Operating between Shin-Osaka and Hakata in Japan,the high-speed rail offers a Kawaii Room decorated with Hello Kitty motifs and a Photo Spot, writes Hanna Hussein
AS expected, Shin-Osaka Station is crowded this morning but my husband and I manage to reach the station as planned to catch the 11.29am Shinkansen train. In fact, we arrive half an hour early to make sure we do not miss the Kodama No.741 bullet train heading for Hakata, the southern part of Japan.
Since we have already purchased the Five-Day JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass in advance via the Klook mobile apps, we get to explore major cities in the Kansai region, such as Kyoto and Kobe, up to Okayama.
The pass offers unlimited rides on the Sanyo Shinkansen, Express Trains, Rapid Services and local trains of Japan Railways (JR Group) for five days. The pass can be redeemed upon arrival at Kansai International Airport (guidelines are in the confirmation voucher which can be downloaded through the Klook apps).
The best part is that we save money and time by skipping the queue. Just show the valid pass to the control officer every time you pass through the railwaygate, and you’re good to go.
While Amzar is extremely thrilled to go on his first Shinkansen ride, I am excited for a different reason. Not only that we are boarding a high-speed rail, but also a themed one!
500 SERIES SHINKANSEN
A sleek-looking bullet train is already waiting at Platform 20. We instantly know that we are on the right platform, just by looking at the cute Hello Kitty stickers and shocking-pink ribbon on the side of the train.
The Hello Kitty Shinkansen is a limited edition service which runs between Shin-Osaka and Hakata, and only operates twice a day — the Kodama 730 (Hakata to Shin-Osaka) and Kodama 741 (Shin-Osaka to Hakata). It is a very popular ride and seat reservation is highly recommended. However, to reserve a seat, we have to pay extra so we decide to just try our luck at the non reserved coaches (Cars Two, Three, Seven and Eight).
The train is a restyled 500 Series Shinkansen with a three-by-two seat layout complete with pink and purple seats, and it is so cute! Luckily for us, we manage to get seats on Train Car Two called the Kawaii Room. It is a super-cute coach, completely covered with motifs of Hello Kitty and friends! There’s also a Photo Spot at the front where I get to take picture with the Kitty-chan statue.
I really feel like a kid again, eager to explore more. So, we head to the front coach (Train Car One), the Hello Kitty Plaza, where you can purchase the Hello Kitty Shinkansen souvenirs. There are eight exclusive Hello Kitty design products on sale, each specific to regions that the train travels through — Osaka, Hyogo, Okayama,Tottori, Hiroshima, Shimane, Yamaguchi and Fukuoka.
Our short-ride on this bullet train that goes up to 300kmh is a fun and playful experience which I highly recommend, especially if you’re a Hello Kitty fan!
ENCHANTING HIMEJI
Although our JR Pass allows us to travel up to Okayama on the Shinkansen, Amzar and I decide to make a stop at Himeji, which takes 33 minutes on the Shinkansen ride (typically it takes two hours and 15 minutes on the airport bus from Kansai Airport).
Located on the southwestern part of Hyogo prefecture, the city is the second largest city in Hyogo after Kobe. It is a charming city and one of its must-go attractions is the Himeji Castle.
The castle is located not far from Himeji Station, just 1 km walk along Otemae-dori Street. We leisurely stroll along the uncrowded streets, enjoying the sunny weather, and it takes us less than 20 minutes.
From far, we can see the white facade of then newly-painted white castle on the hilltop surrounded by a moat. It is considered one of the largest castles in Japan, and a surviving example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture, with advanced defensive systems from the feudal period. In 1993, Himeji was registered as the first Unesco World Heritage Sites in the country.
Also known as the White Heron Castle, due to its brilliant white exterior and supposed resemblance to a bird taking flight, Himeji Castle dates back to 1333. Akamatsu Norimura built a fort on top of Himeyama hill which was later dismantled and rebuilt as Himeyama Castle in 1346.
