked our tickets via the Japan Bus Online website.

Accommodation

My friends initially planned to stay only 3 nights in Nagoya, but the additional local Philippine holiday prompted us to extend our stay by one more night. We stayed at Hotel ACTEL Nagoya Nishiki for all 4 nights.

We stayed in a twin room for the first 3 nights, paying ₱5,423.23 per person, and then in a single room on the last night for ₱1,188.99 per person after all discounts. We enjoyed our stay in the hotel’s beautifully designed, modern, and minimalist rooms.

The hotel is located in the vibrant Sakae area, just a few meters from the subway station and the Oasis 21 landmark. While it does not offer breakfast or meal service, it provides a complimentary beauty and amenity bar, as well as a coffee vending machine.

Going Around Nagoya

Nagoya is connected by a vast transportation system, including buses, local subway lines, and inter-city train services. The city also offers a wide variety of duration-based tourist passes.

My friends and I did not purchase any tourist passes. Instead, we used our IC cards for all transportation during our visit around Nagoya.

Places Visited in Nagoya

Nagoya Castle

Nagoya Castle is one of Japan’s National Treasures. Built during the Edo period, the castle has withstood countless wars, calamities, and developments, and it still stands beautifully in the heart of Nagoya.

Entry to Nagoya Castle grounds costs ¥500 per person. Tickets are bought at the castle grounds entrance.

Nagoya Castle Grounds

The grounds of Nagoya Castle were surrounded by cherry blossom trees in full bloom during our visit. The castle grounds were bustling with visitors on a Saturday afternoon, with some people having picnics under the beautiful Sakura trees.

Meijō Park

Meijō Park is an expansive green space located next to the Nagoya Castle grounds. It featured beautiful floral displays during our visit last year.

Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER

Formerly known as the Nagoya TV Tower, this landmark was the country’s first radio tower. It is now an observatory offering panoramic views of the Sakae area.

Oasis 21

Oasis 21 is another notable landmark in the Sakae area. The building houses shops, restaurants, cafes, and even a bus terminal. Its glass roof structure features water, which is believed to cool down the underground shopping and entertainment area.

Misokatsu Yabaton

My friends and I visited Misokatsu Yabaton restaurant twice to enjoy Nagoya’s famous miso katsu.

The restaurant serves a breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet topped with a rich and sweet miso-based sauce. It is served with a cabbage salad, miso soup, and rice. It is a must-try when in Nagoya.

Inuyama Festival

Our visit to Nagoya coincided with the annual Inuyama Festival. This traditional festival, held in the small city of Inuyama, is known for its three-tiered floats adorned with dancing mechanical puppets that are paraded around the city. The parade is accompanied by traditional drum and flute music, especially during the peak Sakura period.

My friends and I attended the rehearsal festival, which took place the night before the actual event. The festival floats were stunning, particularly at night. It was a fun experience, with mostly locals and a few foreign visitors (like us)!

Overall, our time in Nagoya and Inuyama was an amazing experience. We enjoyed the beautiful sights, like the cherry blossoms at Nagoya Castle, and had a blast at the Inuyama Festival. From exploring the city to trying local food, Nagoya gave us memories we will never forget. It was the perfect way to end our 20-day trip around Japan.

Have you been to Nagoya and Inuyama, or are you planning to visit soon? I would love to hear about your experiences or any questions you might have! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. If you have any further questions or need more details, you can also reach me directly at contact@thewkndtravel.com. I am happy to help with any clarifications or travel tips.

Thanks for joining me in today’s blog post. In case you missed it, my friends and I flew to Japan for 20 days to experience the cherry blossom season from March to April 2024. You can find all posts related to this trip under the Sakura 2024 category. You can also check out our Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kobe, Nara, Himeji, and Kyoto visits.

Before you go, I hope you can like, follow and share my social media pages – Facebook and Instagram. This will help me increase my reach; it will also keep you up-to-date with the latest blog posts, itineraries and flight reports on this website. Thank you and see you next time!

PS. Photos were taken using my OnePlus 9 Pro.

 

Sakura 2024: KYOTO – Unexpected Discoveries in Japan’s Famous Old Capital City [April 2024]

Early last year, my friends and I flew to Japan for about 20 days to chase the cherry blossoms. We started our journey in Takayama and Shirakawa-go, where we were surprised by the snowy weather in what was supposed to be early spring. We then traveled to Osaka for a few days before taking the Shinkansen further south to Hiroshima, where we spent 48 hours exploring history, food, and more sightseeing. We returned to Osaka to drop off our luggage and took day trips to Nara, Kobe, and Himeji. After that, we moved on to the beautiful city of Kyoto.

We spent four full days in Kyoto. Although we had visited the city in the past, this trip was focused on chasing cherry blossoms. We avoided some of the usual sights like Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaku-ji, and instead had unexpected discoveries that made this part of the trip even more fun and memorable. Allow me to share more details about our Kyoto experience below.

