Tag: budget travel

Rediscovering SEOUL After 9 Years: Exploring Bukchon Hanok Village, Changdeokgung Palace Secret Garden & Insa-dong [November 2024]

In November 2024, I traveled to Seoul, South Korea, for the first time in nine years. I had visited Seoul previously in 2014 and 2015, both times with my work colleagues. This time, I spent 9 days and 8 nights with my high school friends. While I had to work on some days due to previously scheduled important meetings, I made sure that the workdays did not spoil my Seoul holiday.

My friends and I explored many places during this trip, but today I will focus on our adventures at Bukchon Hanok Village, Changdeokgung Palace Secret Garden, and Insa-dong. Read on to discover what you can see and expect at these locations, especially during the beautiful autumn season.

In case you missed it, I wrote about the step-by-step process I followed to get my multiple entry South Korean tourist visa. You can check it out here.

Plane Ticket

I was lucky enough to score a ₱1 base fare ticket to Seoul during Cebu Pacific Air’s anniversary sale in March 2024. My ticket originally cost ₱4,329.30 for a round trip. This included a guaranteed seat on both flights and a 7-kilogram carry-on luggage allowance. Cebu Pacific Air allows you to add checked baggage based on your needs. In my case, I added a 20-kilogram allowance for the flight to Seoul and 2 x 20 kilograms (a total of 40 kilograms) for the return flight to Manila.

With the added checked baggage allowance, my return ticket cost only ₱7,409.30. This is an incredible deal, considering it includes baggage allowance for both flights, including a generous 40 kilograms on the way back. A massive thank you to Cebu Pacific Air for making these types of international fares possible. The airline truly provides an opportunity for every Juan to fly.

Accommodation

I stayed for 9 days and 8 nights, which overlapped with my friends’ time in Seoul. During those 8 nights, my friends and I decided to stay in a single accommodation, and we chose Bunk Guesthouse Hostel. It is a highly-rated place located in the vibrant and bustling Hongdae District.

For the first 4 nights, we stayed in a family room (with 1 full bed and 2 single beds) with a balcony. After some friends left for Manila, we transferred to a twin room with bunk beds for the last 4 nights. My share for the 8-night stay amounted to ₱13,243.97. I personally think it was a good deal, especially considering we stayed in private rooms for the entire stay and enjoyed free breakfast every morning.

I also wrote about Bunk Guesthouse Hostel in one of my recent Hostel of the Day features. I hope you can check it out here.

Going Around Seoul

My friends and I used a T-money rechargeable card for all our public transportation needs during this trip. We initially considered getting the Climate Card, but we decided it would not be worth it, given the differences in our schedules and plans.

We received a free T-money card when we picked up our passports at KVAC in October 2024. Our companions who did not have a T-money card bought theirs at the Airport Station.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village is a residential area of restored traditional Korean houses dating back to the early 20th century. The village is home to hundreds of traditional hanoks, which have become a popular tourist destination due to their beautiful and intricate architecture. There is no entry fee to visit the village.

Nearest train station: Anguk Station of Seoul Subway Line 3 (Exits 1, 2 or 3)

Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden

Changdeokgung Palace is one of the ‘Five Grand Palaces’ built by the kings of the Joseon Dynasty. It is located to the east of Gyeongbokgung Palace. The palace was once the site of state affairs and served as the residence of the royal family during the Joseon era.

Changdeokgung Palace is also famous for its Secret Garden, which can only be visited through a guided walking tour. Tickets for the palace and the timed walking tour can be purchased at the entrance. Adult tickets cost ￦3,000 for entry to the general palace grounds and ￦5,000 for the timed walking tour. The Secret Garden is located within the palace grounds, and visitors wishing to explore it are required to purchase both tickets.

My friends and I joined the 2:30 p.m. Secret Garden English tour. We bought our tickets a few hours in advance and spent the time exploring Bukchon Hanok Village while waiting for our scheduled tour.

Nearest train stations: Anguk Station of Seoul Subway Line 3 (Exit 3) or Jongno 3-ga Station of Seoul Subway Lines 1, 3 and 5 (Exit 6)

Insa-dong

Insa-dong is a cultural neighborhood located near Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village. It was once Seoul’s antique and art market, but today it is renowned for its modern galleries and tea shops. The area is also home to many artisan shops and cafes, making it the perfect place for a relaxing afternoon stroll.

Nearest train stations: Anguk Station of Seoul Subway Line 3 (Exit 6) or Jonggak Station of Seoul Subway Line 1 (Exit 3-1)

My friends and I did try to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, but unfortunately, we arrived after it had already closed.

Thank you for joining me in today’s post about Bukchon Hanok Village, Changdeokgung Palace and its Secret Garden, and Insa-dong. I hope you enjoyed reading about these incredible spots in Seoul. Whether you are planning your own trip or simply exploring from afar, these places are worth a visit especially during autumn.

