Elyse Palmer - TravelManagers

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Elyse Palmer - TravelManagers I'm Elyse, your Personal TravelManager. Looking for help with your next holiday? Let's talk travel

22/09/2026

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗜 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗮 𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗸𝗼? 🎎

One of the highlights of our incredible evening in Gion was getting to play Konpira Fune Fune. Its a traditional Japanese rhythm and reflex game that’s also famous as a Japanese drinking game! 🍶

The rules sound simple… but trust me, they’re anything but! 😂

🎵 Keep to the rhythm
✋ Open palm if the object is there
✊ Closed fist if your opponent has picked it up
⚡ The tempo keeps getting faster!

One wrong move, one missed beat or a moment of hesitation… and you’re out!

😜 Traditionally, the loser takes a drink of sake - making this a seriously fun game to try with friends while in Japan!

So, watching this reel… how do you think I went up against the Maiko? 👀

I’ll let you be the judge! 😂👇

Honestly… this is one to put on your Japan bucket list and try with your friends! 🇯🇵🥂

🌸 𝗔 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗞𝘆𝗼𝘁𝗼 🇯🇵After arriving in Kyoto via Shinkansen from Hiroshima and checking into the b...
22/09/2026

🌸 𝗔 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗞𝘆𝗼𝘁𝗼 🇯🇵

After arriving in Kyoto via Shinkansen from Hiroshima and checking into the beautiful Dhawa Yura Kyoto for our three night stay, we had the afternoon at leisure before heading into the historic Gion district for an unforgettable evening of traditional Japanese culture.

Our experience began with a private Ryotei Kaiseki dinner, held at a beautiful, family-run traditional Japanese restaurant tucked away just one street south of the famous Hanamikoji Street.

The Ryotei has been lovingly run by generations of the same family, creating an intimate and wonderfully authentic atmosphere. We enjoyed an exquisite private Kaiseki dinner featuring beautifully presented seasonal dishes and fresh Kyoto vegetables sourced from local farms 🍱🌿

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the Geiko and Maiko performance in the traditional tatami room. Watching this highly skilled performance up close, surrounded by such a beautiful and traditional setting, was a truly special experience and one that gave us a wonderful glimpse into Kyoto's fascinating cultural heritage.

We even had the opportunity to take part in Konpira Fune Fune, a traditional Japanese rhythm and reflex game played during the gathering.

Let's just say… it was much faster than it looks! 😂

From the incredible food and beautiful setting to the music, dance and centuries-old traditions, this was definitely one of those “pinch me” travel moments and one we will forever treasure ✨

An unforgettable evening in Kyoto and an experience we will treasure for a very long time ❤️🇯🇵

Highly recommend for anyone visiting Kyoto

🇯🇵 𝗔 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗴𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗽𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝘆𝗮𝗷𝗶𝗺𝗮…We stayed overnight at the Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto and this was such ...
20/09/2026

🇯🇵 𝗔 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗴𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗽𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝘆𝗮𝗷𝗶𝗺𝗮…

We stayed overnight at the Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto and this was such a lovely experience and one I’d definitely recommend considering when planning a Japan itinerary ❤️

The hotel is in a fantastic location, just a 3-minute stroll from the famous Itsukushima Shrine and around a 10-minute walk from the ferry terminal. The hotel also offers a complimentary shuttle bus to / from the terminal. It’s also really handy for exploring some of Miyajima’s other beautiful sights.

We stayed in a Japanese-Western style room, which gave us the best of both worlds. Japanese touches and traditional elements, while still having those Western comforts.

We were also provided with traditional Japanese gowns to wear while dining, which added to the experience and made our evening feel very authentically Japanese. 👘

And then there was the food… 🤤

Our stay included dinner and breakfast, and dinner was an incredible 11-course Japanese feast, showcasing seasonal ingredients and fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea. Every course was beautifully presented and absolutely delicious!

The hotel also has traditional Japanese-style rooms with futon bedding and tatami floors, as well as Western-style options, plus indoor and outdoor hot spring baths for guests who want to enjoy the onsen experience.

