PAL now flies to Osaka from Cebu

To every traveler, Japan has a different meaning. Some see it as a land of serene retreats. Some think of it as a country bound by tradition. Others stand in awe of Japan as a prosperous industrial giant, one of the most powerful in the Orient.

With the Filipinos’ unrelenting quest for destinations that offer a variety of experiences — from food like you’ve never tasted, to the world’s best shopping areas — Japan has emerged as the place to visit.

In response to strong public clamor for new direct routes that would make flying more convenient for the Visayas and Mindanao travelers, PAL, the Philippines’ flag carrier,  recently launched its direct  four weekly flights from Cebu to Osaka with avid travelers  on board.

Tour specialist and travel agent Baby Dy of Grand Hope Travel efficiently put together a well-thought-out four-day, three-night itinerary that included Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara.

Osaka is Japan’s third largest and second most important city. One of the most interesting  tourist sights is the Osaka Castle. Its 15 lush acres are nestled away into a parkland that’s stunning in any season. Osaka Castle  is  strategically built on a rock-face overlooking a picturesque moat. It was an army stronghold and an arms storage facility in the 1500s, and today  houses a museum dedicated to retelling its past, and outlining its importance throughout various periods.

Also worth visiting is the famous shopping district Shinsaibashi, which  is covered by a glass dome, making it a good spot to visit whatever the weather. Its many shops and stores offer an array of shopping temptations that  boast some of the best name brands, plus everything from specialty shops to luxury fashion.

 Kyoto served as Japan’s capital and the emperor’s residence from 794 until 1869.  One of the important landmarks is the Kiyomizu Temple. What is  most fascinating is the fact that there  is not a single nail used in the entire structure. Beneath the main hall is the Otowa-no-Taki  waterfall, where three channels of water fall into a pond. Visitors can catch and drink the water, which is believed to have wish-granting powers.

Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) is so-called because of the gold foil covering the upper two stories of the three-story temple. Backed by forested hills, the pavilion was rebuilt in 1950 as an exact reproduction of the 1397 original, which was set on fire by a fanatic monk. The first floor of Kinkakuji isn’t covered with gold as it was used for Japanese classical dance drama. The second is in the samurai style and was used for composing poetry. The third floor is in the old Chinese style and was used for meditation.

Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan, is one of the most rewarding destinations in the country. It has eight Unesco World Heritage Sites and is second to Kyoto as a repository of Japan’s cultural legacy.

The Nara Park, considered one of the places of scenic beauty, is home to the Nara National Museum and Todaiji Temple. Among  the highlights are the free-roaming deer which are protected as a treasure and regarded as messengers of the gods.

The Todaiji Temple, also known as the Eastern Great Temple, houses Japan’s largest statue of Buddha and the world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha. In 1998, the Todaiji Temple was inscribed by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. It is the largest wooden building in the world and one of the most famous Japanese Temples, which also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon school of Buddhism.

As visitors develop an understanding and appreciation of the Japanese tradition-rich culture and natural attractions,  surface fascination with Japan turns to something deeper that appeals to travelers of varied interests.