We planned our first trip to Japan Osaka with Baby Loti. This trip was booked in the last December via Flyscoot.

But along the way, there was numerous reschedule that eventually we were transferred to a Singapore Airlines flight.

Prior flight day there were also a lot of happenings at home. Baby Loti was running a fever a few days before flight day. We brought her to the Doctor and take medication and advice.

Day 1: Flight Day - 3pm

So after a lot of administrative issues. Baby Loti recovered from fever and her cough. So we decided to go ahead with the trip.

First Time on Flight with a Baby

The first flight with SQ was really positive. We had a bassinet seat and Baby Loti was really accommodating.

She did not fuss much during the trip. It was a 6 hours flight. 

We were lucky that there was an empty seat between us. So Loti gets her on seat as well.

Bassinet in Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines has limited bassinet for babies. It is on a first come first basis. 

The dimensions of the bassinets are 768 L x 298 W x 158 H (mm). Bassinets can support a maximum weight of 14kg.

So if you require a bassinet, please request as soon as possible.

Loti has no problem fitting in the bassinet. She is at the stage of just flipping, and seating up. Not so much on crawling yet.

Changing Diaper on the Plane

If you are worried on how to change diaper on the plane, there is actually a diaper change table in the toilet. So it is pretty small and convenient. 

For a 6 hours flight, the max you will be changing diaper is probably 2 times unless they poo alot of times.

So before you fly, you must practise changing diaper in a confined space.

Milk Feeding

We timed it in a way where she gets to drink milk once before the flight, once during the flight and another time after we landed. 

So before you board the plane, you feed her. And prepare the 2nd feeding essentials. So it is easier for you to prepare milk while you are on board.

Arrive KIX : 9.15pm

We were on schedule to arrive Osaka Kansai Airport. As Baby Loti is about time to drink her milk.

We alighted the plane, we prepared her milk on the go and tried feeding her before we queue to get out of the customs.

Wrong choice!

As we are feeding Baby Loti, there were 2 more planes of passengers that arrive and join in the queue.

Cleared Custom at 11pm

There were no priority queues for families with babies. We had to join the main queue. It took us 2 hours to get out. It was at 11pm!

But luckily we already preplanned for some hiccups, as we are travelling with a baby.

The Haruka train last timing was 10.16pm.

So we are not sure if we can make it time to get out of the custom and navigate to the train station to board the train to Kyoto.

As we are travelling for the first time with the baby, so we booked a Hotel near KIX airport instead.

We just need to take a train 1 stop from Rinku Town can reach already.

Although we need to walk some distance from the train station, but mai hiam lah.

Got a value place to stay already very good.

Dinner: Lawson Convenience Store

Luckily Japan has alot of 24 hours convenience store. So we know we will not go hungry in the middle of the night.

We bought instant noodles and some tamago sushi to go with.

Looks sad but the instant noodle very nice sia! Especially at a cooler night, having Japanese soup instant noodle is sibei awesome. 

Cost: ¥1,458

Stay: Washington Hotel, Kansai Airport

The hotel is only 1 train stop away from the KIX Airport station. So after we bought our dinner, we make our way to the hotel.

The hotel was simple and good for a 1 night stay. Check in was easy.

View is quite decent. But the bed somehow felt small.

We are used to Baby Loti sleeping with us. So sharing a double bed is not an issue.

Cost: ¥13,000
Stroller Friendly: ★★★☆☆
Baby Friendly: ★★☆☆☆

Day 2: KIX to Kyoto

Day 2 is more of travelling from KIX to Kyoto. We planned it in such a way because we spent more days in Kyoto.

So we decided to stay in Kyoto for our entire trip instead of shifting around.

Moreover, we are lugging 2 luggage, a stroller and a baby. So when mummy takes care of Baby Loti. 

I am pushing the 2 luggage.

Check Out: Washington Hotel, Kansai Airport

Check out was easy too. And there is also a shuttle bus provided to get to the airport.

Because the Haruka train starts from the KIX Airport station. So our plan is to restart the journey from the airport.

Shuttle Bus Provided to Kansai Airport

So we are back to KIX Airport station. Now, we have more time to explore and slowly take our time to get to the train station with no rush.

