As soon as you step out of Himeji Station, you begin to see the pristine white facade of Himeji Castle in the far distance, and you realise why this castle is nicknamed the White Heron Castle, as it resembles a white heron bird taking flight. A straight road from the Himeji Train Station will take you right up to the castle through the beautiful town of Himeji... Getting to Himeji Castle Himeji can easily be done as a day trip from both Osaka and Kyoto. The castle is one of the most visited in Japan and is well-connected by train. It takes 30 minutes from Osaka by Shinkansen and 40 minutes from Kyoto. If you wish to visit it from Tokyo, then a one-way ride will take about 5 hours and will cost you $ 75. The castle is about a mile away from the train station, and the road leading to the castle is dotted with small eateries and lots of benches for visitors to sit and relax. About Himeji Castle Himeji Castle is the first monument to be recognised in Japan as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has been bestowed with the title of Japanese National Treasure, and it's one of the 12 castles in Japan that have been preserved in their original state. Built in the 14th Century, this stunning castle has miraculously survived many earthquakes and natural disasters over the centuries, even fire bombings during WWII, catapulting it into a very auspicious monument that stands today just as it stood 400 years ago! The castle was initially built as a strategic defence fortress and later served as an army barracks. The wide moat surrounding the castle walls, the maze-like layout, arrow slits in the outer walls and its imposing structure on a hill were all made to ward off invaders and enemies. If you've seen the popular Hollywood movie 'You Only Live Twice', starring Sean Connery, you will see that it was shot at the Himeji Castle! And that's not all...Himeji is believed to be haunted by the ghost of a servant girl called Okiku, who was falsely accused of a crime she did not commit and thrown into a well. You can see this mystery well on a tour of the castle. What You Must Know Before Visiting Himeji Castle The main keep of the castle becomes visible as you enter the castle grounds. Don't forget to admire it from all angles and see the sun casting luminous glows on its white exterior. The inside of the main keep is empty, but earlier it was used as an armoury. Castle grounds are free to enter. However, there is a ticket to see the castle from the inside. You can purchase the tickets from ticket vending machines at the entrance. If you are going during the peak tourist season, then making bookings can be a good idea. Very close to the castle are the beautiful Koko-en Gardens. A combo ticket for the castle and gardens is 1000 yen that grants entry to both. Please refer to the official website of Himeji Castle at the time of booking. https://www.himejicastle.jp/en/ A lot of walking is involved in visiting the Himeji Castle, first, about a mile from the train station to the castle entrance, second, as you enter the castle, a steep uphill ramp will take you inside. Multiple flights of wooden ladder-like stairs will lead you through the six storeys, leading to the top storey, where you can get vantage views of the city of Himeji. The ascent to the top can be challenging for people with limited mobility. Shoes are not allowed inside; you will have to carry them around in a plastic bag provided for the purpose. If you are a keen history buff, then you can hire an English guided tour of the castle. You will have to check the timings of the tour for the day, since only two tours are available each day. There is also a free smartphone audio guide available in multiple languages. You will have to connect to the internet at the castle, access the audio guide on the official website of Himeji Castle, and keep clicking on the numbers displayed at the exhibits as you go along. There is also a lot of information that is displayed on placards about the exhibits. I prefer reading that as we go, and that's what we did. After visiting the castle, you can leave from the main gate, the Otemon Gate, to reach the beautiful Koko-en Gardens. This Japanese-style garden has 9 distinct walled gardens, each with a theme of its own, including a tea garden, a pine garden, a bamboo garden, and a seasonal flower garden, among others. You can spend about an hour strolling along this picturesque garden. After spending half a day at the stunning Himeji Castle, we took a train to Hiroshima. Coming up next...

Visiting the Shinsekai District in Osaka is like visiting a movie set filming a village fair scene with a carnival kind of feel! Everything here looks like a prop...colourful neon signs literally popping out of street corners with giant masks staring down at you, retro video game arcades, street food vendors serving typical Japanese delights like takoyaki, small go-karts zipping past on open streets, cheap bars, funfair attractions like shooting galleries...all of this with the Tsutenkaku Tower looming over the top! If this description doesn't catch your fancy, then maybe these pictures will... About Shinsekai District, Osaka This is Osaka at its liveliest, especially in the evening. You can aimlessly wander around these lanes; that's what everyone seems to be doing! Shinsekai District is only about 2 km from the city centre, Namba. You can walk and explore the city, and if you're not keen on walking, then you can take the Midosuji Line to Dobusuen-mae Station, from where you'll have to walk for 6 minutes to reach Shinsekai. The hotspot in Shinsekai is the Tsutenkaku Tower. There is a lot of activity around it. The tower has three main attractions: the Observatory, the Tower Slider, and dive-and-walk on the rooftop. We were short on time, so we opted for the Tower Slider only. Tower Slider is a 60-metre-long transparent slide wrapped around the outside of the tower, which takes you from the third floor of Tsutenkaku Tower to the basement, dropping you 22 metres in just 10 seconds. The preparation for the ride is more exciting than the 10-second ride itself. You're made to wear a helmet and a sack to put your feet into. You will then be led through a maze of staircases to the top and made to sit on an open metallic pipe with your hands crossed across your chest. You will smile into the camera fitted over the chute and be pushed into the metallic chute. Sounds great, but the ride is simply too short to even experience the adrenaline rush. On the fifth floor of the tower is the Billiken Statue; rubbing the feet of this smiling deity is believed to bring good fortune. Once you're done with the Tower, you can savour many authentic Japanese dishes at the many food outlets. Osaka Shinsekai is a great place to spend a fun-filled evening in Osaka and savour local cuisine at very reasonable prices with the retro charm of Osaka as the background!

