Reader’s Question: I plan to enjoy a two-night, three-day trip from Kagawa to Ise Jingu, then to Nara (Kasuga Taisha and Nigatsudo), and finally to Tsuruhashi in Osaka to buy kimchi. On the first day, I will take the “Hanshin
Free Ticket” to Namba, and from there, I will use the “Ise Jingu Sightseeing Free Ticket” to go to Ise (Futami Okitama Shrine and Ise Jingu Geku). On the second day, after exploring Ise Jingu (Naiku, Sarutahiko Shrine, Okage Yokocho, etc.), I plan to head to Nara around midday (this is where the Ise Free Ticket will end). I will stroll around Kasuga Taisha and Nigatsudo. On the third day, I will visit Nigatsudo again in the morning, then purchase a ticket from Kintetsu Nara Station to Tsuruhashi. After buying kimchi, I will return to Kagawa using the “Hanshin Free Ticket.” Is the free ticket a good deal? Also, I would like to have a leisurely trip, but is there any strain in my plans? I would appreciate your advice.
Embarking on a Journey: Kagawa to Ise Jingu and Beyond
Hey there, fellow travelers! So, I recently took a trip that spanned from Kagawa to Ise Jingu, and then onto Nara and Osaka. Let me tell you, it was a whirlwind of culture, history, food, and everything that makes Japan such a special place to explore. Buckle up, because I’m about to spill the tea on my itinerary, the travel passes I used, and whether it was all worth it!
Day 1: A Scenic Start to Ise
On the first day, I hopped on the “Hanshin Free Ticket” to Namba, which, let me just say, made my travel so smooth. If you’re going to be traveling around the Kansai area, I highly recommend this ticket! It’s like having a golden key to unlock all sorts of adventures. I mean, who doesn’t love a good deal?
Once I arrived at Namba, I switched over to the “Ise Jingu Sightseeing Free Ticket.” This pass allowed me to take a direct train to Ise without breaking the bank. And let me tell you, the ride was so scenic, with lush greenery whizzing by—just the sort of eye candy you want to see on your way to a spiritual journey.
First stop: Futami Okitama Shrine. It’s a small shrine, but it has this stunning view of the iconic Meoto Iwa rocks. The energy there is palpable! I took a moment to soak it all in, snapping a few pics that I absolutely had to share on Instagram (because, you know, aesthetics). The tide was low, revealing beautiful rock formations, and I felt this deep connection to nature.
Next up was Ise Jingu Geku. The minute I stepped onto the shrine grounds, I was hit with this overwhelming sense of peace. The towering cedar trees and the calm atmosphere felt like a warm hug. Seriously, if you’re ever feeling stressed, this place is like a breath of fresh air for the soul. I spent some time just wandering around, taking in the serene beauty.
Day 2: The Heart of Ise Jingu
Now, let’s talk about Day 2. I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle more of Ise Jingu. I had planned to visit Naiku (the inner shrine), Sarutahiko Shrine, and Okage Yokocho. There’s something about the energy of the place that just keeps drawing you in! The Naiku shrine is the highlight—it’s breathtaking and deeply moving. I found myself lost in thought, reflecting on my own life while surrounded by centuries of tradition.
Okage Yokocho was a delightful surprise! It’s this charming street lined with traditional shops and food stalls. I couldn’t resist grabbing a bite of some local delicacies—think mochi and fresh seafood. Pro tip: Don’t skip the red bean paste ice cream! It’s a match made in heaven.
By midday, I was ready to make my way to Nara. I felt a little sad to leave Ise, but the excitement of Nara was calling my name! On the train ride there, I reflected on my journey so far, feeling grateful for the experiences I’d had. It’s these moments of quiet reflection that often end up being the most beautiful.
Nara: Nature and History Hand in Hand
Arriving in Nara was like stepping into a postcard. I headed straight to Kasuga Taisha, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The hundreds of lanterns lining the path were magical. They say you can feel the spirits of the past there, and honestly, I think I did. It’s a perfect place to wander and let your mind roam free. It felt like I was walking through history.
After that, I made my way to Nigatsudo. The hike up to this temple was a bit steep, but trust me, the views are worth it! You can see the whole city of Nara from up there. I took a moment to sit on the steps and just breathe. It’s moments like these that make traveling so rewarding.
Day 3: Revisiting Beauty and Bounty
On Day 3, I decided to go back to Nigatsudo one more time because, hey, who can resist a good view? Maybe I was a little greedy, but I wanted to soak in that peace one last time before heading back to the hustle and bustle. It was quieter in the morning, and I almost felt like I had the place to myself. A perfect send-off!
After I soaked in the tranquility, I made my way to Kintetsu Nara Station, where I purchased my ticket to Tsuruhashi. I was on a mission to find some kimchi, and nothing was going to deter me from my goal! The train ride was quick, and soon enough, I found myself in Tsuruhashi, a haven for Korean food lovers!
The kimchi stalls were abundant, and the options were overwhelming in the best way possible. I tasted a few samples (you know, for quality control) and ended up buying a few jars to bring back home. The vibrant flavors and the spice were just what I needed to remember my trip by. Plus, it’s nice to have a taste of Japan to bring back home!
Was It Worth It? Absolutely! But Here’s the Scoop…
Now, let’s get back to the burning question: Was the free ticket a good deal? Short answer: YES! The Hanshin and Ise Jingu tickets saved me quite a bit. It’s definitely economical if you plan to visit multiple locations. However, make sure to check the timeframes for when the tickets are valid. I made a few last-minute changes, and I had to scramble a bit! But hey, that’s part of the adventure, right?
As for the strain in my plans, I’d say it was all pretty manageable. I kept my itinerary flexible. There were moments I considered rushing to fit everything in, but I quickly reminded myself that it’s all about enjoying the journey. Take your time, soak in the culture, and allow yourself to wander a bit. Sometimes the best memories come from the unexpected detours.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Journey
All in all, my trip from Kagawa to Ise, then Nara and Tsuruhashi, was everything I hoped for and more. I found beauty in the shrines, delicious food along the way, and even a bit of peace in the quiet moments. I came back with not just jars of kimchi, but also a heart full of memories and experiences that I’ll cherish forever.
If you’re thinking about a similar journey, do it—embrace the temples, the food, and the wonderful people you’ll meet. And remember, sometimes it’s not just about the destination, but the journey itself, where you find the real magic.
Happy travels, my friends! May your adventures be as colorful and fulfilling as the beautiful sights of Japan!