Have you been to these places before? What do you think of them? Are you considering visiting them in the future? If you have any questions or would like to know more, feel free to post them in the comments section below or send them via email to contact@thewkndtravel.com. I would be happy to respond! Stay tuned for more upcoming posts about Seoul and South Korea. You can also check out other posts about this Seoul trip under the Seoul 2024 category.

Before you go, I hope you can like, follow and share my social media pages – Facebook and Instagram. This will help me increase my reach; it will also keep you up-to-date with the latest blog posts, itineraries, hostel of the day features, and flight reports on this website. Thank you and see you next time!

PS. Photos were taken using my Google Pixel 8 Pro.

Hostel of the Day: BUNK GUESTHOUSE HOSTEL – Highly Rated and Welcoming Accommodation in Seoul’s Vibrant Hongdae District

In November 2024, I flew to Seoul, South Korea, with my friends to rediscover the city I had visited 8-9 years ago. I stayed for 9 days and 8 nights, overlapping with my friends’ time in Seoul. During those 8 nights, my friends and I stayed at Bunk Guesthouse Hostel in Hongdae.

Join me in today’s Hostel of the Day feature as I share why this welcoming hostel is highly rated by all its guests.

Bunk Guesthouse Hostel

Bunk Guesthouse Hostel is a highly-rated guesthouse/hostel in Hongdae. The property consists of two multi-story buildings, offering both shared dormitory rooms for budget travelers and private rooms for those who prefer their own space.

Brian, the property host, along with his staff, runs Bunk Guesthouse Hostel, ensuring that all guests have an unforgettable trip to Seoul. The property provides a wide range of facilities and amenities that guests can enjoy throughout their stay.

Location & Access

Bunk Guesthouse Hostel is located at 19-1, Wausan-ro 29ra-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul 04053, South Korea. It is in a quiet yet pleasant part of Hongdae, just a 4-minute walk from Exit 6 or Exit 7 of the Hongik University Station on the Airport Railroad (light blue line), and an 8-minute walk from Exit 8 of the same station on the Metro Subway Line 2 (green line).

The hostel is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops. The nearest convenience store is about a 2–3-minute walk away, while the closest supermarket is around 10 minutes on foot. The bustling main area of Hongdae is about an 8–10-minute walk away.

The property is approximately 25 to 30 minutes by subway from Gimpo International Airport, 52 to 60 minutes from Incheon International Airport, and just 13 minutes from Seoul Station, the main station for KTX.

Bunk Guesthouse Hostel’s location is a solid 10 out of 10. It is on the quieter side of the lively Hongdae area but still close to hundreds of commercial establishments. It is also easily accessible by public transportation, with convenient access to both the Airport Railroad and Metro Subway Line 2.

Room Options & Cost

Bunk Guesthouse Hostel offers a wide range of room options to suit both budget travelers and those traveling in pairs or groups. The hostel provides both shared dormitory rooms and private ensuite rooms.

The shared dormitory rooms come in the following configurations: a 6-bed mixed dormitory room, a 4-bed mixed dormitory room, and a 4-bed female-only dormitory room. Each dormitory room is equipped with bunk beds, each featuring privacy curtains. Every bed includes a shelf, an individual reading light, a locker, and a power socket. The dormitory rooms also have air conditioning, and the shower areas are shared or ensuite, depending on the room.

The private rooms include several types: economy double room, standard double room, deluxe double room with kitchenette, double room with balcony, twin room with bunk bed, standard twin room, deluxe twin room, and family room. All private rooms come with a private toilet and bath, and some even feature private balconies.

My friends and I stayed at Bunk Guesthouse Hostel for 8 nights. We booked the family room (with 1 full bed and 2 single beds) with balcony for the first 4 nights, paying ₩476,928 (after discounts) for 4 people. For the last 4 nights, we stayed in a twin room with bunk beds, paying ₩309,365 (after discounts), not including the booking website’s mark-up. We booked the first 4 nights through Booking.com and the last 4 nights via Agoda.

My share for the 8-night stay at Bunk Guesthouse, which covered both room types, was ₱13,243.97, averaging roughly ₱1,655.50 per night. This is a very affordable price, considering the property’s prime location, complimentary breakfast, and the amenities and facilities available during my stay.

Guest Facilities & Amenities

Free & Fast Wi-Fi – All guests have access to complimentary, high-speed Wi-Fi, which is perfect for those working remotely.

Complimentary Breakfast – Bunk Guesthouse Hostel offers a simple, free breakfast. Guests can make their own sandwiches or fried eggs, and enjoy a hot cup of coffee or tea, or a cold glass of fruit juice. On weekends, the property adds cup noodles to the breakfast options.

Communal Lounge Spaces – The property features communal lounge areas where guests can relax, unwind, or socialize with others.

