Kansai Pass or Bust: Conquering Kyoto and Osaka on a Budget

Hey travel buddies!

We thoroughly enjoyed Japan's Kansai region, and we're here to spill the matcha on whether the Kansai Pass is worth it . Spoiler alert: it depends! But fear not, We'll break it down to help you decide.

No More Kansai Thru Pass...

First things first, the beloved Kansai Thru Pass is no more! As of May 2024, it's been replaced by the new Kansai Railway Pass. While it offers similar benefits – unlimited rides on trains and subways in the Kansai area – there are some key changes.

The New Kansai Railway Pass: Friend or Foe?

• Price Hike: The new pass is a bit pricier than its predecessor. We're talking 5,600 yen for a 2-day pass and 7,000 yen for 3 days (ouch!).
• Bus Blues: Sadly, unlike the Thru Pass, the Railway Pass doesn't cover buses anymore. This might be a dealbreaker if you planned on exploring further flung areas.
• JR Trains MIA: Another thing to note is that the pass doesn't cover JR trains, which are a major player in the Kansai region.

So, is it worth it?

Here's our take:

• For Budget Backpackers: If you're sticking mainly to Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara (all easily accessible by subways and private railways), and want to maximize your travel budget, the Kansai Railway Pass can still be a good option.
• For Adventurous Explorers: If your itinerary includes places like Koyasan or Himeji Castle (which require JR trains or long-distance travel), the pass might not be the best fit. Consider buying individual tickets or a JR Pass depending on your specific needs.

June in Kansai: What to Expect

June is a great time to visit Kansai – the weather is warm but not sweltering, the rainy season hasn't quite hit yet, and the crowds are still manageable. Here are some highlights:

• Hydrangea Heaven: June is hydrangea season in Japan, and the Kansai region boasts some stunning displays. Check out the Meigetsu-in Temple in Kamakura or the Hase-dera Temple in Nara.
• Festival Fun: June also sees some lively festivals, like the Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka (a vibrant boat procession) and the Hozuki Festival in Kyoto (where people light paper lanterns).
• Hiking Adventures: As the weather gets warmer, June is a good time for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the region's hiking trails, like those around Mount Takao or Mount Inari.

Our Kansai Pass Adventure

Since we focused on exploring Osaka and Kyoto, the Kansai Railway Pass worked well for us. We zipped around on the subways and private railways, hitting all the must-sees – Osaka Castle, Dotombori district, Kinkaku-ji temple, Arashiyama bamboo grove – without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose the Kansai Railway Pass or explore your options, the Kansai region has something for everyone. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and mouthwatering food, it's a destination that will leave you wanting more.

Have you used the Kansai Pass (or the new Railway Pass)? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

Happy Travels,

Casio Watch Rings Are Back in Japan and My Inner Child is Screaming!

Hey everyone,

Remember those awesome Casio watches we all rocked back in the day? The ones with the catchy tunes and that somehow managed to survive numerous playground tumbles? Well, get ready for a major nostalgia trip because Casio's Standard Series is back, but this time in a much tinier form – watch rings!

Photo not mine CTTO 

Yes, you read it right. Those iconic digital, analog, and even calculator watches we loved are now a miniature replicas that double as rings! They've hit the capsule machines all across Japan, and let me tell you, my inner child is absolutely thrilled.

For those unfamiliar with the magic of Casio's Standard Series, these were the go-to watches of our youth. We had the classic F-91W with its digital display, the ever-so-useful calculator watch (hello, teenage math problems!), and the timeless analog designs like the MQ-24. These watches were about functionality, affordability, and a whole lot of retro charm.

Photo not mine CTTO 

Now, imagine these iconic designs shrunk down and transformed into rings! The second edition of Casio watch rings boasts six different models, including some new additions like the CA-53WF Databank watch (remember that one?). Each ring captures the essence of the original watch with incredible detail, considering their size. Plus, there's even a secret model waiting to be discovered – the thrill of the hunt is real!

G-Shock
Photos not mine CTTO

So, if you're ever in Japan and spot those familiar capsule machines, keep an eye out for the Casio watch rings. You might just score your favorite childhood watch in a whole new form!

Who knows, maybe I'll even do a follow-up post with pictures of my ring collection (fingers crossed for the secret model!). Until then, happy hunting, fellow Casio enthusiasts!

Family, Food Finds, and Friendly Business Chat at IFEX 2024

The last day of IFEX 2024 turned into a delightful family affair (with a dash of business thrown in)! After a big family event at the Marriott Hotel's Grand Ballroom, my brother Yummytales and I decided to squeeze in a visit to the World Trade Center. What a good decision that was!

IFEX, for those who haven't been, is a treasure trove of all things food and ingredients. It's a chance to discover new favorites and stock up on old ones. And guess what? We stumbled upon a small world moment right there at a booth!

We were waiting for our change after buying 6 Camalig pinangat (we missed this dish so much!). As fate would have it, my cousin-in-law (wife of my first cousin, whom we'd just seen at the Marriott) arrived with my nephew! Turns out, his wife is the seller at the booth!

They sell these unique, well-packaged pinangat for a very reasonable price. They even had a promo: buy 5, get 1 free! I ended up paying only Php 415 for 6 pieces. Bonus: these pinangat have a shelf life of a year if frozen! Needless to say, our 6-pack lasted a mere 3 days. Wish I'd bought more! Yum!!

Their recipe is fantastic. Not just because they're family (although that doesn't hurt!), but because it's truly delicious and super convenient. It can be steamed using a rice cooker or even microwaved (just add some water!).

Next stop? A booth from Aklan selling a variety of baked goodies for Php 499! And guess what? I even got my Php1 change back! ( Some vendors don't give change anymore) This delightful assortment included 1 pack of broas, 1 pack of garlic bread, 1 pack of egg cracklings, 1 pack of otap, 1 pack of biscocho, and small plastic of half barquillos filled with polvoron. They even have a distributor in Metro Manila – perfect for future cravings!

The day wasn't just about shopping, though. We were also treated to some delicious samples from a lovely couple from Tiaong, Quezon. They offered me a small VCO bottle and one sachet of coconut oil, and it seems they were giving them out to other customers who passed by their booth as well. What a generous couple! Thank you ma'am and sir!

Now, onto a different topic related to my business. While at IFEX, I had the opportunity to discuss a situation with Aice Philippines. They had a new reseller right across from our store, and I wanted to ensure fair competition considering our long-standing loyalty since their launch back in 2018. The conversation was friendly and informative, and hopefully, they'll consider the situation.

Finally, a quick shout-out to Ms. Luz Soriano. Unfortunately, it was closing time when we reached her booth, so we missed a chance to say hello. Here's hoping for an invitation to the next CITEM event, Ms. Soriano!

Overall, IFEX 2024 was a whirlwind of family, food finds, and a productive business discussion. It's definitely an event I wouldn't want to miss next year!