With past trips to Japan in the summer, fall and winter seasons, Misterpiggy returns to Japan in the springtime to see the cherry blossoms. He has only been to Tokyo and the surrounding areas in the past, so this will be his first visit to the Kansai region.
Flying into Osaka via Chicago and Tokyo, he'll spend 13 nights at the Swissotel Nankai hotel in the Namba district. Places to see in Osaka include the Osaka Castle, the Bay area, DenDen town. Daytrips to Kyoto, Nara and Kobe are planned.
Tentative schedule
Mon 04/01 Day 0: Flights via Chicago and Tokyo.
Tue 04/02 Day 1: Arrive in Osaka.
*Wed 04/03 Day 2: Kyoto - Ginkakuji, Philosopher's Path, Nanzenji Temple, Heian Shrine, Gion, Kawaramachi, Nishiki Market
*Thu 04/04 Day 3: Kyoto - Fushimi-Inari, Tofukuji, Higashiyama, Kiyomizu, Gion
*Fri 04/05 Day 4: Osaka - Namba, Osaka Castle, DenDentown
Sat 04/06 Day 5: Osaka - Tsutenkaku, Shinsekai, JanJan Yokocho, Tennoji Park
Sun 04/07 Day 6: Osaka - Minato-Machi, Horie, America Mura, Dotonbori
Mon 04/08 Day 7: Kyoto - Arashiyama, Ryoanji, Kinkakuji, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kyoto station
Tue 04/09 Day 8: Osaka - Bay area and Aquarium
Wed 04/10 Day 9: Kobe day trip
Thu 04/11 Day 10: Nara day trip
Fri 04/12 Day 11: Osaka - tenjimbasisuji shopping day
Sat 04/13 Day 12: Osaka - Kita, Shin-umeda city, floating garden
Sun 04/14 Day 13: Namba Parks - shopping
Mon 04/15 Day 14: Departure
*updated on Mar 28 to move up Kyoto cherry blossom viewing.
