9 Days in Japan: Exploring Universal Studios Japan and Tokyo’s Vibrant Wonders

Day 1: Christmas Arrival in Osaka 

This was meant to be a family trip with my sister, but unfortunately, my husband couldn’t join due to visa issues. Still, our journey started with a midnight flight from Singapore, arriving in Osaka at 8:35 AM. We managed a short nap on the plane.

Upon arrived at the Kansai Airport, we took JR Haruka Kansai Airport Express (booked via klook) to reach Shinjuku Station.

 

Useful link:
Ticket for Kansai Airport Express: here
Osaka train map link: here 
Accommodation: The Singulari Hotel & Skyspa at Universal Studios Japan

Check-in was at 3:00 PM, so we left our bags and grabbed a meal at a nearby eatery.

After our meal we went back to the hotel to check in. The room was clean and spacious. I highly recommend this place to anyone visiting USJ.

We rest a little and and dove into the heart of Osaka: Dotonbori. The iconic canal, neon signs, and bustling food stalls were a feast for the senses. 

We slurped down takoyaki and I got scammed by my sis and made to pay a high price for the kobe beef! 

I don’t get the hype about the takoyaki—it had a long queue, but it was just average. I’ve had better elsewhere.

Can you find us? Haha! 

Later, we explored Don Don Donki, grabbing quirky snacks and souvenirs. We spent too much there! Haha! 

Day 2: Universal Studios Japan 

We were up bright and early for a full day at Universal Studios Japan (8:00 AM–9:00 PM). The park was a thrill from start to finish. The holiday decorations added extra sparkle, making it a perfect Christmas week treat.

Sometimes some money you just can't save when you go oversea. Haha! 

Raise and shine! Time to head to another location 

Day 3: Osaka to Tokyo & Ameyoko 

We checked out of The Singulari by 11:00 AM and caught the 11:30 AM Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Tokyo, arriving at 1:57 PM. The bullet train was a bucket-list experience—smooth, fast, and with epic Mount Fuji views. 

Useful link:
Ticket taking Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Tokyo: here.

After settling into Sunny Heights 201 (check-in at 4:00 PM), we headed to Ameyoko Shopping Street near Ueno Station. This lively market was a treasure trove of street food, clothes, and trinkets.

Day 4: Shibuya Vibes

Shibuya was calling! We started at Shibuya Station, snapping pics at the famous Scramble Crossing. Then, we wandered to Loft, a multi-story haven of quirky stationery, gadgets, and home goods. I couldn’t resist grabbing a few cute Totoro-themed items. The energy of Shibuya—bright lights, trendy shops, and bustling crowds—was infectious.

Day 5: Akihabara’s Electric Town 

Akihabara was a paradise for our inner nerds. We explored endless stores packed with anime figures, retro video games, and electronics. Lunch was at a maid café—yes, it’s as quirky as it sounds! The colorful streets and otaku culture made this day a blast.

Day 6: Comiket and Odaiba

We dove into the chaos of Comiket, Japan’s massive comic market. The energy was electric, with cosplayers and artists everywhere. Later, we headed to Odaiba, strolling through Symbol Promenade Park and visiting DiverCity Tokyo Plaza. The life-sized Gundam statue was jaw-dropping, and we grabbed ramen at the food court while soaking in the bay views.

Day 7: New Year’s Eve at Joypolis 

We rang in New Year’s Eve at Odaiba’s Joypolis, an indoor amusement park with thrilling VR rides and arcade games. The festive vibe was perfect for celebrating, and we counted down to midnight with a view of Tokyo’s skyline. It was a night to remember!

Day 8: New Year’s Day Fun 

We kicked off 2025 with a visit to Seibuen Amusement Park (ticket link), enjoying classic rides and a festive atmosphere. Later, we explored AquaPark Shinagawa, where the aquarium’s dazzling jelly aquatic displays left us in awe. It was a relaxing way to start the year.

Day 9: Farewell, Japan 

Our adventure ended with a 10:00 AM checkout from Sunny Heights 201. We headed to Kansai Airport, hearts full and bags stuffed with souvenirs. Our 4:50 PM flight back to Singapore marked the end of an epic trip. Japan, you were unforgettable—sayonara until next time!