But for me, one of the best things about staying here was simply staying overnight on Miyajima.

So many visitors come over for the day, but having a night here gives you the opportunity to slow down, explore at a more relaxed pace and really experience the island.

✨ My tip: If you’re planning a trip to Japan, I’d definitely consider adding an overnight stay on Miyajima to your itinerary. It’s these experiences that make a trip so memorable. 🇯🇵❤️

🇯🇵🍫 𝗞𝗜𝗧 𝗞𝗔𝗧… 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻!You know you’re in Japan when you walk into a shop for a normal Kit Kat and suddenly you’...
20/09/2026

🇯🇵🍫 𝗞𝗜𝗧 𝗞𝗔𝗧… 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻!

You know you’re in Japan when you walk into a shop for a normal Kit Kat and suddenly you’re faced with enough flavours to make your head spin! 🤯

Matcha ? 🍵
Strawberry ? 🍓
Tokyo Banana ?🍌
Wasabi ? 🌶
Or something even more unexpected? 👀

If you could pick ONE to try, which would it be? 👇

And be honest… would you actually try the weirdest flavour just to say you did? 😂

Hubby and I may have already tried the cheesecake 🫣

🇯🇵 𝗠𝗶𝘆𝗮𝗷𝗶𝗺𝗮 | 𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀 - 𝗮 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻 ⛩️If you're planning a trip to Japan, I highly reco...
20/09/2026

🇯🇵 𝗠𝗶𝘆𝗮𝗷𝗶𝗺𝗮 | 𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀 - 𝗮 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻 ⛩️

If you're planning a trip to Japan, I highly recommend adding Miyajima Island to your itinerary.

Miyajima was one of my must see locations on my Japan itinerary and I'm grateful I had the opportunity to visit and stay overnight at the beautiful Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto

My biggest tip? If you have the time, stay overnight 😍

Many visitors experience Miyajima as a day trip from Hiroshima, but staying on the island means you can enjoy it after the day trippers have left, when everything becomes much quieter and more atmospheric.

Here are some of my top tips for visiting Miyajima 👇

🚆 𝗚𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗢 𝗠𝗜𝗬𝗔𝗝𝗜𝗠𝗔 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗛𝗜𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗠𝗔

Getting there is very easy.

From Hiroshima, take the train to Miyajimaguchi Station, which is approximately a 5-minute walk from the ferry terminal.

The ferry crossing from Miyajimaguchi to Miyajima takes around 10 minutes.

⛴️ 𝗙𝗘𝗥𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗜𝗣

There are two ferry operators. JR West Miyajima Ferry and Miyajima Matsudai Kisen so services are frequent.

The regular JR ferry operates approximately every 15 minutes during the day, with more frequent services on busy days. On weekends and busy periods, JR can operate around every 10 minutes.

💴 FERRY COST:
Adult: ¥200 one way
Child: ¥100 one way

There is also a ¥100 Miyajima Visitor Tax payable when entering the island for most visitors.

💡 My tip: Don't worry about booking a particular ferry time in advance for a normal visit. Services are frequent, but always check the current timetable on the day, particularly during busy periods.

🌊 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘'𝗦 𝗔 𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧 𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗧𝗟𝗘 𝗕𝗢𝗡𝗨𝗦...

If you travel with JR West Miyajima Ferry, selected daytime departures from Miyajimaguchi operate as the “Great Torii” ferry, giving you the opportunity to see the famous Torii Gate from the water with no additional charge. These operate from approximately 9:10am–4:10pm from Miyajimaguchi.

⛩️ 𝗗𝗢𝗡'𝗧 𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗦𝗘𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗜 𝗚𝗔𝗧𝗘

Of course, the iconic Great Torii Gate and Itsukushima Shrine are a must, but don't rush off after seeing them.

Take time to wander the traditional streets, explore the shops, enjoy the local food and discover some of the quieter corners of the island. Just remember most shops close at 5pm.

