I love Osaka. Probably a bit too much.

But after returning for the third time, I wanted to ditch the city and discover new things. Hence, I headed to the outskirt of the city (well, I were not all that willing to leave the conveniences associated with a city behind) to Minoo Park.

Minoo Park is less than an hour away from Osaka city, but it felt like a different world altogether. I knew we wanted to do a little hiking, but were not really keen on switching my sneakers to hiking boots. In Minoo Park, I didn't have too.

The trail is paved, and the hike was easy. I walked at a leisurely pace, and made it to the "peak" where the waterfall is in less than 1 hour. The hike down was obviously easier. There were elderly people, family with small children and people in wheelchairs hiking along when I was there.

I must say that the view that at the waterfall was not something to die for, but the hike itself was pleasant. There were big trees everywhere, giving the much needed shades, and the sounds of the river flowing was very soothing. The air was fresher, cleaner and understandably I was revitalized before heading back to the hustle and bustle of the city!

Tofugu published a great article on where to travel in Japan for your first trip. In a span of one to two weeks, the writer recommended compulsory places concentrated in Tokyo, Kyoto and Nara.

While we agree with those, we do not entirely agree with the whole itinerary. We feel that Osaka is greatly neglected (it is the Kitchen of Japan - how can you not go there?), and Hiroshima should be on the list (chances are most, if not all, of you knew about this city. Atomic bomb, anyone?). Nara could be shortened to a day-long temple-hopping and the trip to Koya-san is unnecessary for a virgin trip to Japan.

Anyway, that's just us - how about you?
Where would you go for your maiden travel in the Land of the Rising Sun?

Who haven't heard of the wonderfully cost-saving Japan Rail Pass?
To test it out, we got ourselves one, and attempted to take as many train rides as we could n 7 days.
Here's how it turned out:
Day 1: Airport - Osaka - around Osaka 
57 km
1,190 yen
Day 2: Osaka - Hiroshima - Miyajima - Hiroshima
345.4 km + 21.8 km + 21.8 km
10, 230 yen + 410 yen + 410 yen
Japan Rail Pass can also be used for the ferry passage from Miyajimaguchi to Miyajima Island
Day 3: Hiroshima - Hakata - Nagasaki - Hakata - Hiroshima 
434.6 km + 434.6 km
12, 990 yen + 12, 990 yen
Day 4: Hiroshima - Okayama - Nagoya - Takayama
694.9 km
16, 880 yen
Day 5: Takayama & Shirakawago (no train travel taken)
Day 6: Takayama - Nagoya - Kyoto - Osaka
314.3 km + 42.8 km
8, 620 yen + 1, 730 yen
Day 7: Osaka - Airport
57 km
1,190 yen
Total distance: 2,424.2 km
Total travel time: 6 days (1 day train-free)
Total individual fares: 66, 640 yen 
Total rail pass cost: 29, 110 yen
Train fares SAVINGS: 37, 350 yen

The Verdict:
Looks like the hearsay is true after all! Our itinerary saved us more than what we spent on the pass itself, even though we skip taking train for one day. It indeed has allowed us to discover and explore many sights, sounds, smells and even tastes!
How about you - where would you go? Let us help!

So you've heard about the running obsession in Japan. You've also noticed that it seems like there are full marathon events - on varied scale - held almost every other week in the country. It gets your running feet itchy, and at one point, you start to ask yourself if you should run one. 

In Japan.

We ran two marathons in Japan last year (back-to-back, 7 days apart), will run another one soon and are already planning for next year's entry, so here are our takes that hopefully will help you decide:

1. Generally easy, flat route
2. Very efficient, systematic and always willing-to-assist organizer
3. Super supportive crowd!
4. Mild weather (most marathons are in spring and autumn). This will help towards your goal of a personal best time!
5. A great way to get an orientation of the city. Mark areas that caught your fancy and return later during your recovery walks.
6. (Because really, we cannot stop at just five!)
Most marathons in Japan have food stations, where local delicacies are served. Isn't it a great way to sample the local specialty? 

Tempted, but not quite persuaded? Let us entice you with a little tip.

Big scale marathons such as Osaka, Tokyo and Kobe get all the hypes, but we found running a small town marathon is just as, if not more, exciting. The view along the route will include local highlights such as paddy fields, farms, rolling hills, sea side, etc. The residents take a break for the day and perch their picnic chairs along the route to cheer you on. Everyone seems sincerely want you to "ganbare" (do your best)!