We queued at the station to get our Haruka train tickets. 

Train: Kansai-Airport Express “HARUKA”

The Kansai-Airport Express “HARUKA” gets you from Kansai Airport to Kyoto in 80mins and 3 stops nia.

Best option if you are travelling with a baby and do not want to change alot of trains to reach Kyoto.

Journey is 80 mins and the train frequency is 30mins.

So if you miss the train, you can board it at 30mins interval. Can chope the best seats too.

Cost of Haraku + Icoca: ¥5,200 yen per pax
Total: ¥10,400
Stroller Friendly: ★★★★☆
Baby Friendly: ★★★☆☆

(Hearsay the price will increase after October 2019.)

Arrival: Kyoto Station

Train ride was pretty smooth. We reach as schedule to Kyoto station.

Kyoto station is really big! But the signs are simple to follow. So we have no issue to get out of the station and to our Airbnb stay.

Lunch: Mcdonald’s

Our aim is actually to get to the accommodation as soon as we arrive. But we are also hungry and travelling with a baby + 2 luggages did not seem easy.

So we ended up at Mcdonald’s to grab our late lunch. We ordered 2 x Burger meal lah. Actually taste quite delicious.

Cost: ¥1,560
Stroller Friendly: ☆☆☆☆☆
Baby Friendly: ★★☆☆☆

Stay: Airbnb

We booked this valued stay which is 10 mins walking distance away from Kyoto station. With 2 luggage and a baby, the walking distance seems longer than 10mins. 

It could be a popular season that we book because there are also stays that are nearer to the Kyoto station.

Check-in: Check-in was easy, lockbox and pocket wifi is provided as well.

There is a Single Bed + Pullout Bed. This is an alternative to a queen bed that we can find. 

So at least when Baby Loti flips, she doesn’t fall off the bed.

Communication: With the owner is prompt and he is responsive. 

So, after we check-in, we washed and decided to check out the Gion area, which was a bus ride away. 

Transport: Bus

We took a bus from our Airbnb stay to Yasaka Shrine. By using google map, it enable us to locate the bus stop and where to alight. 

The journey took 25 mins and it is not difficult to see where we should alight as the shrine is very prominent. 

Cost: ¥230
Journey: 25 mins
Stroller Friendly: ★★☆☆☆
Baby Friendly: ★☆☆☆☆

See: Yasaka Shrine

This is the shrine that is near to us and also has a later closing hour. But when we are there, they already started to close. So we had a few pictures and exit through their back gate instead.

Because there are some steps going up to the shrine, we do not want to go down the steps again with the stroller.

Cost: Free Entry
Stay Duration: 45 mins
Stroller Friendly: ★★☆☆☆
Baby Friendly: ★★☆☆☆

Dinner: Torihisa Restaurant

As we descend from the back gate, we found a restaurant along the way that provides value for money Japanese food.

The ambiance was superb. Traditional Japanese decoration and seats. We were ushered to a private room for 4 to 6 person but we only have 2+1.

And we get to seat on the floor, the japanese style. So Baby Loti can also crawl around.

Food is superb. Tasty grilled beef with their Japanese pearl rice. Yummy leh!

Cost: ¥3,800 x 2
Stroller Friendly: ★★☆☆☆
Baby Friendly: ★★★★☆

Day 3: Kyoto to Nara

We had a good rest after the yummy dinner last night. Weather was pretty cooling for the night, and we started our day heading for Nara where the deer is.

Transport: Train from Kyoto to Nara

We took a train from Kyoto to Nara. At first it seems very confusing because there is a express train and a more express train. Of course the price is almost doubled.

And since we have time, we took the less express train. And perhaps, will take the more express train when we are back.

Once we are out of Nara station, it is very obvious that people are here for the deer park. There is some deer display at the station.

And also, directions to where you can see the deer.

Cost:  ¥620 x 2 (Kintetsu Express ticket)
Journey: 50 mins
Stroller Friendly: ★★★★★
Baby Friendly: ★★★★☆

Lunch: Kameya - Okonomiyaki restaurant

Before we even set off, we felt abit hungry. So we decided to settled for this Okonomiyaki restaurant after checking out their reviews.

