Osaka Best Ramen: Where To Eat Ramen in Osaka

by Emily | posted in: Kansai Japan | 0

Last updated on September 17th, 2024

If you’re visiting Osaka and looking for some of the best Osaka ramen shops to try on, then our Osaka Best Ramen food guide will be very useful to you.

Osaka is a food paradise in Japan and is well-known both for its wide range of food options. It is popular with locals as well as domestic and international tourists in Japan. You can spend a day or even weeks just eating different things here. When it comes to all the delicious types of food, ramen is one of the must-eat food in Osaka. It is the ramen battleground area and you can find various types of ramen in the city.

Ramen is a noodle soup that consists of wheat noodles served in a variety of tasty broths. It is typically flavored with soy sauce, miso, or the popular pork bones. The piping hot bowl comes with different toppings but some of the most common ingredients include pork slides, soft-boiled egg, scallions, dried seaweed, and other ingredients.

During our past visits to Osaka, we tried various ramen in the city. All were outstanding and incredibly flavorful. There are many good ramen restaurants across the city. If you want to know where to eat the best ramen in Osaka, you can check out my recommendations on Osaka best ramen below.

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Osaka Best Ramen: Where To Eat Ramen in Osaka

Please note that the the Osaka best ramen lists are based on our past few visits to Osaka. Some may not be located in the popular tourist area or queueing time may longer due to the popularity. Please check the location and allocated time if you plan to have it.

Here is where to eat ramen in Osaka:

Kinryu Ramen Dotombori
Hanamaruken Namba Houzenji
Moeyo Mensuke
Human Beings Everybody Noodles
Menya Jikon
Ichiran-Ramen Dotombori
Kamukura

Osaka Food Tips: When looking for best food in Osaka, we recommended staying nearby subway station to ease on transport arrangement. Check for the best price and biggest selection of hotels in Osaka check prices for Osaka Best Hotel from Booking.com. We found they are the best option and have a great cancelation policy.

Kinryu Ramen Dotombori

Kinryu Ramen Dotombori Osaka: One of the famous and popular ramen restaurant chains in the city. There are few restaurants located in the city but the iconic dragon sign of Kinryu Ramen in Dotombori is hard to miss. It is easy to find it as long queue always.

Kinryu Ramen serves only two types of ramen: Tonkotsu and Chashu. Both are quite good but not very impressive. Diner can experience eating at Japanese-style tatami mats with low tables. There are free-flow sides of kimchi, chives, and garlic to add on. You can eat it separately or add it to the ramen to elevate the taste.

Osaka Best Ramen - Kinryu Ramen Dotombori

The best thing about Kinryu Ramen is the shop is open 24 hours and you have a hot bowl of ramen anytime whenever visit the area. Plus, the price is also very reasonable and considered cheap for a bowl of ramen in the bustling Dotonbori area.

Kinryu Ramen Dotombori (金龍ラーメン道頓堀店)
Address: 1-7-26, Dotombori, Chuo, Osaka 542-0071 Osaka Prefecture
Opening Hours: Daily 24 hours!

Hanamaruken Namba Houzenji

Hanamaruken Namba Houzenji is another popular ramen restaurant in Dotombori. This tiny shop only can sit about 20 people and is always packed with diners. It is operated 24 hours per day but there’s usually a line, but it’ll move fast. Expect to queue for the bowl of ramen as this place is very popular.

Osaka Best Ramen - Hanamaruken Namba Hozenji

Order the slow-cooked pork rib ramen and this is what they’re famous for. The broth is thick and topped with a huge torokotsu (pork rib). The pork rib was so tender and something I’ve never had before in ramen. It almost melts when it gets into your mouth. Would highly recommend it.

Hanamaruken Namba Houzenji (花丸軒法善寺店)
Address: 1 Chome-2–1 Nanba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542–0076, Japan
Business Hours: Open 24 hours
Official Website: https://arakawa-fs.jp/shop/hanamaruken-namba-houzenji

Moeyo Mensuke

The signature Kishu duck ramen from Moeyo Mensuke is a must-try when visiting this local favorite ramen shop. This tiny ramen stop is located in the alley with merely 10 seats only. So expected to wait in line for this bowl of Kinshu duck ramen. The broth is very flavorful, yet delicate and balanced. The special slide ducks from Kishu taste slightly smoked. The soft-boiled egg is heaven. Highly recommended it.

If you want to taste duck ramen in Osaka, try this one. Although queueing took lots of time, the Kishu duck ramen at Moeyo Mensuke was worth it!

Moeyo Mensuke (燃えよ麺助)
Address: 5 Chome-12-21 Fukushima, Fukushima Ward, Osaka
Business hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00 to 15:00 and 18:00-21:00. Sundays from 11:30 to 16:00. Closed on Mondays.

