Public Transport through pictures in Osaka-Kyoto-Nara

This is a photo story of my experience getting around the Kansai Region during my family holiday in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara, Japan. Amidst all the confusion from the complex train lines, and saying ‘sumimasen’ at Japanese commuters who helped us out when we were lost, it was a wonderful ride.

Disclaimer: I captured these not so pretty shots because they stood out for me in one way or another.

Kon’nichiwa, arrived in Osaka!

The train ride from Kansai International Airport(KIX) was comfortable, with eye-opening views.

Spacious seats
Took the Rapi:t express train
Thanks Klook

I liked that throughout our 11 day journey, the view was never the same.

Sometimes it was peak hours…

Sometimes it was not..

Did you know that the seats are heated in November?

Their seats could also be rotated depending on the direction of the train for some. No matter which way we went, look to the window, and let your perspectives grow.

Apart from the heated seats, what’s hot was also the variety of transport to get around.

But let’s get back to their public transport, with social norms that are on the borderline of cute, but intrusive.

Don’t intrude in the boundaries of others with your selfies sticks, people.
A no running/rushing sign on a train platform.

Well-suited for these kawaii Japanese.

The Japanese also take their hygiene very seriously, with water taps on the platform, and toilets even after you tap in! (Seriously a life saver, wish SG had this too.)

Their walkways at the train stations were long and winding, unaccompanied by escalators or travelators most of the time.

Used that time wisely to appreciate the analog of things. An analog girl through and through.

Till this day, I still use analog watches, and am not a fan of digital clocks. Which was why I enjoyed spending my time spotting these clocks at the stations. Everything in SG is electronic now, and we have “no time” to treasure the past.

I appreciated the nostalgia that old school trams brought too.

And the furry cushion seats in the bus.

In Nara

On the road, you can see the wheels on the bus go round and round.

Oh, and when you visit Nara, you should know that deers are taken into account on the roads too.

Pay in cash to get a ticket, or via top-up transport cards.

I used the Icoca card, it’ like an ez-link card in Singapore. Suited for those who have a free and easy schedule, and do not plan to visit all attractions in one day.

Took a taxi in Kyoto too. While we we may not speak a common language, gestures and maps helped to make sure we understood each other.

Finally, we reached the end of the trip. Headed back to KIX, feeling satisfied, refreshed and grateful.

KIX is the world’s first ocean airport, built on a landfill island in Osaka Bay, Japan.

Thank you Japan!

I’ll definitely see you again.

Love,

Umi

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