🌊 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗖𝗞 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗧𝗜𝗗𝗘 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘𝗦

This is one of my biggest tips.

The Great Torii looks completely different depending on the tide. At high tide, you get that iconic “floating” effect, while at low tide you can walk out towards the Torii.

So check the tide times before you visit and if not staying overnight make sure you plan around what you'd most like to see.

🚡 𝗗𝗢𝗡'𝗧 𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗦 𝗠𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧 𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗘𝗡

If you have the time and the weather is good, I highly recommend taking the Miyajima Ropeway up towards Mount Misen.

The views across the Seto Inland Sea are spectacular.

💴 ROPEWAY COST:
Adult: ¥2,000 return / ¥1,100 one way
Child: ¥1,000 return / ¥550 one way

The Ropeway operates in two sections. The first section runs approximately every minute and the second approximately every 5–15 minutes, depending on demand. The journey takes around 14 minutes in total, not including waiting time.

💡 TOP TIP: Allow around an hour for the Ropeway experience itself and longer if you want to continue walking towards the summit of Mount Misen.

🦌 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗘𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬𝗪𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘!

You'll see plenty of deer around Miyajima.

They're gorgeous to photograph, but remember they are wild animals. Don't feed them and give them plenty of space. The LOVE paper ... so make sure you aren't carrying anything in your hand which could entice them to want to take it.

👟 𝗪𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗘𝗦

Miyajima is a walking destination!

There are cobbled streets, steps and plenty to explore, particularly if you head towards Mount Misen.

✨ 𝗠𝗬 𝗕𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗧𝗜𝗣 - 𝗗𝗢𝗡'𝗧 𝗥𝗨𝗦𝗛 𝗜𝗧

Miyajima is somewhere I would encourage you to slow down and enjoy.

Yes, see the famous sights. Take the photographs. Ride the Ropeway. Explore the shops.

But also take the time to simply wander and enjoy the atmosphere. Watch the sunset over the Great Torii

And if your itinerary allows...

𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 ❤️

Once the day visitors head back to Hiroshima, Miyajima feels completely different.

For me, staying overnight at Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto made this beautiful island even more special.

🇯🇵 Miyajima was one of my must see locations in Japan and it certainly didn't disappoint.

If Japan is on your travel wish list and you'd like help creating an itinerary that combines the iconic highlights with those special experiences along the way, get in touch.

When a simple cuddle makes the cutest photo 😍
20/09/2026

When a simple cuddle makes the cutest photo 😍

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗢𝘀𝗮𝗸𝗮 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗶𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗺𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 🚅 ✨️It was time to say goodbye to Zentis Osaka and continu...
19/09/2026

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗢𝘀𝗮𝗸𝗮 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗶𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗺𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 🚅 ✨️

It was time to say goodbye to Zentis Osaka and continue our Japanese adventure!

But rather than dragging all of our luggage around with us, we made use of one of Japan's fantastic travel services luggage forwarding! 🧳

We sent our larger luggage ahead to Kyoto and packed a small suitcase for our overnight stay in Miyajima

💡 TRAVEL TIP: If you're travelling around Japan, luggage forwarding can be an absolute game changer. It means you don't have to haul big suitcases on and off trains every time you change destinations. It cost approximately AUD $25 per suitcase and the price varies depending on size and weight (Max 30kg per bag). Hotel reception helps you organise everything, you just let them know the name of your hotel and your preference of express or next day delivery 🙌

Our little overnight bags were all we needed and off we went! I would personally recommend a small wheelie suitcase over a backpack (plus it can double up as carry on for your souvenir shopping 😉)

🚅 𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗘𝗡 𝗕𝗨𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗧 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘!

We made our way to Shin-Osaka Station for our first Shinkansen experience, heading to Hiroshima and what an experience !

We were travelling in the Green Car, which I would compare to something similar to Business Class when flying.