The restaurant has pretty decent space, and I guess they are very popular with tourist. Because I see more Ang Mohs than Asians in the restaurant.

Sibei old school kind of setting, with the hot plate warming up your dish. We had a hard choosing what we want to eat. There are so many varieties of menu to choose from. 

Cost: ¥2,270
Stroller Friendly: ★☆☆☆☆
Baby Friendly: ★☆☆☆☆

See: Nara Deer Park

This is the legendary park they say can see deer. And deer are indeed roaming everywhere. So actually, you no need go the actual park. 

Just some where along the way to the temple, you can interact with the whole lot of them. 

They are also lazing at the temple area too.

150¥ to buy their treats. 

And they are really aggressive one when you have food. They tried to snatch the Belgian waffle we have on the stroller.

Heng I persist not giving in to them. Cos the waffle more expensive. 

Stroller Friendly: ★★★☆☆
Baby Friendly: ★☆☆☆☆

See: Todaiji temple

Sounds like tio daiji temple. But this temple alot daiji one. They are the biggest wooden structure temple in the world.

From starting till now, got fire la, earthquake lah. Sibei alot daiji one.

Power.

But need walk very far to get here.

Hence we took a bus 3 stops when we go back. Ah bo the leg wanna break liao.

Cost: ¥600 x 2
Stroller Friendly: ★★★★★
Baby Friendly: ★★★☆☆

Transport: Bus

From Todaiji Temple to Nara Station

We took the bus back to Nara Station and it stops right at the station. Just need to take the stairs down and voilà. You are at the station. 

Transport: Train from Nara to Kyoto Station

Remember previously we thinking we should take the more express train back? 

Now no need think. All are more express train. You wan to save money also cannot.

So you need to top up ¥510 on top of the ¥620 you purchase. So total is ¥1,130 for the limited express train.

But really fast lah, 35mins reach liao and skip alot of stops also.

Cost: ¥1,130
Journey: 35 mins
Stroller Friendly: ★★★★★
Baby Friendly: ★★★★☆

Dinner: Ramen Todai 

So as we travel on the train, I also google what to eat in Kyoto station. Then found out that there is this hidden Ramen street on the 10th level of the Kyoto station building. So, we chose this Ramen Todai to go jiaks. Because the queue seem shorter.

And We were given a corner seat.

This Ramen provides free raw eggs, free flow. So hoot lah! We hoot 2 eggs each.

The broth of the ramen is delicious. But the Gyoza so so only.

So notice that Baby Loti also koon already. Since we already tula her, then Mummy have to carry her while eating.

Cost: ¥2,100
Stroller Friendly: ★★★☆☆
Baby Friendly: ★★★☆☆

Day 4 - Osaka Castle + Dontonbori

Today, we decided to head for Osaka after 2 days in Kyoto. At least take a break from taking the buses around. This time we take the train from Kyoto to Osaka.

Lunch: Hakata Ikkousha Ramen

Same thing, since the ramen street has so many ramen to try out, we decided to have it for lunch again.

This time round, we tried the Hakata Ramen. As we have a stroller and Baby Loti is sleeping. The staff is nice enough to give us a space to park the stroller beside us.

This time round we over ordered, and could not finish the food. It is not exactly very fantastic also lah.

Not tasty on the broth. And also we ordered too much. So a bit overkill also.

Cost: ¥2,230
Stroller Friendly: ★★★★★
Baby Friendly: ★★★☆☆

Train: From Kyoto to Osaka Castle

So after jiaks our lunch, it is time to navigate from Kyoto Station to Osaka Castle.

We just follow what is on the google map can already.

Kyoto Station >> Osaka Station >> Ōsakajōkōen Station

The Journey took us around 60 minutes. And all is pretty much accessible with a stroller.

Just need to wait for the elevator nia.

We are surprised that we can even board the train at Kyoto Station and landed up at Osaka Castle with the stroller along. But it is only until the entrance of the castle where you need to leave your stroller behind.

Cost: ¥810
Journey: 1 Hour
Stroller Friendly: ★★★★★
Baby Friendly: ★★★★☆

See: Osaka Castle

We need to take 3 train from Kyoto then can reach Osaka Castle. But lucky entire ride can be accessible by stroller. So Loti just sit at the stroller and enjoy her ride from Kyoto to Osaka Castle.

