We returned to Japan in 2017 and visited Tokyo, then headed down south to Okayama and Hiroshima, returning via Osaka and Kyoto.
ReadWe travelled from Hiroshima to Osaka and arrived around 3pm. We checked into the Ritz Carlton and spent the afternoon exploring the area.
ReadToday we visited Universal Studios Japan (or USJ as its more popularly known as). We are excited to see the new Harry Potter attractions!
ReadThe Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
ReadA superbly fashionable zone enchanting all females - from young girls to mature women.
ReadAfter Hogwarts we are just in time for the afternoon parade.
ReadUniversal Studios Japan currently has eight sections - Hollywood, New York, San Francisco, Jurassic Park, Waterworld, Amity Village, Universal Wonderland and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
ReadThe Snoopy Studio had a variety of cute mini attractions and lots of opportunities to pose for photos.
ReadUniversal Wonderland is a section aimed at children and families.
ReadUniversal Studios Japan (USJ) was the first theme park under the Universal Studios brand to be built in Asia.
ReadToday we are going to Kyoto and we decided to take the Shinkansen there.
ReadWe returned to Japan in 5-15 March 2018, and started from Osaka, then south to Kyushu visiting Nagasaki, ending with a day trip to Himeji.
ReadThe Dotonbori (道頓堀) area is a popular nightlife and entertainment area with an eccentric atmosphere and large illuminated signboards.
ReadWe attended the LEGO Piece of Peace World Heritage Exhibition at Daimaru. It showcases LEGO models of World Heritage sites and buildings.
ReadDay 1 in Osaka. We walked around the Shinsaibashi area, starting from Midosuji towards Amerikamura, then Europe-dori and the shopping street.
ReadWe visited Namba City, next to Namba Station, and then walked to Namba Parks, another huge shopping centre with an interesting architecture.
ReadNamba Walk is an underground mall that looks like it has seen better days. They have a Hello Kitty spring promotion so we took photos.
ReadToday is a rainy day, which is perfect for travelling from Osaka to Nagasaki. We arrived at 3pm and checked in to the Richmond Hotel.
ReadWe are travelling from Huis Ten Bosch to Osaka. We checked out of the hotel, made our way back to the Huis Ten Bosch station.
ReadWe visited the Umeda Sky Building for dinner, and then afterwards go to the rooftop to experience cityscapes of Osaka at Night.
ReadOn our return back to the station, we couldn't resist stopping by at a Hello Kitty themed cafe called Cafe de Miki.
ReadHimeji Castle (姫路城) is the largest and most visited castle in Japan, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was fully restored in 2015.
ReadKoko-en (好古園) is a Japanese garden next to Himeji Castle. It was constructed in 1992 at the site of the lord's west residence.
ReadHimeji is the second largest city in Hyogo and is famous for Himeji Castle and Kokoen garden. There are many statues on Otemaedori.
ReadOn our last day in Osaka, we wandered around the block from the hotel and ended up in Osaka Station City, a large shopping mall.
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