Final Thought: From Osaka’s foodie heaven to Tokyo’s vibrant streets, this trip was a whirlwind of joy, culture, and memories!

This Japan holiday was a dream come true, blending theme park thrills, cultural gems, and urban adventures. If you’re planning a trip, Osaka and Tokyo are must-visits—just bring comfy shoes and an empty stomach!

13 Days of Must-See Spots in Tokyo & Osaka You Can't Miss!

 

Day 1: Ohayo, Tokyo! 

The adventure began with a 6:15 AM touchdown at Narita International Airport, where the crisp Tokyo air welcomed us to Japan. After a seamless transfer to the city in a comfy 10-seater van (booked via Klook for S$324.89), we grabbed our JR Passes (S$470.60) and headed to JR-East Hotel Mets Gotanda (¥96,500), perfectly perched right at Gotanda Station. With check-in still hours away, we stashed our bags at the hotel and dove into our first taste of Japan: a hearty breakfast at Yoshinoya, where steaming bowls of gyudon set the tone for the trip.

Our morning was spent wandering the neon-lit aisles of Don Quijote’s Gotanda East Entrance Store, a treasure trove of quirky snacks and souvenirs. After checking into our cozy hotel at noon, we ventured to Ueno Park, where cherry blossoms hinted at spring’s arrival. Dinner at Carroll Diner Cafe Bar was a delightful mix of comfort food and retro vibes. Though we missed Tokyo Tower and the Meguro River’s cherry blossom promenade due to time constraints, the day’s energy left us buzzing for more.

Day 2: Mt. Fuji’s Majestic Views 

We kicked off day two with an 8:00 AM private charter (S$625.25 via Klook) to the breathtaking Fuji Five Lakes region. Lake Kawaguchiko stole our hearts, especially during a serene ride on the Appare sightseeing boat (¥1000/adult, ¥500/child), with Mt. Fuji’s snow-capped peak reflecting on the water. Lunch at Tsujiya was a cozy affair, filled with local flavors.

Next, we climbed the steps of Arakura Sengen Shrine, where the iconic Chureito Pagoda framed Mt. Fuji in all its glory—a postcard moment. Unfortunately, the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway’s long queue kept us grounded, but we didn’t mind. Back in Tokyo, dinner at Nakau in Gotanda was a quick, satisfying end to the day. Before crashing, we booked our train seats to Osaka at Gotanda Station, ready for the next leg.

Day 3: Harajuku’s Colorful Chaos 

Harajuku and Takeshita Street were a sensory overload of kawaii culture, crepes, and quirky fashion. We fueled up with lunch at SEIKO-EN Harajuku, savoring juicy yakiniku. Shibuya was next, where we navigated the iconic Shibuya Crossing, snapped a pic with Hachiko’s statue, and shopped at Shibuya 109. The highlight? Shibuya Sky at 4:20 PM (S$18.19/adult, S$5.05/child), where Tokyo’s skyline sparkled from 229 meters up.

Dinner at Toriya Kou Neo was a delicious dive into yakitori, and though we skipped Daiso, Eiswelt Gelato, and Shibuya Parco’s Pokémon Center, the day’s vibrant energy was more than enough. Yoyogi Park and Hello Kitty Japan will have to wait for next time!

Day 4: Kimono Dreams in Asakusa 

On day four, we embraced tradition with a kimono experience in Asakusa (S$99.69 via Klook, including professional hairstyling). Dressed in vibrant silks, we strolled through Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise Shopping Street, nibbling on street food and soaking in the historic charm. Sensoji Temple’s grandeur left us in awe, its red pagoda towering over the bustling crowds.

Lunch at Kobe Beef Daia Asakusa was a melt-in-your-mouth indulgence, followed by another Don Quijote spree. For dinner, we grabbed bento boxes from SEIJO ISHII at Gotanda JR Station—perfect for a cozy night in. Nishisando Shopping Street was a miss, but Asakusa’s magic made the day unforgettable.

Day 5: Anime Haven in Akihabara 

Akihabara was every anime fan’s dream! From 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM, we explored GiGO’s arcade, Animate’s manga paradise, and Don Quijote’s 24-hour geek emporium. Lunch at Densetsu No Sutadon’ya was a hearty bowl of rice topped with crispy katsu, while dinner at Mos Burger brought classic Japanese fast food to the table.