Human Beings Everybody Noodles

When people looking for the best ramen in Osaka, for sure Human Beings Everybody Noodles or Jinrui Mina Menrui (人類みな麺類) will be one of them. Many ramen ranking websites even rate Jinrui Mina Menrui is at the top of the best Osaka ramen shop.

Human Beings Everybody Noodles is specializes in soy sauce (shoyu) ramen. They only served three types of ramen: Genten Ramen, Micro Ramen, and Marco Ramen on their menu. Besides, this ramen shop is well-known for its ridiculously massive slabs of chashu pork. You can choose whether you want 1 or 2 slabs. But we highly recommended going for 2 slabs.

I personally try their Micro Ramen and the broth is thick and sticky. See the picture above of my bowl of Micro Ramen with 2 slabs of chashu pork. Absolutely delicious.

Human Beings Everybody Noodles (人類みな麺類)
Address: 3-6-16 Nishi Nakajima, Yodogawa-Ku, Osaka
Business Hours: Daily from 10:00 to the next day 3:00. Opened 1 hour early and closed 1 hour late during the weekend.

Menya Jikon

Menya Jikon (麺や而今) might not so well-known among travelers but it is popular among the locals. The main store located at Daito and it is slightly far from the downtown area. But you can try the the ramen from Menya Jikon at their Shinsaibaishi branch.

The noodles is chewy and delicious. The broth is also very creamy and flavorful. It is rich in favor and slightly thickened. One of my friend prefer ramen from Menya Jikon and rated it as his most favorite ramen restauran in Osaka.

Menya Jikon (麺や而今)
Address: 1-5-7 Shinmachi, Nishi-ku, Osaka 550-0013 Osaka Prefecture.
Business Hours: Daily from 11:00 to 15:00; and from 18:00 to 21:00. Closed on Sunday.

Ichiran Ramen Dotombori

Ichiran (一蘭) Ramen needs no further introduction. Origin from Hakata, this popular chain ramen restaurant is well-known for its flavorful tonkotsu ramen. There are many branches in Japan and even all around the world. You can easily find three Ichiran Ramen just in Dotombori and Shinsaibashi areas. Some are even operated 24 hours!

During ordering, you have the option for the spicy level, firmness, or softness of the noodles and extra meat. The ramen has a chewy texture and the broth was rich and flavourful. While the meat was tender, and the egg was boiled to perfection.

In short, I wouldn’t rated Ichiran Ramen is the best ramen in Osaka, but we enjoy this tasty bowl of ramen and always come back for it whenever visit Japan.

Kamukura

Another popular ramen chain shops where you can also find it even at oversea.

Kamukara Osaka (神座) served great ramen at an affordable price. Compared with others, the bowl of ramen from Kamukara is relatively less oily and with an abundance of vegetables. The bowl of ramen comes with a tasty soft-boiled egg, crunchy cabbage, slices of bacon, and spongy texture noodles. While the taste of the broth is mild, with a lot of meat and cabbage flavors. It is even best to couple your meal with the gyoza or garlic fried rice.

Kamukura has a few shops scattered around the Osaka such as Dotombori and Shinsaibashi area. Get the one near you!

Overall: Osaka Best Ramen

All in all, we hope this Osaka best ramen guide can help you to find the best ramen to eat in Osaka. We’ve had many bowls of ramen in different cities throughout Japan. We honestly didn’t think we can judge which is the best ramen in Osaka. Each ramen has its own unique flavor. And there are still many ramen awaiting our taste on it. We are providing our best Osaka ramen guide to help you find the best bowl when visiting the city. Hope this help!

Related Osaka Food Guide: Top 8 Unique Food To Eat in Osaka

Traveling to Osaka and Kyoto? Here sharing some our travel stories in Kansai region:

Hotel Urashima Review: Best Affordable Onsen Resort

by Emily | posted in: Kansai Wide Japan | 0

Last updated on September 14th, 2024

Kii Katsuura was one of our stops on our trip to explore the Kansai Wide region. We stayed in Hotel Urashima when visiting Nachikatsuura. It is the most memorable one and highly recommended it. Check out my Hotel Urashima Review and you’ll know why.

Hotel Urashima (ホテル浦島) is a Japanese onsen resort in Nachikatsuura, a quaint fishing port town in Kii Katsuura. The location sits prominently on the east side of Katsuura Bay on a rugged peninsula jutting out into the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the best accommodations in the Nachikatsuura area which is located near Nachi Falls and Kumano-Kodo trails. Visitors can choose to stay in Hotel Urashima for 1 or 2 nights while planning the itinerary for the areas.

We stayed in Hotel Urashima during our trip to Kii Katsuura. It was an awesome experience with some pros and cons when spending your night in the hotel. Read more details in our Hotel Urashima Review.