I remember standing in front of Tanah Lot Temple as the sun dipped toward the horizon behind the Batu Bolong Shrine, phone raised alongside two hundred other phones, all of us angling for the same shot of the same temple silhouette. It was beautiful, no doubt, but this shot was not quite mine. I'd seen the exact frame a dozen times on Pinterest boards and reels. And somewhere I started to wonder: Was I practicing mindful travel, or just collecting the version of Bali I'd already consumed online? I knew beforehand what the place around the temple would look like. I'd seen the photographs, saved the posts, read reviews, made the lists of must-see places; I even had the exact viewpoint pictured in my mind before I landed, that perfect moment when the setting sun turns the sky to gold and water to molten silver. So, basically, my dream destination was a place that I had already seen so many times, through so many different lenses and so many angles. And everyone around me had seen it too, the same photograph, and everyone wanted to stand in the same place and take the same photograph. I know it sounds ridiculous when I put it this way. The real realization was that I had pre-consumed the destination of my dreams before arriving at that destination. When we arrived in Bali, we were not living that dream, and not even discovering it. We were just checking it against the version we'd already seen. And the funniest part is that we travelled thousands of kilometers to see our dream destination with our own eyes, and yet when we reached there, we got busy seeing it through our camera lens. Ironic, isn't it? If seeing the place through a camera lens was enough, then why did we travel all that way? For the first time in all the years that we've traveled, I felt not like a curious tourist gazing at this sunset with longing, trying to inscribe the memory of this riot of color on my mind. Instead, I felt like a consumer in a superstore on sale, collecting stuff for later use. The whole idea behind this Bali trip was to see this stunning island country, soak in its ethereal beauty, and to leave the world behind. And here I was, frantically clicking pictures of the sunset to get the perfect shot, oblivious to the waves that were eagerly lapping around my feet, hungry for my attention. But I had eyes only for my camera. I still have that photo from Tanah Lot: the perfect sunset and the silhouette of the temple against the twilight sky. I don't regret taking that picture. But now, when I think back on that trip, it isn't the photo that I remember most. What I remember is walking back to the car, with our sandals in our hands, our feet still warm and wet from the seawater, and that short stop at a small shack selling coconut water, the elderly woman vendor who signaled with her hands to pay cash only, and the refreshing sweetness of that water as we gulped it down our parched throats. Nobody photographed that moment. It isn't on any Pinterest board, not on any reel. It's just mine. A memory that I kept with me, long after the photos stopped mattering. So, next time I land somewhere, I will take pictures. I am a travel blogger, after all. Taking pictures is what I do. I'll click pictures and then forget about my camera. Then we'll be just the two of us, that place and me, with moments that will not feature in any itinerary. That's when I would have finally arrived at my dream destination.

Osaka can be a great starting point for your trip to Japan. The thrilling Dotonbori Street and canal will set the perfect pace for your trip! In this blog, I'll give you a detailed insight into exploring Osaka in 3 days, the must-see attractions and valuable travel tips. Osaka is lively but not as crowded as Tokyo; it has many shrines but not as many as in Kyoto; it's less expensive and more friendly, making it an ideal option to ease into your Japanese vacation. When I say ease, I mean that visiting Kyoto and Tokyo literally sent our senses reeling...in a good way, of course! There is so much to do in these cities that, despite having 4 and 5 days respectively in each of them, we were running from point to point to see it all. But Osaka can be more relaxed, for sure! You can spend an evening loitering around the Dotonbori Street and Canal and savour its many yummy treats! We had 3 days in Osaka, so our itinerary featured most of the not-to-miss sights that Osaka has to offer. Exploring Osaka in 3 days: Day One Namba District: Exploring Osaka's vibrant nightlife and street food We reached Osaka by midday, so on Day One, we decided to spend the evening at the famous Namba District of Osaka, known for its vibrant nightlife and street food outlets. Namba lies in the Minami area, where you will also find the famous Dotonbori Riverside Promenade that runs along the Dotonbori Canal. Dotonbori Canal and Tombori Riverfront Dotonbori is a man-made canal, bori meaning canal in Japanese. This canal is also nicknamed the Tombori Riverfront, where you can step onto a canal cruise and see the sights from the water. You will see neon-lit signs on both sides of the canal and the streets leading up to the Dotonbori area. Osaka has earned the nickname 'Japan's kitchen', owing to its rocking street food culture. The areas of Namba and Dotonbori are laden with shops serving authentic Japanese fare like Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki at reasonable prices. Another speciality is a slice of melon bread filled with an ice cream slice of your choice. Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Arcade One of the popular tourist attractions in Namba is the 600-metre-long covered shopping arcade, Shinsaibashi-suji. You will find an interesting mix of street food outlets, local tailors, and small boutiques lining the street. Visiting the Hozen-ji Temple in Namba Just a few meters away from the Dotonbori area is a small Buddhist Temple called Hozen-ji Temple. A small cobblestone pathway will lead you to this charming temple, where you will see a moss-covered statue of Mizikake Fudo, a revered deity believed to dispel ignorance and evil. It's considered sacred to splash water on the deity to bring good luck. Namba is a must-visit place in Osaka; you will get an instant taste of Japan, its cuisine and culture on your visit. Plan to visit it in the evening when it's fully lit and lively. Namba feels best at this time. Also, must try the amazing street food, especially the melon bread filled with ice cream! Exploring Osaka in 3 days: Day Two Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine Sumiyoshi Taisha is one of Osaka's oldest shrines and the head shrine of all Shinto shrines in Japan. After a relaxed Day One that we had spent sauntering around the streets of Osaka, we decided to cover major ground on Day Two. We started our day early with a visit to the Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, a haven of peace and beauty in the midst of a busy city. https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/sumiyoshi-taisha-shrine-osaka Osaka Castle Osaka Castle is the most distinguishable landmark in Osaka, Japan, and a visit to this stunning castle will give you an interesting insight into the history of Japan. https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-day-at-the-osaka-castle Tempozan Giant Wheel How does it feel to sit atop the world's largest giant wheel? That's Tempozan for you! The Tempozan is a whopping 369 feet high and 330 feet in diameter. 60 closed cabins take about 15 minutes to go around in one rotation, and when you reach the top, you get stunning views of the Osaka skyline and the Osaka Bay with Rokko Mountains to the north and Mount Ikoma to the east. Pro Tip The Tempozan is a must-visit attraction; you will find a massive queue leading to the wheel, so try to reach early. The wheel goes around very slowly owing to its mammoth size, but the thrill of watching great scenic views from the top is worth the wait. Tempozan is very close to the Osaka Aquarium; if you plan to do both, then keep aside at least 3 to 4 hours. The aquarium is a very busy place; one is required to buy a ticket, and then you are allocated a slot to enter. So, you should buy your aquarium tickets first and then go to the Tempozan. Osaka Aquarium - Kaiyukan Kaiyukan is one of the largest aquariums in the world, and its spectacular Pacific Tank with its massive whale sharks will blow your mind. Learn everything you wish to know about Kaiyukan so that you don't miss out non anything worth seeing on your visit https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-day-at-kaiyukan-one-of-the-world-s-largest-aquariums-in-osaka Exploring Osaka in 3 days: Day 3 Shitennoji Temple This was our last day in Osaka. We set out to visit the Shitennoji Temple, which is claimed to be the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan, founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku, a revered figure who dedicated his life to spreading Buddhism in Japan. The most notable feature of the temple is its symmetrical layout, serene park and the beautiful five-storey pagoda. The temple was burnt and destroyed multiple times throughout history, so what we see now are fairly new constructions built as early as the 1960s and 70s. The temple is a 15-minute walk from the Tenno-ji Station. The area around the temple is very serene, and we spent a quiet morning there. The most notable feature is that the temple is located right in the middle of a very densely populated urban residential area and still looks like an oasis of calm. The park around the temple is free to visit; it's a great place to take photos. Photography inside the temple is strictly prohibited. If you wish to see the pagoda from inside, then the entry ticket is 500 yen. Shinsekai District and Tsutenkaku Tower with its Tower Slider The Shinsekai District is Osaka's vibrant, old-fashioned district popular for bars and eateries and the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower. This rocking Osaka neighbourhood is worth a visit before you leave Osaka https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/shinsekai-osaka-exploring-the-retro-heart-of-the-city Last evening at Dotonbori District After spending the early part of the evening at Shinsekai, we headed to the Dotonbori District again. One can never tire of seeing this vibrant part of Osaka. Besides, it was raining on the first day we came here, so we wanted to spend our last evening in Osaka wandering around this charming district. Early next morning, we set out to see Himeji Castle. Coming up next...

