According to the latest information from Vietjet Air, from May 2024, the airline will open a direct flight from Hanoi to Hiroshima, making exploring the Chugoku region of Japan easier than ever. On this occasion, JNTO will suggest an interesting itinerary to explore the Hiroshima – Kansai route, which will bring unique experiences from historical heritage to impressive natural beauty, along with the diversity and attractiveness of typical cuisine from each land you will pass through.
The JR Cross Kansai – Hiroshima Pass is a must-have on this trip . This is a special train ticket that allows visitors to freely travel on the railway system in Hyogo, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Shiga, Wakayama and Hiroshima provinces for 5 days at a price of 17,000 yen (about 3,400,000 VND). With this ticket, you can easily explore famous landmarks in Hiroshima and Kansai provinces without having to worry about travel costs.
※ JR Cross fares may change from time to time. Please check the official website for details.
Join JNTO to plan a 5-day Hiroshima – Kansai itinerary to help visitors fully explore this land.
Day 1: From Noi Bai International Airport Hanoi to Hiroshima Prefecture
Our first destination is Hiroshima Prefecture, located in the southwest of Honshu Island. Hiroshima was one of two prefectures in Japan that suffered heavy damage from the atomic bombing during World War II, along with Nagasaki Prefecture. Today, Hiroshima has developed into a modern and peaceful city and has become a symbol of world peace. With beautiful natural scenery and diverse culture, Hiroshima Prefecture attracts visitors with its attractive tourist destinations, rich cuisine and unique traditional festivals.
From Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi), visitors can take a direct flight to Hiroshima International Airport by Vietjet Air . Upon arrival at the airport, visitors can take a shuttle bus (fare 400 yen ~ about 80,000 VND/one way) to Shiraichi Station – the closest station to the airport. Here, continue to take the train to Hiroshima Station – where you can exchange your JR Cross ticket to begin your journey to explore Japan.
Itsukushima Shrine
Built in 593, Itsukushima Shrine is located on Miyajima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture and is a famous historical structure in Japan. The name “Itsukushima” means “Island of Worship”, and since ancient times, the island itself has been worshiped as a deity. In 1996, Itsukushima Shrine was listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site for its special architectural, cultural and historical values.
The main shrine is notable for its bright red wooden platform, built on the sea surface. This creates a unique and beautiful image. Currently, the Koubudai stage area in front of the main shrine, where the shrine’s lengthy ceremonies take place, is closed for repairs until the end of December 2025.
The most prominent feature of the shrine is the giant vermillion Torii gate, which is about 16 meters high and weighs 60 tons; standing majestically in the middle of the sea, creating an extremely impressive landscape, especially when the tide is high and low. Visitors can admire the Torii gate from afar or walk through it during low tide, creating a memorable experience.
Spring is the perfect time to visit when cherry blossoms are in full bloom, creating a romantic scene. Visitors also have the opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture through performing arts such as Bugaku and Noh.
■ Address:
1-1 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture.
■ Access:
From JR Hiroshima Station, take the Sanyo Honsen Line to JR Miyajimaguchi Station. Once at the station, walk about 5 minutes to the Miyajimaguchi Ferry Terminal. Here, visitors can use the JR PASS to take the Miyajima Ferry, which takes only 10 minutes to reach Miyajima Island.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Located in the heart of Hiroshima, the Peace Memorial Park is a must-see for visitors who want to explore the city’s history. Established to commemorate the victims of the atomic bomb attack in 1945, it today stands as a symbol of peace and hope for the future.
Inside the grounds is the Atomic Bomb Dome, the only structure left standing after the atomic bomb exploded. Other structures such as the peace memorial and history museum honor the dead and spread the message of peace.
Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1996, the “Atomic Bomb Dome” building has become a symbol of great historical and cultural significance, bringing to the world an important message of peace.
■ Address:
1 Nakajima-cho and 1-10 Otemachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
■ Access:
From Hiroshima Station, take subway line 2 or 6 to Genbaku-Domu Mae Station for about 15 minutes. Or you can use the Hiroshima City Loop Bus (Meipuru-pu) to get to the park.
Senko-ji Temple
Senko-ji Temple, located at an altitude of 140 meters on Daiho Mountain in Onomichi City, is said to be a Buddhist temple founded by the famous monk Kobo Daishi (Hoang Phap Dai Su) in 806. This place has long been a sacred destination for visitors from near and far.
Upon entering the temple grounds, visitors will immediately be attracted by the bright red main Zen hall with its unique stage-shaped architecture. Together with the soaring bell tower, these structures have become symbols of Onomichi City.