Patio – Bunk Guesthouse Hostel has an outdoor patio where guests can chill or pass the time. The patio is open until 2:00 a.m., as long as guests are mindful of noise after midnight.

Rooftop Area – The hostel has a communal rooftop offering an additional space to relax. Guests can use the rooftop until 11:00 p.m.

Shared Kitchen & Dining Area – Guests are welcome to buy groceries and cook their own meals in the shared kitchen, and enjoy their meals in the common dining area.

Unlimited Drinking Water Refills – Bunk Guesthouse Hostel provides unlimited drinking water refills to all its guests. The water dispenser is located near the refrigerator. Be sure to bring your own water container.

Air Conditioning & Heating Systems – All rooms are equipped with both air conditioning and heating systems, ensuring comfort throughout the year.

Complimentary Bath & Face Towels – The hostel provides complimentary bath and face towels, which can be replaced daily.

Guest-only Tours & Seasonal Activities – Bunk Guesthouse Hostel offers exclusive tours and seasonal activities, such as DMZ tours and weekly BBQs with other guests. Brian, the host, shares these details upon booking confirmation.

Hostel Drink Shop – The hostel offers beers and bottles of soju for those who wish to enjoy a drink. Please ask the reception for updated prices and availability.

Laundry Facilities – A laundry room is available from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a minimal fee for guests who wish to wash their clothes during their stay.

Luggage Storage – Bunk Guesthouse Hostel provides free luggage storage before check-in and after check-out. Guests can leave their bags near the reception while waiting for check-in or their departure.

Multi-Lingual, Friendly & Welcoming Host and Staff – Brian and his team are incredibly friendly and welcoming. They ensure everything runs smoothly during your stay and are always ready to help. They also speak fluent English.

Secured Room Access – Rooms are only accessible via a pin code provided to guests upon check-in. Each room has a unique code, ensuring that only the designated guests can enter their rooms.

Secured Hostel Premises – The premises are equipped with 24/7 CCTV surveillance for added security. The property can only be accessed by guests, with doors always locked and secured by pin codes, provided only to guests upon check-in.

Hostel Experience

My friends and I had a wonderful stay at Bunk Guesthouse Hostel in Hongdae, South Korea. It is one of those places you will want to return to time and time again.

Several factors contributed to our fantastic experience. First, the hostel’s location is excellent. It is situated on a quiet street in the lively, bustling Hongdae area, surrounded by restaurants, cafes, shops, bars, and barbecue spots. It is also just a few minutes’ walk from both Metro Subway Line 2 (Green Line) and the Airport Railroad.

Second, Bunk Guesthouse Hostel has cozy common areas in both the main building, the second building, and even the patio. These areas are clean, quiet, and relaxing—perfect for unwinding. They are also ideal for those who need to get some work done during their stay, as the property offers fast and reliable Wi-Fi.

Third, the property provides a simple but decent breakfast. They even include cup noodles as a breakfast option on weekends.

Lastly, Brian, the host, and his team are truly fantastic. They are friendly, welcoming, and service-oriented. They helped us carry our large luggage to our rooms and made sure we had everything we needed. They go above and beyond to ensure guests have a great experience from check-in to check-out. Brian even invited us to join the Saturday BBQ with other guests—too bad we had other plans that night!

However, we did encounter a few minor inconveniences during our stay. These did not ruin our overall experience but did leave a small dent in our otherwise wonderful time. First, the complimentary towels were a bit small. While I did not mind using them, some guests may find them inconvenient.

Second, the twin bunk room was a bit small, though it did offer a private toilet and shower. The only time we found this to be inconvenient was when packing the night before check-out, as we could only open one medium/large suitcase at a time.

Despite these minor setbacks, we still had an amazing stay at Bunk Guesthouse Hostel. Would I book again for my next visit to Seoul? Definitely. Would I recommend it to my friends and readers? Absolutely. Make sure to check out the property and consider it for your next trip to Seoul—you are sure to have a fantastic time!

If you have any questions about Bunk Guesthouse Hostel or an upcoming stay, feel free to reach out to them through the following channels:

Bunk Guesthouse Hostel
Address: 19-1, Wausan-ro 29ra-gil, Mapo-gu, Mapo-Gu, 04053 Seoul, South Korea
Phone Number: +82 70 8703 0045
Email Address: bunk.seoul@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +82 10 9180 6905
Line: bunk2015
WeChat: bunk2015
KakaoTalk: bunk2015
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/bunk2015

That concludes my post about Bunk Guesthouse Hostel. What are your thoughts on the hostel? If you have any questions regarding anything mentioned above, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or reach out to me via email at contact@thewkndtravel.com.

Thanks for joining me in today’s Hostel of the Day feature. Please also take time to check out my previous HOTD features by clicking this. You will find my other hostel reviews about Le Village Montmartre in Paris, The Bed Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur, The RomeHello in Rome, Yesinn Youth Hostel in Hong Kong, Yeah Hostel in Barcelona, Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel in Tokyo, The Stay Osaka Shinsaibashi in Osaka, and  Z Hostel here in the Philippines.