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Hotel Urashima

Hotel Urashima is not a traditional ryokan, instead, it is the onsen resort that perfectly mixes with traditional and modern features.

The hotel complex is composed of four separate buildings – Honkan (本館), Nisshokan (日昇館), Nagisakan (なぎさ館), and Sanjokan (山上館) connected by a network of tunnels, elevators, and escalators. It is slightly dated and its long history adds to its charm.

Depending on your room selection, each provides different views and experiences during your stay. Guestrooms, especially in the Sanjokan, offer excellent panoramic views.

The building is so huge and color-coded lines are set into the floor to help guests explore this labyrinth. Guests will be provided with maps with explanations of facilities during check-in.

Staying in Hotel Urashima, guests can enjoy the numerous facilities including souvenir shops, karaoke bars, and game centers lining the halls. There is even Lawson Konbini on-site, which is conveniently located in the lobby and open 24 hours for shopping and looking for Japanese snacks!

You can book your room here: Hotel Urashima with the best rate.

Getting to Hotel Urashima

Boarding Point To Hotel Urashima for shuttle van and boat

Getting to Hotel Urashima is a bit tricky. The property is on its own little, rocky peninsula sticking out into the bay of Katsuura.

To get there, you’ll need to either take the shuttle van or a boat to pick up the guests at the pier which was convenient. There will be hotel personnel awaiting at the pier to take you to the hotel, either by boat or van depending on the time. But generally, a shuttle boat will be used during the peak check-in and check-out time.

During our stay in Hotel Urashima, we were using the shuttle van twice.

One is during the first day when we are doing early check-in by storing our luggage at the early noon. The shuttle van is stopping right opposite the pier. We were also arranging by shuttle van as we are departing from the hotel to the town early morning to see the tuna auction show before 7:00.

Getting to Hotel Urashima by boat was a unique experience. We were using the shuttle boat after our visit to Nachi Falls in the late afternoon and after check-out. We enjoy the breezing sea wind with nice during the boat ride.

Friendly Reminder: Hotel Urashima may not be the great place to stay if you are on the tight schedule. It is also advised to allocated some buffer time for getting to the Hotel Urashima.

Japanese-Style Tatami Room

We booked a traditional Japanese room in the Nagisakan building on the Pacific side. So you are not looking at the fishing harbor, and the views from the room are excellent. It is slightly more expensive compared to the main building. But we are not regret. The view was excellent and so amazing.

Our room was very spacious, incredibly clean, and very comfortable. During check-in, you’ll find a Japanese low-lying table with tatami mats over a heated floor. Our room also has a refrigerator, and private balcony overlooking the ocean.

Japanese-style futons in Japanese Style tatami room

The Japanese-style mattresses and futons are usually kept in the closet. It was prepared by the hotel personnel when we were out for dinner. So lovely.

Plus, the ensuite shower facility in the room is greatly appreciated. It is unlike some other onsen accommodations which only provide shared bathing or showering facilities.

We booked this room at a discounted rate during the promotion period through Agoda. It was truly a great deal. You can compare the price from Agoda.com and Booking.com.

Hot Spring Bath (Onsen)

The best thing about staying in Hotel Urashima is the hot spring bath (onsen). There are several hot spring baths scattered throughout the facility including the 2 cave onsen. Hotel Urashima proudly features its famous Bokido, a natural hot spring bath in a cave overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

The cave onsens in Hotel Urashima are separate by gender and will swap at the alternate day. So you can soak in the onsen with a different view during your overnight say.

We were amazed by the natural hot springs built inside caves. It was the best onsen I ever had. It was very cool to have a view of the pacific ocean while soaking inside the onsen. Do check in early to enjoy the fantastic ocean view from the onsens before it gets dark.

The only bad thing is many people are enjoying the onsen too. But still, with the large size of this hotel, there is always a quiet spot or hot spring bath to escape to for people that what to relax. We managed to have private time on the cave onsen during the early morning section.

Noroshiyama Yuen

The hotel is a huge resort with a long escalator connecting the buildings up to the hill, what an engineering feat! Visitors could go up to 32 floors (top of the hills) for an awesome panoramic view of the whole area and enjoy the sunset. The staff was also extremely friendly, which also added to our positive experience.

In the mid-way, you can also visit the Noroshiyama Yuen with the small shrine and torii gate in the hotel building. We have a quick visit inside the park but wish to spend more time. You might plan to visit it as it also featured the 360 panoramic view platform on the Pacific Ocean.

The opening time of Noroshiyama Yuen is from 5:00 until 17:00. The entrance will be closed to ensure the safety of the visitors.

