A very cliche title indeed, but I couldn’t escape the cliche of this song, like I couldn’t escape singing it in my head, when I was in Japan. Our next destination is Osaka and Kyoto, so strap in.
I decided to visit Osaka in Japan and not Tokyo, because second biggest cities start to interest me more lately. They are not as well known, so there are less tourists, less crowds and generally retain a sense of authenticity big cities seem to loose in their vastness. Plus you get the sense of exploring something not that much explored before. Of course many people have been to Osaka, it is not like I discovered a small village in the outskirts of Hokkaido, but still it felt more hipstery than Tokyo. Anyway Tokyo would need more time and money than what I had and Osaka is close to Kyoto, so two birds with one stone (a rather violent expression that is).
The first destination when arriving in Osaka can only be one, Dotonbori. I mean you can choose whatever you want, but the place with the Glico Man sign, which looks like a miny Times Square, the extravagant store labels and the many-many delicious food choices, seems like the right way to start. That gives me a way to talk about food in Osaka. Second cities seem to have more of a culinary tradition than the first ones. It might be because big ones tend to be more multicultural and their cuisines are a mix of smells from all over or other reasons, but Osaka is definitely the place to eat. Osaka is the birthplace of Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki and many other yaki, which are there to be tasted and admired. Although the admiration might not always be because of the taste, but more likely because of a «Why did they though putting octopus in a ball of dough would be a good idea»? Anyway Dotonbori is amazing and marvelously lighted, so you have to go. Don’t necessarily enter the ferry wheel however. It is impressive to look at, but the ride is a bit of a bore.
Next day was Kyoto time. I hopped in the Shinkansen and arrived in fifteen minutes. Generally the Japanese metro and train system might not be as easy to navigate as others, but it is available in English and most people will be happy to help you, even with basic English, so if you don’t speak Japanese don’t fret. When I arrived in Kyoto, I was rather disappointed. Instead of being surrounded by beautiful Shinto temples, I was smothered by grey buildings and no light or color. It was not the city’s fault of course, Kyoto is indeed endowed with many beautiful temples, but to expect to step into a land of the past when leaving the train is just foolish. Kyoto is breathtaking -in parts-, the Fushimi Inari Temple with its many orange arcs, the Kiyomizu-dera and the streets with the traditional shops around it (where you can find the cutest Starbucks shop ever) are indeed a treat and absolutely worth visiting, but Kyoto has many sides and not all of them are encompassed with the glory of the past.
Kyoto also has a lot of great food. I tried a sake ice cream and ramen, picked from a machine as the highlights of many many things. I was pleasantly surprised when the ramen was accompanied with tea, for free. I was also happy to see the comfort in being on your own, that existed. There, you can find many cute cafes, like the Shiba Inu dog cafe where you can hang out with these little mochi creatures. Kyoto was, however, expensive, like Osaka. If you are thinking of having a budget travel, good luck. Food is expensive, things are expensive and going around is expensive, the only thing not expensive are the hotels (at least in comparison). You can’t find anything cheaper than 100 yen which is around 1 euro. To go back I picked the normal train, which is much cheaper but three times slower. Don’t miss the Shinkashen to save money however, it is an experience that is worth it.
Next day was another one for Osaka. First I visited the Osaka Umeda, two tall buildings connected with an impressive escalator. I have visited many tall buildings in the past, but for some reason this one made an impression. The architecture was very futuristic, the padlocks in perfect order and the crowds to the minimum, so the serenity of seeing things up high resonated well. Next I visited the Osaka Castle, a very beautiful site and area on the outside, but not that much worth the inside visit. There I saw a man taking a walk with his pet owl. Back to Dotonbori I went to the Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum, a complete disappointment, so I left quickly. I ate a delicious melon pan (which I though would taste like melon) and a great shrimp burger with rice patties from MOS burgers and I headed to Tsutenkaku, a place similar to Dotonbori, filled with signs, lights and crazy mascots. A marvel for the eyes to be sure.
So that was my trip to Japan, but there is so much more to it. I have to mention the myriads of vending machines selling drinks, ice cream and more, the capsule toy machines selling from sushi-cat key chains to questionable 18+ things, the shops full of claw machines and so many others. My walk from Dotonbori to Tsutenkaku where I encountered many anime figures in safe and NSFW situations should be a story on its own. I know I will not win any award for originality for saying that, but Japan is truly a world on its own, impressive, weird and tasty and always worth going and returning (I still prefer Seoul more though).
The Indonesian Chronicles 