Before you go, I hope you can like, follow and share my social media pages – Facebook and Instagram. This will help me increase my reach; it will also keep you up-to-date with the latest blog posts, itineraries, hostel of the day features, and flight reports on this website. Thank you and see you next time!

PS. Photos were taken using my Google Pixel 8 Pro.

Hostel of the Day: THE BED BUKIT BINTANG – Affordable Central Kuala Lumpur Accommodation Perfect for Groups

In July 2022, I flew to Kuala Lumpur for a week-long trip outside the Philippines, the first one since the pandemic. I stayed with friends in the KL Sentral area and moved to The Bed KLCC after they left. I wrote about my experience at The Bed KLCC in one of my previous “Hostel of the Day” features. Since then, the property owners have opened a new branch in Kuala Lumpur’s shopping district, called The Bed Bukit Bintang.

My friends and I flew to Kuala Lumpur in May 2024 for a quick weekend trip and decided to stay at The Bed Bukit Bintang. The unbeatable rates and central location made us book the property right away. Allow me to share some details about this affordable, centrally located accommodation, perfect for those traveling in groups.

The Bed Bukit Bintang

The Bed Bukit Bintang, like its sister property The Bed KLCC, is a posh and modern capsule hotel that blends both comfort and style in its room offerings. The property is located on Level 5 of the famous Fahrenheit 88 building in Kuala Lumpur’s bustling Bukit Bintang district.

The property occupies the floor where the building’s swimming pool facility is located. The hostel occupies only part of the floor and offers both stylish capsule beds and comfortable private rooms at affordable price points.

Location & Access

The Bed Bukit Bintang is located at Lot 5-06 & 5-02, Fahrenheit 88, KL Plaza, No. 179, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The property is on the 5th level of the Fahrenheit 88 building, directly across from The Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.

The property is situated in an area filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants. The nearest supermarket and convenience store are both within a 5-minute walk from the property. The Bukit Bintang Monorail Station is just a 6-minute walk away, and Changkat, Kuala Lumpur’s party district, is about 10 minutes on foot.

The property is about a 20 to 30-minute walk or train ride to KL Sentral, the city’s central transportation hub. From there, passengers can take a bus or the express train to Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The airport is about an hour away by car or private transportation.

The Bed Bukit Bintang’s location earns a solid 10 out of 10. It is close to everything a guest needs, from shops and supermarkets to cafes, restaurants, and public transportation options.

Room Options & Cost

The Bed Bukit Bintang offers both private and shared rooms, catering to all types of travelers.

The shared rooms come in the following configurations: front-entry single mixed pod, side-entry single mixed pod, female-only side-entry single mixed pod, premium side-entry single mixed pod, and female-only premium side-entry mixed pod. All pods feature a pull-down privacy partition, individual reading light, pillow, blanket, and charging ports. Guests also have access to shared bathrooms and toilets.

The Bed Bukit Bintang also offers private rooms with the following configurations: an 18 sq m queen suite pod with a double bed for 2 guests, a 20 sq m king suite pod with a large double bed for 2 people, and a 25 sq m studio room with 1 double bed and 1 large double bed, ideal for 4 people. These rooms include reading lamps and in-room lighting, with the studio room featuring its own air conditioning system. Guests are also given towels and dental kits upon check-in. Nightly rates for these rooms vary depending on the booking platform used.

My friends and I booked through Agoda and stayed in two types of rooms. We reserved two queen suite pods and paid ₱13,492 (after discounts) for 2 rooms over 4 nights. We also booked 1 studio room for 4 people, paying ₱11,112.61 (after discounts) for 4 nights. This worked out to around ₱700 to ₱850 per person per night for these private rooms.

The Bed Bukit Bintang offers affordable nightly rates for both shared and private rooms. Considering the property’s prime location, facilities, and guest benefits (including free breakfast), the rates we paid definitely offered great value.

Guest Facilities & Amenities

Guests of The Bed Bukit Bintang enjoy the following facilities and amenities:

Free & Fast Wi-Fi – Guests at The Bed Bukit Bintang have access to a free and fast Wi-Fi connection.

Clean & Well-Maintained Communal Showers and Toilets – All guests have access to communal shower and toilet facilities, which are consistently clean and well-maintained by the staff.

Communal Powder Area – The property features a communal powder area where guests can prepare for the day. Cotton buds, hair dryers, and flat irons are also available for use.

Complimentary Breakfast – The Bed Bukit Bintang offers a simple complimentary breakfast, including bread with jam, waffles, croissants, eggs, rice, baked beans, and typical breakfast drinks.

Common Lounge – The property has both indoor and outdoor common lounges, where guests are welcome to relax at any time of the day. The outdoor lounge also serves as the designated smoking area.