A whole lot of interesting sights make the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan a must-see attraction on your Osaka itinerary. The aquarium is home to almost 30,000 creatures spanning over 620 species, from the mighty whale sharks and sting rays of the ocean, to the most minuscule creatures like the jellyfish, spotted garden eels, mushroom corals and anemones. The aquarium stands out for its unique design, too. Visitors enter from the top floor and walk their way down, along the massive Pacific tank, as they get to witness all kinds of marine life at every depth of the ocean. The top attraction is the Pacific Tank, of course, which houses two massive whale sharks, male and female, Kai and Yu, measuring approximately 4 to 6 metres in length. The Pacific Tank, with its mind-boggling dimensions, is an attraction in its own right. It is 9 meters deep, 34 meters in length and holds 5400 tons of water!! The acrylic glass that holds this volume of water is 30 cm thick. You will also see intriguing exhibits of sea lions, otters, penguins, seals, and a large variety of colourful marine life. Tips for spending a fun-filled day at the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan Kaiyukan is located in the Tempozan Harbour Village near the Osaka Bay. It's very easily accessible by public transport. You can take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line from Namba Station and get off at Hommachi. Switch to the Chuo Line and get off at Osakako Station. From there, you would've walked for about 10 minutes before seeing the giant Tempozan Ferris wheel, the largest in the world, and right next to it are the Osaka Aquarium and the Tempozan Marketplace. One should plan to keep an entire day around this area. You can first go to Tempozan for a ride and then to Kaiyukan, or you could first get your tickets for the aquarium and then go to the giant wheel. The latter option worked quite well for us; we first booked tickets for the aquarium upon arrival at Tempozan Harbour Village. Our entry slot was for 3:30 pm. We then took a ride on the Ferris Wheel, which took about 1.5 hours due to a long queue; we had lunch at the Tempozan Marketplace, then waited almost an hour before entering the aquarium. The best time to visit the aquarium is on a weekday. Weekends can get really crowded since it offers great exhibits for people of all age groups. You will see families with kids and grandparents in tow, waiting in the queue to enter. Entry to the aquarium is paid. Ideally, one should book online tickets in advance. Same-day tickets can also be purchased at the ticket counter, but you might not be able to get the entry time of your choice, and waiting times could be really long, especially if it's a weekend. The price of the tickets is dynamic, meaning it depends on customer demand. The average price of a ticket could range from USD 10.00 to 18.00. Please click on the link below to the official website of Kaiyukan to determine the price of the ticket on your day of visit https://en-61698.site-translation.com/ Tempozan Marketplace is a regular shopping mall with loads of eateries and shopping options. It's a good way to spend time if you're waiting to enter the aquarium.

Our Sumo experience in Tokyo made me rethink this entire hoopla about enjoying authentic experiences when we travel. I remember sitting down for a sumo performance in Tokyo, absolutely convinced that I was about to witness an ancient art form, unadulterated and untouched, a slice of real Japan that regular tourists missed. And the show turned out to be truly spectacular. We came out feeling elated. Two real wrestlers, centuries of ritual, ceremonial salt throws, loads of information about sumo as a sport, and the works. It was only the next day, when we got chatting with another fellow traveler on a short train journey, that I found that both of us had booked the same 'exclusive local experience' through two different apps, sat in the same premium category, and clapped and cheered on cue at the same 'spontaneous' sumo moments on two different days. "Oh, you know, during our sumo performance, the mawashi (the thick loincloth-like belt wrapped around sumo wrestlers' waist) of one of the wrestlers almost came off....." and he narrated the entire sequence in between splits of laughter, as we had witnessed it the day before, verbatim!! I hid a smile breaking on my face. "Really? That must have been awesome", I decided to play along. The point I wish to make is that nothing we encounter as travelers is uncurated. Traditional dance troupes around the world perform on schedule, with pauses for photos and some created special moments... the lead actor suddenly decides to land among the audience, making it seem effortlessly natural, and the audience goes wild. Coming back to sumo, our experience wasn't fake; everything about it was real- the sport, the skill- but the experience had been shaped, packaged, and handed to us with such expertise that even the most discerning eye could not fault it. I firmly believe that none of the authentic experiences are scams because authenticity isn't a place; it's a feeling generated with great care by people who are very good at their jobs. Look at it this way: this curated authentic experience also saves travelers like us a lot of hassle and disappointment, because the perfect version of that authentic experience has been laid out on a platter. So, the next time a guide tells you in a hushed voice, almost bordering on disdain, that you're about to see something 'very authentic, not the regular touristy stuff', smile, nod, and enjoy the performance. This is as authentic as it can get.