What To Eat When Staying in Hotel Urashima

Our stay in Hotel Urashima is half-board, including breakfast and dinner. Depending on where is the building you stayed, you will know where you know your dining location with meal time chosen during check-in.

The buffet meals are extensive and offered a good number of food selections. Sometimes the venue is included with entertaining Tuna filleting shows. You can find, sushi, sashimi, grilled beef, seafood, Wakayama ramen, salad bar, Japanese pickle, miso soup, drinks, and many more. The best time to taste a big variety of Japanese foods.

Frankly saying, we didn’t find many that we liked. Plus, with the number of guests, the buffet venue can be very crowded. But still, we have a happy tummy for dinner and breakfast.

There are a few restaurants serving izakaya food and ramen which will be operated after meal hours at the main lobby. But not many food options and variety. Alternatively, there are also many vending machines and Lawson convenient stores where you can get some food, drinks, snacks, and even souvenirs!

Pro Tips: Hotel Urashima only have a buffet option and vegetarian options on the buffet can be limited. You can also select the room-only plan if the meal option is not suitable. There is also a kaiseki meal option if you are staying in Sanjokan at a higher rate.

Overview: Staying in Hotel Urashima

In short, our conclusion on the Hotel Urashima review: Great value for money!

The only bad thing about staying in Hotel Urashima is not enough time! I only stayed one night in Hotel Urashima and it is a bit rushed for me to enjoy all the facilities within 1 night. You will need to take time to walk from one site to another site when touring the premise. Plus, the building is also slightly dated and it can be also crowded with people on local and foreign tours.

But still, with the affordable price offered, we would highly recommend staying in Hotel Urashima. We truly enjoy the onsen bath and serene views from the room. We would stay 2 nights if your itinerary is allowed to truly enjoy the facilities. In short, we can highly recommend this hotel.

If you’d like to make a reservation at Hotel Urashima, then you can do so through Agoda. There are many room options for your selection so be sure to go through the room listing to find one that best suits you. Alternatively, you can look for the price listed on Booking.com as well.

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Nachikatsuura itinerary Travel Guide Blog

Nachikatsuura Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

by Emily | posted in: Kansai Wide Japan | 0

Last updated on October 3rd, 2024

Read more on what to expect with this Nachikatsuura travel guide blog. We will share our itinerary about how you can spend a wonderful day in this charming fishing town.

Located in the Kii Peninsula in the Wakayama Prefecture, Nachikatsuura (那智勝浦) is a small fishing town renowned for its seaside beauty and fresh seafood. The town is surrounded by blissful nature and filled with cultural and historical scenes. It is an important gateway to seeing the famous Nachi Falls – one of Japan’s most famous waterfalls. A perfect place to visit from Osaka, Kyoto, or Nagoya with 3 to 4 hours of railway ride.

During our visit to Kansai wide region, we had the pleasure to visit the Nachikatsuura and loved our time there. That’s why decided to write this travel guide blog about this charming fishing town so that hopefully you can get some inspiration for this hidden gem.

We will share useful tips and travel information including where to visit, how to get there, and where to stay in this detailed Nachi Katsuura itinerary. Let’s read on.

How to Get to Nachikatsuura

To get to Nachikatsuura, you’ll have to reach the JR Kii-Katsuura train station. The traveling journey is taking at least 3 hours with a costly transportation fee. If you’re planning to also visit other cities, we would recommend purchasing a JR pass or JR regional pass to get to Nachikatsuura.

From Osaka or Kyoto, take the JR limited express train Kuroshio bound for Shingu to Kii-Katsuura station. The journey takes 4 hours and costs more than ¥7,000. Travel smart and we recommended using below transport pass to save money if this suit for your Nachikatsuura itinerary.

Transport Pass that is valid between Shin-Osaka and Kii-Katsuura:

JR Pass: Get the 7-Day, 14-Day, and 21-Day to travel within the whole Japan.
JR Kansai Wide Area Pass: Travel for 5-Day within the Kansai Wide Area.
Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass: Travel for 5-Day within the Kansai Wide Area and Hiroshima.
JR Ise-Kumamo-Wakayama Area Pass: Travel for 5-Day within the Ise, Kumano, and Wakayama Area.

From Nagoya, take the JR Limited express Wideview Nanki bound for Shingu to Kii-Katsuura station. The journey takes 3.5 hours. The Japan Rail Pass and Ise-Kumano-Wakayama Area Tourist Pass are covered for this route. But certain of the rail is under the private railway, so JR Pass holders have to pay a surcharge of ¥800 if they want to ride this train.

Transport Pass that is valid between Nagoya and Kii-Katsuura:

Japan Rails Pass (required to pay a surcharge of ¥800 for using this route)
Ise-Kumano-Wakayama Area Tourist Pass

From Tokyo to Nachi Katsuura – Due to the long traveling journey, it’s advisable to arrive in Nagoya, Kyoto, or Osaka first and then make your way to Kii-Katsuura.