Shared Kitchen & Dining Area – The hostel has a shared kitchen and dining area where guests can prepare meals and enjoy them. A refrigerator is available for storing food, drinks, and even cooked meals during your stay.

Complimentary Coffee & Tea – Guests can make their own coffee or tea in the dining area whenever the common area is open.

Unlimited Drinking Water Refills – The Bed Bukit Bintang provides unlimited drinking water refills to all its guests. The water dispenser is located near the refrigerator. Be sure to bring your own water container.

Centralized Air Conditioning System – The property features a centralized air conditioning system, which operates from 8 p.m. each night.

Swimming Pool – Guests have access to the swimming pool located on the same level as the hostel.

Shoe Storage Area & In-Room Slippers – Guests are required to leave their shoes in the shoe lockers near the reception. In-room slippers, provided by the hostel, should be worn to access the rooms.

Luggage Storage – The Bed Bukit Bintang offers free luggage storage for both arriving and departing guests. Please approach reception if you would like to store your bags while waiting for your bus or flight.

Daily Housekeeping – The hostel offers daily housekeeping services for all rooms and beds. Be sure to place the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign if you prefer not to have your room tidied during your stay.

24-Hour Reception – The property’s reception is open 24 hours a day, so there is no need to worry if your flight or bus arrives after midnight, or if you need to leave for the airport early in the morning.

Friendly & Multi-Lingual Staff – The Bed Bukit Bintang has a friendly and multi-lingual staff who speak Malay, English, and Chinese.

Laundry Services – The property offers laundry services for an additional fee. Please check with reception if you need to wash your clothes during your stay.

Hostel Shop – The Bed Bukit Bintang has a small shop where guests can rent towels, buy cup noodles, or purchase anything they may need during their stay.

Prayer Room – The hostel has a prayer room available for guests who wish to pray at any time of day.

Lift Access – The Fahrenheit 88 Building has lifts that guests can use to travel to and from Level 5. Guests with large bags or luggage do not need to worry about carrying them up to the hostel.

Secured Hostel Access – Access to the dormitory and private rooms is restricted to guests only. Key cards are provided at check-in, which work only for the assigned rooms.

Hostel Experience

My friends and I had a delightful accommodation experience at The Bed Bukit Bintang. While it is not perfect, it excels in many areas.

First, the price is very affordable considering its inclusions, location, and amenities. Our nightly rates did not even reach ₱1,000 per person, even though we all stayed in private rooms. Second, the studio room we booked offered plenty of space to move around. Its pool views also added extra value to the stay.

Third, The Bed Bukit Bintang’s location is excellent. Situated in the heart of the bustling Bukit Bintang area, it is just a few minutes’ walk to hundreds of restaurants, cafes, and shops. It is also conveniently close to the Bukit Bintang Monorail Station. Fourth, the property offers a simple complimentary breakfast for all guests, with a good range of options to choose from.

Fifth, for a hot and humid city like Kuala Lumpur, unlimited access to drinking water is extremely helpful. The Bed Bukit Bintang provides unlimited water refills for all guests, with a water dispenser located near the communal lounge. Lastly, the hostel has a swimming pool that guests can enjoy during their stay—an amenity that is rare for budget accommodations. My friends and I had a great time enjoying an afternoon swim.

As mentioned earlier, the hostel is not perfect and does have some inconveniences. First, the toilets and showers are communal, shared by both male and female guests. This setup may not be ideal for everyone, but I was totally comfortable with it. The shared facilities were clean and well-maintained throughout our stay.

Second, the air conditioning in the dormitory, king, and queen rooms is centralized, which can make the rooms feel hot and uncomfortable during the day. The studio room, however, has its own air conditioning system, which guests can control themselves.

Third, I hope the hostel addresses the smell in the shoe storage area. It was not very pleasant and could benefit from better ventilation. Lastly, while the hostel was quiet during our stay, I think adding seasonal activities could encourage more guest interaction and spark conversations.

Despite a few minor inconveniences, my friends and I still had a wonderful stay at The Bed Bukit Bintang. The accommodation is affordable, centrally located, and perfect for groups. I have two other friends who stayed in the dormitory room on separate occasions, and they also shared that they had a great time. Overall, The Bed Bukit Bintang offers great value for money, and I wouldn’t hesitate to return the next time I’m in Kuala Lumpur.

If you have any curiosities about the property and about a potential upcoming stay, please feel free to reach out to them on the following channels:

The Bed Bukit Bintang
Address: Lot 5-06 & 5-02, Fahrenheit 88, KL Plaza, No. 179, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone Number: +60 16-618 3584
Email: thebedbukitbintang@gmail.com / booking@thebedklcc.com
Website: www.thebedklcc.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thebedbukitbintang
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/thebedbukitbintang

This wraps up my post about The Bed Bukit Bintang. What do you think of the hostel? Do you have any questions about anything mentioned above? Feel free to post them in the comments section below. You may also send these questions to me via email to contact@thewkndtravel.com.