A destination rarely turns out exactly as we imagined it. And perhaps that’s the point… Visiting Mount Fuji was supposed to be the ‘top attraction’ of our recent trip to Japan. Like all tourists, we wanted to spot the famous ice-capped peak, get the perfect shot for posterity with this beauty in the background, capture the perfect Insta reel of the event as it unfolded, and then talk about it for years to come. That’s how travel works, right? To ensure that nothing would go awry, we checked every available weather-forecast app for clear, sunny skies on the day of our travel, booked not one but two nights in Odawara and an unlimited ride pass on the Hakone Loop Pass, the road-rail-cable car route that would take us to Owakudani Valley and set us right in front of the famous mountain. Now comes the day of travel. Everything falls into place. We sit on the left side of the train from Kyoto. Two hours into the journey, there is a buzz that Mount Fuji will be visible any time soon. I hold my camera and my breath, and lo and behold…there she is…in all splendour. The train zips past this beauty within seconds, clear sky…the snow-covered peak…the sighting leaves behind a kind of euphoria suspended in the air of the train compartment. Our expectations have been raised, and we can barely wait to see this mesmerising view again. The Perfect View of Mount Fuji from the train We reach Odawara. A tedious journey awaits us. Multiple serpentine queues that are not included in any photo or Insta reel: a queue for the train, one for the narrow gauge, one more long queue for the funicular, another one for the cable car, and the last one for the gondola that finally lands us in the stunningly beautiful Owakudani Valley. Massive crowds everywhere en route to Owakudani Valley The stunning Owakudani Valley and the hissing steam vents Owakudani Valley has the Wind Circle Terrace, known for its extremely windy conditions. That day the valley decided to live up to its name. The wind seemed like it could blow us all away. Mount Fuji was nowhere to be found; it was almost as if the mountain had been relocated without prior information from the authorities. Wind and clouds all around.. But all was good. Remember, we had one more night’s stay at Odawara, which meant one more shot at seeing Mount Fuji. After all, this was the eventuality that we had planned for, and we patted ourselves on the back for our perfect planning. Day two turned out to be gloriously sunny. We set out again. We reached the Owakudani Valley, and I, with my camera in shoot-at-sight mode, started looking for Mount Fuji to capture the perfect shot that I’d seen on innumerable postcards and Insta handles. But Fuji had other plans that day. The mountain showed up all right, but its peak decided to hide behind a thick wall of grey clouds on an otherwise clear day. My heart sank. I’d built up this moment in my head ever since the day we started planning our Japan trip: the crisp outline of Fuji against the sky and I, posing in front of it in a picture that shouted ‘I was there’. The thick cloud cover that refused to budge... What I got instead was a thick cloud cover and a vague sense of betrayal as someone who had travelled halfway across the world to chase something so perfect. But here’s the thing about chasing the perfect version of a place: it’s not really a place at all. It’s a photo. A lifeless, curated version that depends on so many variables, including luck. Fuji didn’t owe me a sighting. Nothing in nature ever does. It showed up on the window of my train compartment when I least expected it. That’s the memory I will hold on to. Once I realised this, I looked around at the beautiful Owakudani Valley, the active volcano vents hissing at its side and the splendid views of Lake Ashinoko, and I felt a deep sense of gratitude for being where I was that day, in that moment. So, no, I don’t have the perfect clear-sky shot of Mount Fuji, but I have the perfect story about how we chased her that morning and the morning after that. And talking of myths, it’s not that perfect destinations don’t exist. They do. But they cannot be planned, chased or created; they happen. Not only at the place and time of their choosing, but also in the photo album they decide to be a part of. I am sure Mount Fuji, with its dramatic snow-covered peak, does occupy a place of pride in someone’s photo album, but that day that someone was not meant to be me. Does it make my trip any less perfect?

After spending close to 2 hours at the Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, we headed to one of Japan's most famous landmarks, the Osaka Castle. Interestingly, Osaka Castle was built in the 16th century and has played a significant role in Japan's unification and history. Still, the iconic main Tower we see today was destroyed and rebuilt many times over, with the latest reconstruction as recently as 1931, when reinforced concrete was used to recreate the tower. The castle was yet again a target of air raids in WWII. In 1997, the restoration work was completed, and the Main Tower was converted into a museum. The amazing thing is that, despite repeated reconstructions over the years, Osaka Castle has maintained its old-world charm and classic traditional Japanese architecture, featuring the five-storey Main Keep or Tower, which now houses an observation platform offering city views and a History Museum. The castle has gained a lot of popularity in recent times since it's one of the most popular hanami spots, hanami meaning cherry blossom viewing. It's an iconic spot to see cherry blossoms or Sakura from late March to early April. Castle Park, especially Nishinomaru Garden, has over 4000 thousand cherry trees that bloom in the spring. During this time, the castle comes alive with festive events and stunning nighttime illuminations. This magnificent castle is built on a raised platform, and you will see stone walls made of massive rocks that support the platform. These rocks were sourced from all across Japan, and some of them weigh over 100 tons, with the famous megalith that weighs 120 tons, called the Octopus Stone! The stone is visible as you enter from the Sakuramon Gate. There are two moats surrounding the castle; the outer moat goes around the entire castle with water-filled ponds in all four cardinal directions. Handy tips to know about Osaka Castle Osaka Castle is open every day, typically from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Castle Park is free to enter. However, you will need a ticket to enter the Main Tower and at least 3 hours to see the Castle Park and the Main Tower, including the waiting time in the queue. Like most public places in Japan, the castle has excellent amenities, including clean, free toilets close to the Main Tower. There are lots of places to sit and laze around, too, munch and generally have a good time. The entire area around the Osaka Castle is abuzz with events that you can explore, like the Nishinomaru Garden, which is a hotspot for great views of the castle and photography. The garden has a paid entry. If you happen to be in Osaka in July, then the castle is host to one of Japan's famous festivals, Tenjin Matsuri. Castle Park is an active hub for a lot of activities in all kinds of weather, so plan to spend some time exploring this beautiful haven of green. The picturesque outer facade of the castle can be a great spot for photography. You will find massive queues waiting to get into the Main Tower. The history museum is not what one would expect from a castle this old; it is very modern with 3D images and holograms to narrate the history of the castle. Not my idea of exploring an old castle museum. Besides, we were leaving for Himeji the next day to see the famous Himeji Castle, so we gave this one a miss. Osaka Castle is well-connected by train. You can take the Osaka Loop Line from the Osaka Station to Morinomiya Station. As you step out, you will get beautiful views of the castle from here... you can keep walking in the direction of the castle for about 12 to 15 minutes. First view of the castle from the Morinomiya Station I'm pasting the link to my Instagram reel about the Osaka Castle for your reference. You can follow my Instagram page for more videos on Japan https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRRP2DIk0hJ/?igsh=cXVpOHljbTMzZmV3

