I remember those days when going to Japan was only a dream. First influenced by anime as a kid, then followed the video games growing up, and now concerts by Japanese artists which can only be seen by flying to Japan.

You see, dreams do come true and this dream will not come true without Cebu Pacific Air who offers cheap flights to Japan. Thank you Cebu Pacific Team! I was able to share this dream to my family and friends by scoring them great deals for flights.

Many even thought that Japan would cost atleast 6 digits to travel and I’ve proven them wrong. Did you know you can go to Japan by saving 1k per PAYday? Save it for a year and boom you’ll find yourself in a plane flying to Japan.

Let’s tour Osaka, Japan do-it-yourself style.

Expenses	Philippine Peso	Japanese Yen
Roundtrip Airfare	3886.42
Baggage Allowance	2198
Icoca Card	896.9	2000
Haruka Express RT Ticket	986.5	2200
Osaka Amazing Pass	1350	3000
Universal Studios Japan	3330	7400
Accommodation for 7D6N at Peace House Abeno 6N	6750	15000
Transpo, Food, Pasalubong – Tips Here	5400	12000
Total	24797.82	41600

Below is our itinerary.  We were a very relaxed group and really took time in each of these spots. You know that feeling of not wanting to leave an area because everything is just so magical and you just wanna absorb all it has to offer. Everything is picture perfect and the good thing is that most of them won’t cost you.

Day 1 – Touchdown Japan!

Kansai International Airport
Tennoji

We arrived around 9PM in Osaka, Japan. We were greeted by very cold autumn breeze – good thing we were already autumn-ready when we boarded the plane back in NAIA. Lots of pictures from getting out of the airport. We then bought Icoca Card and Haruka Express Ticket.

It took about 30 minutes train ride from Kansai International Airport to Tennoji Station. It got colder as we went out to find our guest house, Peace House Abeno.

I would like to thank the Japanese ladies who helped us without our luggage when we were crossing the overpass. They were very generous to offer their help and it would be a shame not to agree. Thank you so much ladies! ❤

Day 2 – Foodies and Sights!
Tsutenkaku
Shinsaibashi
Dotonbori
Mio Mall
Abeno Q

Yumiko-san (the guest-house owner) invited us to join on their buffet lunch. We woke up early the next morning and went to Tsutenkaku for a lite breakfast and of course photo op since we still have time before our lunch. We then meet with the other guests at Dobotsuen-mae Station and headed for Shinsaibashi for the lunch buffet – well spent 1000 yen.

After the lunch at Shinsaibashi, we strolled the neighboring Dotonbori.  Don’t forget to have a photo op with Mr. Crab as well as see yourself on the electronic billboard. We shopped a bit of pasalubong at the local grocery here. We then headed to Mio Mall and Abeno Q which is in Tennoji just in time for dinner.

Day 3 – Amazing Osaka Day 1!
Osaka Castle (click for detailed post)
Osaka Castle Park
HEP Five Ferris Wheel

We woke up early the next day because we thought of maximizing the Amazing Osaka Pass. We bought the 2-Day Pass and guess what, we only covered 2 locations for our first day. Like I’ve said, we were a very relaxed group and we really loved the Osaka Castle and it’s surrounding parks where spent almost the whole day exploring and picture taking. We then headed to Umeda for the Umeda Sky Building but we actually never found it! (What a shame! I know right!). We saw HEP along the way and boarded the HEP Five Ferris Wheel for free courtesy of the Amazing Osaka Pass. We had dinner on one of the floors of HEP and then went back home after dinner.

Day 4 – Amazing Osaka Day 2!
Tennoji Zoo (click for detailed post)
TenShiba Park
Tempozan Ferris Wheel
Captain Line Cruise (click for detailed post)

We woke up around 5AM to maximize the last day of Amazing Osaka Pass. Grabbed some bread at Tennoji Station and went to our neighbor Tennoji Zoo and TenShiba Park. This actually marks my first time at a zoo! I’m one of those who can’t afford a field-trip back in the day so I never got to go to any of the zoos. Oh I love the wolves and foxes – I wish I can pet one.

We exited the zoo just in time for lunch. We went back to Tsutenkaku for lunch and boarded the subway to Osakako Station. We immediately saw the Tempozan Ferris Wheel and followed the road to it. We were surprised by a Japanese lady who sells kimonos because she can fluently speak Tagalog and more foreign languages. We toured the area and ate french fries and ice cream at mall next to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. We then decided to board the Santa Maria Cruise only to find out that the last trip has already sailed! Another miss, I know! We then boarded the Captain Line Cruise which was perfect for sunset viewing.

I know I’ve missed a lot and miserably failed to maximize the Amazing Osaka Pass. Well at least, the next time I visit Osaka, I still have lots to see! 🙂

Day 5 – The LQ Day!
Universal Studios Japan (click for detailed post)

The LQ day. Me versus my girlfriend. I told her it’s so expensive and we’d rather go to the Ocean Park. I lost. The power of woman’s tears.

Day 6 – Lazy Rainy Day!
Shitennoji Temple
Abeno Market

Supposedly, we’re heading for Kyoto however it was raining and we’re all drained from Universal Studios Japan. We just went on the neighboring area and went shopping for pasalubong. Tipid day.

Day 7 – Anime and Gadgets and Parting Time
Nipponbashi – Denden Town
Namba
Tsutenkaku
Kansai International Airport

Anime and gadget day! And of course, final stretch of pasalubong shopping.

Pasalubong

Lots of chocolates of course and some noodles.

My girlfriend managed to buy herself a brand new boots and kimono. She also has her set of chocolates. This is inclusive of her own 25k all in budget 😉

For myself, I got JPOP CDs, earphones, a new jacket, hand puppet for my nephew and niece, and lastly, wooden cooking utensils for my mother.

PASALUBONG TIPS I suggest buying at pharmacy stores. We bought at Sugi Pharmacy and you’ll get discounts when you buy 5k worth of products and just present your passport. Take advantage of tax-free stores. Also there are 300 yen stores and you’ll be surprised of what they can offer for 300yen.