Thanks for joining me in today’s Hostel of the Day feature. Please also take time to check out my previous HOTD features by clicking this. You will find my other hostel reviews about Le Village Montmartre in Paris, The Bed KLCC in Kuala Lumpur, The RomeHello in Rome, Yesinn Youth Hostel in Hong Kong, Yeah Hostel in Barcelona, Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel in Tokyo, The Stay Osaka Shinsaibashi in Osaka, and  Z Hostel here in the Philippines.

Before you go, I hope you can like, follow and share my social media pages – Facebook and Instagram. This will help me increase my reach; it will also keep you up-to-date with the latest blog posts, itineraries, hostel of the day features, and flight reports on this website. Thank you and see you next time!

PS. Photos were taken using my OnePlus 9 Pro.

Sakura 2024: NAGOYA & INUYAMA – Peak Sakura Around Aichi Prefecture’s Capital City + First-Ever Traditional Japanese Festival Experience [April 2024]

Early last year, my friends and I flew to Japan to experience the world-famous cherry blossom season. We began our journey in the snowy, cold towns of Takayama and Shirakawa-go. Then, we traveled to Osaka to relax for a few days. After that, we took the Shinkansen down to Hiroshima for 48 hours before heading back to Osaka. We used our JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass to take quick trips to Nara, Kobe, and Himeji. We then made our way to Kyoto, where we witnessed the beginning of the full Sakura bloom in the city. Our 20-day Japan trip ended in the capital of Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya.

We spent a few days exploring the city and even visited the nearby town of Inuyama, where we experienced our first-ever traditional Japanese festival. We visited some usual sights, but focused mostly on the Sakura, food, and last-minute shopping. Allow me to share more details about the final leg of our 2024 Sakura trip below.

Nagoya & Inuyama

Nagoya is the capital of Aichi Prefecture and one of Japan’s industrial and financial centers. Located in the heart of Honshu Island, Nagoya is the country’s fourth most populous city but is often overlooked in favor of the usual Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. The city has a laid-back yet modern vibe, with a unique character that is loved by both foreigners and expatriates.

Inuyama is a small city located north of Nagoya, known for its beautiful wooden castle. The city is also famous for its historic houses and the annual Inuyama Festival.

In case you missed it, I visited Nagoya back in 2016. It was the first stop on my 13-day solo trip around Japan. You can check out my previous post about Nagoya here.

Flights To & From Nagoya

The Philippines’ major carriers, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air, offer daily flights to Nagoya from Manila. My friends and I avoided the peak airport crowds by flying with Cebu Pacific Air to and from Chubu Centrair International Airport in Nagoya.

I have written about these two flights, and I hope you can check them out here: Flight Report: CEBU PACIFIC AIR 5J 5038 – Manila to Nagoya – Perfectly-Timed Low-Cost Flight to Central Japan and Flight Report: CEBU PACIFIC AIR 5J 5039 – Nagoya to Manila – Unexpected Inflight Treats on Our Expensive Flight Back to Manila.

A few years ago, I wrote about how to apply for a Japan tourist visa. Click here to learn more about getting one for yourself.

Kyoto to Nagoya

Kyoto and Nagoya are connected by multiple train and bus routes daily. My friends and I took the most economical option and traveled by highway bus from Kyoto Station to JR Nagoya Station.

We took the Meitetsu Bus, which left Kyoto Station at 1:30 p.m. local time and arrived at JR Nagoya Station at 4:00 p.m. This 2.5-hour bus ride cost us only ¥2,600 each, which was charged as ₱998.16 on my credit card statement. We booked our tickets via the Japan Bus Online website.

Accommodation

My friends initially planned to stay only 3 nights in Nagoya, but the additional local Philippine holiday prompted us to extend our stay by one more night. We stayed at Hotel ACTEL Nagoya Nishiki for all 4 nights.

We stayed in a twin room for the first 3 nights, paying ₱5,423.23 per person, and then in a single room on the last night for ₱1,188.99 per person after all discounts. We enjoyed our stay in the hotel’s beautifully designed, modern, and minimalist rooms.

The hotel is located in the vibrant Sakae area, just a few meters from the subway station and the Oasis 21 landmark. While it does not offer breakfast or meal service, it provides a complimentary beauty and amenity bar, as well as a coffee vending machine.

Going Around Nagoya

Nagoya is connected by a vast transportation system, including buses, local subway lines, and inter-city train services. The city also offers a wide variety of duration-based tourist passes.

My friends and I did not purchase any tourist passes. Instead, we used our IC cards for all transportation during our visit around Nagoya.

Places Visited in Nagoya

Nagoya Castle

Nagoya Castle is one of Japan’s National Treasures. Built during the Edo period, the castle has withstood countless wars, calamities, and developments, and it still stands beautifully in the heart of Nagoya.