A day trip to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park is one of the most popular experiences in Japan. In this blog, I'll give you all the relevant details about planning a day trip to this beautiful region. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park: Things to Know for Your Day Trip There are 8 main attractions to see on your day trip to Arashiyama. I have discussed each one of them in detail in this blog. - The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tenryu-ji Temple, part of 'Historic Monuments of Kyoto' - Sogenchi Garden, designated as a 'Special Place of Scenic Beauty' - Arashiyama Bamboo Grove - Katsura Riverfront - Togetsukyo Bridge - Iwatayama Monkey Park - Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street - Nonomiya Shrine Start early. As early as possible. Try to catch the sunrise at the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, and see the magic that makes this forest special. We reached there quite early, 9:00 am, as far as I can remember, and still we encountered such a heavy surge of tourists that it was tough to get a single picture without heads popping up everywhere. The easiest way to get to Arashiyama is by train. Take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Central Station and get off at Saga-Arashiyama Station. There is a separate platform for the JR Line in Kyoto Station. Like all touristy trains in Japan, this too was very crowded. It takes less than 20 minutes to reach Saga-Arashiyama Station. Spending a day at the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park... Entrance to Hojo, the main wooden building of Tenryu-ji Temple We started our day in the Arashiyama forest region by walking to the Tenryu-ji Temple from the Saga-Arashiyama Station. The temple is about a kilometre away. Entry to the forest is free. You can enter it either through the Tenryu-ji Temple pathway or straight from the town side of the Nonomiya Shrine. The way from Tenryu-ji Temple will take you through the stunning Sogenchi Garden, a designated Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This breathtakingly beautiful 14th-Century garden is one of the finest examples of Zen landscape design in Japan, and a sight no one visiting Arashiyama should miss! En route, you will come across many shops that rent out kimonos for hire. If you're interested in wearing a kimono, this is a good place to hire one. You will have enough photo opportunities around the area to take great photos. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tenryu-ji Temple, part of 'Historic Monuments of Kyoto' We started our day by entering the Tenryu-ji Temple complex, which is free of charge. If you wish to go inside, then you need to buy tickets for both the Temple and Gardens, or buy a ticket for the Gardens only. We opted for the Garden only ticket since we wanted to get to the bamboo forest as quickly as possible and wanted to come back to the temple later in the evening (which never happened), but if you can make it, then the main attraction in the temple is the Dharma Hall, known for its Cloud and Dragon painting, which is much talked about. Sogenchi Garden, designated as a 'Special Place of Scenic Beauty' The Garden only ticket will take you on a scenic path from the Tenryu-ji Temple to the Bamboo Forest through the stunning 700-year-old Sogenchi Pond Garden. The garden is so picture-perfect that words cannot do justice to the way it blends man-made beauty with the borrowed scenery of the surrounding mountains. Beautiful mountain scenery is visible from the stone paths of the Sogenchi Garden You can easily spend about an hour in this beautiful haven of peace and beauty before walking along its many trails towards the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a 500-metre-long path that winds through tall, dense bamboo stalks lining both sides. The bamboo stalks create an ethereal environment as the sunlight filters through them, and they emanate a buzzing sound when the wind blows, earning this grove a spot in the '100 Soundscapes of Japan'. The 500-metre-long Corridor of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest As I've mentioned earlier in this blog, try to reach the bamboo forest as early as possible. The experience of seeing these tall bamboo shoots in the early morning light is magical. Seeing the Katsura Riverfront from Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Keep walking along the bamboo corridor, past beautifully landscaped gardens for about 10 to 15 minutes to reach the stunning waterfront of the Katsura River. Remember, the Katsura River is also called the Oi River or the Hozu River at different stretches along the route. Walking along this beautifully landscaped area towards the Katsura Riverfront You will see small boats floating on the river, ferrying locals and tourists. There is a beautiful promenade along the river where you can sit and enjoy the serene beauty of this riverfront and see colourful autumn foliage on the hillsides all around. Walking over the famous Togetsukyo Bridge A leisurely walk along the river promenade will take you towards the famous Togetsukyo Bridge. The original 9th-century Togetsukyo Bridge was made of wood in the scenic Saga Arashiyama region. The bridge was replaced with a concrete structure in 1930, but the scenic beauty of the surrounding region is very much intact. You can walk over the bridge for free. It spans 155 metres across the Katsura River, and on the other side of the river is the famous Iwatayama Monkey Park. Hiking up the Iwatayama Monkey Park in Arashiyama The path leading up to the Monkey Park Beautiful views of the city of Kyoto en route to the park Monkeys playing around at the Monkey Park The hike up to the Iwatayama Monkey Park was the most fun thing we did on our day trip to Arashiyama. You will come across small streams of water gushing through a thick forest cover, which makes this hike very pleasant and scenic. There is a small play area for children and lots of benches for people to sit and relax. Once you reach the mountain top, you will see about 120 Japanese wild monkeys roaming freely around the park. Splendid views of the city of Kyoto from the top... There are strict rules in place for seeing and feeding the monkeys in the park. Touching the monkeys is strictly prohibited. Entry to the Monkey Park costs 800 yen per person, and tickets can be purchased at the counter at the foot of the hiking trail, only in cash. The park is open from 9 am to 4 pm daily, subject to the weather conditions. The path is moderately steep and is about 1.4 kms to the top. Don't forget to sit on this giant banana to get your picture clicked... Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street About 2 km from the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is this quaint street called Saga Toriimoto. If you have time and wish to see the calmer side of Kyoto, then you must visit this street, which is lined with traditional houses and old craft shops. Nonomiya Shrine Very close to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is this small shrine, which people throng to invoke blessings for marriage and childbirth. The shrine is small but always very crowded; there is a famous turtle rock, which is believed to grant one's wish if you touch it. We were running short on time and did not have the energy to jostle through the thick crowds, so we had to skip entering the shrine, but if you have extra time, then don't forget to visit it. To sum up, a day trip to Arashiyama is a must-do on your Japan itinerary, with the promise of a wholesome Japanese experience, with a beautiful temple, a stunning Japanese garden and mesmerising nature trails!!