Alternatively, you can also rent a car from Osaka or Kyoto and drive there. The Kii Peninsula is a popular area for self-driving. Find and compare your rental car at RentalCars.com.

How Many Days for Nachikatsuura

It is doable and you can visit Nachikatsuura in one day on a day trip. However, it will be very rush and have to skip some of the interesting attractions. We recommended staying one night in Nachikatsuura to see the major sites of the Kii Peninsula at a relaxed pace.

Where to Stay

When planning for the Nachikatsuura itinerary, it is highly recommended to spend one night in this lovely town. There are few accommodations options available in Nachikatsuura and below is our recommendation.

Luxury: Kumano-bettei Nakanoshima – It is a seaside Ryokan located on a private island in Katsuura Bay. The highlight of this hotel is its outdoor onsens, which provide a breathtaking view of the island’s surroundings. Traditional Kaiseki dinners and rooms with views of Nachi Bay are featured.

Mid-Range: Hotel Urashima is another popular onsen resort with beautiful hot springs in Nachi Katsuura. Your stay is featured in the marvelous hot spring bath, including the famous Bokido, a natural hot spring bath in a cave overlooking the ocean. Truly amazing!

Budget Hostel: Why Kumano is a convenient hostel accommodation with a bar and cafe in front of the. It is housed in a narrow three-story building with a tasteful design. Solo travelers will also be happy to know that the hotel offers dorm rooms at a lower price.

More accommodation options: Where to stay in Nachikatsuura – Best Hotels Pick.

Things to do in Nachikatsuura itinerary

Make sure that you don’t miss the best things to do in Nachikatsuura with this tried and tested itinerary.

Things to do in Nachikatsuura itinerary:

Arrive Kii-Katsuura station
Climb Up the Kumano Kodo Cobblestones
Visit Nachi Shrine and Seiganto-ji Temple, and Nachi Falls.
Stay one night in an onsen resort and soak into a natural hot spring.
Tuna auction at the Katsuura fish market.
Wandering around Nachikatsuura Fishing Town
Eat Fresh Tuna
Side trip to Shingu

Arrive Kii-Katsuura Station

To start your Nachikatsuura itinerary, you get your way to the area by JR train or self-driving. Depending on your starting point, it is advised to arrive Kii-Katsuura so that you can visit most of the attractions in the permitted time.

We took the earlier train from Shirahama and manage to reach Kii Katsuura station at around noon.
Similar to most major train stations in Japan, the Kii-Katsuura Station has plenty of coin lockers for luggage storage so we can immediately go from the train to the local bus without our luggage. Next, take the local bus to the Nachi Shrine.

You may also need to check the bus schedule at the tourism information center, located in front of the bus station.

Climb Up the Kumano Kodo Cobblestones

Nachikatsuura Travel Guide -Kumano Kodo Cobblestones

The 2.2 km Daimonzaka trail is part of the Nakahechi trail on Kumano Kodo that leads you to the Nachi Shrine. This an ideal hike for those who are looking for nothing too challenging but yet can experience the sacred pilgrimage route that runs through the beautiful Kii Mountain Range.

Nachikatsuura itinerary - Hike up to Kumano Nachi Taisha

Follow the staircase consisting of countless numbers of cobblestone steps lined with centuries-old Japanese cedars. The beautiful stone steps take you to Kumano Nachi Taisha, one of the three grand shrines designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nachi Shrine, Seiganto-ji Temple, and Nachi Falls

Nachi Shrine, Seiganto-ji Temple, and Nachi Falls are must-see sights on this Kii Katsuura itinerary.

Situated next to each other, Nachi Shrine and Seiganto-ji Temple are famous sacred places located in the Kii mountain range. These majestic attractions have turned into a picturesque sightseeing spot when the three-story pagoda towers over a lush forest with Nachi no Taki falling in the background.

Must see in Nachikatsuura itinerary - Nachi Falls

The beautiful view is widely recognized as a symbolic, scenic spot in the Kumano area.

It takes a lot of energy and effort to reach Nachi Shrine but it is worth every step taken.

Getting there: An easy 30 to 50 minutes hike from Daimonzaka to the Nachi Falls. Alternatively, get off at the Nachisan stop by bus.

Stay in Onsen Resort

Back in town, we didn’t plan too many things to do and see during our visit. In fact, one of the highlights of this Nachikatsuura itinerary is staying one night in the onsen hotels.

Nachikatsuura is known as a hot spring (onsen) resort town in Wakayama Prefecture. There are severals onsen ryokans and hotels in town with marvelous onsen on the premise. Some even have the open-air hot springs featuring sea views where you can enjoy the fantastic views while bathing!