Entry to Nagoya Castle grounds costs ¥500 per person. Tickets are bought at the castle grounds entrance.

Nagoya Castle Grounds

The grounds of Nagoya Castle were surrounded by cherry blossom trees in full bloom during our visit. The castle grounds were bustling with visitors on a Saturday afternoon, with some people having picnics under the beautiful Sakura trees.

Meijō Park

Meijō Park is an expansive green space located next to the Nagoya Castle grounds. It featured beautiful floral displays during our visit last year.

Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER

Formerly known as the Nagoya TV Tower, this landmark was the country’s first radio tower. It is now an observatory offering panoramic views of the Sakae area.

Oasis 21

Oasis 21 is another notable landmark in the Sakae area. The building houses shops, restaurants, cafes, and even a bus terminal. Its glass roof structure features water, which is believed to cool down the underground shopping and entertainment area.

Misokatsu Yabaton

My friends and I visited Misokatsu Yabaton restaurant twice to enjoy Nagoya’s famous miso katsu.

The restaurant serves a breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet topped with a rich and sweet miso-based sauce. It is served with a cabbage salad, miso soup, and rice. It is a must-try when in Nagoya.

Inuyama Festival

Our visit to Nagoya coincided with the annual Inuyama Festival. This traditional festival, held in the small city of Inuyama, is known for its three-tiered floats adorned with dancing mechanical puppets that are paraded around the city. The parade is accompanied by traditional drum and flute music, especially during the peak Sakura period.

My friends and I attended the rehearsal festival, which took place the night before the actual event. The festival floats were stunning, particularly at night. It was a fun experience, with mostly locals and a few foreign visitors (like us)!

Overall, our time in Nagoya and Inuyama was an amazing experience. We enjoyed the beautiful sights, like the cherry blossoms at Nagoya Castle, and had a blast at the Inuyama Festival. From exploring the city to trying local food, Nagoya gave us memories we will never forget. It was the perfect way to end our 20-day trip around Japan.

Have you been to Nagoya and Inuyama, or are you planning to visit soon? I would love to hear about your experiences or any questions you might have! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. If you have any further questions or need more details, you can also reach me directly at contact@thewkndtravel.com. I am happy to help with any clarifications or travel tips.

Thanks for joining me in today’s blog post. In case you missed it, my friends and I flew to Japan for 20 days to experience the cherry blossom season from March to April 2024. You can find all posts related to this trip under the Sakura 2024 category. You can also check out our Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kobe, Nara, Himeji, and Kyoto visits.

Before you go, I hope you can like, follow and share my social media pages – Facebook and Instagram. This will help me increase my reach; it will also keep you up-to-date with the latest blog posts, itineraries and flight reports on this website. Thank you and see you next time!

PS. Photos were taken using my OnePlus 9 Pro.

 

Sakura 2024: KYOTO – Unexpected Discoveries in Japan’s Famous Old Capital City [April 2024]

Early last year, my friends and I flew to Japan for about 20 days to chase the cherry blossoms. We started our journey in Takayama and Shirakawa-go, where we were surprised by the snowy weather in what was supposed to be early spring. We then traveled to Osaka for a few days before taking the Shinkansen further south to Hiroshima, where we spent 48 hours exploring history, food, and more sightseeing. We returned to Osaka to drop off our luggage and took day trips to Nara, Kobe, and Himeji. After that, we moved on to the beautiful city of Kyoto.

We spent four full days in Kyoto. Although we had visited the city in the past, this trip was focused on chasing cherry blossoms. We avoided some of the usual sights like Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaku-ji, and instead had unexpected discoveries that made this part of the trip even more fun and memorable. Allow me to share more details about our Kyoto experience below.

I have been to Kyoto several times before – in 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2023. I hope you check out those individual posts as well.

Kyoto

Once the capital of Japan, Kyoto is a large and renowned city on the country’s Honshu Island. It is famous for its beautiful temples, shrines, imperial palaces, gardens, and traditional wooden houses. Along with Tokyo and Osaka, Kyoto is often considered one of the three main destinations for people visiting Japan for the first time.

Flights to Japan

There are no direct flights connecting the Philippines and Kyoto, Japan. Filipinos typically fly into Kansai International Airport in Osaka before heading to Kyoto. My friends and I took the unconventional route, flying in and out of Chubu International Airport in Nagoya.

We flew with the country’s largest low-cost airline, Cebu Pacific Air. I wrote about both our inbound and outbound flights, and I hope you can check them out here: Flight Report: CEBU PACIFIC AIR 5J 5038 – Manila to Nagoya – Perfectly-Timed Low-Cost Flight to Central Japan & Flight Report: CEBU PACIFIC AIR 5J 5039 – Nagoya to Manila – Unexpected Inflight Treats on Our Expensive Flight Back to Manila.