Our 5-day vacation in Bali was coming to an end, and we had saved the best for last, as they say! This was a visit to the Nusa Dua Theatre in Bali for the Devdan Show. Nusa Dua: Bali's Premier Resort Destination Nusa Dua is the high-end southeastern coast of Bali that is synonymous with luxury and opulent living. This upscale area of Bali has been developed as a luxury tourism enclave, and is the go-to place if you're looking for luxury resorts, golf courses, water sports and some very fine dining options. The entire area is like a luxurious tableau depicting the Balinese culture, art and religion on its impeccably manicured verdant green landscapes. I could spot beautiful carved statues, depicting tales from the Mahabharata and other Hindu scriptures, erected along the roadside. Nusa Dua is also home to the renowned Nusa Dua Theatre, where visitors can experience some of Bali's most spectacular cultural performances. Nusa Dua Theatre in Bali and Devdan Show 'Devdan', literally translating into the 'Grace from the Gods', is a spectacular stage show hosted by the Nusa Dua theatre. 'Devdan - Treasure of the Archipelago' takes its audience on an enthralling journey through the different regions of the island of Indonesia. They depict their tribes, their forests, their regions, Bali, Sumatra, Java and more, and their culture in a tightly scripted play lasting only 90 minutes. The 90-minute spectacle is a riot of colour and activity on the stage as we gasp in awe at the sheer energy of the performers. The costumes, music, and dramatic entry and exit of performers will leave you absolutely speechless. There are acrobatics, both traditional and fusion dances, against the backdrop of high-tech special effects. My most vivid memory from the show is of a forest scene created with light and sound and two acrobats, a man and a woman, dangling from a rope. The aura they created live on that stage with their sensuous movements, the tantalising lights and sound effects were nothing I had ever seen before! We had booked premium tickets for the show, the package included pick-up and drop-off from our hotel too. We were led into a small seating area prior to the show and were served some refreshments. The seats we got in the premium package were okay, but it was only at the end of the show that we realised that with premium tickets, one could step up on the stage at the end of the show, take a close look at the performers and take pictures with them too. Filming or taking pictures during the show is strictly forbidden, so I can't share any videos of this mind-blowing spectacle. Audiences are permitted to take pictures at the very end of the show. So, keep your cameras ready! https://www.devdanshow.com/

About a 30 to 40-minute drive from the city centre is the Sea Temple of Uluwatu. 'Ulu' meaning top and 'watu' meaning rock aptly describes this beautiful temple located right on the edge of the cliff facing Uluwatu Beach on the mighty Indian Ocean. According to popular belief, the Uluwatu temple is the place where the powers of the Hindu trinity of Brahma, the creator, Vishnu, the preserver and Siva, the destroyer, come together and merge. The ensuing deity of Siva Rudra is worshipped here. The riveting Kecak Fire Dance in Uluwatu Temple, Bali, will be the highlight of your sojourn. It takes place at around 6 p.m. every day. I don't have enough words to describe the energy and electrifying atmosphere this dance creates. No stage settings, no audio systems, no artificial lighting, no announcements, and no formal seating! Just pure, raw energy against the backdrop of the setting sun in the ocean.... Tips for Visiting the Uluwatu Temple Dress Code Uluwatu temple is considered one of the spiritual pillars of Balinese Hinduism, and a strict code of conduct is followed in the precincts of the temple. No foreigners are allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Everyone is expected to dress modestly; a sarong is provided at the entrance itself. Visitors tie it around their waists; whether it's mandatory or optional, we honestly couldn't figure it out. We just did the same. While in Rome, do as the Romans do! Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved in going around the entire temple complex, including a lot of steps. Beware of the monkeys The temple is home to hundreds of monkeys. They live there and look quite happy in their habitat, and are known for their reputation for snatching sunglasses, phones, hats, etc. So, visitors need to watch out for being nabbed by monkeys for their bags and sunglasses. We were extra careful with our belongings while on the temple premises. Stay for sunset The temple's dramatic cliff-top location makes it one of the best sunset viewpoints in Bali. The timing of the Kecak Dance is designed to coincide with the setting sun. Arrive early for the Kecak Dance The Kecak fire dance starts at 6, so plan the temple visit accordingly, keeping ample time to get to the dance venue on time. There is no fixed time for coming to see the dance, though. I saw visitors walking in even halfway through the show, but I wouldn't want to miss the entire performance for anything! The dance performance takes place in an open-air amphitheatre in the temple complex. Tourists start thronging that area and start occupying seats a little before 6 pm. They sit everywhere, on the steps, on the ground, on the railings; every inch of space gets taken. And then the performance starts...and it's pure magic! The energy, the crowd, the vibe and the performance itself against the setting sun are magical... What is the Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu Temple? Kecak Fire Dance is a traditional Balinese performance, an artistic and symbolic representation of episodes from the Hindu epic, Ramayana. It's essentially the time-tested tale of the victory of good over evil. The performers, representing characters from the Ramayana, don elaborate colourful costumes and enter the arena to play out their roles. A holy fire is lit in the centre, and the dancers, all men, bare-chested, clad only in checkered loincloths, sit in a circle around the fire. They start chanting 'Chak Chak Chaka' in total sync, move their hands and sway their bodies in rhythm. The audience is left in rapture by the pure energy generated by the performers. There is a lot of interaction with the audience as well when the mischievous 'Hanuman', the Monkey God in Hinduism, enters the scene. The entire performance lasts for about an hour, and it plays out against the dramatic cliffside background of the setting Sun, casting its luminous glow on the amphitheatre. The outcome is magical and a not-to-miss experience on your Bali trip! A photo opportunity with the performers at the end of the show is the icing on the cake! Kecak Dance is performed at many places in Bali in the evening. In the Uluwatu Temple complex, you can buy combined tickets to the temple premises and the dance performance. Please check the official website of the temple before your visit for any changes in timings and information at https://www.uluwatubali.com/