We skipped the maid café and Tokyo Anime Center (relocated to Ichigaya), as well as Shinjuku and Sunshine City, but Akihabara’s electric vibe was a highlight. The neon lights and otaku culture had us hooked.

Day 6: Osaka’s Dazzling Dotonbori 

With bento lunches from JR Station in hand, we hopped a train to Osaka and checked into the modern I Cube Kozu Apartment (¥60,580). Dotonbori’s canal-side chaos was a feast for the senses—think giant crab signs and sizzling street food. Dinner at 炭火焼きくまのもり was a smoky, savory delight.

We wandered Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street, posed by the iconic Glico Sign, and hit Don Quijote’s Ferris wheel-topped store. Osaka’s bold energy was the perfect contrast to Tokyo’s polish.

Day 7: Osaka’s Historic and Modern Blend 

Day seven was a mix of old and new. We started with a Family Mart bento lunch, then marveled at Osaka Castle’s golden accents and sprawling grounds. Lunch at Osaka Street was a quick street food fix before exploring Shinsekai’s retro charm, where Tsutenkaku Tower loomed overhead. Dinner at 鹤龟家 was a cozy end to a day of discovery.

Day 8: Cup Noodles and Kuromon Market 

Kuromon Ichiba Market was a foodie paradise, with fresh seafood and sizzling skewers at every turn. We grabbed a supermarket bento for lunch, then headed to the Cup Noodle Museum, where we customized our own noodle cups—a quirky, hands-on experience. Den Den Town was a miss, but the day’s culinary adventures kept us smiling.

Day 9: Kyoto’s Timeless Beauty 

A 30-minute JR Kyoto Line train ride brought us to Kyoto, where we checked into Hotel Imagine Kyoto (¥74,664) near Kyoto Station. Lunch at P Dining Kyoto Avanti was a quick bite before diving into Gion’s lantern-lit streets. We strolled past geisha teahouses and Tatsumi Bridge, though Yasaka Shrine and Kiyomizudera Temple were saved for later. Dinner was a Lawson bento, enjoyed in the quiet of our hotel. Kyoto’s elegance was already stealing our hearts.

Day 10: Kyoto’s Sacred Sites 

A Kyoto Day Tour (S$426.65 via Klook) took us to Fushimi Inari Shrine’s endless red torii gates, a mesmerizing hike through the forest. The Golden Pavilion’s shimmering reflection was next, followed by Arashiyama’s ethereal bamboo forest. Dinner at Nichigetsuan was a refined taste of Kyoto’s cuisine, while a stop at Rilakkuma Cafe added a dose of kawaii. Kiyomizu-dera Temple was skipped, but the day’s spiritual serenity was profound.

Day 11: DisneySea’s Nautical Magic 

Back in Tokyo, we dove into DisneySea (S$92.29/adult, S$54.99/child), where volcanic Mount Prometheus and nautical-themed lands created a magical escape. From thrilling rides to whimsical shows, the day was pure joy.

Day 12: Disneyland’s Classic Charm 

Disneyland Tokyo (S$91.85/adult, S$54.69/child) brought out our inner kids. Parades, castle selfies, and Space Mountain kept us grinning all day. It was the perfect cap to our theme park adventure.

Day 13: Farewell, Japan 

As we packed our bags, Japan’s blend of tradition, innovation, and warmth lingered in our hearts. From Tokyo’s neon buzz to Kyoto’s tranquil shrines, this 13-day journey was a love letter to a country that surprises at every turn. Until next time, sayonara!

Homeschooling Day 30: Cardboard Carpark

Day 30 of homeschooling brought a delightful mix of virtual learning and imaginative play. It’s amazing how much joy and education can come from a single day at home!

We started the morning with a Zoom lesson from my son’s school. He was glued to the screen, eagerly participating in the activities his teacher had planned. It’s wonderful to see him stay connected with his classmates and keep up with his lessons, even from our living room.

Zoom lesson from school. 

After the lesson, we shifted gears to some hands-on fun. My son loves his toy cars, so we set up an epic car park for them. He carefully lined up each car, pretending they were zooming into their parking spots. I got in on the action, too, building a multi-level car park out of blocks and cardboard. I have to say, I’m pretty proud of how it turned out—he loved racing his cars up the ramps!

