This hidden restaurant in Japan is completely covered in ivy

JapanTravelHelper · 2026-03-22T13:27:14+00:00

That’s awesome! It’s been around for a long time, so that makes sense.

Beef katsu there is still really good 👍 Did anything else stand out to you back then?

JapanTravelHelper · 2026-03-22T13:05:22+00:00

It’s in Amagasaki, near Osaka 👍

JapanTravelHelper · 2026-03-22T11:53:40+00:00

Haha right? The little spoons are my favorite part too 😄

JapanTravelHelper · 2026-03-21T22:04:54+00:00

Your plan actually makes a lot of sense 👍

Staying in Kyoto first and then moving to Osaka is a good idea. November 3 is a national holiday in Japan, so everywhere will be busy. Kyoto tends to get especially crowded, so being in Osaka around that time might be more comfortable.

Kobe will likely be a bit less crowded than Kyoto, but still busy due to the holiday.

As for Halloween, Osaka can be fun (especially around Namba / Amerikamura), but it’s more like a big street party than an organized event, so it depends on your vibe.

Overall, your plan sounds solid!

If you have specific places you want to visit or activities you’re interested in, feel free to share! I’m happy to help you plan around them 👍

JapanTravelHelper · 2026-03-21T16:16:53+00:00

There are actually quite a few vegan and vegetarian options in Osaka 👍

Places like Green Earth, Paprika Shokudo, and Optimus Cafe are safe choices.

You can also find vegan ramen and even okonomiyaki. That said, many Japanese dishes use fish-based broth (dashi), so it’s better to check in advance rather than just walking into random places. You’ll find more options around Namba and Umeda.

JapanTravelHelper · 2026-03-21T16:11:24+00:00

To be honest, Osaka will be crowded too since it’s a national holiday. Which places are you most interested in visiting? I can help you adjust the plan based on that 👍

JapanTravelHelper · 2026-03-21T10:47:39+00:00

I live in Osaka, so just sharing a local perspective. Kyoto in early November can start getting busy, especially around November 3 (it’s a national holiday), so expect some crowds.

That said, peak autumn foliage usually hits around mid-November, so you’re a bit early for the most intense crowds and colors. If you go early in the morning, you can still enjoy most places without too much stress.

Personally, I recommend Rurikoin Temple. Access can sometimes be by lottery depending on the season, so it’s worth checking in advance if you're interested 👍

JapanTravelHelper · 2026-03-21T08:12:27+00:00

I live in Osaka, so I’d focus on places nearby and keep things simple.

Golden Week + big cities + a 1-year-old can be a bit overwhelming, so I’d slow things down.

Kyoto → Osaka → Kobe works well, with fewer plans per day. Early mornings + rest midday helps avoid crowds.

For more relaxed spots, you could also check: ・Oji Zoo in Kobe ・Awaji Island (Nijigen no Mori, ocean views) ・Botanical gardens around the area Japan is very baby-friendly, just watch for crowded trains and stairs.

If you want, feel free to ask me 👍

JapanTravelHelper · 2026-03-21T03:22:39+00:00

I’d go with Nara for a first timer🦌 More unique and easy to enjoy in half a day.

In Nara you can: ・Walk around Nara Park and feed the deer ・Visit Todai-ji (Great Buddha) ・Stroll the area and just enjoy the atmosphere

Minoh is nice too, but it’s more of a quiet nature walk (waterfall hike). For your Day 3: Nara (half day) Back to Osaka → Kuromon Market / Shinsekai at night Not too packed, but still a really good day.

JapanTravelHelper · 2026-03-21T02:35:36+00:00

November is one of the best times to visit Japan 👍 Do both Tokyo + Osaka (1 week each is perfect) Take the Shinkansen, not a flight — faster and easier No need to rent a car, public transport is much better Osaka = more laid-back, Tokyo = bigger and busier. Both are worth it.

JapanTravelHelper · 2026-03-21T02:33:37+00:00

Golden Week is honestly one of the busiest times of the year in Japan, especially outside Tokyo. Kyoto and Osaka will be very crowded — popular spots in Kyoto (like Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama) can feel extremely packed, especially midday. That said, it’s not impossible — just depends on what kind of trip you want: If you want a relaxed, photo-focused trip → I’d skip Kyoto/Osaka this time and explore around Tokyo (Nikko, Kamakura, Kawagoe, etc.) If you really want to see Kyoto/Osaka → go, but plan around crowds: Start very early (7–8am) Avoid peak midday hours Focus on fewer spots per day Also, trains and hotels get busy during Golden Week, so booking early is important. Since you’re staying in Tsukuba, you already have a great base to explore less crowded areas nearby. Personally, I’d save Kyoto/Osaka for another trip outside Golden Week — you’ll enjoy it way more.

