Join us on an unforgettable journey as our young family, along with our extended relatives, sets out from Toronto to explore the wonders of Japan and Vietnam. While we’re no strangers to Japan’s allure, this trip marks our first venture into the captivating realm of Vietnam. Over the next three weeks, we’ll share our adventures, from familiar favorites to exciting new discoveries, as we immerse ourselves in the beauty and culture of these two incredible countries.

Day 1: Osaka, Japan

Place: Japan, Osaka
Living Accomodation: Hotel Sobial Namba Daikokucho

Address: Shikitsunishi 2-2-5, Naniwa-Ku, Osaka, Osaka, 556-0015

Hotel Sobial Namba Daikokucho is located close to Tsutenkaku Tower and Dotonbori, and provides an indoor public bath (no minerals), shopping on site, and a coffee shop/cafe. Be sure to enjoy a meal at Up Green, the onsite café. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight

ACTIVITIES

– Buy Suica card (train pass like Presto card, a prepaid rechargeable contactless smart card and electronic money system used as a fare card on train lines and other public transport systems in Japan) at Osaka airport at JR East Ticket Machine or JR Travel Service Center. Most machines take cash payment.
Can also get Passmo card (works interchangably with Suica card) – card that can be used as a commuter pass. Topping up the pass makes it possible to calculate fares simply by touching it to the ticket gate reader when traveling outside the commuter pass route.
– Exchange cash at airport
– Check into hotel
– Dinner and explore – Shinsekai area, bustling, colorful district created in 1912 with a 103-m tower, restaurants & souvenir shops.

Day 2: Osaka, Japan

Place: Japan, Osaka

Living Accomodation: Hotel Sobial Namba Daikokucho

ACTIVITIES

– Namba Yasaka Shrine, small shrine featuring a ritualistic performance stage in the shape of a lion’s head. (9 min walk from hotel, good for 15-30 mins visit. Free entrance)
– Dotonburi area, the symbolic business and shopping district of Minami, Osaka. Lunch at Tsukemen Suzume (2 Chome-11-11 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0086, Japan)

– Osaka Castle (600 yen to enter – observatory deck + museum inside castle) (40 mins train)
Osaka Castle is a Japanese castle in Chūō-ku, Osaka, Japan. The castle and fortress are one of Japan’s most famous landmarks and it played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century of the Azuchi-Momoyama period.

– Umeda Sky Building, a  two-tower mixed-use skyscraper located in Osaka, Japan. Do if we get bored/if we have time (40 mins train)

– Shinsaibashi area, the city’s main shopping area. Shopping (24 mins train)
– Dotonburi area – dinner, explore, shop (7 mins walk)
– Hotel (11 min train)

Continue to Part 2 ( Day 3 – Day 6, Kyoto, Japan ) >>>