Osaka and Kyoto

[MisterLim001]

Hi, I am thinking of going to Osaka and Kyoto on my own to visit the castles, temples etc on my own. is it easy to travel the subway/bus on my own? cheaper too to go on my own?

or is it better to go via tour?

 

[Adenovirus]

go alone. its damn easy to use their transportation system especially with the aid of google maps

 

[kevinleong]

Just came back last week. Looking at their MRT map will blur becuz too many lines but their station staff are very helpful. All you need to do is ask.

 

[cpuer]

Hi, I am thinking of going to Osaka and Kyoto on my own to visit the castles, temples etc on my own. is it easy to travel the subway/bus on my own? cheaper too to go on my own?

or is it better to go via tour?

If you enjoy solitude, going alone should be fun. Even if you are friendly type, you can check into hostels and make friends with fellow travelers along the way.

If you cannot stand loneliness, maybe joining a tour group can be more fun.

 

[MisterLim001]

Are Japanese in Osaka and Kyoto able to speak in English?

 

[cpuer]

Are Japanese in Osaka and Kyoto able to speak in English?

they studied English in their schools. But when come to speaking, they may have problem. But most of them understand simple written English. So worst case just write your question down and show it to them. Or use Google Translate, it works (most of the time).

 

[MisterLim001]

they studied English in their schools. But when come to speaking, they may have problem. But most of them understand simple written English. So worst case just write your question down and show it to them. Or use Google Translate, it works (most of the time).

thank you. are there any hotels near the airport in Osaka? is taxi fare very expensive over there?

 

[lcpteck]

thank you. are there any hotels near the airport in Osaka? is taxi fare very expensive over there?

I took a 5 minute taxi ride and it costs $10. Taxi damn nice inside, it was a classic crown MK taxi. Paid by credit card also.

I suggest you take the subway and walk. That's what traveling is about anyways, see see look look.

 

[lostasor22]

yes i tink its very easy to use their public transport bah.. i prefered to travel alone, see see look look..

 

[cpuer]

thank you. are there any hotels near the airport in Osaka? is taxi fare very expensive over there?

avoid taxi like a plague there! Taxi is for those that has an emergency or train has stopped service for the night. Or for very short distance. But if you have the cash, then no need to avoid taxi. But like others say, take train lah, challenge your mind and senses a bit.

Osaka KIX is relatively near to their city center. Cheapest ticket from KIX to Namba is 920 yen. For the same trip, taxi will cost you 24000 yen.

http://www.numbeo.com/taxi-fare/city_result.jsp?country=Japan&city=Osaka

 

[MisterLim001]

yes i tink its very easy to use their public transport bah.. i prefered to travel alone, see see look look..

their subway announcements in Japanese only right? what about buses? any signage at bustops so you can know where to alight?

 

[lostasor22]

their subway announcements in Japanese only right? what about buses? any signage at bustops so you can know where to alight?

their subway got those electronic board to tell u which station isit so i didnt had any prob..

for bus asked around.. prob can ask ur hotel/hostel reception which bus to take n which stop to alight (approx duration).. n i use my gps on the bus... haha so didnt haf any prob.. lol

 

[anyhowsaysay]

It is possible to travel alone in Osaka and Kyoto
I will be embarking on my 4th trip to kansai region alone this coming November
I got close to zero Japanese language knowledge

If you are interested, u can take a look at my latest trip review

http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/e...iew]-japan-spring-2014-solo-trip-4667062.html

 

[MisterLim001]

their subway got those electronic board to tell u which station isit so i didnt had any prob..

for bus asked around.. prob can ask ur hotel/hostel reception which bus to take n which stop to alight (approx duration).. n i use my gps on the bus... haha so didnt haf any prob.. lol

GPS, u used local sim card?

 

[James Tang]

thank you. are there any hotels near the airport in Osaka? is taxi fare very expensive over there?

An hour taxi ride in Hakodate costs approx 7000 yen; A trip from Kiyomizudera back to Kyoto station is around 2000 yen with minor jam; a ride from Kyoto Station to Kansai Airport is 30,000 yen (inclusive of tolls)

 

[lmankram7]

Some stations in Osaka doesn't have the English equivalent of the station so you need to ask the officer on the train station booth for help. Subways has an English announcer aside Japanese language.

 

[lostasor22]

GPS, u used local sim card?

i rent their portable wifi..

 

[MisterLim001]

i rent their portable wifi..

rent from where?

 

[cpuer]

rent from where?

Contact bro can
http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/japan-271/bmobile-visitor-14days-prepaid-prepaid-1gb-3830519.html

 

[lostasor22]

Contact bro can
http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/japan-271/bmobile-visitor-14days-prepaid-prepaid-1gb-3830519.html

yup here better, unless the dates u wan booked liao, den go online order..