First Day in Osaka: Shocking Cost of Living in Japan & Budget Travel Tips

Every purchase comes with a 10% tax – just a heads-up!
Dining out? Even at a humble roadside izakaya, expect a mandatory 350 yen seating fee per person. A simple meal quickly adds up to 2,000+ yen, and be warned – the flavors lean heavily into sugary territory [facepalm]. Pro tip: sushi spots turned out to be the most reliable choice [side-eye].

**[Itinerary Highlights]**
Snagged a one-day Fliggy tour (Nara + Kiyomizu-dera + Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka + Fushimi Inari Taisha) for just 209 RMB per person in an intimate group under 10.
The experience? Middling. While the historic sites were stunning, they lost meaning without proper context. I’d booked specifically for the guided commentary, but at each stop, our guide simply set us loose with a meeting time.

At that point, DIY subway adventures might’ve been equally informative [laugh-cry]. That said, the tour’s seamless transportation was golden – nap on the bus while efficiently conquering Kyoto’s must-sees in one go. Perfect for my mom-and-me trip – zero logistics stress!

**[Nara’s Deer: Cute But Fierce]**
The deer cracker feeding frenzy was… an experience. They’ll bow adorably for treats, but feed one and you’ll trigger a stampede. Persistent little foodies will trail you relentlessly, even nosing through your pockets for snacks.
Golden rules: Never yell or shoo them. No crackers? A gentle head pat or clear “no” gesture sends them wandering.
Warning: Antlered deer don’t play – provoke them and you might earn a nip or even a mini-charge!

**[Kimono Regrets]**
Major FOMO moment – Kiyomizu-dera’s surrounding streets were lined with budget-friendly kimono rentals, and every alley was Insta-perfect. Next time, I’m going full traditional!