Smart Luxury : Swissotel Nankai Osaka II

What was most impressive about Swissotel Nankai was not its hardware, but the service staff. When I fell sick during the trip, the concierge took pains to locate a clinic with English speaking doctor, called the clinic to confirm the doctor's availability, and gave us detailed instructions how to get there. We were so touched by her care and concern.

Other small luxuries worth mentioning :

Like other 5-star hotels, Swissotel also offers a choice of pillows to enhance your comfort.

Wake up to to aroma of nespresso coffee ! There's also an ipod dock in the room.

Hotel is located directly above Namba Station the Nankai railway, which made it a breeze to travel to the Kansai airport. Just take two flights of escalators and you are at the station ! We took the Rapi:t Airport Express Train of Nankai Railway, JPY1,390 Y (S$23) and arrived at the airport in 35 minutes.

Jesto Tip: If you have a little spare cash, I suggest upgrading to a room in the executive floor so that you can can access the Swiss Executive Club lounge where you can enjoy complimentary breakfast and snacks all day. We had a wonderful time relaxing at the Japanese baths to soothe our sore muscles.

Smart Luxury : Swissotel Nankai Osaka

I love staying in beautiful hotels. It's really part of the whole package of a holiday. For those who are travelling free & easy, a good hotel plays a big part in enhancing your travel experience. Usually a nice hotel is located in a good area, with easy access to public transportation, and most importantly, shopping. This saves us lots of travelling time. You can also hop back to the hotel for a quick nap or shower anytime you are tired from the sight-seeing.

For these reasons, I have chosen to stay in Swissotel Nankai Osaka, which is right above Takashimaya Osaka.

Super comfortable, good size room with a view to kill

Jetso Tip: Do remember to check out the hotel's official website. Sometimes, they offer better prices. In the case of Swissotel, do join the Swissotel Circle as a member and enjoy their promotion of Stay 3 Pay 2 until 28 Feb. Check out details herehttp://circle.swissotel.com/selected_promotions.aspx?logged=YES&id=23

Scenic View of Kyoto

Sharing some pics of beautiful Kyoto in winter

Kyoto Imperial Palace. Don't forget to seek permission from the Imperial Household to enjoy a 1- hour free guided tour. Details here http://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/

Beautiful Ginkaku-ji Silver Pavilion

Nijio Castle, built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867).

Kinkaku-ji Temple, made of gold.

Tori gates at the Fushimi Inari Shrine, just next to JR Inari Station on Nara Line

Porta Mall and The Cube at Kyoto

As we are staying in Hotel Granvia, which is linked to Kyoto's largest underground mall, Porta, we had breakfast at the cafe there. Pronto serves breakfast set comprising muffin or sandwich with coffee starting from Y390.

Besides boasting over 30 restaurants, the mall also features a variety of shops in the fashion zone. Do also check out the souvenir shops selling unique crafts, pottery, Yuzen-dyed fabrics, Nishijin textiles, fans, umbrellas, dolls, cutlery, gold-leaf work, paper lanterns, Japan’s special sweets and tea.

The hotel is also linked to another large underground mall, The Cube, where more food and shopping awaits.

Pretty looking lockers at the mall.

Single seating cubicles at McDonald's.

Jetso Tip: Walk around and explore the options for breakfast at Porta and The Cube.

Eat good food at low prices in Japan

If you are staying around JR Kyoto, go to Kyoto Ramen Koji 京都拉麺小路(a “ramen street” of seven different ramen shops), 10th floor, Isetan. Prices are low. For less than Y1000, you get a big bowl of ramen. No need to speak Japanese, just choose the ramen of your choice, put in your money into the vending machine at the entrance and you will be served !

You could also choose to eat at the restaurants above the malls like Isetan, Daimaru or Takashimaya. They are slightly more expensive with prices starting from around Y2000.

Jetso Tip: Go for set lunch as it is usually better value than dinner. I had this set lunch with oysters and a big prawn for around Y2000.

If you feel like indulging, do try out the wagyu beef. We visited this BBQ beef restaurant in Takashimaya. The wagyu beef simply melts in your mouth. Set dinner cost us about Y10,000 for two.I think this is good value considering the quality of the food as compared to Singapore.

What to buy in Japan II

For foodstuff and souvenirs, I recommend getting them from Don Quijote, a discount outlet store in most cities like Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo. The outlets in Tokyo and Osaka Dontabori operates 24 hours.

Here are some stuff I bought from Donki, as the Japanese call it.

These tiramisu chocolates are really yummy and I can't find them anywhere else. The big packet cost about Y1500. The green tea flavoured ones are available in small packets only.

Winter is the season for strawberries and they have all kinds of snacks made from strawberries. The strawberry Kit Kat retails at Y300 in Donki and I saw the same thing packaged in a box retailing at Y700 at the Kansai airport! A whole lot of difference. Each packet has 13 minis which is ideal for the office. Also bought the Bon Bons and the seaweed toppings which you can eat with tofu or noodles.

