Japan 2024 Trip: From Fukuoka to Osaka

Here is the summary of our 2024 Japan trip in one post.  We spent 12 days 11 nights in total in Japan for this trip.  We mostly stayed in Kyushu Island as well as Osaka and some Hyogo prefecture.  I will conclude them in day-by-day itinerary below.  Then, if you require more information, you can click on each link that will take you to a blog where more information is given.  Hope it is something that you are after.  Enjoy reading, pals...

By the way, our trip was pretty laid back and no rush because we went with my parents who are in their 70's and one teenager also one toddler.  What a great combination of ages!!  Therefore, I needed to find something in the middle and tried to please everyone.  So, here is our 11 days trip that maybe only doing half of the other people would normally do.  Still, happy reading all...

Day 1: Just arrived in Yufuin then had a beef sukiyaki dinner in Yawaragi No Sato Yadoya Ryokan

Day 2: Whole day spent in Yufuin town

Day 3: Visited Hell Valley and stayed in Beppu for 2 nights

Day 4: Went to see Japanese macaques at Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden

Day 5: Ate at Ichiran ramen and snacks food at Yatai stalls as we stayed in Fukuoka for 4 nights

Day 6: Visited Dazaifu and Anpanman Children's Museum

Day 7: Spent time in Nagasaki and Yatai for second round

Day 8: Paid our respect at Nanzoin Temple

Day 9: From Fukuoka to Osaka and had an okonomiyaki dinner in Dotonburi 

Day 10: Strolled around Kyoto

Day 11: Brief stopped in Himeji and enjoyed teppanyaki Kobe beef at Steakland restaurant

Day 12: Universal Studio Japan and flew back home

From Hakata International Airport to Yufuin by bus

Part 1: Click here

Room in Yawaragi-No-Sato Yadoya

Part 2: Click here

Japanese hot pot "Sukiyaki" of the beef and raw egg "Ranou"

Part 3: Click here

Breakfast room in the ryokan

Part 4: Click here

Owl's Forest

Part 5: Click here

Onsen in Yawaragi-No-Sato Yadoya Ryokan

Part 6: Click here

Steam cooking at Jigokumushi Kobo

Part 7: click here

Nishitetsu Resort Inn, Beppu

Part 8: click here

Takasakiyama Monkey Park, Oita

Part 9: click here

Sushi from Kura sushi

Part 10: click here

Hotel Wing International Hakata

Part 11: click here

Ichiran ramen

Part 12: click here

Dazaifu Tenmangu

Part 13: click here

Fukuoka Anpanman Children's Museum

Part 14: click here

Nakasu Yatai Food Stalls

Part 15: click here

Meganebashi Bridge

Part 16: click here

Nanzoin Temple

Part 17: click here

JR Hakata Station

Part 18: click here

On the way to Osaka

Part 19: click here

Dotonbori

Part 20: click here

Shoyu ramen from Kadoya Shokudo

Part 21: click here

Old town Kyoto

Part 22: click here

Himeji Castle

Part 23: click here

Teppanyaki at Steakland Restaurant

Part 24: click here

Strawberry pancake sandwich from Mario cafe

Part 25: click here

Airport transfer booked through Klook

Part 26: click here

Thank you all for reading and Octie Appetie...

Japan 2024 Trip Part 26: Airport Transfer Was Booked Through Klook

Previously:

Japan 2024 Trip Part 25: Universal Studio Japan

I'd never booked an airport transfer through Klook before. I was feeling very sceptical about doing this reservation at first especially when we need to make payment in advance and I have no phone number to be contacted too.  But the price was cheaper, way cheaper than catching a taxi.  With that many suitcases, it would be impossible for us to take any public transports.  

Turned out that, it was one of the great and satisfying experiences we had.  Not long after my booking was confirmed, I received a text message through my WhatsApp from the driver to double confirm with the time and date of appointment.  Then on the day, the lady came right on time, even around 10 minutes before scheduled time.  And helped us carry our luggage and organised them in the car and later took them out again once we arrived airport.  It costs us A$146 for this airport transfer from Best Western Hotel to Kansai International Airport.  I think it is pretty reasonable price and excellent service as well.

  

We had a few more hours before departure, so we had our dinner first.  We grabbed some comforting noodle dishes from Japanese Food Hall.  

Beef udon with mentaiko and raw egg yolk 1400yen

Beef udon

Beef soba 950yen

These two dishes were from the next-door shop, I didn't know what my husband ordered.  I believe was something like grilled beef with some sort of spicy sauce.  They both were so yummm. 

Right opposite our gate, there is this convenient store selling varieties of Japanese wine and sake.  I was very tempted to buy them, actually I was holding two bottles already and about to pay then I noticed there is this reminder for passenger who has lay over in another airport/country to check with the alcohol regulation in that country.  Of course, I can't lah!!  We flew from Osaka to Sydney with Singapore Airline, so we need to lay over in Singapore first.  And my check in baggage were going straight to Sydney and undoable to put them on my hand luggage.  What a shame...  They have all the interesting-looking wine like cherry blossom flavour or Mount Fuji shaped bottle and plenty more.  

