Blogs from Shinsaibashi, Osaka, Osaka, Japan, Asia

Konnichiwa! Today's entire day was dedicated to Universal Studios in Osaka. I'm not a huge amusement park guy but I do enjoy walking around and seeing the sites. The problem was that today was hotter and mustier than the devil's armpit after he ran a triathlon. It seems each day keeps going up in temperature. "You still think it can't get hotter? Well, let me move the heat dial from an 8 to a 9 and see how you like it!" Seriously, it was baking hot. I knew I was going to be a sweaty mess, but I felt relieved when I saw that all the Japanese people were sweaty messes as well. And speaking of the Japanese people, the park was crowded with them. Like, I think all of them. That place was jam packed. ... read more

In early May I was able to go to Osaka for two days for a judo tournament. The team left on Saturday, using the Shinkansen to get there. The Shinkansen cut what could have been a 7 hour bus ride into a three hour train ride. (yay!) The Shinkansen is a nice way to travel by in Japan but it is very expensive. It cost around triple the price of bus ticket. The train took three stops on the way to Osaka. (Shizouka, Nagoya, and Kyoto) We got to Osaka in the afternoon, which gave us plenty of time to play around in Osaka. Osaka is famous for its okonomiyaki and takoyaki. So of course I had to go try it. My friend and I found a small okonomiyaki shop that could seat only ten people ... read more

Indeed I was flying solo again and just as I was getting used to the company too! My first port of call was to be Tsumago which would be reached by several buses and trains and culminating in an 8km hike to reach the remote town by foot. As the train times scheduled would have me arriving at my accommodation some time around 7PM (and that was assuming I was walking quickly) I decided to take the rainy day alternative and forget the hike, this was a wise move as about half an hour into the first train journey the rain absolutely deluged down. Three trains and one taxi later I arrived at Tsumago and it was like stepping back in time. The scenic town was not blighted by a single telephone pole or modern ... read more

Hanami in Osaka-jo Koen The day after I arrived to Osaka Maria and Takayuki had arranged a cherry blossom viewing party (Hanami) with a bunch of Takayuki's friends. The hanami included a lot of Japanese beer and a wonderful BBQ. Hanami is one of Japan's most important festivals where the people greet spring by sitting under cherry blossom trees enjoying a pick nick and a couple of beers. For most Japanese people a couple of beers are enough for making a crazy party atmosphere. Upon arriving to the Osaka-jo Koen (Osaka Castle Park) I could understand why this occasion is so important. The park was packed with people in a very festive mood. The cherry trees almost shined throughout the park. During the evening I got the chance to meet a couple of Takayuki's friends which ... read more

Go to Umeda Station and take a train to Tennoji station, then go visit the temples and tennoji park, maybe go to Spa World.... read more