The main highlight of Senko-ji Temple is the stunning natural scenery from the grounds. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Onomichi City and the clear blue waters of the Seto Inland Sea as far as the eye can see. The combination of sacred space and majestic natural scenery makes Senko-ji Temple a worthy stop when exploring Hiroshima.
■ Address:
15-1 Higashitsuchido-cho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
■ Access:
– From Hiroshima Station, take the shinkansen to Shin-Onomichi Station. Then, take a taxi for about 10 minutes to Senkoji Park (Parking lot), from there it is about a 10-minute walk.
– Or from Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sancho Honsen Line to Onomichi Station, then take a bus and get off at Nagaegucho Station. Then take the Senko-ji Ropeway to the top of the mountain and walk for about 5 minutes.
Okunoshima Rabbit Island
Okunoshima Island, also known as “Rabbit Island,” is a small island located in the Seto Inland Sea. It was once the site of a poison gas factory during World War II, but has now been transformed into a popular tourist destination. With its beautiful natural scenery and hundreds of cute rabbits, Okunoshima Island offers a unique experience for every visitor.
The main attraction of Okunoshima Island is the encounter with wild rabbits. The island is famous for its rich rabbit population, where you can relax with the cute rabbits and enjoy the fresh air of the blue sea.
In addition, Okunoshima Island also offers many other recreational activities such as visiting museums about the island’s history, bathing in hot springs, and enjoying specialties at restaurants and cafes along the coast.
■ Address:
Takehara City, Hiroshima Prefecture
■ Access:
From Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo Shinkansen, then transfer to the JR Kure Line at Mihara Station and go to Tadanoumi Station. Or you can take the JR Kure Line from Hiroshima Station and go to Tadanoumi Station.
Shimanami Kaido cycling route
If you want to explore the natural beauty of Hiroshima and the Seto Inland Sea, don’t miss the Shimanami Kaido cycling route. This route is about 70 km long, crossing the Seto Inland Strait, connecting Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture and Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture with large and small islands by 6 beautiful sea-crossing bridges.
From Onomichi Station, just a few steps away, visitors will reach the cycling path where this exciting journey begins. What’s special is that on the bridges there are clearly marked pedestrian and bicycle paths, so even if you are a beginner, you can easily participate.
With more than 150 bicycle rental shops and providing all the amenities from tire pumps to drinking water, the Shimanami Kaido route will definitely be one of the ideal destinations for visitors to easily participate in an exciting cycling experience, admire the beauty of the vast sea and sky, breathe the fresh air and enjoy local specialties!
Famous dishes
Hiroshima Prefecture is not only famous for its historical heritage but also a culinary paradise with many delicious dishes. If you have the opportunity to visit this city, do not miss the opportunity to enjoy two outstanding specialties – Hiroshima oysters and Okonomiyaki pancakes.
First of all, we must mention Hiroshima oysters – “the queen of oysters” with a natural sweetness, thick and juicy meat. Visitors can enjoy oysters at famous eateries in the Miyajima oyster market, or seafood restaurants throughout the city. Hiroshima oysters are best enjoyed raw or grilled with a little butter and spicy chili sauce.
In addition, Hiroshima Okonomiyaki is also a must-try dish when visiting Hiroshima. Different from traditional Japanese pancakes, Hiroshima pancakes are prepared by layering ingredients such as pancakes, eggs, soba noodles, meat and vegetables on top of each other in a large pan. Each layer is carefully grilled and processed, creating a unique and attractive flavor. Hiroshima Okonomiyaki is not only a delicious dish but also a part of the daily life and culture of Hiroshima people.
Experiencing cuisine in Hiroshima is not only about enjoyment but also an opportunity to explore local culture. Don’t forget to enjoy oysters and Okonomiyaki pancakes to discover the unique beauty of this city’s cuisine.
Day 2: From Hiroshima Prefecture to Okayama Prefecture
Located in the southern region of Japan and adjacent to Hiroshima province, Okayama province is not only famous for its delicious food and attractive tourist destinations, but is also a favorite place for many tourists because of its warm and fresh climate.
From Hiroshima Station, visitors can easily travel to Okayama Prefecture by Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen in about 40 minutes.
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
Once the political and commercial center of Kurashiki city in the 1600s, the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is preserved today as a historical landmark, with many ancient tile-roofed warehouses lined up close together and canals built for the purpose of serving ships transporting goods between the warehouses.