A trip to the capital of the central European country of Hungary, Budapest, is a treat for the senses. This detailed blog will give you many practical travel tips and insights to help you plan a perfect Budapest trip for you. Before our trip in July 2023, I'd read many good things about Budapest. Still, nothing could have prepared me for the sensory overload of awe-inspiring architectural marvels we saw on this trip. Budapest is rated as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Adding to the zing of the city is the River Danube that bisects the city into 2, Buda, the hilly district and Pest, the flat plain land. The Hungarian capital has an unmistakable touristy vibe, and it's quite safe for tourists. Most people you come across speak reasonable English. The city is a kaleidoscope of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque Revival and Romanesque architecture with some buildings dating back to the 13th century. Also, the entire town is decorated with statues of kings, martyrs, poets and heroes, even anti-heroes from the Communist era! Little wonder then that Budapest is considered a hot tourist spot for Europeans who flock to this landlocked land from neighbouring countries and international tourists alike. Things to Know Before Visiting Budapest, Hungary Hungary is world-renowned for its rich thermal and mineral water resources. While in Budapest, don't forget to indulge yourself in a hot thermal bath at one of the many available thermal baths in the city. I have written a detailed blog on our thermal bath experience in Budapest https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-day-at-sźechenyi-thermal-baths-budapest The Hungarian Parliament is a gem that must be on every visitor's wish-list. It's rated as the 10th most popular landmark in the world according to TripAdvisor's travellers. This beautiful building, on the Pest side of the city, will leave you wonder-struck for sure! https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/everything-you-need-to-know-before-touring-the-hungarian-parliament-building-in-budapest Budapest is very well connected with trams and metro lines. Tram Line 2 is the famous Yellow Line in Budapest that goes past many scenic landmarks. Just hop on the tram and gape at the sights from the tram while resting your feet! Buying the Budapest Card is a good idea if you wish to cover lots of museums, as it offers free or discounted ticket rates to over 100 attractions, plus it will cover all modes of travel within the city on public transport. You can also buy a Travel Pass for 1 day, 3 days, or weekly, which will give you access to all modes of public transport. Check their official website for more details https://www.budapestinfo.hu/en Whichever mode of transport you pick for travel, do remember to validate your tickets before you start your journey. Ticket checks are done very frequently in the city, and there is a heavy fine for carrying unvalidated tickets, even if you possess a valid one with you. It's deemed invalid till you validate it. Budapest is divided into 23 administrative districts. As a first-time visitor, you should ideally plan to stay in District V, which is the city centre and close to major attractions like the Parliament, St. Stephen's Basilica, and the Danube. But remember, this area is lively but upscale. District I is the Castle Quarter. This is the historic part of Budapest, it's quieter and offers stunning views of the city. If you want to experience the vibrant side of Budapest, then you could also consider staying in the Jewish Quarter, District VII. Here, you will find the famous ruin pubs, a happening nightlife, and many trendy cafes. The famous Ferris Wheel is also close by. 15 Best Things to Do in Budapest in 5 Days Budapest is a walking city. There are many sights on both sides of the River Danube, close to the Buda Castle on the Buda side and to the Hungarian Parliament on the Pest side of the city. You can cross the many scenic bridges to reach the other side. We covered a lot of these attractions on foot. We had 5 days in Budapest, so there was ample time to wander around and enjoy these sights. I have mentioned all the major walking tips in the post below. You may start from the top of this list and try to cover as many attractions as time permits. Budapest Castle District Visiting the Buda Castle can be a delight for the senses. It lies on the Buda side of the city, facing the Hungarian Parliament on the opposite side of the River Danube. Read my complete guide to this amazing landmark in the heart of Budapest https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-tour-of-budapest-s-castle-district Hungarian Parliament Building As per TripAdvisor's Travellers, the Hungarian Parliament is the 10th most popular landmark in the world! This stupendous building is located on the banks of the River Danube on the Pest side of Budapest. You can read more about this stunning structure here https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/everything-you-need-to-know-before-touring-the-hungarian-parliament-building-in-budapest Shoes on the Danube Walk about 300 meters south of the Hungarian Parliament to reach this memorial on the bank of the Danube. It was erected in 2005 as a poignant reminder of the Jews who were shot by the Arrow Cross Party, an anti-semitic organisation supported by Hilter and thrown into the water during World War II. There are 60 pairs of metallic shoes, including some for women and even children, strewn on the edge of the riverbank to mark the site. The area wears a veil of sadness amid all the revelry around the river. Sźechenyi Chain Bridge Straddling the banks of the River Danube on the west side of Buda and the east side of Pest, the beautiful Sźechenyi Chain Bridge is one of the most visited landmarks of Budapest. The bridge was inaugurated in 1849 and was the first permanent stone bridge connecting the two parts Buda and Pest at the time. You will have to walk for about 15 minutes from the Hungarian Parliament Building, along the River Danube, to reach the Chain Bridge on the Pest side. The bridge with its iconic towers has been featured in many prominent movies, so looking at it from a distance gives a very familiar feeling. You can see so many people walking on the side rails on both sides of the bridge. Liberty Bridge Walk for about 30 minutes from the Chain Bridge on the Pest side of the city, along the river southwards to reach this beautiful green-coloured bridge running over the River Danube. The bridge lies approximately 2 kilometres away, parallel to the famous Chain Bridge and is as beautiful. St. Stephen's Basilica Just a 15-minute walk away from the Hungarian Parliament Building is the magnificent structure of St. Stephen's Basilica. If you're not up for walking, then you can also take Tram line 2. The Basilica is considered the most sacred Catholic church in Hungary, named after Stephen, the first King of Hungary. Now, the most important relic held by the church is the mummified hand of King Stephen. Interestingly, the elevation of the church is equal to that of the Hungarian Parliament. I believe this is symbolic of establishing the equal status of both the church and the state of Hungary. Entry to the church is free, but you have to buy a ticket if you wish to see the dome. My Tip for You We did not buy the ticket to see the dome because, one we had less time and second, there are 364 spiral steps to climb to the top. There is an elevator too, but at the time of our visit, the place was quite crowded with a long queue. There is a very nice square outside the church with some great places to sit and relax. Heroes Square Very close to St. Stephen's Basilica is the famous landmark of Budapest, Heroes Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Heroes Square is to Budapest what the Arc de Triomphe is to Paris! In the centre of the square is a tall column called the Millennium Monument, which was erected in 1896 to commemorate 1000 years of the formation of the Hungarian Nation, hence the name. On top of the column is the statue of Archangel Gabriel holding the crown of St. Stephen, the first king of Hungary. The lower end of the column is encircled by stunning equestrian statues of the chieftains of the seven Hungarian tribes. On both sides of the column, you