Osaka First Timer: Our Perfect Final Day 🇯🇵 Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kyo-Train Garaku & Osaka Food

It's our final full day in Japan, and we're making every moment count! We start the morning by taking the train to Arashiyama, one of Kyoto's most scenic and iconic districts. First stop? A coffee break at the famous Arabica Kyoto before heading into the magical Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, where towering bamboo stalks create one of Japan's most photographed landscapes. Along the way, we visit Nonomiya Shrine, a peaceful Shinto shrine hidden within the bamboo grove and known for its heart-shaped ema (wooden prayer plaques) and connections to love and relationships. Next, we stop by the Sagano Scenic Railway Station before exploring the Kimono Forest at Randen Arashiyama Station—a stunning art installation featuring hundreds of illuminated pillars wrapped in traditional Kyoto textile patterns. From there, we board the charming purple Randen Tram and make our way toward central Kyoto. But the highlight of the journey is riding the incredible Kyo-Train Garaku, one of Japan's most unique sightseeing trains. Available only on weekends and holidays, Kyo-Train Garaku features: • Six uniquely designed train cars • Retro-inspired interiors • Window-facing seats perfect for sightseeing • Three onboard Zen gardens • Traditional Kyoto aesthetics throughout the train We were lucky enough to sit directly across one of the beautiful Zen gardens, making the ride feel more like a moving cultural experience than public transportation. Back in Osaka, we explored the shopping streets and finally tried the famous Rikuro's Cheesecake. Watching the cakes being freshly baked was almost as satisfying as eating them! Soft, fluffy, and freshly made, it's easy to see why locals and tourists line up for it. Next up: 551 Horai! We grabbed some of their legendary pork buns and even ate at their restaurant. Safe to say, the hype is deserved. Before wrapping up our Osaka adventure, we stopped by Nanohana, one of the best spots to photograph the famous Glico Running Man sign. Located along the Dotonbori canal, it offers a fantastic elevated view of Osaka's most iconic landmark and is perfect for capturing those classic Osaka travel photos. Since it was our last night, we spent some time browsing the neighborhood grocery stores for souvenirs and snacks to bring home. Travel Tip: Don't pack Japanese pudding in your carry-on luggage. Airport security confiscates it because of its semi-liquid consistency. Trust me, I know. 😅 As if we hadn't eaten enough already, we somehow found room for one last meal at Kura Sushi before calling it a night. The next morning, we boarded our flight back to Manila, bringing our Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Uji adventure to a close. Fun Facts: • The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest has become one of Japan's most iconic photography locations and attracts millions of visitors annually. • Nonomiya Shrine appears in "The Tale of Genji," often considered the world's first novel. • Kyo-Train Garaku was designed to showcase Kyoto's traditional beauty through modern rail travel. • The Kimono Forest installation consists of around 600 illuminated pillars featuring traditional Kyo-Yuzen textile patterns. • Rikuro's Cheesecake has been an Osaka favorite since 1984 and is famous for its jiggly texture and raisins hidden at the bottom. • 551 Horai sells hundreds of thousands of pork buns every day across the Kansai region. • The Glico Running Man sign first appeared in 1935 and has become one of Osaka's most recognizable landmarks. The current version is the sixth generation of the sign and features a runner crossing the finish line against the backdrop of Osaka's skyline. Thank you for joining us on our Japan adventure through Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Uji. Until the next trip! #Japan #Kyoto #Arashiyama #Osaka #JapanTravel #JapanVlog #BambooForest #KyoTrainGaraku #Randen #KyotoTrain #KimonoForest #NonomiyaShrine #RikuroCheesecake #551Horai #KuraSushi #GlicoMan #Dotonbori #Nanohana #KyotoJapan #OsakaJapan #VisitJapan #JapanTrip #Japan2026 #TravelJapan #JapaneseFood #KyotoTravel #OsakaFood #JapanAdventure