Especially in spring, the scenery here becomes beautiful with cherry blossoms competing to show off their brilliant pink color, interspersed with the fresh green color of weeping willows growing along both sides of the canal, creating a peaceful, poetic scene. To visit this old town, do not miss the experience of sitting on a boat along the canal, admiring the beautiful scenery. This is definitely a very interesting and memorable experience for your trip!
■ Address:
Kurashiki City Center, Okayama Prefecture
■ Access:
Take the Sanyo Line train from JR Okayama Station to Kurashiki Station, then walk about 15 minutes from JR Kurashiki Station to reach this historic district.
Okayama Castle
Completed in 1597 by Ukita Hideie – a feudal lord at that time, Okayama castle was built in a unique architectural style, with mysterious black paint covering the outside of the castle, creating a distinct beauty.
Therefore, Okayama Castle is also known as the “crow castle” and is also one of the famous castles in Japan. The castle is surrounded by many trees, especially from late March to early April every year, the ancient cherry blossom trees in the grounds will bloom to welcome the spring, making this a famous cherry blossom viewing spot.
In addition, inside the castle there is also a pottery workshop in the famous Bizen yaki style, so visitors can participate in the pottery making experience, whether children or adults, there will be a detailed guide to practice with pottery.
■ Address:
2-3-1 Marunouchi, Kita Ward, Okayama Prefecture
■ How to get there:
From JR Okayama Station, take the Higashiyama Line train to Shiroshita Station, then walk about 10 minutes to Okayama Castle.
Korakuen Garden
Located adjacent to Okayama Castle, Korakuen Garden is one of the three famous Japanese-style gardens built during the Edo period. It is truly a beautiful place to visit all year round, and has been awarded a three-star rating by Michelin Inexperienced Information Japan and is also recognized as a Historical and Cultural Heritage.
With an area of up to 14 hectares, the spacious garden has many areas for visitors to explore such as tea plantations, ponds, crane breeding areas, tea rooms, etc. In addition, here visitors can also feel the natural beauty of different species of trees and flowers that change throughout the four seasons.
■ Address:
1-5 Korakuen, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture
■ How to get there:
From JR Okayama Station, take the Higashiyama Line train to Shiroshita Station, then walk about 10 minutes to reach Korakuen Garden.
Experience drawing/painting Maneki Neko statue
Maneki Neko (beckoning cat) is a famous Japanese cat statue, believed to bring luck and fortune to its owner. These statues are usually made of ceramic and have the shape of a bobtailed cat, with its front paw raised as if beckoning.
One of the interesting experiences when visiting Okayama Prefecture is the experience of drawing or coloring on Maneki Neko statues at the Maneki Neko Artwork Museum.
With this experience, visitors can fully express their own style by coloring ceramic cats. Not only that, this experience is also a great way for visitors to express their creativity while learning about traditional Japanese culture.
■ Address:
865-1 Kanayamaji, Kita Ward, Okayama Prefecture
■ Access:
About 9 minutes by taxi from JR Bizen-Hara Station.
Famous dishes
Besides famous fruits such as green grapes and peaches, Okayama Prefecture is also known for Okayama Barazushi or Bizen Barazushi, a high-class sushi with local ingredients such as fresh vegetables and rich seafood caught from the Seto Inland Sea. And depending on the season, this dish will be prepared with different ingredients.
Okayama Barazushi is a special dish made from dozens of large-sized ingredients such as shrimp, fish, lotus root… followed by a thin layer of omelette and then cut into small strips, all of which create a beautiful covering on a portion of vinegared rice underneath. And this colorful dish has gradually become an essential dish during festivals in Okayama prefecture.
Day 3: From Okayama Prefecture to Hyogo Prefecture
Located near the two cities of Osaka and Kyoto, Hyogo Prefecture is known as the gateway connecting Japan to the world through the bustling seaport of Kobe. With a favorable geographical location, bordering the sea to the north and south and mountains in the middle, Hyogo is blessed with many natural attractions that attract tourists to visit all year round.
From Okayama Station, visitors can easily travel to Himeji Station in Hyogo by Shinkansen bullet train, on the Tokaido-Sanyo Line, in about 20 minutes.
Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle is also known as the “White Heron Castle” or “White Crane Castle” because of its graceful appearance that resembles a white heron spreading its wings. In December 1993, Himeji Castle became one of Japan’s first World Cultural Heritage Sites. This is also the castle that is often used on Japanese tourism posters, with the image of the white castle standing out against the pink of cherry blossoms.