This castle quite interesting cos you need to walk quite a distance to get to the castle instead.

Instead of showcasing the rooms, it is actually a museum. The good thing is you can leave ur stroller at the security for free. But you need to tula her all the way.

Not as magnificent as we thought. But interesting history about this person that constructed the castle.

And this castle do not allow strollers to go in, only wheelchairs. So you need to deposit your stroller at the security. Then use the baby carrier if the baby is still young.

Also no photography inside.

So the flow of the visiting is, you take the lift up to level 5, take the stairs up to level 8. Then from there, level by level go down and tour the museum. 

This one really shag.

Cost: 600¥ x 2
Stroller Friendly: ☆☆☆☆☆
Baby Friendly: ★☆☆☆☆

Dinner: Ebinoya Morinomiya

After the visit it is another long walk out. We aimed to eat at this place but it wasn't open yet. So we ended up at another restaurant that serve decent food. 

And we are the first customer, get to enjoy the space. Just imagine a stroller in a tight narrow restaurant and somemore it is raining. 

Interestingly, this restaurant does not have a listing on google map. So we cannot see their reviews. But their food tasted pretty good, and the pricing is decent also.

Cost: ¥1,987
Stroller Friendly: ★★☆☆☆
Baby Friendly: ★★☆☆☆

Shopping: 心斎橋商店街 Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade and Dontonbori

The moment that Mummy is waiting for. Shopping!

We took a train from Morinomiya to shinsaibashi not knowing what to expect but it is easy to walk from shinsaibashi to the Dotonbori. 

So somehow we alighted at Shinsaibashi station. Then we realise the shopping is one whole stretch till Dotonbori. Gaolat la !

The leg sûre break one. So we decided to put on bags on the stroller. Like that can last longer also. This part of the shopping is like bugis Street x 3 or more.

Like cannot walk finish one. Best of all is tax free if spending more than 5000¥

Hoot lah!

Cost: 不清不楚

Dessert: strawberry ice cream 

 Hearsay got this strawberry ice cream stall got very long queue. So we also kiasu go check. Actually the ice cream cannot it la.

Sibei expensive leh ¥600 for 1 scoop ice cream. Go Rob better. 

Day 5 - Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion

This one I mistake. I thought was the Kiyomizu-dera temple. Instead this is the golden pavilion that is super out of the way.

Need take bus for more than 40mins. Then can reach.

Reach liao buy ticket go in. Only to encounter a sibei big crowd. Really no space to push the stroller. Some more got alot of steps. So need to fold the stroller to go up and down.

Just to see the golden pavilion for 400¥

I wonder what is the hype in this. Perhaps the golden pavilion lor. It looks nice lah. But the entire crowd and location spoils the day liao.

Lucky the ice cream they sell is nice. So compensate àbit.

Not a stroller friendly place. If you have time then come. No time don't come

Not recommended.

Damage: 800 ¥ 
Stroller Friendly: ☆☆☆☆☆
Baby Friendly: ☆☆☆☆☆

See - Kiyomizu-dera Temple

After the disappointing Golden Pavilion, we chiong to Kiyomizu-dera. Because it's one end to the other end. Takes us like 1hr bus ride.

Alight bus liao still need to climb the hill up. Like doing fast march like that. Somemore we took the wrong road. If not can stroller Loti all the way up.

Sibei killer. So if you are bringing a stroller, use this path. At the fork road, keep left. It is all slope instead of climbing the stairs at the very end.

Then finally bought the tickets and went in. Actually looks quite peaceful inside. Maybe because the crowd has left.

But the picture of it very different from what we see leh. Because they are touching up the exterior. So don't have the balcony feel liao.

Jin sad.

The route down was smooth so can stroller all the way. In fact we stroller all the way till the bottom of the hill and grab our dinner.

Cost: 800¥
Stroller Friendly: ★★★★★
Baby Friendly: ★☆☆☆☆
Remarks: We took a wrong route up, if not it is accessible via stroller. And the entire template is stroller friendly. 

Dinner : Gyukatsu Kyotokatugyu Kyotoekimae

After the long walk down, we very hungry need to find food.