A few years ago, I wrote about how to apply for a Japan tourist visa. Click here to learn more about getting one for yourself.

Osaka to Kyoto

Osaka and Kyoto are linked by several train lines: Shinkansen service, the JR Kyoto Line, the Hankyu Kyoto Line, and the Keihan Main Line. The best train line or route to take will depend on which areas of these cities you are coming from and going to.

I mentioned in previous posts that my friends and I got the JR Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass. However, we ended up not using the pass or the JR Kyoto Line because we found a faster and more convenient route via the local subway, with a transfer to the Hankyu Kyoto Line. We used our IC cards for these train rides.

Accommodation

My friends and I stayed at The Pocket Hotel Kyoto-Karasumagojo for four nights. We booked this hotel for its location and budget-friendly price. We reserved a twin room with a shared bathroom for ₱11,140.14 for two people, and we made our reservation about 9 months in advance.

The Pocket Hotel Kyoto-Karasumagojo is a boutique hotel under the Sotetsu Hotel Management. It is located at 423 Matsuyacho Gojodori Karasuma Higashi Iru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 600-8105 Japan. It is just a 1-minute walk from Exit 1 of Gojo Station on the Karasuma Line of the Kyoto Municipal Subway. The hotel is about a 10- to 15-minute walk from Kyoto’s Shinkyogoku Shopping Street and about a 15- to 20-minute walk to and from Kyoto Station.

The hotel has 121 private rooms and features high-speed Wi-Fi in all rooms, shared bathrooms (on specific floors), a laundry room for guests who need to wash clothes, male and female toilets on each floor, and complimentary daily bath amenities and sleepwear changes. It also has a small lounge area on the ground floor, near the reception. The hotel features self-check-in and check-out facilities and only accepts cashless payments through credit cards and QR codes.

Going Around Kyoto

Kyoto is connected by a vast transportation system, including buses, local subway lines, and inter-city train lines. The city also offers a wide variety of duration-based tourist passes.

My friends and I did not purchase any passes. We used our JR Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass for travel to and from Arashiyama on our first day, and we used our IC cards for the remainder of our stay in Kyoto.

Unexpected Discoveries

We intentionally avoided some popular places like Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, and Nishiki Market. We had already visited quite a few of these popular spots and wanted to explore them at night this time.

ARASHIYAMA

We visited Arashiyama during sunset and witnessed some amazing views from the other side of the Togetsukyo Bridge. We also noticed that there were very few visitors around at that time. Afterward, we stopped by the dimly lit Bamboo Forest before heading back to Kyoto.

HŌKAN-JI TEMPLE

We walked from our hotel to Hōkan-ji Temple to see how the place looked at night. We also stopped by % ARABICA Kyoto Higashiyama for coffee.

NINENZAKA

The famous Ninenzaka looked beautiful at night. It was much less crowded compared to how it is during the daytime.

GION

We walked around Gion on our way back to the city center. The streets were full of people exploring the historic district.

KIYAMACHI-DORI

Kiyamachi-Dori had beautiful cherry blossom trees in full bloom. My friends and I visited this area both during the day and at night to take some photos with the Sakura trees.

PHILOSOPHER’S PATH

The Philosopher’s Path is a scenic route along a cherry blossom tree-lined canal that runs between Ginkaku-ji and the Higashiyama neighborhood.

We visited the path a few days before the expected full bloom and were treated to a stunning sight of the cherry blossom trees in bloom.

NANZEN-JI

Nanzen-ji is a Buddhist temple and serves as the head temple of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism.

KEAGE INCLINE

Keage Incline is a former railway that connects Lake Biwa Canal to the Kamo River. It is now a gently sloping pedestrian path lined with cherry blossom trees.

KYOTO SHINKYOGOKU SHOPPING STREET

Kyoto Shinkyogoku Shopping Street is a pedestrian arcade, or shotengai, offering everything a shopper could want—from clothing stores and artisan boutiques to drugstores, entertainment venues (like karaoke), cafes, and restaurants.

That wraps up our Kyoto adventures from April 2024. From the unexpected cherry blossom trails at Keage Incline to the beautiful Philosopher’s Path, this leg of the journey was full of surprises. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out my previous Kyoto experiences.

My friends and I also visited Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Osaka, Hiroshima, Himeji, Nara, and Kobe during this trip. You can find all posts related to this adventure under the Sakura 2024 category.

Have you been to Kyoto, or are you planning to visit soon? I would love to hear about your experiences or any questions you might have! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. If you have any further questions or need more details, you can also reach me directly at contact@thewkndtravel.com. I am happy to help with any clarifications or travel tips.

Before you go, I hope you can like, follow and share my social media pages – Facebook and Instagram. This will help me expand my reach and keep you updated with the latest blog posts, itineraries, and flight reports on this website. Thank you, and see you next time!

PS. Photos were taken using my OnePlus 9 Pro.