Inside the castle area, there are 74 complex architectural structures including towers, gates, and fortresses along with a sophisticated system of defensive traps. The main watchtower of Himeji Castle has been around for more than 400 years but still retains its unique beauty.
Visitors can climb to the top of the tower to see the entire castle and the city, especially to admire the scenery of more than 1,000 cherry trees blooming in spring in the castle grounds.
■ Address:
68 Honmachi, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture
■ Access:
Take a taxi from JR Himeji Station for about 7 minutes to Himeji Castle.
Hiokayama Park
Hiokayama Park is one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing and picnic spots in Kakogawa City. Every year from late March to early April, about 1,000 cherry trees bloom in the park. During this time, about 330 paper lanterns are placed near the trees, illuminating and attracting visitors to enjoy the flowers at night.
The park is most famous for its seasonal cherry blossom displays, and it becomes extremely busy during early April when locals enjoy cherry blossom picnics here.
■ Address:
Ono-1682 Kakogawa-cho, Kakogawa City, Hyogo Prefecture
■ Access:
Take the JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line from Himeji Station to Kakogawa Station for about 10 minutes, then take a taxi for about 10 minutes to Hiokayama Park.
Port of Kobe
Kobe Port is located at the foot of the beautiful Rokko Mountains, and was put into operation more than 100 years ago. It is known as one of the oldest, busiest and most modern seaports. Kobe Port has become Japan’s gateway to the world, attracting people from all over to exchange goods.
Kobe Port is not only a tourist attraction but also a top event space in Kobe. Opposite the port is the Kobe Harborland commercial complex, which attracts many tourists, as it brings together more than 200 shops, restaurants, museums and vibrant entertainment areas.
■ Address:
2 Hatoba-cho, Chuo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture
■ Access:
Take the JR Kobe Line from Kakogawa Station to Kobe Station in about 30 minutes. Then walk about 17 minutes to reach the Kobe Port area.
Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum
When visiting Hyogo Prefecture, you should not miss the Nada Gogo area, located between Kobe City and Nishinomiya City. This is considered one of the leading sake production centers in Japan. One of the highlights of this area is the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, owned by the famous sake brand Hakutsuru, which was established in 1743. The museum was renovated from a sake brewery that is over 100 years old and is now a free attraction for visitors.
Experiencing this world of sake will certainly enrich your trip to Japan. This place vividly recreates the traditional sake production process that has been passed down through generations, as well as giving visitors the opportunity to taste the “national spirit” of Japan. You can learn about the detailed sake making process by watching the video presentation and observing the tools displayed here.
In the sake tasting area, visitors can taste fresh, unpasteurized sake that is hard to find elsewhere. The shop sells not only Hakutsuru sake products, but also many unique souvenirs. In particular, the fuel-based fruit jelly drink “PURUPURU Glowing Jelly” is one of the most popular products.
For more information, visit the official website of the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum:
https://www.hakutsuru.co.jp/english/tradition/museum.html
■ Address:
4-5-5 Sumiyoshi minamimachi, Higashinada-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture
■ Access:
Take the JR Kobe Line from Sannomiya Station, get off at Sumiyoshi Station, and walk for 15 minutes.
*The nearest station is a 5-minute walk from Hanshin Sumiyoshi Station
Famous dishes
When coming to Kobe, everyone will immediately think of the famous and most expensive Kobe beef. If you have the opportunity to enjoy authentic Kobe beef, you are one of the very few lucky people. Because Kobe beef is meat from purebred Tajima-gyu cattle from the Edo period, classified and evaluated by the Japan Meat Grading Association; in fact, it only accounts for less than 0.2% of the total beef consumption in Japan.
There are many ways to enjoy Kobe beef, but one of the most famous ways is to enjoy it in Teppanyaki style (live demonstration of the cooking process on a cast iron/steel pan) or eat it with Shabu-shabu hot pot. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy Kobe beef when you come here.
Day 4: From Hyogo Prefecture to Kyoto Prefecture
Kyoto Prefecture is always one of the must-see destinations for tourists when they have the opportunity to visit Japan. This place preserves long-standing traditional values, containing a strong attraction because of the perfect blend of traditional and modern beauty.
From Hyogo Prefecture, visitors can travel from Shin Kobe Station to Kyoto Station by Shinkansen bullet train Tokaido – Sanyo Shinkansen Nozomi in just about 30 minutes. Or if traveling by train, visitors can go to Kobe Station, take the JR Kobe Line (towards Nagahama) to Kyoto Station in about 1 hour.
