Japan has always been on my bucket list since I was young. Last month I was finally able to mark that off my bucket list as I flew to Osaka and Kyoto with my friends for a week, and that was truly an unforgettable one!
To be honest, most of our activities in Osaka and Kyoto were pre-booked via KLOOK website and it was the best decision ever as it has helped us to save so much time and hassle during the trip. If we did not book via KLOOK app we will have to go earlier to queue up and buy the ticket on the day itself. Furthermore, it was really convenient as we did not need to print the tickets, we just showed the QR code at the entrance and we were good to go!
Here are some of our favourite destinations and activities – that we have thoroughly enjoyed during the trip – and which we think they shouldn’t be missed by any first-time visitors!
#1 Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan is well worth a day if you are in Osaka. It is very easy to access from the city, and it has so many activities for you to enjoy the day. If you are a Harry Potter fan, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will definitely be your favourite area in the Universal Studios Japan. Here, you can shop for wands at Ollivanders, jokes at Zonko’s and sweets at Honeydukes and have a pint of butterbeer in the Hog’s Head or Three Broomsticks.
On the other side, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is also our favourite area as the colourful Minion Park is perfect for adults and kids! You may also enjoy another immersive 3D simulator ride without glasses using a giant dome screen. Some of the rides that you should go for are The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Jurassic Park – The Ride, JAWS, and etc.
*Tip: As the Universal Studios Japan is a very busy park throughout the year, we highly recommend to book your tickets in advance to avoid the long queue at the ticket counter.
#2 Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
For those who have kids, you might need to consider adding this into your trip. We really enjoyed ourselves in the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan as the space is really big so you can actually spend half a day here. Despite the famous whale shark, sea lion, and jellyfish, there is also an area at the end of the route whereby you can try to touch the baby shark and batoidea. We never get a chance to touch these animals in KL so this was a really eye-opening experience for us.
*Tip: Get the e-ticket through the Klook app after you purchase the ticket so you don’t need to print out, just scan the QR code for entry. How easy and convenient!
#3 One Day Kimono Rental
Since we are visiting Japan for the first time, so we think of trying to wear traditional Japanese wear – Yukata. We searched high and low online and finally found out Klook website is actually having One Day Kimono Rental experience so we also book it via KLOOK. For ladies, we recommend getting the Kimono Rental + Hair Design package so you don’t have to worry about your hair when you wear the kimono.
On the day, we used the e-ticket to register ourselves and they directly bring us to the area to choose the colour and design that we want. There are so many different colours and patterns for you to choose from, do remember to think of it before you go so you can save more time! After choosing our kimono, we then head to change our clothes and the lady staffs will be there to help you to wear the kimono correctly. Last but not least, we went to another floor up to do our hair design. There are photos for you to be a reference so you don’t have to think of what hairdo you want in advance!
*Tip: Choose a brighter colour kimono as you will stand out more when you take pictures!
#4 Guenpin Fugu Restaurant
Believe us when we say you must try this Guenpin Fugu Restaurant! It is one of the restaurants in Japan that serves Tiger Pufferfish, which is one of the 22 kinds of pufferfish that are permitted for consumption by law in Japan. If you didn’t know, the pufferfish is notorious for the highly toxic poison – tetrodotoxin, which is in its organs.
We booked ourselves the 8-course Tenraku Set + Reservation, and it was one of the best meal we had in Japan. The course allows us to try the Tiger Pufferfish skin, sashimi, meat, hotpot and etc. We will write a full review on this, so stay tuned!
*Tip: For those who can’t speak Japanese, you can pre-book yourself a Pufferfish meal on Klook without worry about anything! Just like any other activities above, use the e-ticket when you arrive at the restaurant!
Lastly, don’t forget to get yourself a 4G Wifi device when you travel abroad. This is our first time getting a 4G Wifi device from Klook website and we must say we save a lot as it can connect up to 5 devices at the same time so you can share it with your friends and families. Most importantly, wifi is very stable throughout the trip! On the other side, you don’t worry about the battery life as it has 12 hours of battery life. Just book it in advance and pick it up conveniently from KLIA or KLIA 2.
Read also: #PamperMyTravels: Roaming Wild & Free At The Night Safari
