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Guide to Dotonbori, Osaka at Night

Guide to Dotonbori, Osaka at Night

If there is one place in Japan that is full of tourists all year round, one of these is the Dotonbori in Osaka.

Dotonbori is the name of the downtown area of Osaka, and also the name of the Dotonbori River, which flows just north of the downtown area. There are so many restaurants and entertainment spots in this area that you couldn’t get bored even if you spend all day (and night!) in Dotonbori. 

The name Dotonbori comes from the merchant Doton Tasui, who begun construction of the river in 1612. “Bori” from the name of this place refers to the canal that was created by digging.

Guide to Dotonbori, Osaka at Night

I personally prefer the beautiful view of Dotonbori during nighttime. You can enjoy the sights of those towering giant electronic billboards and huge restaurant signages which identifies what they are serving inside. You’ll see the giant octopus which means the it is the takoyaki shop, a giant gyoza (“dumpling store”) shop, or a giant sushi!

Guide to Dotonbori, Osaka at Night



Guide to Dotonbori, Osaka at Night

Guide to Dotonbori, Osaka at Night

Guide to Dotonbori, Osaka at Night

This place is a perfect destination for your affordable Japanese foods and takoyaki! You can walk around while eating and admiring the beauty of this river

Guide to Dotonbori, Osaka at Night

Guide to Dotonbori, Osaka at Night

How to go to Dotonbori:
1). By Subway – Short walk from Namba Station of Subway Midosuji Line (exit No. 14).
Sennichimae, Nankai railway

Osaka Namba Station of Kintetsu railway
2). From Kansai International Airport
Take Nankai Airport Express “Rapid” to Namba Station. It takes about 35 minutes ride, or take an airport limousine bus to OCAT (Namba). It takes about less than a minute ride.

3). From Osaka International Airport (Itami)
Take the airport limousine bus to Namba or OCAT (Namba). This will takes about a 40-minutes ride.

Guide to Dotonbori, Osaka at Night




Guide to Dotonbori, Osaka at Night

Guide to Dotonbori, Osaka at Night

If you are looking for a cheap dating place, you will enjoy hanging out here at Dotonbori. But we recommend that you wear sunscreen lotion on your face if you are visiting here even at night time. The flashy neon lights are so strong, you will feel that heat, and it’s not good for our skin.
Overall, Dotonbori is a place that you shouldn’t miss.



Have you been to Dotonbori? What are your most memorable moments with this place?





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152 comments :

  1. I have never been to Japan in general. I would love to visit this place. It really does look great at night!

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  2. Ahh, looks like a fun trip! I'd love to visit this place. Thank you for the tips!

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  3. Agreed, Dotonbori looks cool at night.Haven’t been to Osaka or Dotonbori yet…Good point about needing sunscreen against the neon glare.

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    Replies
    1. The heat from these lights are quite extreme than the sunlight during day time.

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  4. Wow, that sounds like a great place to visit. The color and lightning of the place are so lively that make it more attracted to everyone.

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  5. I’ve always wanted to go to Japan and I am adding this to my list! You’re right about all of the colors. It looks like there is a lot to do!

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    Replies
    1. At least there are so many things to do at night time in Osaka :D

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  6. I am bookmarking this post, I have literally just had a conversation with my husband about taking our Daughter to Japan, she has been facinated with the place for years and her love of anime

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    1. That's great! It is also a great destination to teach kids about good values. Definitely you will be amazed!

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  7. What an awesome place, I love how vibrant it is! Japan is on my bucket list for sure!

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  8. Your night time views look really cool! I've never been so I don't have any memorable moments, but I'd like to create some!

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    Replies
    1. Summer is the perfect time to visit Japan, although the weather might be too hot for you, but it is a good experience!

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  9. I haven't been in Osaka. I really want to come here and try their local cuisine! It seems so fun!

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  10. Such a busy city. It reminds me of downtown New York City.

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  11. wow. the nighttime scenes you captured on your camera are fabulous!! those photos should be hanging somewhere.

    Keep it up!

    Joy at The Joyous Living

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  12. No I have not but how beautiful does it look. Was hoping for photos of the dumplings.. the dumpling store sounds amazing. The lights make this town look so beautiful. Did you prefer it at night

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    Replies
    1. The nighttime is wonderful. I gets quiet and nice to just enjoying the view.

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  13. Japan has the neatest places. I will have to get here one day. It looks like a lovely spot.

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  14. Japan seems to be such a dream place to me! This city looks just wonderful by night! Beautiful photos! Can't wait to visit Dotonbori! :)

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  15. It's my hubbies dream to travel to Japan! I showed him these photos and he was very excited by the amount of light and excitement Osaka has to offer!

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  16. Unfortunately, I've not yet been to Osaka before, but I would love to go one day! These are such great tips for travelling the area, and make me want to go all the more.

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    Replies
    1. Maybe you will love Japan and decide to move there!

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  17. Wow what amazing nightlife! The city looks alive!

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  18. Looks like times Square on a river lol. So lovely and bright and looks like the nightlife will be interesting to experience.