We choose to stay in the Hotel Urashima, the largest resort hotel in Nachikatsuura. The premise is having the onsen in a cave where you can try this ultimate unique experience!

Tuna Auction at the Katsuura Fish Market

Start your Kii Katsuura itinerary in the early morning to witness the tuna auction at Katsuura Fish Market.

Nachi Kii-Katsuura is a natural port and has served as a fishing hub for centuries. The city prides itself on the highest catch of tuna in the whole of Japan. Don’t miss the chance to attend the tuna auction in the early morning. You can experience a traditional fish market in a rural setting and join the auction at the fish market.

Witness Tuna auction at Katsuura Fish Market.

The auction can be observed from upstairs of the market without reservation. You can see the whole auction floor from there, and it is interesting to see the floor covered with so many tunas. The auctioneers will indicate the price using hand signs and very quiet.

Great for photo shoots and just immerse in the local fish market culture.

Nachikatsuuea Travel Guide Tips: The tuna auction at the Katsuura Fish Market is happen on weekdays and is closed on Saturday and Tuesday. The entrance is free and you can see the tuna auction on the second floor. Make sure to arrive before 6:50 and this is the best time to see all the tuna before the auction start at 7:00. Free tour in Japanese is available and it required reservation.

Wandering around Nachikatsuura Fishing Town

Lastly, wander around and visit the souvenir shop the tiny fishing port. It’s fun to walk through the quaint town browsing the souvenir shops. Some perfect souvenirs include local sake, seaweed, dried sea products, and pickled vegetables.

There are also boat trips you can take offshore to view the coastline and islets.

You also find many seafood restaurants in the town. All offer tuna specialties and local fish dishes if you are looking for where to eat in Nachikatsuura.

Katsuura Port Nigiwai Market

The quaint Nachikatsuura has many restaurants and small eateries if you are looking for what to eat in Nachikatsuura. The fresh tuna is a must-eat food when visiting here.

Food stalls at Katsuura Port Nigiwai Market

Katsuura Port Nigiwai Market has a variety of small restaurants where you can enjoy fresh tuna sushi and other fresh tuna dishes. You might also have the chance to see the tuna cutting show at the market. It is conveniently located about 10 minutes walk from the station and situated beside the Katsuura Fish Market.

Eat Fresh Tuna

When visiting Nachikatsuura, don’t forget to treat yourself to fresh tuna. With the abundance of fresh tuna, there are many options for great seafood in the town. It’s difficult to imagine visiting Nachikatsuura without at least one meal of fresh seafood.

We ended up choosing one of the fish shops at the market for our lunch. The price is affordable price and good quality. Most of them are fresh catch of the day. We bought our food and enjoy it with the calming seaview at the eating area.

Final Tips for Nachikatsuura Travel Guide

What is Nachikatsuura known for?

Nachikatsuura is known for Nachi Falls, the tallest single-tiered waterfall in Japan. Together with the three tiers of pagoda and lush greenery, Nachi falls is one of the famous scenes in Japan.

Can you see Nachikatsuura in one day?

Although a Nachikatsuura day trip is doable, we highly recommend spending at least one night in Nachi Katsuura for a more relaxed pace.

What to do on the Nachikatsuura day trip?

Although I recommend spending at least a night in Nachikatsuura, you can cover a lot of ground in a day trip. Arrive around noon and visit the Nachi Shrine, Seiganto-ji Temple, and Nachi Falls. If time is allowable, consider taking an easy hike at Daimonzaka to experience the sacred pilgrimage route.

Overview: A Trip to Nachikatsuura

All in all, we hope this Nachikatsuura itinerary has changed your perception of this underestimated city. From the unique local culture to the breathtaking sceneries, Nachikatsuura is a place for encounters with wonderful aspects exclusive to the area. We highly recommended making a trip to Nachikatsuura to visit this beautiful sacred site.

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Planning a trip to the Kii Peninsula? Check out our other posts for inspiration:

Things To Do in Kibune itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

by Emily | posted in: Kansai Japan | 0

Last updated on September 14th, 2024

In this Kifune travel guide blog, we’re sharing our Kibune itinerary highlighting the must-see attractions, what to eat, how to get to Kibune, and other helpful tips.

Kifune (貴船) is a beautiful small village nestled in the hills north of Kyoto. It is located deep in beautiful mountains and offers a perfect opportunity to explore the tranquility of a Japanese village. Though the location is slightly far from downtown, Kibune is the perfect place to take a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto. Many locals and visitors love visiting this area as a short half-day trip since the environment is laid-back and peaceful. It is even best to couple their visit to Kibune with an easy hike to Kurama-dera.