will see two colonnades with life-size statues of several prominent Hungarian leaders. My Tip for You This stunning monument is a celebration of Hungary as a nation. Located at the far end of Andrassy Avenue, it is a must-see attraction in Budapest. Andrassy Avenue is a World Heritage Site boulevard that connects Downtown Budapest with Varosliget or City Park. The 2-kilometre-long street is lined with buildings of varied architectural styles and gets wider as you keep walking towards Heroes Square. The Fine Arts Museum flanks Heroes Square on one end and the Mucsarnok Art Gallery on the other. If you have time, then walking towards Heroes Square from Andrassy Avenue can be quite an enthralling experience. Sźechenyi Thermal Baths Budapest is called the City of Baths as it's blessed with natural hot springs loaded with medicinal qualities. While in Budapest, a visit to these baths can be an invigorating experience, literally! Read more about our amazing day out at the Sźechenyi Thermal Baths before planning your visit https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-day-at-sźechenyi-thermal-baths-budapest Ruin Pubs Budapest - Szimpla Kert Before visiting Budapest, I thought that 'ruin pubs' were just a cool name for pubs in the city. But interestingly, 'ruin pubs' are pubs that are located in actual old ruins! Read more about this rocking pub culture in Budapest https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/an-evening-at-szimpla-kert-the-rocking-ruin-pub-in-budapest Gellert Hill Named after the first Bishop of Hungary, Saint Gerard or Gellert in Hungarian, Gellert Hill is the everlasting symbol of Budapest. It is visible from many places around the Castle District and also very clearly from the Liberty Bridge. Gellert Hill is the site of the famous fortress, called Citadella in the local language and its iconic Statue of Liberty. The statue was erected in 1947 to celebrate Hungary's freedom from Russia in World War II, which also ended Hungary's occupation by Nazi Germany. The Liberty Monument shows a lady carrying a palm frond in her two outstretched arms to proclaim peace and freedom for Hungary. My Tip for You Citadella Bus number 27 will take you right to the top of the hill. I don't remember the name of the bus stop, I'm afraid, but you'll see many tourists getting off there, and the bus driver will tip you off. If you're up for a good hike, then you can also walk for 20 to 25 minutes to reach the hilltop. The hike is very steep, but it can also be a lot of fun as you catch beautiful scenic views of the city along the way. On the way back, you can walk down towards the Liberty Bridge. The Citadella was closed for renovations in July 2023. But we still got beautiful views of the city and the Danube River from the top. Dohány Street Synagogue Located in the Jewish Quarter of Pest, this Great Synagogue of Budapest is the largest in Europe. The complex has 4 main attractions: the Heroes' Temple, Cemetery, Jewish Museum and Memorial. The striking outer facade of the synagogue is a fine example of Moorish architecture. My Tip for You The synagogue is very conveniently located very close to Elizabeth Square. One can visit the complex only through a conducted tour. The place is massively crowded, so making bookings beforehand is a good idea if you wish to see it from the inside. We did not have a pre-booked tour; we had to contend with looking at the synagogue from the outside only. There are many tour options available. Please refer to their official website before your visit at https://www.greatsynagogue.hu/gallery_syn.html. Memento Park A half-day trip to this park from Budapest will take you on a lesson in history on the rise and fall of the communist regime in Hungary. Click on the link below to learn more about this unique cultural attraction https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/half-day-trip-to-memento-park-a-communist-era-remnant-in-budapest Ferris Wheel Budapest at Elizabeth Square About a 10-minute walk away from Dohany Street Synagogue and very close to the Deák Ferenc Station, you will see the huge Ferris Wheel at Elizabeth Square. The square has shops, eateries and some grassy patches that come alive in the evenings. My Tip for You The ticket price for the Ferris Wheel is 11 EUR for adults for a 10-minute ride. Undoubtedly, one gets beautiful views of the city from the top of the wheel, but then you get these scenic views from so many other places as well. I found the ticket price a bit steep and not value for money. View from the top ... Margitsziget, Margaret Island in the Danube This beautiful patch of verdant greens lies in the Danube River between Buda and Pest. The park has many attractions to see and lots of things to do. You can rent a 3-wheeler bike, which is an absolutely fun thing to do and go around the park. There is a Water Tower, which one can climb for a small fee for beautiful vistas all around. The park also houses Palatinus Strand, a thermal bath pool that Budapest is so well known for. You can also visit the Rose Garden and the Japanese Garden. The highlight of the park is the Musical Fountain. The fountain is lit every evening and plays a melody 3 to 4 times a day. My Tip for You We went to the island by taking the tram line 4. Entry to the park is free and it's always open. But the best time to go is during the afternoon and wait for the musical fountain to be lit up. The water tower was closed on the day we went. You can refer to the official website of the park for more info before your trip at http://margaretislandbudapest.com/. Cruise on the Danube River The River Danube bisects the city of Budapest into two parts, Buda and Pest. Buda side has the famous Buda Castle District, and right opposite on the other bank of the river is the Hungarian Parliament. The river cruises ferry tourists along the length of the river between the two famous bridges, the Chain Bridge and the Liberty Bridge. A lot of companies offer cruise services, and tickets are easily available online. My Tip for You We had booked a Budapest Evening Cruise via getyourguide.com. It lasted for 2 hours and included a free welcome drink on board. There were packages for drinks with dinner as well. In my honest opinion, the cruise was okay, nothing spectacular, because cruises confine themselves to the length of the river between the 2 bridges, as I've mentioned earlier. There are a whole lot of commercial office buildings to be seen once the boat goes past the parliament building and the Castle District. Other Attractions Worth Visiting in Budapest Vajdahunyad Castle This castle was built only about 100 years ago, in the year 1896, for the Millennial Celebration of the State of Hungary. The castle is located in the City Park, very close to Heroes Square. We did not go inside the castle due to a lack of time. We spent some time in the park around the castle, which is very beautiful. Central Market Hall The Central Market Hall of Budapest is a great place to be, where you can eat, buy fresh groceries, taste authentic Hungarian dishes, buy trinkets and spend time loitering around. The market hall opens weekdays at 6 am and closes at 6 pm on most days. It's closed on Sundays. The closing hours vary between days of the week; please check the timings before your visit. Hungarian State Opera The beautiful Renaissance and Baroque building of the Hungarian State Opera lies on Andrassy Avenue in Central Budapest. The structure is very beautiful. You can take a guided tour of the opera or see one of the performances. This is all of Budapest for you. After having spent 5 days in the Hungarian capital, I can say that it's undoubtedly one of the most alluring cities in all of Europe.