Day trip to Nara & Osaka from Kobe, a DIY Picture Report

On our second day in Kobe we decided to explore Nara and Osaka. Our JR pass was only valid for 1 more day. We certainly enjoyed using it! The Hyperdia website is an indispensable tool for planning train rides and our pocket wifi was very helpful since we needed to have an internet connection to access the website.

We left the ship early in the morning and got on the port liner again to reach Sannomiya JR Station. We had to change trains in Osaka, which was very easy and arrived in Nara 80 minutes after leaving Kobe. We picked up a free map of Nara at the station and walked for about 15 minutes to Nara park which is home to hundreds of free roaming deer. They are very tame and follow you around to get treats in form of crackers which are being sold around the park.

We walked through the park and first explored Kasuga Taisha Shrine. It is famous for its lanterns, which have been donated by worshipers. Hundreds of stone lanterns are lining the paths approaching the temple. It is incredibly scenic!

20161018-japan (62 of 77) by Petra Graves, on Flickr

We then continued on to Nandaimon Gate

20161018-DSC_0834 by Petra Graves, on Flickr

It is a the main gate to Todai-Ji Temple

20161018-DSC_0842 by Petra Graves, on Flickr

The temple was constructed in 752 and its main hall is the world's largest wooden building. It houses a huge bronze Buddha statue

20161018-DSC_0854 by Petra Graves, on Flickr

20161018-DSC_0859 by Petra Graves, on Flickr

The deer are obviously curious sightseers as well!

There are several more temples in Nara, but temple fatigue set in for us. After 4 hours of walking around in this wonderful place we decided to make our way back to the train station and headed back to Osaka.

As a photographer interested in architecture, I wanted to see the Umeda Sky Building with its rooftop viewing platform

The building is located in close proximity to the Osaka train station. Signs will point you in the right direction. After a 10 minute walk we arrived and took several elevators and escalators up to the top. What a unique building! A must for people interested in modern architecture.

20161019-DSC_0867 by Petra Graves, on Flickr

We had a great view over Osaka

20161019-DSC_0887 by Petra Graves, on Flickr

Here is the view of the entrance to the train station as seen from the platform

We really enjoyed this little side trip. We were able to combine the ancient Japan with the ultra modern. What a great experience!

After 90 min we returned to the train station and were back in Kobe just in time for a delicious dinner on the ship.

Hopefully this report will aid fellow cruisers in planning their day in port.

Happy and safe travels

Regards

Petra

Thank you for this report. I'm planning a similar day from Kobe next month on a cruise and it's reassuring to see someone else's experience.

Excellent photos also.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Thank you Petra for your great report and photos. We are planning to do the same next month (as is cruzmaven) and it's so good to see your experience too.