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  19. Looks like a fantastic trip - with beautiful photos! We've never been, but maybe one day;)

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    Replies
    1. Fingers-crossed, and I know you will be there too!

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  20. Truly, Dotonbori in Osaka is a place like no other. I love that it is full of life and there's a lot to experience here. I haven't been to any part of Japan yet. But, at least I have something in mind on which places to visit If I have a chance to got to Japan.

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  21. Wow with all the neon billboards it looks sort of like Times Square! The lights are very pretty on the Dotonbori River at night. Good tip about the sunscreen!

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  22. This looks very lively and your pictures are amazing. My daughter is going to Japan soon and I will share that post with her.

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    Replies
    1. That would be great! Would you come along with her?

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  23. Tiffany La Forge-GrauAugust 7, 2019 at 9:55 AM

    Now that looks like a great way to spend a few days. Night life is so full of fun and experience!

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    1. A perfect place for a date night next to the river.

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  24. Wow, super great photography. I've never been to Japan and it looks so beautiful. Adding this to my travel list and thank you for all the tips.

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  25. I was in Osaka for 3 months. Osaka is amazing and Dotonbori is always fun to visit. Food is always the highlight of Osaka, that and the sense of humor of the Osakian people

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  26. What a lovely place to be in. The pictures itself makes me so excited. Cities in the night have their special charm.

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    Replies
    1. I agree, makes me want to keep awake and enjoy this beauty.

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  27. I never thought to protect my skin from neon lights. That does make get you thinking though! Sounds/looks like a fun place to visit.

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    Replies
    1. ohh yeah, the heat from artificial lights are also harming our skin.

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  28. It looks really festive at night-time!

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  29. I love Dotonbori! Always so much to see and so lively. Crabs and okonomiyaki are the best in Osaka. Can’t wait to go back again

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    Replies
    1. oh my boyfriend loves the foods there. Definitely we will come back.

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  30. I wish I could visit this place. Looks so beautiful and so much fun!

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  31. WOW so many lights! The city seems to look very beautiful but also very alive at night!

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    1. Amazing right?! Same in Tokyo, but many switch off lights when struck midnight, or until 2pm except those who really operates 24/7.

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  32. I have never been there but it sounds like a nice destination getaway during this Holidays.

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    1. Thank you Alexandra!
      Hope you plan your visit to Osaka :D

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  33. I have never been to Japan, but this sounds like a place I should add to my wish-list. Thanks for all the tips. Have pinned to my Vaca board.

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  34. I’d love to visit here, beautify!!

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  35. I need to go back to Japan! I have not been here, but it looks amazing. I do regret not making it to Osaka.

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    Replies
    1. Don't worry, there is always perfect time for your Osaka trip!

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  36. Wow, beautiful city! Polar opposite from where I live.

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  37. Osaka looks super cool at night in your pictures. And it sounds like it's a lot of fun!

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  38. I've never been to Japan but I've always wanted to go, especially to enjoy the food and culture. Dotonbori definitely looks like it was made for the nightlife, which I love.

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  39. This is a very interesting read I must say. Funny Dotunbori sounds like an African name (thought it was till I started reading).Anyway, Japan is really beautiful and your pictures are really outstanding.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Viano! Yeah sometimes it can be meant for a different :D

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  40. Osaka looks like NYC. I definitely want to visit!!

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  41. I love Japan! I have yet to visit Osaka but it's definitely on my Places to Visit list. Great pics!

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  42. This town looks so pretty with all the lights. I was hoping for dumpling shots because I love them. Was it better at night than the day?

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    Replies
    1. Osaka have two different personality - it looks different during daytime :D

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  43. I remember visiting Dotonbori during my trip to Japan a few years ago, such a cool area! The views are fantastic and there's a fantastic selection of restaurants and eateries to choose from. I want to go back!!

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  44. This is so good to know about! I've not heard of Dotonbori but Japan is on our list and we'll definitely add this to must visit places when do we get around to going!

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  45. Bookmarking for future reference! I went to Tokyo last year and when I go to Japan again, I'll visit Osaka. Dotonbori is definitely on my to-go list.

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  46. I've been there once. Have you ever visited the different books and cranny of the place that's not frequently visited by tourists? Well those are my fave spots.

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  47. I have never been to Japan, it it somewhere I would love to visit. Dotonbori sounds like somewhere my partner and I would love.

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  48. Glad you visited Osaka! Hope Japan is treating you well.
    Dotonbori looks like a lively city with a great night-life.
    Those huge billboards with blown-up pics of food is amusing!

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    Replies
    1. Japan treated me so much delight, and I think I AM IN_LOVE!

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  49. This looks like a great place to visit, I love all the store fronts with all of the different lights and lanterns. I will add this to my bucketlist of places I'd like to visit!

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  50. Wow, what a beautiful place. Dying to try out the food I've been hearing so much about.

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  51. this is really interesting! I think this looks like a great place to go!

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  52. I love Japan and I can't wait to go back! Unfortunately, I've only visiting Tokyo and Kawaguchiko but Osaka is definitely on my list! Dotonbori is DEFINITELY a must especially for food, and this post sure will come in handy! Thanks for sharing!