Nijo Castle
Located majestically in the heart of the ancient capital of Kyoto, Nijo Castle stands tall as a testament to the power and authority of the Tokugawa Shogunate during the Edo period (1603-1868). Built in 1603 by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, it is not only a unique architectural work but also a world cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO in 1994.
Coming here, visitors can visit Ninomaru Palace, Ninomaru Garden, Karamon Gate… Each area has its own beauty and uniqueness, helping visitors understand more about the history and culture of Japan. In addition, this place is also home to many valuable historical artifacts, giving visitors an insight into the lives of the Tokugawa Shoguns.
When spring comes, Nijo Castle puts on a new, brilliant coat with hundreds of cherry blossom trees in full bloom. The delicate beauty of the cherry blossoms blends with the castle’s architecture to create an extremely impressive spring picture.
■ Address:
541 Nijojo-cho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto Prefecture
■ Access:
From Kyoto Station, take the Sagano Line train and get off at Nijo Station, then walk for about 17 minutes, or from Kyoto Station, take bus No. 09 and get off at Nijojo-mae (Nijo-jo Citadel) stop and walk for about 5 minutes to reach the above location.
Experience wearing Kimono and walking around the old town
Famous as an ancient destination with a strong Japanese cultural identity, Kyoto is also an ideal place to experience wearing a kimono, the traditional costume typical of this country.
In Kyoto, there are many kimono rental shops with rental prices ranging from 3,000 yen (about ~ 600,000 VND) to 10,000 yen (about ~ 2,000,000 VND), depending on the material, style and accompanying services such as makeup and traditional hair styling. Visitors can choose a kimono that suits their personal preferences and style. The shop staff will assist visitors in wearing kimono properly and neatly.
For the most perfect experience, a small note is that visitors should consult and make an appointment before coming!
Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market is a vibrant and colorful traditional market located in the heart of Kyoto. With a history of over 400 years, it is known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen” for its variety of food products.
Strolling along the 400-meter long street of Nishiki Market, visitors will be overwhelmed by more than 130 stalls selling items such as fresh seafood caught from the Sea of Japan, seasonal vegetables and fruits, specialties, knives and cooking utensils, souvenirs… In addition, visitors can also enjoy famous street foods such as takoyaki octopus balls, okonomiyaki Japanese pancakes, grilled meat skewers… and many other attractive dishes.
■ Address:
Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto Prefecture
■ Access:
From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Line train for about 3 minutes and get off at Shijo Station, then exit at the North Gate and walk for about 7 minutes.
Famous dishes
Not only known for its ancient temples and peaceful gardens, Kyoto is also considered one of the places famous for its long-standing Kaiseki cuisine. Kaiseki cuisine is a high-class traditional meal that shows the sophistication and elegance of Japanese culinary culture. Kaiseki cuisine was born from the tea ceremony, initially just light dishes served to guests before enjoying tea. Gradually, it developed into a sumptuous meal with many beautifully presented and artistic dishes.
Kaiseki cuisine is characterized by a menu that changes seasonally to use the freshest ingredients and bring out the unique flavors of each season. The dishes are meticulously prepared, but still focus on preserving the original, elegant flavors of each ingredient and ensuring nutritional balance. The dishes are then harmoniously arranged and beautifully decorated on high-class dishes.
Kaiseki cuisine can be enjoyed at high-end inns and restaurants in old quarters such as Gion, Pontocho and Higashiyama. Prices for a Kaiseki meal range from 10,000 yen (~ 2,000,000 VND) to 50,000 yen (~ 10,000,000 VND), depending on the restaurant and the number of dishes.
Day 5: From Kyoto to Osaka
Continuing the journey, we invite visitors to Osaka – one of the most developed cities in Japan. Coming to Osaka, visitors will experience the harmonious combination of traditional culture and vibrant modernity in the same city, through colorful sightseeing spots, and at the same time enjoy famous street foods.
From Kyoto, the best option for visitors is to take the Shinkansen bullet train from Kyoto Station to Shin-Osaka Station, taking about 20-30 minutes.
Katsuo-ji Temple
Katsuo-ji Temple is one of the oldest temples hidden on a peaceful high mountain in Minoh city, Osaka prefecture and surrounded by rich nature.
The special attraction of the temple is the image of Daruma dolls – the traditional lucky symbol of the Japanese people. When visiting Katsuo-ji Temple, visitors can easily see Daruma dolls everywhere, from the main hall to places such as roofs, rocks, stairs… in the temple grounds.