I have been to Kyoto several times before – in 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2023. I hope you check out those individual posts as well.

Kyoto

Once the capital of Japan, Kyoto is a large and renowned city on the country’s Honshu Island. It is famous for its beautiful temples, shrines, imperial palaces, gardens, and traditional wooden houses. Along with Tokyo and Osaka, Kyoto is often considered one of the three main destinations for people visiting Japan for the first time.

Flights to Japan

There are no direct flights connecting the Philippines and Kyoto, Japan. Filipinos typically fly into Kansai International Airport in Osaka before heading to Kyoto. My friends and I took the unconventional route, flying in and out of Chubu International Airport in Nagoya.

We flew with the country’s largest low-cost airline, Cebu Pacific Air. I wrote about both our inbound and outbound flights, and I hope you can check them out here: Flight Report: CEBU PACIFIC AIR 5J 5038 – Manila to Nagoya – Perfectly-Timed Low-Cost Flight to Central Japan & Flight Report: CEBU PACIFIC AIR 5J 5039 – Nagoya to Manila – Unexpected Inflight Treats on Our Expensive Flight Back to Manila.

A few years ago, I wrote about how to apply for a Japan tourist visa. Click here to learn more about getting one for yourself.

Osaka to Kyoto

Osaka and Kyoto are linked by several train lines: Shinkansen service, the JR Kyoto Line, the Hankyu Kyoto Line, and the Keihan Main Line. The best train line or route to take will depend on which areas of these cities you are coming from and going to.

I mentioned in previous posts that my friends and I got the JR Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass. However, we ended up not using the pass or the JR Kyoto Line because we found a faster and more convenient route via the local subway, with a transfer to the Hankyu Kyoto Line. We used our IC cards for these train rides.

Accommodation

My friends and I stayed at The Pocket Hotel Kyoto-Karasumagojo for four nights. We booked this hotel for its location and budget-friendly price. We reserved a twin room with a shared bathroom for ₱11,140.14 for two people, and we made our reservation about 9 months in advance.

The Pocket Hotel Kyoto-Karasumagojo is a boutique hotel under the Sotetsu Hotel Management. It is located at 423 Matsuyacho Gojodori Karasuma Higashi Iru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 600-8105 Japan. It is just a 1-minute walk from Exit 1 of Gojo Station on the Karasuma Line of the Kyoto Municipal Subway. The hotel is about a 10- to 15-minute walk from Kyoto’s Shinkyogoku Shopping Street and about a 15- to 20-minute walk to and from Kyoto Station.

The hotel has 121 private rooms and features high-speed Wi-Fi in all rooms, shared bathrooms (on specific floors), a laundry room for guests who need to wash clothes, male and female toilets on each floor, and complimentary daily bath amenities and sleepwear changes. It also has a small lounge area on the ground floor, near the reception. The hotel features self-check-in and check-out facilities and only accepts cashless payments through credit cards and QR codes.

Going Around Kyoto

Kyoto is connected by a vast transportation system, including buses, local subway lines, and inter-city train lines. The city also offers a wide variety of duration-based tourist passes.

My friends and I did not purchase any passes. We used our JR Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass for travel to and from Arashiyama on our first day, and we used our IC cards for the remainder of our stay in Kyoto.

Unexpected Discoveries

We intentionally avoided some popular places like Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, and Nishiki Market. We had already visited quite a few of these popular spots and wanted to explore them at night this time.

ARASHIYAMA

We visited Arashiyama during sunset and witnessed some amazing views from the other side of the Togetsukyo Bridge. We also noticed that there were very few visitors around at that time. Afterward, we stopped by the dimly lit Bamboo Forest before heading back to Kyoto.

HŌKAN-JI TEMPLE

We walked from our hotel to Hōkan-ji Temple to see how the place looked at night. We also stopped by % ARABICA Kyoto Higashiyama for coffee.

NINENZAKA

The famous Ninenzaka looked beautiful at night. It was much less crowded compared to how it is during the daytime.

GION

We walked around Gion on our way back to the city center. The streets were full of people exploring the historic district.

KIYAMACHI-DORI

Kiyamachi-Dori had beautiful cherry blossom trees in full bloom. My friends and I visited this area both during the day and at night to take some photos with the Sakura trees.

PHILOSOPHER’S PATH

The Philosopher’s Path is a scenic route along a cherry blossom tree-lined canal that runs between Ginkaku-ji and the Higashiyama neighborhood.

We visited the path a few days before the expected full bloom and were treated to a stunning sight of the cherry blossom trees in bloom.

NANZEN-JI

Nanzen-ji is a Buddhist temple and serves as the head temple of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism.