Jetso Tip: Donki in Osaka is located at Dontobori, near H&M. It has 6 storeys with clothings, electronics, branded items and food. And its open 24 hours ! Great place to shop for souvenirs and snacks to bring home. I won't recommend buying cosmetics as the prices in drugstores are much more competitive.

I won't do a review of the cosmetics and drugstore purchases. You just have to make sure you compare prices as there are so many drugstores around. I would recommend purchasing these two items as they are not available in Singapore and I had good experience using them.

Shiseido Concealer, Y1200 available at the Kansai Airport. The concealer is very good for hiding acne, scars and makes your pores smaller. The consistency is thick, so it is not very suitable for dark eye circles though. You won't be able to find this at the drugstores in town so remember to pick one before you leave. Two shades available.

Another product I like is the Shiseido Ma Cherie Aqua Dew leave-in conditioner. Retails at Y7300 at drugstores in town. It has a lovely, girlish scent and really helps to keep hair moisturised. Not available in Singapore.

What to buy in Japan

Agnes B is cheaper in Japan. There is a sale now in Daimaru, Isetan and Takashimaya. This cosmetic pouch is going for about S$40.

Emooks - japanese magazine with a gift, usually in the form of tote bag or cosmetic pouch. The Dolly Girl Anna Sui was going for Y1400. Also bought a Kate Spade and Mary Quant emook.

Jill Stuart cosmetics are available at the Kansai airport.

Jetso Tip : Buy big ticket items at departmental stores to qualify for tax refund. Applicable for purchases above Y10,500 excluding F&B.

Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kyoto Imperial Palace

Most of the places of interest are better accessed by bus except for Kyoto Imperial Palace and the Fushimi Inari Shrine.

Jetso Tip : For a free guided tour inside the Kyoto Imperial Palace, be sure to make an appointment with the Imperial Household Agency at http://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/guide/kyoto.html before your trip. There is an even more beautiful Sento Palace inside, which also requires reservation before you can get in. This is very popular and because I planned my trip late, I couldn't secure an appointment.

Taking a train from JR Kyoto to JR Nara Inari Station where the Fushimi Inari Shrine is located. Only takes 10min and cost Y140 but be sure to take the rapid express and not the normal train !

The Fushimi Inari Shrine is directly opposite the station.

Fresh oysters at Nishiki Market Kyoto

Take bus no 5 from Kyoto bus terminal, next to the station. Alight at Daimaru and take a short walk to the Nishiki Market (錦市場, Nishiki Ichiba). Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen", this lively retail market specializes in all things food related, and Kyoto specialties, such as Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood and sushimarket.

Jetso Tip: Take the fresh oysters at the store nearest the entrance. Each oyster at 200Yen only! Opened and grilled on the spot ! Take it with Asahi beer! Yummy !

Jetso Tip: Shop for souvenirs and foodstuff to bring home at the market. It's cheaper. The cosmetics pouches were going on sale at Y1000 for 3 whereas the same thing is selling at Y700 each at the airport !

Kyoto Sightseeing Bus

Another wonderful thing about the hotel is that it is right next to the bus terminal where you can take sightseeing buses to many places of interest. You can board the two services Raku 100 and 101 to places like Kinkaku-ji Temple, Nijio Castle. It is very easy to take buses in kyoto, schedules and routes are listed at bus stops. Check out details at http://www.city.kyoto.lg.jp/kotsu/cmsfiles/contents/0000019/19770/bus_navi_en200801.pdf

Jetso Tip : Go to the Tourism centre at the JR Kyoto station, right next to Hotel Granvia to buy the 1-day pass which is only 500Yen for unlimited rides.

Smart Luxury: Hotel Granvia Kyoto

If you are not on tight budget, I would suggest staying in Hotel Granvia, which is no 3 on tripadvisor and Winner of Travelers' Choice® 2012. The hotel is part of the Kyoto Station complex, making travelling from the airport extremely easy. We took the Haruka Express Train from Kansai Airport Station to Kyoto Station which cost us JPY3,290 (S$55) for standard reserved seats. Check out promo rates at hotels.com, we paid S$711 for 3 nights, including Sat.

The North Wing offers a better view.

Even though the hotel is located right above the Kyoto station, it was quiet and we didn't feel any vibrations.

Spacious and elegant lobby

The very thoughtful hotel even provided seats in the lift to rest our tired feet.

Jetso Tip : Weekend hotel rates in Kyoto are much more expensive, try to plan your visit during weekdays as it tends to be less crowded as well.

Lovely view of Kyoto Tower opposite hotel. Hotel is also right next to Isetan, the Kyoto Theater, a museum, Porta and The Cube underground shopping malls.

Jetso Tip : Buy sushi and bento sets at Isetan basement foodcourt around 7.30pm where prices will be slashed. Yumms !

Jetso Tip : Don't lug your luggage around. Arrange for Takkyubin at the lobby of the hotel to send your luggage to the airport or another prefecture. Rates are based on measurements and not weight. It cost us S$23 to send our large size luggage to Osaka. Do remember to send your luggage 1 day in advance. Details here http://www.kuronekoyamato.co.jp/english/services/takkyu.html