When you want to make a wish at this temple, you will draw one eye for the doll and write down your wish as a commitment to yourself that “I will face myself and overcome my weaknesses”.
And your wish will only come true if every day that passes you do not feel regret and always try your best to achieve that wish.
Not in a hurry and always try to work hard, you will receive “luck and success” to reach the heights you desire.
Therefore, this place has attracted many visitors to visit to pray for luck and peace every year.
■ Address:
2914-1 Aomatani, Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture
■ Access:
Get off at Minor Kayano Station on the Kita Osaka Kyuko Railway, then take the Hankyu Bus for about 22 minutes and get off at Katsuo-ji Temple
Triển lãm teamLab Botanical Backyard Osaka
Opening in 2022, TeamLab Botanical Backyard Osaka is a unique art exhibition project held at the Nagai outdoor botanical garden, home to over 1,200 different plant species, along with a number of wild birds, such as northern falcons and owls.
In addition to exploring the natural beauty of the 240,000m² garden, visitors can also experience immersive art spaces using immaterial digital technologies to turn nature into art without damaging it.
The exhibition is divided into six areas from A to F, each with one to four observation points with different themes, requiring visitors to use many different senses to perceive and interact.
For example, in the area dedicated to the work “Sculptures of Dissipative Birds within the Wind”, visitors will admire a performance of magical swirling light streams moving along the flight paths of passing birds.
Or the color change through interactive “touching” of giant, soft eggs in the eucalyptus garden in the “Forest of Autonomous Resonating Life” theme.
※Visitors are advised to reserve tickets in advance on the official website, and only tickets booked in advance from the official website are eligible to change the visit date up to 3 times. (*Changes are allowed until 21:00 on the day)
https://www.teamlab.artwork/e/botanicalgarden/
■ Address:
1-23 Nagaikoen Park, Higashisumiyoshi Ward, Osaka Prefecture
■ How to get there:
From Shin-Osaka Station, take the Midosuji Line to Nagai Station, then walk about 10 minutes to reach the above location.
CUPNOODLES MUSEUM OSAKA IKEDA
As a true fan of instant noodles (ramen), visitors cannot miss this place when coming to Ikeda city, Osaka province, the birthplace of the world’s first instant noodles.
The Osaka Ikeda Cup Noodles Museum opened in 1999 with the aim of introducing the history of instant noodles and conveying the importance of innovation and discovery in the stages of invention.
Not only can you visit and learn about the noodle production process, you can also admire the colorful tunnel displaying more than 800 instant noodle products introduced over the past half century. In addition, you can also experience making your own cup of noodles at the My Cupnoodles Manufacturing facility.
■ Address:
8-25 Masumi-machi, Ikeda-city, Osaka Prefecture
■ Access:
Visitors can take the train from Osaka Umeda Station on the Hankyu Takarazuka Line for about 20 minutes and get off at Ikeda Station, then walk about 5 minutes to reach the above location.
Famous dishes
When it comes to local culinary culture in Osaka, Kushikatsu skewers are a must. Fresh ingredients such as meat, fish, vegetables, shrimp, etc. are skewered onto bamboo sticks, then coated with a layer of crispy Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fried; when enjoyed, they are served with rich sauce and raw cabbage.
This dish seems simple but has actually become a popular snack in meetings with friends and relatives. Enjoy it with a cold glass of beer!
Besides, how can we miss the famous Takoyaki, considered a symbol of Osaka street food? The image of fragrant, hot “dough balls” mixed with dark brown sauce, mayonnaise, green onions and a little bonito flakes on top, appears a lot on the streets and local eateries.
When enjoying, you will feel the crunchy taste of the soft dough outside and the freshness of the octopus filling inside. Creating the flavor of Takoyaki is often considered an art, and sellers often have their own methods to create the wonderful, characteristic flavor of their dish.
Return
To end the journey and return from Osaka, visitors can take the train from Osaka Station or Shin Osaka Station to Kansai Airport Station by JR Haruka Line with a travel time of about 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes. From Kansai Worldwide Airport, visitors can use direct flights of airlines such as Vietnam Airways, Vietjet Air… to return to Vietnam.
Visiting Japan during cherry blossom season is an experience worth trying at least once in your life. With a direct flight from Noi Bai Airport to Hiroshima International Airport and a JR Cross Kansai – Hiroshima ticket, your trip will become more convenient than ever. So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip now to make your dream of immersing yourself in the cherry blossoms of Japan come true today!