Japan is a favourite destination for everyone in my family and we all love Japanese food. So it made sense to meet up in Japan for a family trip. We were flying in from Hong Kong, Singapore, and Canada. Thanks to my sister, we had a plan and it started in Osaka and it included hot springs.

Quick links :: Osaka | Nara | Kinosaki | Kyoto 

I flew into Osaka and waited for my parents and sister to arrive. Then together we rode the train to to the city, to check into our hotel where we stayed for the next couple of days. The itinerary in Osaka was to relax, adjust to the time difference for my parents and sister, and do a day trip to Nara Park. Then we travelled to Kinosaki by train. There, in this beautiful hot springs or onsen town, we spent one night in a ryokan, which is a traditional Japanese inn. This town has seven springs to visit and the fall season is a great time to go, even for just one night.

Before my flight home the evening of October 2, we stayed in Kyoto. I’ve been to Kyoto several times before and each time, it’s something new, even if I revisit the same temples. While my brother went on his own temple trail, I visited Nishiki Market with my parents and sister. There, we browsed the many different kinds of foods and stopped for a nice meal.

This trip to Japan turned out to be our last family trip.