Here’s a snapshot of our Kyoto-Osaka itinerary for those who are keen to follow our trip. The details as they say, is just noise against the backdrop of beauty that is Japan.
Planned to do:
Day 1; arrive osaka in the morning, (that means sleep in plane) and take Japan Rail (JR) to Kyoto to enjoy their many traditional (read: lok kok) Ryokan (hot spring hotels). dump luggage, visit the Kyoto City Zoo next door and then return back to hotel for a hot spring bath and omakase luxurious dinner.
What really happened:
Day 1; arrive osaka in the morning, and we were slightly tired from the lack of proper rest. We went to Tak-Q-Bin to get our luggage sent to our airbnb in osaka, while we repacked a smaller luggage for Kyoto. Then we went to the JR office to buy the “Haruka Ltd Express Ticket” to Kyoto and also bought a ticket to sit the romantic train (Sagano Scenic Railway)..
On Hindsight:
They tell you to buy the scenic train ticket early because it is firstly a small train and everyone wants a piece of the action. So demand is always greater than supply. Don’t ask me how we can get that supply online, but I guess it does make sense if you compare it to buying on the spot at the station. Likely there is not going to be many tickets leftover.
I will explain more when I have time. Check back later!