So happen, Google review this restaurant not bad. At first I thought was Pork Tonkatsu but no leh. It is beef one.

The menu very straight forward..

Normal beef, premium beef and more premium beef.

So we ordered one normal and one more premium beef.

The more premium one is the waygu beef which is 1000¥ more.

But the texture of the meat is really good. Not as tough as the normal one. And there are steps to eat your beef too. Got special dipping sauce..

Make the whole experience so atas lor.

Cost: 4168¥
Stroller Friendly: ★★★☆☆
Baby Friendly: ★★☆☆☆

Day 6 - Arashiyama Monkey Park

Today is the day that we jin scare one. Because everyone say climb this monkey park very shag one. So we put this itinerary to the last few days.

And from our stay, we can take a bus to this Monkey park and stop near the bottom of the hill. Better than taking the subway.

And because we are taking bus, so we also got no time to jiak the ramen. So we buy their yummy sandwich and jiaks. Their sandwich actually taste very fresh and good, and often it gets sold out pretty fast.

My favorite one is peanut butter. But already sold out, so just get this 2 flavors. The egg mayonnaise actually taste pretty good also.

See - Arashiyama Monkey Park Ascend

Actually hor,  the climb not as shag as walking in a shopping center. Bluff ppl one. We are very prepared for this hike.

Heng heng can put stroller at the counter. So no need carry up and down. Just need a carrier for Loti.

So we finally reached the top of the monkey hill. It was not that tough after all.

Maybe because I'm not carrying Loti.

See - Arashiyama Monkey Park

The monkeys on top were free to roam. And if u di siao them and they attack u. Is ur fault. Usually they won't attack one.

So inside the shed, you can feed the monkeys through the fence. So they won't scratch you also.

Very up close! Well worth the climb. It took us around 20mins for the descend. Definitely not as difficult as climbing up. But still need some effort. There are benches along the route if you need a rest.

Not recommended for those with difficulty walking and climbing stairs/steps. But they can rest at the bottom of the hill while waiting for you all.

You probably take 90mins to explore the monkey hill, 30- 40mins for ascend and descend. And Another 40 mins to explore the place.

Stroller Friendly: ☆☆☆☆☆
Baby Friendly: ★☆☆☆☆
Remarks: Need to deposit the stroller at the entrance at your own risk then carry the baby all the way up. No diaper changing station, so need to change diaper on any benches you see.

Coffee: Togetsu Café

After the exercise, of course must sit down drink a cup of coffee and snack right. This cafe is just nice smack along the path to the bamboo forest. Got toilet, got coffee, got aircon got snack.

Mai Tu Liao lah!

But their pricing very expensive leh. We ordered

- 2x coffee
- Tempura Set
- Fried Beef Skewer 

Cost: ¥2,540

Go: Bamboo Forest

From the Monkey park it takes like 15mins to walk 

This combo must do one. But walk also quite far. But luckily, the weather was decent and cooling enough. Probably because it is around 5pm already lah.

So this Bamboo forest got a direction to walk if you do not want to “double walk”.

You enter from the back and cut through to the front and you can head towards the train station liao.

Stroller Friendly: ★★☆☆☆
Baby Friendly: ★☆☆☆☆
Remarks: Some of the path you need to carry up the steps, and after which can all the way stroller through the bamboo forest till the train station.

Go: Fushimi Inari Taisha

Because we wanna chiong to this Fushimi Inari Taisha. So we from Bamboo forest that station, take a metro to Inari station. 

Perhaps one of the place that must go one in Kyoto. If not you come to Kyoto for what right?

So we took the train to Inari. When alight straight away can see liao.

There's a map showing the whole trail of torii gates.

We go till where the stroller can go. Probably only 10% of the trail. But is good enough.

You see the sun also setting liao. Need to jiaks dinners and rest for the next day.

Stroller Friendly: ★★☆☆☆
Baby Friendly: ★☆☆☆☆
Remarks: It is slightly accessible for stroller but you need to carry your stroller up the steps for certain segment.

Dinner: AISHOKU RAMEN KINSEI

Ramen again! This time round we try this ramen, and add a char siew side dish. What this one power pack leh! This char siew is really good. 