The seats were really roomy, comfortable and there was noticeably more space and a quieter, less crowded feel 💺✨

Of course, I had to go and have a look at the ordinary carriages too! Honestly, the seating was still really good with plenty of leg room, there was just a little more hustle and bustle compared with the Green Car.

There's something pretty special about sitting back, watching Japan fly past the window and knowing you've got a whole new part of the country waiting for you 😍

💡 TRAVEL TIP: If you are not using the luggage forwarding service you must make a reservation for your large suitcase when purchasing your ticket for the Shinkansen. There is very limited space available and no luggage storage areas (like those in Europe) your suitcase would share your seating space with you. If you're travelling a longer distance by Shinkansen and enjoy a little extra space and comfort, the Green Car is definitely worth considering. Pack snacks to take onboard as not all Shinkansen have food service available.

𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗡 𝗛𝗜𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗠𝗔 ✨️

When we arrived in Hiroshima, we met our wonderful local guide Ms Kuniko Kaio, who took us on a very moving tour of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.

This was one of those experiences that is difficult to put into words.

On 6 August 1945 at 8:15am, an atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima - the first use of a nuclear weapon in warfare. At the time, around 350,000 people were living in the city. The blast, intense heat and radiation caused devastating destruction, with an estimated 140,000 people having died by the end of 1945. Walking through the Peace Memorial Park and learning about what happened to the people of Hiroshima was heartbreaking. The Atomic Bomb Dome, which remains standing near the hypocentre, is an incredibly powerful reminder of the destruction. The building was almost directly beneath the explosion, yet part of its structure survived. The museum brings the history down to a very human level including personal belongings, photographs, stories and accounts of people who experienced the bombing.

It was confronting, emotional and something I believe is incredibly important to experience when visiting Hiroshima.

But alongside the sadness, there is also an incredibly strong message of peace and hope for the future ✨️

This was definitely one of the most moving experiences of our Japan adventure so far ❤️

🍱 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗟𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗛

After our morning exploring Hiroshima, we enjoyed a traditional Japanese-style lunch at a local restaurant.

It was lovely to sit down, enjoy some delicious food and have a chance to reflect on everything we'd seen and learnt that morning.

And then… it was time to keep moving!

🚆 𝗡𝗘𝗫𝗧 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗣 - 𝗠𝗜𝗬𝗔𝗝𝗜𝗠𝗔!

We travelled by train from Hiroshima to Miyajima-guchi, ready for the next part of our adventure.

From there, we made our way towards the ferry costing 300 yen including tourist permit and our overnight stay on Miyajima Island ⛩️🦌🌊

📩 Thinking about travelling to Japan?

Let's create an itinerary that works for YOU including the hotels, trains, luggage forwarding and those special experiences that make a trip unforgettable.

🏨 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻 - 𝗭𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘀 𝗢𝘀𝗮𝗸𝗮 🏨The first three nights of our Japan adventure were spent at Zentis Osaka and w...
17/09/2026

🏨 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻 - 𝗭𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘀 𝗢𝘀𝗮𝗸𝗮 🏨

The first three nights of our Japan adventure were spent at Zentis Osaka and what a fantastic introduction to Japan it was! ❤️

After a long journey, having the right hotel as your base can make such a difference and for us, Zentis Osaka was the perfect place to start our adventure

📍 𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡, 𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡, 𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡!

One of the things I loved about Zentis was its location

It's tucked away in Dojimahama, away from the full on hustle and bustle, but you're still incredibly well connected to everything you want to explore

It's close to the beautiful Nakanoshima area, with several train stations within easy walking distance

So you get that lovely feeling of being able to retreat somewhere peaceful after a BIG day exploring Osaka… without being miles away from everything

And believe me, after a day of sightseeing, your feet appreciate that!

🏨 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗟

Zentis has a really stylish, modern feel without being overly formal or stuffy

The whole hotel has a calm, contemporary feel, with lots of thoughtful touches that make it feel very different from your typical hotel

🍱 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗢𝗢𝗠𝗦 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗗𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗘𝗗 𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘 𝗔 𝗕𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗢 𝗕𝗢𝗫!