KEAGE INCLINE

Keage Incline is a former railway that connects Lake Biwa Canal to the Kamo River. It is now a gently sloping pedestrian path lined with cherry blossom trees.

KYOTO SHINKYOGOKU SHOPPING STREET

Kyoto Shinkyogoku Shopping Street is a pedestrian arcade, or shotengai, offering everything a shopper could want—from clothing stores and artisan boutiques to drugstores, entertainment venues (like karaoke), cafes, and restaurants.

That wraps up our Kyoto adventures from April 2024. From the unexpected cherry blossom trails at Keage Incline to the beautiful Philosopher’s Path, this leg of the journey was full of surprises. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out my previous Kyoto experiences.

My friends and I also visited Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Osaka, Hiroshima, Himeji, Nara, and Kobe during this trip. You can find all posts related to this adventure under the Sakura 2024 category.

Have you been to Kyoto, or are you planning to visit soon? I would love to hear about your experiences or any questions you might have! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. If you have any further questions or need more details, you can also reach me directly at contact@thewkndtravel.com. I am happy to help with any clarifications or travel tips.

Before you go, I hope you can like, follow and share my social media pages – Facebook and Instagram. This will help me expand my reach and keep you updated with the latest blog posts, itineraries, and flight reports on this website. Thank you, and see you next time!

PS. Photos were taken using my OnePlus 9 Pro.

Sakura 2024: HIROSHIMA – 48 Hours Around Japan’s Peace Memorial City [March 2024]

From Osaka, my friends and I took the bullet train to Hiroshima, where we met up with two other friends and explored the Peace Memorial City for 48 hours. We had planned to be in Hiroshima during the forecasted Sakura full bloom period, but to our surprise, the bloom was delayed by a little over a week due to colder-than-usual temperatures.

Despite the delayed Sakura bloom, we still enjoyed the city’s beautiful and vibrant atmosphere. We visited many interesting places, devoured the local okonomiyaki, and even experienced some nature at one of the city’s famous spots, Miyajima Island. Allow me to share the details of our 48-hour visit to Hiroshima below—it was definitely worth the Shinkansen trip!

I had been to Hiroshima back in 2016 when I spent 13 days traveling around Nagoya, the Kansai Region, and Hiroshima. You can check out my 2016 Going Solo in Hiroshima blog post here.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is the most famous city in Hiroshima Prefecture on Japan’s Honshu Island. The city is known for being the site where the first atomic bomb was dropped during World War II. The explosion caused unimaginable destruction to the city’s structures and had devastating effects on its citizens.

Many years later, the city has been rebuilt and modernized. It has educated people around the world about the destructive power of nuclear weapons and their impact on lives and the environment. At the same time, Hiroshima has become a symbol of hope and peace, showing that a city can rebuild itself from scratch after such massive destruction.

Flights to Japan

There are no direct flights between the Philippines and Hiroshima, Japan. The nearest airports are in either Osaka or Fukuoka. My friends and I did not fly in and out of these two airports; instead, we started and ended our Japan journey in Nagoya.

We flew with Cebu Pacific Air to and from Chubu International Airport in Nagoya. I’ve written about our inbound and outbound flights, and I hope you can check them out here: Flight Report: CEBU PACIFIC AIR 5J 5038 – Manila to Nagoya – Perfectly-Timed Low-Cost Flight to Central Japan & Flight Report: CEBU PACIFIC AIR 5J 5039 – Nagoya to Manila – Unexpected Inflight Treats on our Expensive Flight Back to Manila.

A few years ago, I wrote about how to apply for a Japan tourist visa. Click here to learn more about getting one for yourself.

Osaka to Hiroshima

My friends and I purchased the JR Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass specifically for this leg of the trip. The pass costs ¥17,000 per person and includes unlimited rides on the Sanyo Shinkansen (including Nozomi and Mizuho) between Shin-Osaka and Hiroshima. It also covers unlimited use of local, rapid, and limited express JR trains in the coverage area, the JR Ferry to Miyajima, local JR buses around Kyoto and Hiroshima, seat reservations via machines (for the first 6 reservations) and JR offices, and a few local trains to Wakayama and Amanohashidate.

We were already in Osaka prior to this side trip. We took the Nozomi 271 bullet train from Shin-Osaka and arrived in Hiroshima at 8:36 a.m. On the way back, we took the Nozomi 120 bullet train, which left Hiroshima Station at 9:12 a.m. and arrived at Shin-Osaka at 10:37 a.m.

I took an in-depth look at the JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass and evaluated whether it was worth purchasing. I hope you can check out my review of the area pass here.

Accommodation

We stayed in Hiroshima for 2 nights at Santiago Guesthouse Hiroshima. We chose this no-frills hostel because we only needed a comfortable place to sleep after spending most of the day exploring.