Kyoto is one of our favorite cities in Japan and we have visited Kyoto quite a few times. Kibune has not been on our itinerary in our previous trips as it is easily been skipped due to the long traveling journey from downtown. We finally make our visit during our recent trip to Kansai and we fall in love with the area.

Keep reading for more about how to plan your Kibune itinerary in this handy travel guide blog.

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How To Get To Kibune

Depending on your starting location, it can take a while to get to Kibune. But generally, the trip to Kibune and Kurama takes about 40 minutes from central Kyoto.

If you are getting to Kibune by train, we recommended you get to the Demachiyanagi Station and then switch to the Eizan Main Line in the direction of Kurama. Next, get off at Kibuneguchi Station and proceed to the Kifune village either by shuttle bus or walk.

How To Get To Kibune from Kyoto: Travelers can choose to access Kibune by train or bus. The journey takes about 30 minutes.

By train: Get to the nearest Keihan Line and board the train to the northernmost stop, Demachiyanagi Station. From there, switch to the Eizan Line in the direction of Kurama and get off at Kibuneguchi Station.
By Bus: Get to the Kokusai Kaikan (subway station) and take a local bus directly to Kibune.

How To Get To Kibune from Osaka: The easiest way is to take the Keihan Train from Osaka such as Yodoyabashi Station or Temmabashi Station to Demachiyanagi Station. It is around 1 hour without transfer. We recommended getting the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass to save you on the transportation fee. From there, board the Eizan train to the destination of Kibuneguchi Station. The trip will take you another 30 minutes at ¥430.

Lastly, from Kibuneguchi Station, you can take the local shuttle bus. The ride is affordable at ¥170 per ride for adults and takes about 5 minutes. The bus only accepts coins, but you can exchange a ¥1,000 bill for coins. Alternatively, a 30-minute peaceful stroll passing by tall cedar trees and flowing streams will take you to the Kifune village.

Kibune Travel Guide Tips: Depending on your itinerary, you can choose to get off at either Kurama or Kibuneguchi Station. These two locations are only 1 station away. If you choose to get off at Kurama station, you can hike to the Kibune via a beautiful hiking trail that connects Kurama-dera to Kifune village.

Things To Do in Kibune itinerary

Here are the top things to do to plan for the Kibune itinerary. Feel free to change the itinerary based on your interest, season, schedule.

Things To Do in Kibune itinerary:

Check out the Tori gate with red lantern lined Stairway
Kifune-jinja Shrine
Try Omikuji – Fortune by Water
Kawadoko Riverside Dining (Summer only)
Hike To Kurama-dera Temple

Check Out the Tori gate with Red Lantern lined Stairway

Whenever you mention Kibune, the first thing that comes to people’s minds is the red Tori gate with a red lantern-lined stairway leading to the shrine.

Kibune Travel Guide red-lantern stairway

The red-lantern stairway is one of the most beautiful shots and famous spots to take photos. It was impressive at first glance and different seasons give different views. I went in mid-March. The greeny and the torii gate formed a beautiful mixture of red and green. Can’t imagine it during winter with snow-capped white and fall with autumn colors.

After taking your best shot, continue to head to make your visit to the shrine.

Kifune-jinja Shrine

Kifune-jinja Shrine (貴船神社) enshrines the deity of water. According to legend, a goddess arrived in Kibune on a yellow boat, and the shrine marks the place where she finally landed. Locals believe in praying for protection to those heading out to sea, and for good weather.

Kibune Travel Guide - Praying at Kifune-jinja Shrine

Kifune-jinja Shrine has three shrines, the Main shrine, Yuino-Yashiro (a shrine for wishes, mid-way between the first two shrines), and Okumiya (a matchmaking shrine located at the end of the road). You may follow the sequence to visit all of them.

Kibune Travel Guide - Rearing horse statues

During your visit, you might notice two rearing horse statues in front of the elevated Main Hall. This is the gift of the Imperial Court followed by the worshiped here. It is said that the black horse is praying for raining while the white horse asks for clear skies.

Kifune-jinja Shrine (貴船神社)
Address: 180 Kuramakibunecho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 601-1112, Japan.
Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 to 17:00
Admission: Free!
Official Website: http://kifunejinja.jp/

Try Omikuji – Fortune by Water

Kifune-jinja Shrine is famous for its unique omikuji where you can try the fortune by water. You can purchase fortune-telling sheets of paper near the main hall for a small fee. It is an empty piece of paper, but once soaked in water, your fortunes will magically appear!

Simply place the blank sheet of paper on the small pool of water near the shrine and wait until your fortune appears on that piece of paper. The writings are in Japanese, but a QR code on the sheet will lead you to an app that offers translations in English, Chinese, Taiwanese, and Korean, as well as an audio recording of the fortune!