Lining up his cars to go up the carpark. 

I'm very proud of the car park I build for him! Hehe! 

The highlight of the day, though, was pure chaos—and I mean that in the best way! I crafted a little slide for his cars to zoom down, but my son had other plans. He stomped onto the slide like a giant from a movie, and I couldn’t help but laugh. It felt like a scene from *Attack on Titan*, with him as the towering Titan wreaking havoc on my creation! We both ended up in giggles, rebuilding the slide for another round of play.

Days like this remind me why homeschooling is so special. It’s not just about lessons—it’s about sparking creativity, sharing laughs, and making memories. Here’s to more playful adventures!

Takeaway: Let kids lead the way in play—it’s amazing how much learning happens when they’re having fun!

Homeschooling Day 29: Excavators, Dump Trucks, and Imagination

My son was in his element, playing with his favorite excavator and dump truck, and the excitement reached new heights with a brand-new toy added to the mix.

The morning started with him zooming his excavator across the living room floor, scooping up imaginary dirt and loading it into the dump truck. His imagination was in overdrive, creating a bustling construction site complete with sound effects. Watching him so engrossed in play always brings a smile to my face—it’s amazing how much joy these simple toys bring!

   

Playing with his favourite excavator and dump truck! 

  
New toy for him! 

Days like this remind me that homeschooling isn’t just about books and lessons—it’s about fostering imagination and letting kids explore what they love. Here’s to more days filled with digging, building, and big smiles!

Takeaway: New toys can spark creativity and turn playtime into a fun learning adventure!

Homeschooling Day 28: Crayons, Cars & Chaos

Today was one of those days where my little guy’s energy and personality shone through in every moment—boredom, play, and a bit of mess included!

First up, coloring. One look at his face, and I could tell he was *done* with it. The crayons just weren’t holding his attention today, and I couldn’t help but chuckle at his unimpressed expression, 

So, we pivoted to his absolute favorite: toy cars! He dove right in, zooming them across the floor and creating his own little racetrack. It’s amazing how much joy those cars bring him, and I love watching his imagination take the wheel.

Later, he got cozy with his iPad, glued to *Blippi* videos. His eyes were wide, soaking in all the colorful action. It’s his go-to for a little downtime, and I’m happy to let him enjoy it while I catch a quick breather.

And then came mealtime—oh, what a sight! Let’s just say he had more food on his face than in his mouth. The mess was epic, but his giggles made it all worth it. Gotta love the chaos of toddler meals!

Days like this are a reminder that homeschooling is as much about fun and flexibility as it is about learning. Here’s to more messy, joyful moments!

Homeschooling Day 27: Button Letters and Storytime Snuggles

Today was filled with creative fun and precious moments with my son, making the most of our time at home.

We kicked off the day with a hands-on craft activity. Using double-sided tape, we shaped letters of the alphabet on a piece of paper and let my son stick colorful buttons onto them. He loved picking out the buttons and pressing them down, all while practicing his letters. It was a fun, tactile way to blend learning with play!

 

 

The lockdown, thanks to Covid-19, has given us a silver lining—more time to snuggle up and read together. I’ve been cherishing these moments with my son, diving into his favorite picture books. His giggles at the funny parts and curiosity about the pictures make every storytime special. It’s become our favorite way to bond and wind down.

Days like this remind me how much joy and connection can come from slowing down and spending quality time with my little one. Here’s to more crafting and storytime adventures!

Homeschooling Day 26

Day 26 of homeschooling was packed with exciting activities for my little one! I planned a mix of creative, active, and educational tasks to keep him engaged and smiling all day long.

Counting buttons! 

Using mattress to create a slide! 

Playing with his monster truck! 

Building a car together! 

Colouring the caterpillar

Recognising alphabet.

Each activity brought out his curiosity and energy in different ways. Counting buttons doubled as a sneaky math lesson, while the mattress slide had him giggling non-stop. The monster truck races sparked his imagination, and building a car together was a great bonding moment. Coloring the caterpillar let his creativity shine, and the alphabet game had him proudly calling out letters.

Homeschooling days like this are all about blending learning with play. It’s amazing to see him grow, laugh, and discover new things through these simple activities. Here’s to more days filled with fun and learning!