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  53. Dotonbori looks like a happening place buzzing with energy. It gives a perfect vibe of Times Square at NYC!

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    Replies
    1. Amazing and good place to enjoy the nightlife, not only for drinking. If you love night photography, then this is a must visit.

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  54. Should like a fun place to be! Would definitwly spend the day there when we visit jaoan next year!

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    1. It would be more fun if you will tag your friends and family :D

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  55. My husband and I were just having a conversation about visiting Japan! Of course the obvious one is Tokyo, but this looks amazing too.

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    1. Tokyo will be soon crowded in the anticipation of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic. So Osaka is the best option!

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  56. I would love to walk around this city, trying all of the delicious food! Everything looks so beautiful all lit up at night! Japan is definitely on my travel bucket list and I appreciate all of your suggestions!

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  57. Japan is one of my dream destinations and I have read a lot about Dotonbori. Really looks good at night! It's also a foodie destination right?

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    1. Oh the foods are amazing! When you visit Dotonbori, make sure you have plenty of space in your tummy :D

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  58. Osaka has been on our bucket list and we’d love to visit it when we travel to Japan next year. Seeing your photographs, Dotonbori reminds me of Times Square in NY at the first sight with its giant billboards and tall buildings nearby. I enjoyed reading about the meaning behind the name Dotonbori. An evening walk along the river at night time would be the perfect way for me to wrap a day of sightseeing – looks really pretty at night. Thanks for all the details about how to reach this area of Osaka.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Aditi! Many tells the same too about Times Square. I wish to visit that place in the future.

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  59. I love night life! I love to roam in the city with bright lights. This place looks so cool.

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    1. Just sitting near the river and staring the clear sky while enjoying your ice cream is the best experience here.

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  60. I have been craving for authentic Takoyaki for days now but unfortunately, I can't find one here in Bacolod. Your post just made me miss Japan so much. Osaka is one of my favorite places to visit.

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    1. I never been to Bacolod! When is the Maskara Festival?

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  61. I would love to go on a food trip in Dohtonbori some day! I haven't had a chance to go to Japan yet.

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    Replies
    1. Oh you should apply for the visa soon. It is easy and few documents needed.

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  62. I'm so glad I came across this article! I'll be visiting Osaka in October and I got a lot of useful tips from this article. I've heard a lot of good things about Dotonbori too and your post made me even more excited about visiting

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    1. That is wonderful! Check their tourism website for scheduled festival in Osaka.

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  63. We were able to visit dotonbori but only during the day. The place looks great at night as seen in your photos! Love to head back because of your post. Thanks for this!

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    1. Yes it is best to visit Dotonbori in daytime and night time coz the place have different personality day and night.

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  64. I'm just so obsessed with Japan now, and your post made it even harder for me to resist it.

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  65. The culture and values of this country is so amazing. You have shown us how lovely Japan is and those places where captured perfectly.

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  66. After reading your blog I have finalized my Thailand backpacking trip and now so many exciting things about Osaka. Will have to plan next year.

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    Replies
    1. That is wonderful Anshul! Enjoy Thailand, you will love it too!

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  67. This is such a beautiful place and I can’t wait to visit 💕

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  68. I have never been to Japan but i would love to visit there sometime. Its a beautiful place.

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    Replies
    1. Tokyo is indeed an expensive city, but as you travel outside the main city it get pretty affordable. Same in Osaka.

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  69. That's one of the places I want to visit. Soon I will visit it and thank you for the tips.

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  70. I've not been to Japan before, I will put it plan for my next trip.

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  71. Wow! It looks stunning at night :) Sarap pumasyal lalo na ang daming kainan and shopping places sa area!

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  72. Japan is one of my favourite countries on the planet! This is a kind reminder that I need to get myself back there as soon as possible!

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  73. I have been to Dotonburi in Osaka and I agree with you, it's gorgeous at night with the brightly lit signages in shops and restaurants, on both sides of the river. I did not know it was named after the merchant Doton Tasui, that's an interesting fact!

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  74. I have been to Dotonbori a decade ago. The memorable thing is the food. We ate in a restaurant and cooked the food by ourselves.

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  75. Wow looks like a fab place to hang out at night. Japan is such a wonderful and diverse beautiful country xx

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  76. Dotonbori is such a lively place..I sure will save this for future Japan trip.

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  77. This place looks like a great place to me for having some fun time. Thanks for sharing this with all of us. Bookmarked

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  78. With those photos I'm dying to go to Japan the soonest! Japan is the 1st place I would like to visit out of the country that is near to PH, hopefully I could take my family in that nice place. Thanks for sharing this photos, it makes me wants to there ASAP

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    Replies
    1. Travelling from Manila to japan is getting cheaper and more accessible!

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  79. Japan one of the 1st country I would like to visit when I have the chance to go out of the country. Thanks for showing Japan to me in the pictures, I'm getting more excited about it.

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    Replies
    1. Maybe this is the sign that you should visit Japan very soon!

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