Better than the ramen that we wanted to order another set lor.

Cost: ¥2,780

Day 7 - Osaka Sea Aquarium

Today go Osaka Sea Aquarium, they say if you go Osaka you gotta go here to the USJ. So, I think Baby Loti still young to enjoy USJ, so we go for Sea Aquarium. 

Train: From Kyoto to Osaka Sea Aquarium

Wah, coming here very shag leh. Need to change 33 trains in order to reach the Sea Aquarium. Sibei de far lor.

Kyoto Station >> Osaka Station >> Bentenchō Station >> Osakako Station

Cost: ¥1,040 x 2

See: Osaka Sea Aquarium

And to save time and money, we bought out tickets with Klook. Somemore new user got some promo discount also.

This Sea Aquarium quite different from Singapore one. It is like a circuit, and you from top level go round till the bottom level. Each section have their different animals display and feeding time.

We waited for the animal feeding times and stayed there around 4 hours! And best of all, the place is stroller friendly. So most of the time, Baby Loti enjoyed herself.

Cost: S$ 28.59 x 2
Stay Duration: 4 Hours
Stroller Friendly: ★★★★☆
Baby Friendly: ★★★★☆
Remarks: A very stroller friendly place, because it is also wheelchair friendly. The only part is when you are at the top level, there is a flight of steps to go down. And there are also diaper changing toilets in the building.

Dinner: Random Restaurant

We walked into Tempozan Market Place so take shelter from the cold chilling evening wind. Then just nice find got what food to eat. They have a not very exciting food street with little crowd. Probably because it is not weekend?

So we walked into a random restaurant selling some Katsudon and small dishes. Not too bad, and of course, the good thing is there is space to park a stroller.

Day 8: Departure Day back to Singapore

It is the last day in Kyoto. Holidays also jin fast one. We packed our stuffs and also need to pack the bags to last the day and the flight for Baby Loti.

Then, before that we also go their baby store hoot 2 carton of diapers back. They are good for their diaper brands like Merries and Goon. And we are a support of those diapers.

Over there can buy at $15 / carton. In Singapore, selling $20 - $25. And japanese version is sold at approximate $18 / carton. So, save $3 lor.

Lunch: Bannai Shokudo

Yes, ramen again. This time round, we are surprised to see the queue very long. Because it is weekend I guess.

We tried this Ramen stall, and they also sell Aburi Char Siew rice. Wah, this one really very good that we ordered another Char Siew Rice.

So Yummy lor!

Train: Haraku Train from Kyoto to KIX Airport

The same way that we got here, we took the Haraku train back to KIX airport. This time round, we also googling how to settle our luggage because our flight is at 7pm. Then we checking out at 10am. Reach there also 2pm.

Luggage Storage: NEST Baggage 

So, we managed to find a place for luggage storage which has a very prominment direction to the store. It is just located at the KIX airport station. Storage is 700 per luggage. So put 2 luggage = 1400.

Put the luggage liao, can go the Rinku town for shopping just nice right.

So, from KIX, you take the train only 1 stop to Rinku Town. Alight liao, and can start shopping already.

Shop: Drugstore at Rinku

Their drugstore is like our Watson, but even cheaper. Can buy baby stuffs and the Medicated Heat patch. You see alot people come buy this is , clear shelf one. Sibei scary one.

Shop: Rinku Town Outlet

The standard place that you have to come when you come Osaka. They have outlet discount, and you get tax-free items above certain spending. Imagine the NMD shoes selling for 2000 yen nia.

In Singapore, everyone is snatching for it. At Japan, nobody gives a shit about it.

Dinner: Sushi

Then after shopping, we jin hungry. Then anyhow pop into a sushi restaurant at the airport. Wah their sushi power leh! This is our first time eating sushi for the trip. And we fell in love with the Aburi Salmon Sushi. Keep order sia.

Damn good!

Cost: ¥3806

Flight: KIX to Singapore

And finally it is time to go back Singapore. Baby Loti also shag from all the day travelling. As it is a night flight. We were lucky she slept through out the flight.

As we are unable to get a bassinet seat. We were lucky enough that there is an empty seat for Baby Loti to sleep on.

Till next time!