One of my favourite details was the clever design of the rooms

The room layout takes inspiration from a Japanese bento box, with the space cleverly divided into different functional areas. Honestly, this is something Japan does SO well.

Rather than needing a huge room, the design makes really clever use of the space, with everything having its own place and purpose

Compact, organised, stylish and incredibly functional

🍱 Basically… if a bento box became a hotel room, this would be it! 😂

Our room was comfortable and beautifully designed, with those little touches that made it feel like the space had actually been thought through for travellers.

☕️ 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗚𝗨𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗟𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗚𝗘

Another feature I really loved was the Guest Lounge.

It's a lovely space to sit, relax and enjoy a coffee or tea, with a really relaxed atmosphere.

Perfect for that moment when you've walked about 25,000 steps and just need to sit down and say “Okay… what have we actually done today?” 😂

🧺 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘'𝗦 𝗥𝗢𝗢𝗠 𝟬𝟬𝟭…

This is one of those little hotel features that I think travellers will really appreciate.

Room 001 has a self service laundry, Nespresso coffee, a fragrance bar and even a shoe shine area.

After travelling around Japan, having access to laundry facilities is a BIG plus especially if you're travelling with limited luggage and trying to pack light!

🍸 𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗, 𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦 & 𝗨𝗣𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗭

The hotel is also home to UPSTAIRZ Lounge, Bar, Restaurant, giving you somewhere to grab a meal, enjoy a drink or simply relax at the end of the day.

There is a restaurant, lounge, bar and terrace area, so you don't necessarily have to head back out into Osaka every evening if your feet are screaming “WE'VE HAD ENOUGH!” 😂

There is also a Lawson's 2 doors away, along with a range of local restaurants right at your door step

Zentis Osaka was the perfect place to begin our Japanese adventure

Three nights here gave us a comfortable base to explore Osaka before moving on to the next part of our journey

It was our first little home in Japan and I couldn't have asked for a better place to start our adventure 🇯🇵❤️

📸 Keep an eye out for more posts from our Japan adventure, because I've got LOTS more to share!

Thinking about Japan? Let's make your adventure happen!

📩 Get in touch and let's start planning your Japan adventure.

🎢 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝘀 𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻 – 𝗠𝘆 𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝘁𝗶𝗽𝘀 ! ✨️If Universal Studios Japan is on your Japan itinerary, here are a few...
17/09/2026

🎢 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝘀 𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻 – 𝗠𝘆 𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝘁𝗶𝗽𝘀 ! ✨️

If Universal Studios Japan is on your Japan itinerary, here are a few tips from my own experience that could make your day MUCH easier and help you get the most out of your time in the park! 👇

🎟️ 𝗧𝗜𝗣 #𝟭 - 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗡 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗦!

This is probably my biggest tip

We purchased the Universal Express Pass 7 and honestly… it was worth every single cent! 🙌

The Express Pass is in addition to your Studio Pass/park entry ticket - it isn't your admission ticket. The Express Pass gives you priority access to selected attractions and can save you a huge amount of time in queues

Express Passes are limited and are generally released around two months before your visit, so if you know your travel dates, don't leave this one until the last minute! Availability can change quickly

💡 Travel tip: The exact attractions included vary by Express Pass, so check what is included before purchasing particularly if there are specific rides or areas you absolutely want to experience

📱 𝗧𝗜𝗣 #𝟮 - 𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗡𝗟𝗢𝗔𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗨𝗦𝗝 𝗔𝗣𝗣 𝗕𝗘𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗚𝗢!

Do this BEFORE arriving

The official Universal Studios Japan app is your little theme-park survival tool! 😂

You can use it to:
🎢 Check current ride wait times
🗺️ Navigate the park with the map
🍔 Find restaurants and facilities
🎭 Check show schedules
🎟️ Access timed-entry information
❤️ Save your favourite attractions

And importantly, the app is now used for Timed Entry/Standby Entry tickets, including access arrangements for Super Nintendo World

🍄 𝗧𝗜𝗣 #𝟯 - 𝗗𝗢𝗡'𝗧 𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗘 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗖𝗔𝗡 𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗘𝗥 𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗢 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗

This is one I would definitely plan for!

