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Published: July 18th 2017
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Geo: 34.6928, 135.493
Our exploration of Osaka continued today. We started our morning at the Kuromon Market. It's blocks of stalls selling raw and cooked fish, fruits, vegetables, souvineers, candies, toiletries and some clothing and shoes. There are also cafes along the way to sit in and eat or drink. But much of the food consumed here is eat as you go. I mentioned fruit as an item for purchase but it is quite costly. Even though they are huge one apple is close to nine dollars, and the melon prices are outrageous. We are really spoiled in the U.S. The packages of fresh meat are around half a pound or less, nothing in the amounts we are accustomed to purchasing, cooking or eating.
We moved on to the Ota Road area which is the hub of Japanese unique "Otaku" culture with many subculture stores of anime, manga, and games. The building facades portray the interests of the area. All of the shops we are seeing have the metal type garage doors that roll down when the businesses are closed. We are wondering what they do in the winter because we were told last night that the crowds are here year round
and it gets very cold. Not sure how they handle it.
The Shinsekai area was visited next. It is an old town area in south Osaka known for the Tsutenkaku Tower, and more shopping and restaurants. The deep fries skewers are reported to have originated in Shinsekai which has a lively mood and retro atmosphere.
The Tennoji
Park was also on this side of Osaka. It's in the middle of high rises and is a recreational area filled with greenery and water. There are many seasonal exhibits and events held here. This is where we stopped for a break having purchased some lunch items for a picnic in the park.
The America Mura was next on the list. This area has many stores selling apparel, vintage clothing and music. There is a replica of the Statue of Liberty on top of one of the tallest structures in the area.
After all this subway and mostly foot travel we opted for a short rest. Much to our surprise when we went out for dinner it had started to rain. Attached to our hotel is a "Greatest Burger" restaurant so we decided not to go searching further. We both had a bowl of vegetable soup
and a freshly made to order burger. Everything was tasty with no need for chopsticks! Since it is our last evening here we donned our rain gear and made one last loop around the neighborhood. All the shops were open but not nearly as many people as last night, only the brave souls. The temperature still being warm and only a light drizzle it was an enjoyable walk in the rain. We have had a wonderful time in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka but sad to say we will be returning home tomorrow.
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