After two centuries, it was remodelled into Himeji Castle and in 1581, Toyotomi Hideyoshi added a three-storey castle keep. The castle was remodelled and expanded a few times later on. For over 400 years, it remained intact despite the bombing during WWII and earthquakes.
The castle can be accessed through the Otemon Gate and there’s a counter to buy a ticket at the Main Keep (centre of the complex) to enter the building. You can start exploring on the first floor, which is called the “thousand-mat room” because it has over 330 tatami mats, and you can also see weapon racks called bugukake which hold matchlocks and spears. There are six floors to explore.
If you have time, visit Taiyo Park 40 minutes away from Himeji Station by bus. The park is in a remote area of Himeji but it’s worth a visit. It is an expansive park displaying replicas of famous and wondrous landmarks from around the world such as China’s Terracotta Army, Egyptian Pyramids, Mayan civilisations, Thailand’s leaning Buddha and more.
Here, you can stroll along the park, as if you are exploring famous places around the world. We also find a huge “Malaya syiling” stone replica at the park!
The park was created by a philanthropist with a vision to help people in need, and run by the staff and residents of the on-site nursing home.
GAMBA OSAKA
Back in Osaka, my husband, who is a football fan, surprises me with tickets to watch a local football club match at Panasonic Stadium Suita. Formerly known as Suita City Football Stadium, the stadium in the city of Suita has been home to the J1 League football club Gamba Osaka since 2016. Previously, the Gamba Osaka main stadium was the Expo ‘70 Commemorative Stadium from 1991 and 2015.
To support the team, we wear electric blue tops and when we arrive at 4.30 pm, we find there are already blue supporters everywhere. Despite the rainy weather, I can see that the supporters are all excited to watch the match. Surprisingly I can see lots of families with young children, and even senior citizens, who have come to support the team.
Sharp at 5pm, we get to enter the massive stadium which can seat up to 39,694 spectators. But before we head to our seats, we make a stop at the Blu Spazio, the official megastore of the club. The shop is crowded with supporters and there’s a queue waiting to go inside. We are early, but we are told that it takes up to even two hours to enter the store on a match day.
Once inside, you can take your time buying club souvenirs such as key chains, scarves and jersey.
We also visit the Blu Storia which is a small museum where you can witness the glorious history of Gamba Osaka. There is a display of trophies won in the past 25 years, and photographs show legendary players who have played for Gamba Osaka since 1991.
Just after sunrise, the game kicks off. This is my first time watching a big game at a stadium where there are thousands of spectators. There’s a special spot for team Shimizu members who wear bright orange in support of their team.
The stadium atmosphere is the ultimate experience— we get to hear loud chanting and drumming from different teams. The feel is different from watching a match on TV — it’s more exciting to watch this dramatic match live!
The match goes on for two hours and by the end of the second half, Gamba Osaka finally score a goal! The last-minute goal really gives me a sense of pride and satisfaction to be here, tonight!
A DAY IN KYOTO
Kyoto is a must-visit when you’re in Osaka. This is not my first time in Kyoto so we decide to skip thetouristy spots and explore the not-so-popular neighbourhood.
But my husband and I agree to do a cool activity together while exploring Kyoto. Klook offers plenty of activities in the area and one of it is the One Day Kimono Rental.
We book the activity on the app, and receive 24 hours confirmation — super fast and hassle-free! Once it is confirmed, we receive an email on how to get to the rental shop. The place is so easy to find, thanks to Google Maps which we have been using since the first day we arrived in Japan but the most important gadget that you’ll need is the Pocket Wifi (which can also be purchased at Klook) which helps us to stay connected.
The shop is huge and I love that the female and male changing rooms are separated by level. There are over 500 kimono designs and a variety of obi belts to choose from and you can enjoy hassle-free rental experience. Bags, footwear and shawls are also provided in store!
It takes us 20 minutes to get ready and after that we get to roam the city in traditional Japanese wear for the day at all the photogenic places and temples around Kyoto especially Gion.
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