Depending on the day, Super Nintendo World may require an Area Timed Entry Ticket or Standby Entry Ticket. These can be obtained through the official app on the day, although advance booking options are also available with some ticket products

So if Mario, Yoshi, Donkey Kong and friends are high on your must do list… plan ahead! 🍄⭐️

And yes, we absolutely made it into Super Nintendo World, even though the heavens decided to open on us! ☔️😂

🍜 𝗧𝗜𝗣 #𝟰 - 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗛𝗨𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗬!

There are so many food options around the park

We had lunch at Amity Landing Restaurant, which is Jaws-themed. Very fitting after spending the morning voluntarily throwing ourselves onto rides! 🦈😂

You'll find themed meals, snacks, quick-service options, character-inspired treats and plenty of opportunities to stop for something to eat throughout the day

And honestly, half the fun is seeing what crazy themed food you can find! 🍔🍜🍄

🎢 𝗧𝗜𝗣 #𝟱 - 𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗠𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗗𝗢 𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗦 𝗕𝗘𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗘

There is A LOT to see and do

We tackled rides including
🦖 The Flying Dinosaur
🦈 JAWS
🎬 Hollywood Dream – The Ride
🦖 Jurassic Park
🍄 Yoshi's Adventure
✨️ Harry Potter

And let me tell you… The Flying Dinosaur is intense

Mum deserves a special mention for bravely joining me on that one. Absolute legend! 🏆

☔️ 𝗧𝗜𝗣 #𝟲 - 𝗕𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗡… 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗘 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗦

This is one I definitely learnt from experience!

We went from having a fantastic day of rides to the heavens absolutely OPENING UP in the afternoon 🌧️

And here's something worth knowing if you're planning your day: some outdoor attractions can temporarily close or suspend operations when weather conditions, including heavy rain, make it necessary

So if there's a particular ride you're desperate to experience, don't necessarily leave it until the end of the day especially if rain is forecast

We were lucky enough to get through lots of our big rides before the weather turned and then simply embraced the rain and carried on! ☔️

A lightweight rain jacket or poncho is definitely something I'd consider packing, depending on the season. You can buy one at the park and it will set you back about 1800 yen

👟 𝗧𝗜𝗣 #𝟳 - 𝗪𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗘𝗦!

You will walk ... alot !

Even with an Express Pass, you're still exploring a huge park, standing around, moving between areas and generally clocking up some serious steps

Your feet will thank you later!

⏰ 𝗧𝗜𝗣 #𝟴 - 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗖𝗞 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗞 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗦 𝗕𝗘𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗧

Don't rely solely on the advertised opening time. USJ advises that operating hours can change and admission can sometimes begin earlier than the scheduled opening time. Check the official schedule again before your visit

🏪 𝗧𝗜𝗣 #𝟵 - 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗖𝗞 𝗨𝗣 𝗔𝗧 𝗟𝗔𝗪𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗕𝗘𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥!

Here's one of those little tips that can save you some yen 💴

There is a Lawson convenience store right near the entrance of the train station to Universal Studios Japan, so consider grabbing some water and snacks before heading into the park.

We found this really handy as drinks and snacks can often be cheaper than buying everything once you're inside the park.

💡 My tip: Grab your water and a few snacks before you head in, then save your yen for the fun stuff inside!

📸 𝗧𝗜𝗣 #𝟭𝟬 - 𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗧 𝗚𝗨𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗦!

Are you someone who loves collecting travel stamps and little holiday keepsakes?

Then make sure you visit Guest Services during your day!

