Starting in Kobe and ending the last day of the trip with a visit to the Osaka Expo before returning home~!
On the 3rd day, I moved from Fukushima to Kobe, checked in at 8 PM, and switched to hotel vacation mode, eating and lounging alone in the hotel until 8 AM the next day. The bedding was comfortable, allowing for a good night's sleep and waking up refreshed. The weather was cloudy as I faced the sea in Kobe.
I joined the breakfast. French toast, eggs benedict, omelets, etc., are ordered and brought to the table, which is convenient. The same goes for the tea varieties. The drink bar even has sparkling wine, and for an additional fee, you can have morning draft beer.
After checking out, I headed to Osaka Station. I met a 7-minute delay. Since there are coin lockers inside the station, I stored my suitcase in a coin locker without going outside, then took the JR train to Bentencho Station. From here, it was crowded with people.
Pushed by delays and crowds, I arrived at Yumesima Expo Station at 10:07, 7 minutes later than 10:00. Following the control, I headed to the designated lines. Separate lines were set up for 09:00 / 10:00 / 11:00, but there was no separate verification process.
The East Gate (Yumesima Station) has a total of 27 entrance gates, where PET bottle (opened) inspections and X-ray security checks are conducted outside. There is a roof, but it is vulnerable to rain, wind, and high heat and humidity, so I waited in line for about 40 minutes and finished entering around 10:47.
Only the Gundam pavilion was reserved two months in advance. After entering, I spent about 30 minutes doing adaptation training by quickly circling the ring half a lap to get a feel for the site. At 12:00, I reserved an additional pavilion that was available for same-day booking.
I visited about two places that could be seen without a reservation in the middle, then recharged with wagyu skewers and draft beer at the Osaka food court building. For those who donโt want to walk, shuttle buses operate at 400 yen per ride or 1,000 yen for a day pass, with six stops.
As known, the expo site boasts a giant donut-shaped wooden structure, unfolding like an amusement park. I allocated 4 hours and moved with a short and intense plan. At 12:00, I spent about 30 minutes at the Blue Ocean Dome pavilion.
Before the Gundam entry time, I spent about 30 minutes exploring the lower side of the roof. It was a moment that made me think how well made it was, very Japanese. Iโm considering experiencing the summer night again during the night opening in June or July Kobe trips.
I entered at the reserved Gundam time. I moved sequentially through five spaces. I had a similar experience at Huis Ten Bosch. Itโs not interactive, just visual, so the concept of going up to space by elevator doesnโt quite fit.
5D Flex was realized more than 10 years ago, but without movement, it lacks vitality. However, for Gundam fans, itโs a fantastic space. You get the privilege of taking a Gundam pamphlet and photos of Gundamโs back.
It takes nearly 25 minutes on foot from the Gundam area to the East Gate exit at Yumesima Station, and since I didnโt know about the shuttle inside the venue when I made the reservation, I booked the return via the West Gate bus stop to Osaka Station.
Reservations are easily made through the Kansai Mass app, and you can choose the route thatโs convenient. If you canโt install the app, itโs also possible via the website. The fare is more than twice that of the train but faster and more convenient.
After the expo, the last schedule was to join afternoon tea at a newly opened hotel in Umegita, which opened three weeks ago. I booked the restaurant on the day the reservations opened a month before the hotel opened, but the price has dropped.๐
It was set from 12,000 yen to 10,000 yen. So I added 3,000 yen for a glass of champagne. I also received a 10% discount with Honors at the final payment. The high-floor view faces the address, showing Umeda Sky Building and Intercontinental, etc.
The savory dishes were excellent, and the taste of scones and clotted cream was superb. There were no notifications on the JR West app, which means no incidents. If there were any accidents, an alert would pop up immediately. So I stayed until 4:30 PM.
I took the Haruka at 5:03 PM and did ticketing around 6:15 PM. Since the departure was at 7:35 PM, I went straight to the lounge. Being on the north wing, I left around 6:55 PM and took the monorail over. I chose gluten-free for the in-flight meal and received it. Thank you.