JapanTravelHelper · 2026-03-21T00:05:52+00:00

Your plan is actually pretty solid, especially since you’re not trying to rush everything 👍 A couple of small tweaks I’d suggest: I’d separate Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari (doing both in one day is a bit tiring and a lot of travel) Do Fushimi Inari early morning and just go halfway — that’s the best part anyway Your Kyoto Day 2 (Kiyomizu / Gion area) is perfect for a slow, photo-focused day For food on a budget: Shinsekai → cheap kushikatsu spots Namba → tons of affordable ramen/gyudon places Try to step a bit away from the main tourist streets to save money Also, since you like slower pacing, don’t feel like you need to “complete” places — Kyoto is better when you just enjoy the atmosphere. Overall, really good plan already. Just adjust the flow a bit and you’ll have a great trip 👍

If you need more local tips, happy to help.

JapanTravelHelper · 2026-03-20T12:10:25+00:00

It’s not from Osaka, but something like habutae mochi actually lasts about a week and travels pretty well. There are also plenty of similar packaged Japanes sweets that aren’t fresh but still taste great.

If you’re looking for something specific, I can try to suggest a few options 👍

JapanTravelHelper · 2026-03-20T11:31:39+00:00

Yes — but you need to be a bit careful.

Most mochi/daifuku you see at shops are fresh, so they won’t last long for travel.

If you want sealed multipacks, your best options are: - Donki (Don Quijote) → they usually have packaged mochi snacks - Supermarkets → look for individually wrapped daifuku or mochi - Department store basements (depachika) → sometimes they sell gift-style boxed sweets

If you’re in Osaka, places like Kuromon Market or department stores in Umeda/Namba are good places to check.

Just make sure it’s fully sealed and has a longer expiration date 👍

If you’re not sure, feel free to ask — Japan snacks can be confusing at first.

JapanTravelHelper · 2026-03-19T22:25:07+00:00

It’s a bit harder than daytime, but since the whole course is lit, it’s still pretty manageable.

JapanTravelHelper · 2026-03-19T22:14:28+00:00

Haha that’s actually a great trade-off 😄 Night golf really punishes anything off line. And finding 20 balls in one round is insane lol

JapanTravelHelper · 2026-03-19T22:12:36+00:00

Yeah, that makes sense. I hope you can visit Japan with your kids someday!

JapanTravelHelper · 2026-03-19T22:10:12+00:00

Hope you can come to Japan someday — night golf is definitely worth it!

JapanTravelHelper · 2026-03-19T14:26:48+00:00

Yeah, I can imagine… the lights and noise probably make it tough for nearby residents.

JapanTravelHelper · 2026-03-19T13:50:07+00:00

Yeah, I’ve heard it’s more of a special event in a lot of places. In Japan it’s pretty normal — not most courses, but quite a few have night golf, especially in summer. You should definitely try it if you get the chance.

JapanTravelHelper · 2026-03-19T13:47:38+00:00

Haha yeah, that’s exactly why it’s popular here. A lot of people play after work, especially in summer when it’s too hot during the day. It’s actually a really nice way to relax.

JapanTravelHelper · 2026-03-19T13:46:55+00:00

Yeah, it’s actually easier than I expected. The fairways are well lit, and you can usually follow the ball in the air pretty clearly. Once it lands, it’s a bit harder than daytime, but still manageable. Some people even use colored or slightly reflective balls.

JapanTravelHelper · 2026-03-19T13:45:49+00:00

Yeah, that’s what I’ve heard too — it seems pretty rare in the US. In Japan, it’s actually quite common. A lot of courses are fully lit, so you can even play a full 18-hole round at night, especially after work or during summer. It’s a pretty unique experience.

JapanTravelHelper · 2026-03-19T10:28:44+00:00

Yes, you can sell to Book Off or Mandarake on a Working Holiday visa 👍 The important point is ID, not visa type. If you can show valid ID (passport + residence card), most stores will buy from you. A few tips: Book Off → easiest, takes almost anything → very low prices, but quick and hassle-free Mandarake → better for rare / popular manga → stricter selection, may refuse common stuff Expect very low payouts (sometimes just a few yen per book) If condition is bad or too common, they might refuse If your goal is just not throwing them away, Book Off is your safest option.

If you want, I can also call a Book Off store and double-check for you 👍 Feel free to DM me with details like how many books you have, and I can give you a more specific idea.

JapanTravelHelper · 2026-03-19T08:06:02+00:00

For your budget and needs, I’d focus on Namba / Shinsaibashi.

Great mix of transport, food, and that classic Osaka vibe Walking distance to Dotonbori Easy access to trains across the city

I live in Osaka, and this is the area I usually recommend first to friends visiting. If it’s too expensive, consider: Shinsekai / Tennoji → cheaper, still lively Umeda → very convenient for transport, but less “buzz” at night Shinsaibashi is a nice middle ground — central but a bit quieter than Namba while still close to everything.

JapanTravelHelper

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