Ask about getting your official Universal Studios Japan stamp and if it's your first visit, don't forget to ask for your “My First Visit” sticker! 🎉

It's such a simple little souvenir, but these are the memories you'll love looking back on when you're home. ❤️🇯🇵

And if you're travelling with kids, I think this is a particularly cute little keepsake for them

🎒 𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗟 𝗧𝗜𝗣 - 𝗗𝗢𝗡'𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗥𝗦!

Of course, you can't go to Universal Studios Japan and NOT come home with something! 😂

There are so many souvenirs throughout the park that you'll probably find yourself saying:

“We definitely don't need that…”

…and then somehow walking out of the shop with it anyway 😂🛍️

𝗠𝗬 𝗕𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗬?

Universal Studios Japan is so much more than just a theme park

It's the atmosphere, the incredible theming, the food, the characters, the rides, the little details… and watching your family go from “I'm not going on that!” to “Okay, that was actually amazing!” 😂

Our Express Pass 7 meant we could experience so much more in one day and for us, it was absolutely worth it

If Universal Studios Japan is on your Japan bucket list, I'd strongly recommend planning this part of your trip before you arrive especially around tickets, Express Passes and Super Nintendo World SUPER

That's exactly where having a Personal Travel Manager can make a difference. 😉

I can help you work out where Universal Studios Japan fits into your Japan itinerary, what ticket options to consider and how to make the most of your time there.

🎢 Thinking about Japan? Let's make the adventure happen!

𝗢𝘀𝗮𝗸𝗮 | 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹They say the best way to experience a destination is with a local… and today, we dis...
15/09/2026

𝗢𝘀𝗮𝗸𝗮 | 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹

They say the best way to experience a destination is with a local… and today, we discovered exactly why! ❤️

We had a full-day private guided tour of Osaka with our gorgeous local guide, Ms Kiyoko Se and from the very beginning, the adventure started!

One of the wonderful things about travelling with a private local guide is all those little tips and tricks you simply wouldn’t discover on your own - including learning how to navigate Osaka’s subway system and the maze of underground tunnels! 🚇 It made getting around this incredible city feel like a breeze

Our journey began with the train to Osakajokoen Station, followed by a short walk to the pier where we boarded an urban cruise. For 55 minutes, we cruised along the waterways, passing historic sites and some of Osaka’s famous landmarks. It was fantastic to see the city from such a different perspective 🛳️

Next stop… Osaka Castle! 🏯

Although today’s castle is a replica, the history surrounding it is fascinating. Over the centuries, Osaka Castle has endured fires, lightning strikes, bombing and so much more - yet it continues to stand proudly as one of the great symbols of the city

Resilient, ever-changing and always moving forward… perhaps a little like the people of Osaka themselves ❤️

Inside the castle is a brilliant museum offering a wonderful introduction to Japan’s feudal history. And one of the great benefits of our private guide experience? We were able to skip the line and head straight in! 🙌

From history to food, we then made our way to Dotonbori, famously known as “Japan’s Kitchen.” Taking the Midosuji Line to Namba Station, we explored the colourful streets and laneways, including the iconic Glico Running Man sign

And of course… it was time to eat! 😋

We enjoyed a traditional Japanese-style lunch at Hozenji Ootako, tasting some of Osaka’s most famous street food — including okonomiyaki, the delicious Japanese savoury pancake, noodles and, of course, takoyaki (those irresistible octopus-filled dumplings!). 🐙

The afternoon was spent wandering through even more of Osaka’s fascinating laneways and Kitchen Street, where we spotted numerous restaurants serving the infamous fugu - blowfish! 🐡

Eventually, we farewelled our incredible guide, Ms Kiyoko Se, after an unforgettable day exploring Osaka from a truly local perspective

And how better to finish the day than finding a little riverside bar, settling in with a drink and watching Dotonbori come alive as the retro neon lights began to illuminate the skyline ✨

Another incredible day in Osaka and another reminder that sometimes the very best travel experiences happen when you step away from the obvious and see a destination through the eyes of a local ❤️

✈️ Thinking about Japan? Let’s create your own unforgettable journey.

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