I stayed in the mixed dormitory room for 2 nights and paid ₱1,342.09 after discounts. My friends stayed in the twin room for 2 nights and paid ₱5,660.43 (for 2 people) after discounts.

I wrote about our stay at Santiago Guesthouse Hiroshima in one of the Hostel of the Day features. I hope you can check out the feature here.

Going Around Hiroshima

Hiroshima has all the best possible means of transportation. The city is connected by trains, trams, and even local buses.

We used the JR line and ferry to and from Miyajima Island, the JR bus to our accommodation, and our IC cards for tram rides. Alternatively, unlimited tourist day passes are available for purchase, which include train and tram rides.

Places Visited in Hiroshima

ITSUKUSHIMA

Itsukushima, commonly known as Miyajima Island, is a small island in Hiroshima Bay, about an hour away from the city center. The island is a popular day-trip destination from Hiroshima and is famous for its torii gate, which is submerged in water during high tide. This torii gate marks the entrance to Itsukushima Shrine.

The island is home to various temples and forest walking trails, with freely wandering deer and monkeys. It also offers restaurants, artisan shops, and food booths that visitors can explore during their visit.

My friends and I spent a considerable amount of time on the island, walking along paths lined with Sakura trees and enjoying the beautiful views of the shrine.

How to get to Itsukushima from Hiroshima Station:

JR Pass Route: Take the Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station (around 20 minutes for ¥420), then take a short walk to the port. Board the JR Ferry (around 10 minutes for ¥200) to Miyajima Island. This route is recommended and free for all JR Pass holders.

Tram Route: Take Tram Line 2 from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station (around 45 minutes for ¥270), then walk to the port. Board the Matsudai Ferry (around 10 minutes for ¥200) to Miyajima Island.

Direct Ferry Route: Take the direct ferry from Hiroshima Port or Prince Hotel Port directly to Miyajima Island. The ferry trip takes around 30 minutes and costs ¥2,100 per person each way. Please check the schedule and availability, as this route only runs on specific days of the week.

Note: As of October 1, 2023, tourists visiting Itsukushima must pay the Miyajima Visitor Tax of ¥100 per person. This tax can be paid before entering the port terminal.

HIROSHIMA PEACE MEMORIAL MUSEUM

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum showcases what happened to the city during the atomic bomb explosion in August 1945, the effects of the explosion on the city and its people, and many artifacts and belongings left by the victims.

Entry to the museum costs ¥200 per person. This museum is a must-visit when in the city.

HIROSHIMA VICTIMS MEMORIAL CENOTAPH

The memorial cenotaph is an arched tomb dedicated to those who died during the atomic bomb explosion and those who perished due to its aftereffects. Beneath the tomb is a stone chest containing the names of all these victims.

CHILDREN’S PEACE MONUMENT

The Children’s Peace Monument is a symbol of hope that commemorates the death of thousands of children during and after the radiation effects of the atomic bomb. It also features a statue of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who died as a result of the bomb’s radiation effects.

GENBAKU DŌMU / ATOMIC BOMB DOME

The Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome is one of the remaining structures of the former Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, which was damaged when the bomb exploded in August 1945. The dome is part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

SHUKKEIEN GARDEN

Shukkeien Garden is a historic Japanese landscape garden located in the heart of Hiroshima City. The garden features scenic ponds, beautiful tea houses, pavilions, and a rainbow bridge.

Entry to the garden costs ¥260 per person.

OKONOMIMURA / OKONOMIYAKI VILLAGE

Hiroshima is famous for okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) to the point where there is a building filled with okonomiyaki restaurants. My friends and I visited Okonomimura and had a really good lunch at one of the restaurants there. Apologies, but I forgot the name of the restaurant where we ate.

HONDORI SHOPPING ARCADE

This is Hiroshima’s pedestrian arcade street, shotengai. It has everything a shopper needs and wants, from clothing stores and artisan and trendy shops to drugstores, entertainment venues (like karaoke), cafes, and restaurants.

In just 48 hours, Hiroshima captivated us with its history, beauty, and peaceful atmosphere. Despite the delayed Sakura bloom, we made the most of our time, exploring its landmarks, gardens, and vibrant culture. Hiroshima is a city of resilience and hope, offering something for every traveler. I cannot wait to visit again!

Have you been to Hiroshima, or are you planning to visit soon? I would love to hear about your experiences or any questions you might have! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. If you have any further questions or need more details, you can also reach me directly at contact@thewkndtravel.com. I am happy to help with any clarifications or travel tips.

Thanks for joining me in today’s Hiroshima blog post. In case you missed it, my friends and I flew to Japan for 20 days to experience the cherry blossom season from March to April 2024. You can find all posts related to this trip under the Sakura 2024 category. You can also check out our Takayama, Shirakawa-go and Osaka visits.

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PS. Photos were taken using my OnePlus 9 Pro.