Japanese Manga Charm, a Full Surprise from the Neon Country! My Ten-Day Dream Journey

Japan Travel Guide For my first trip abroad, I chose Japan, a country I have longed to visit. I was looking forward to experiencing the manga-like atmosphere, and the actual trip did not disappoint. Preparation: Before departure, I prepared cash in Japanese yen, exchanging 5000 RMB per person. Additionally, I applied for a Visa credit card and linked it with my China Merchants Bank account to WeChat and Alipay, which offered the most cost-effective payment method. To ensure easy internet access, I purchased a data SIM card on Taobao, which is very convenient in Japan. For ease of travel, I also got an ICOCA transportation card, which allowed me to use subways and buses effortlessly in Osaka and other regions of Japan. Itinerary: My plan for Japan was: 4 days in Osaka + 2 days in Kyoto + 4 days in Tokyo, totaling ten days and nine nights. We chose to depart at the end of May when the weather is very pleasant, slightly cooler than in China, perfect for sightseeing and shopping. Although it rains often in Japan, it's usually just a brief shower that doesn't affect our plans. Always carry an umbrella just in case. Osaka: We started our journey in Osaka, a city with bustling shopping districts and an abundance of delicious food. I recommend staying in the city center of Osaka for convenience in travel and shopping. Daimaru Department Store, Takashimaya, and Umeda Hankyu near Shinsaibashi are great places for shopping. Foreign tourists can enjoy a 5% discount and tax refund by presenting their passports, and with the current exchange rate, shopping is very cost-effective. Of course, Universal Studios Osaka is a must-visit, especially the globally exclusive Mario Park parade float show, which is utterly immersive. In Osaka, you can also try local delicacies such as grilled meat, sushi, ramen, etc., which will surely satisfy your taste buds. Kyoto: Leaving Osaka, we headed to the historic city of Kyoto. Here, I suggest visiting Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu-dera, Kamogawa, and Shijo Kawaramachi. The beauty of Arashiyama is enchanting, with blue skies, bamboo groves, and moss-covered paths that make you feel as if you're in a fairyland. Kamogawa is a great place to relax; sitting by the river in the evening and watching passersby feels like being in a manga. Kyoto also has many temples and shrines where you can experience the rich traditional Japanese culture. Tokyo: Finally, we arrived in bustling Tokyo. Harajuku, Shibuya, Omotesando, Shinjuku, Ginza, and Daikanyama are must-visit spots. Tokyo's commercial scale is breathtaking, with each shopping district being vast, and you won't get tired of exploring all day. Ginza is a beautiful and convenient shopping district and my preferred place to stay. Of course, you should also try local foods in Tokyo, such as sushi, grilled meat, ramen, tempura, etc. Additionally, there are many attractions worth visiting, such as Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo Tower, and more. Returning home, I was filled with memories and satisfaction. Although this was my first visit to Japan and it was a solo trip, some time was spent on transportation, and I missed some sights I wanted to see, this trip made me look forward to my next visit to Japan even more. The charm and culture of Japan left a deep impression on me, and whether it was shopping, food, or natural scenery, it was unforgettable.