Speed traveling: Kansai in five days or less!

After a series of "speed traveling" posts, I thought I would attempt to (theoretically) condense our 9-day Kansai trip with toddler in tow, to a much shorter version for the solo traveler (or those traveling without little ones).

Here's how to see the best of Kansai in half the time needed compared with what we did. For the details of each sight, check out the specifics in my "Kid in Kansai" series.

Day 1: Kuromon Market (lunch), Osaka Castle, either Shitennoji or Sumiyoshi Taisha, Dotonbori (dinner). Overnight in Osaka.

Day 2: Himeji and Kobe (or replace with Universal Studios in Osaka). Overnight in Osaka. Check out of Osaka hotel the next morning.

Day 3: Nara half-day (leave luggage at the station locker), then onward to Kyoto (Arashiyama, Tenryuji, Bamboo Grove, Kinkakuji). Overnight in Kyoto.

Day 4: East Kyoto (including Kiyomizudera, Sannenzakai, Ninenzakai, Ishibe Koji, Maruyama Park, Shoren-In, Chion-In, Nanzenji, Path of Philosophy, Ginkakuji). Then Pontocho and Gion in the evening. Overnight in Kyoto.

The lovely Ishibe Koji

Day 5: Fushimi Inari, Uji (if you like green tea), then back to Nijo Castle and some shopping at the Kyoto Station area thereafter. Take a night flight out, or overnight in Kyoto.

It's possible! :)

Kid in Kansai: How to nail Kansai with a toddler in tow (Part 4)

Nara was seriously a breeze after yesterday's grueling walk, climb and carry workout. For a start, the commute was far easier with a direct train from Kintetsu Namba to Kintetsu Nara. The JR Nara station is further away from the main sights so do be aware.

Upon exiting the station, you will encounter the pedestrian-only covered Higashimuki Shopping Street, where you can pick up a snack for the little one or yourself before embarking to the main sights of Nara. Try the persimmon leaf-wrapped sushi - an acquired taste - for a snack that is unique to this ancient capital.

Nara is very walkable and most people make a beeline for the UNESCO heritage sites of Kohfukuji and Todaiji. Nara Koen (Nara Park) is in between the two and wild deer roam freely anywhere between the two temples. Little ones will enjoy patting the deer or just observing them if they don't dare to touch the deer. 

Deer biscuit vendors sell the senpei (biscuit) for deers at 150 yen per pack, and its interesting that the deer, hungry as they seem to be all the time, do not harrass any of these vendors. Rather, when some kind / curious visitor purchases a pack, the deers promptly charge over to him.

Oh deer... what happened to gentle Bambi?

Kid alert: The deer are large and may seem intimidating for young ones if he / she is standing (rather than being carried) and holding the deers' coveted senpei. The deer are easily taller than a three-year-old and can be aggressive in wanting to get a bite. It is advisable to carry the toddler above the deer, unless the little one is brave. These are not Bambi!

When the little one has enough of deer-feeding, proceed back towards the station but stop for some lunch at the same shopping street before heading back. Try Udon-tei, which serves udon (hot and cold) with tempura and other things. It can be quite packed though, but that goes to show its popularity.

The complete itinerary:
Day 1: Osaka (Kuromon Market, Osaka Castle, Dotonbori)
Day 2: Osaka (Shitennoji, Sumiyoshi Taisha)
Day 3: Kobe, Himeji (Himeji Castle, Mount Rokko, Harbourland)
Day 4: Nara (Todaiji, Kohfukuji, Nara Park)
Day 5: Kyoto (Arashiyama, Tenryuji, Bamboo Grove, Kinkakuji)
Day 6: Kyoto (Kiyomizudera, Sannenzakai, Ninenzakai, Ishibe Koji, Maruyama Park, Shoren-in, Chion-in, Nanzenji, Path of Philosophy, Ginkakuji)
Day 7: Inari, Uji (Fushimi Inari Taisha, Byodoin Temple, Kaiseki)
Day 8 & 9: Kyoto (Nijo Castle, Kyoto Station, Pontocho, Gion)