Singapore sling on Singapore Airline

Thank you everyone for being part of our Japan trip blogs.  Hope my posts could give you readers some interesting ideas of what to do/eat/visit around Kyushu Island and Kansai Region as well as provide useful information about addresses, transportations and prices.  If you have any questions or help with your future trip there, drop your question in the comment box below and I surely will try to help as much as I could.  Otherwise, happy reading and Octie Appetie....

Japan 2024 Trip Part 25: Universal Studio Japan

Previously:

Japan 2024 Trip Part 24: Kobe Beef From Steakland Kobe-Kan Restaurant

Last day in Osaka before flying back to Sydney at night, we maximised our time to have some fun at Universal Studio Japan before going back to reality.  I had to take my parent to the airport as they left earlier that day.  And I was actually worried that if we got to USJ too late, we won't get that area timed entry for Nintendo World access.  So, for breakfast we grabbed something quick and easy, just a melon pan bread and a bottle of cold coffee, these will do for now. 

For our entry ticket, we bought it from Klook website.  However, we were a little too late when we purchased our pass, because there was this package in Klook where you can get entry pass plus timed entry e-ticket to Nintendo World to secure and guarantee your entry to the new Super Mario World but they were gone very quick.  It was nearly two months in advance when we bought our tickets though.   

Without that timed entry e-ticket, we have to be in the theme park early so we could retrieve an area timed entry ticket on time.  Because you need to scan your pass first then download their apps to be able to get a time slot for that area timed entry.  Unfortunately, it was nearly 11am when we arrived and as soon as we were there, I immediately downloaded the apps to acquire that special entry for Nintendo World.  My heart was dropped when I saw the time given.  They gave us entry at 5:50. Damn!!!!!  We booked our airport transfer to come and pick us up at the hotel at 6pm.  We were contemplating to postpone the pickup until like 7pm or so.  But then Nintendo World is located in a very far far away from the main gate.  It's like the other end of the world.  Although it will take less than half an hour train journey back to our hotel from USJ, but it will at least take easily another half an hour from Super Mario World walking back to the train station.  By that mean, we only have like 10 minutes to explore that amazing world.  Oh man!!!  I don't think so.   

After lots of thinking and blaming and disappointing, we decided to give it a miss.  I vowed myself that I will make it to Nintendo World next time we're here.  And I guarantee, I won't do it on the same day as flying out day.  With that, we can have a whole full day exploring the park and we won't miss anything no more.

Actually, there is another way to secure your entry to Nintendo World is by purchasing their express pass.  But the cost is more expensive than entry ticket and my daughter won't be using it to fullest as so many rides that she still doesn't meet the height requirement.  If you use that express pass, then it is definitely worth to buy.

SING cocoa churritos 350yen

Limited edition Mario cart popcorn bucket 5,300yen

Butterbeer (non-alcoholic) 700yen

It was a surprisingly amazing drink.  It was sweet and caramelly with creamy foam on top.  It looks like ordinary beer and the texture is pretty much similar, but this drink has zero alcohol content in it.  It made from butterscotch, sugar and water.  They come in both cold and hot version.  You can also get them served in a beer stein to take home as a souvenir.  I totally recommend trying this drink while you're here.

For lunch, although at that time was around 2:30pm which is passed the peak hour already, most of restaurants were still packed with people.  We obviously picked the one with the least queue.  I mean the theme food here in USJ, they all look very cute and appealing.  So, it won't make much difference, I can try anything.  

Minion curry for kids 1,100yen

Minion fried chicken meal 2,100yen

Overall, the food in Happiness Cafe was pretty decent with restaurant quality standard and they tasted wonderful and flavoursome.  The food came as a set with some salad and soup while for the kid meal set, it also comes with a cup of sweet pudding.  

 

Fluffy's fromage and strawberry mousse 950yen

Now comes down to the highlight, Mario's and Luigi's cap pancake sandwich.  Do you know how long did I queue to get these goodies?   Nearly 40 minutes.  Yes, 40 minutes until I can get to enjoy these phenomena.  Look at the looooooooooooong line there!!  I endured.. To satisfy my craving. 

Luigi's cap grape no bake cheesecake and Mario's cap strawberry shortcake 800yen each

Yuhuu!!!  Finally, the aforesaid are on my hands.  There are a few mushroom-like table inside the shop to be used for taking pictures only, we are not allowed to eat in.  I really can't wait to try them.  Their pancake is rather thin but soft.  For the strawberry shortcake, fresh whipped cream, strawberry jam and fresh strawberry are sandwiched in between those red pancakes.  While the green Luigi's, it comes with some cream cheese and fresh muscat grapes.  They were equally good, but I slightly prefer the Luigi's one as it is more tang and richer.  On the other hand, Mario's cap is going to one direction only which is sweetness especially with that extra jam in the middle.  

Sayonara USJ, till we meet again

Stay tuned for the last blog about Japan from this trip:

Japan 2024 Trip Part 26: Airport Transfer Was Booked Through Klook