Lastly, tie your fortune-telling sheets up along with the others after you’ve come to terms with your fate. Truly one of the unique things to do on your Kibune itinerary!

Kawadoko Riverside Dining

Another experience that cannot be missed on the Kibune itinerary is Kawadoko riverside dining. In warmer months, typically summer from May to September, restaurants will set up the wooden platforms right next to the river. Diners can enjoy this quintessential Kyoto-style riverside dining experience with delectable traditional Japanese kaiseiki cuisine with streaming river sound and the cooling effect of the nearby river. It’s a great way to beat the summer heat, and is extremely relaxing.

Another popular option is the Nagashi Somen (flowing noodles). You get the full experience and catch your noodles as it flows by in spring water. The most popular restaurant is the Hirobun and many people can get there as early as 10 am just to get a slot. If you make your visit to Kibune during the summer, we would highly recommend it.

You will pass by a lovely river and quaint Japanese houses and shops. Numerous restaurants offer kawadoko-style dining. But it is not cheap for kawadoko riverside dining and most of them required reservation in advance.

My visit is during mid of March and Kawadoko is not yet set up. Still, there are also some nice restaurants if you are looking for what to eat in Kibune at cheaper price. We had the soba noodles at the Denbe.

It was very reasonable price and less than ¥2,000 for the soba set. The food is very refreshing and delicious. A relaxing lunch after visiting the Kifune Shrine.

Hike to Kurama-dera Temple

If you prefer to get some exercise, we recommend the hiking trail course between Kibune and Kurama. Most people will couple the visit and make the hike over the mountains from one village to another. The entrance is located just 200m from the Kifune-jinja Shrine.

The trail goes through the forested mountain with a lot of ups and downs. You will find several temple buildings and the Kurama-dera temple during the hike. Wear comfortable shoes as it normally takes two to three hours.

We did the hike from Kurama and end at the Kifune village. It was an easy hike and it didn’t have many sightseeing attractions but with a beautiful view of the mountains. We end our itinerary by visiting the Kibune-jinja shrine and having our lunch at Kibune village. If you choose to end the hike at Kurama, you can consider taking the onsen bath at Kurama’s side.

More Kibune itinerary Travel Guide Tips

How many time for Kibune?

It is advised to set aside 3-4 hours to explore the Kifune village. And you will need a longer time if you plan to hike to the nearby Kurama-dera temple.

When is the best time to visit Kibune?

The best time to visit Kibune is during autumn. It is very beautiful with the autumn colors in the misty, especially during the early morning hours.

How to get to Kibune from Kyoto Station?

We recommended you get to the Demachiyanagi Station by Keihan Train and then switch to the Eizan Main Line. Next, get off at Kibuneguchi Station and proceed to the Kifune village either by shuttle bus or walk.

Overall: A Visit To Kibune

All in all, we had a lovely time spending more than half a day exploring Kibune and Kurama. The greenery along the paths with the river made the place very peaceful and made us feel that we were so close to nature. Although the traveling time is long, we highly recommended to include the Kibune itinerary on your visit to Kyoto to experience the tranquillity of the Kifune village.

Lastly, if you are interested in traveling to other places in Kyoto, feel free to check out my Kyoto travel stories below:

More interesting places to visit in Kyoto:

Blog Full

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Kinryu Ramen Dotombori

Hanamaruken Namba Houzenji

Moeyo Mensuke

Human Beings Everybody Noodles

Menya Jikon

Ichiran Ramen Dotombori

Kamukura

Overall: Osaka Best Ramen

Hotel Urashima

Getting to Hotel Urashima

Japanese-Style Tatami Room

Hot Spring Bath (Onsen)

Noroshiyama Yuen

What To Eat When Staying in Hotel Urashima

Overview: Staying in Hotel Urashima

How to Get to Nachikatsuura

How Many Days for Nachikatsuura

Where to Stay

Things to do in Nachikatsuura itinerary

Arrive Kii-Katsuura Station

Climb Up the Kumano Kodo Cobblestones

Nachi Shrine, Seiganto-ji Temple, and Nachi Falls

Stay in Onsen Resort

Tuna Auction at the Katsuura Fish Market

Wandering around Nachikatsuura Fishing Town

Katsuura Port Nigiwai Market

Eat Fresh Tuna

Final Tips for Nachikatsuura Travel Guide

Overview: A Trip to Nachikatsuura

How To Get To Kibune

Things To Do in Kibune itinerary

Check Out the Tori gate with Red Lantern lined Stairway

Kifune-jinja Shrine

Try Omikuji – Fortune by Water

Kawadoko Riverside Dining

Hike to Kurama-dera Temple

More Kibune itinerary Travel Guide Tips

Overall: A Visit To Kibune