We went Osaka back in 2019 and that was together with my folks. ICYMI, click here to reminisce the past post. Now in 2024, after 5 years, he went again by invitation and he visited the places I long for and so I travelled with him through his eyes. Please don't mind the touristy attractions with large crowds but just have to check off the list (on my behalf). He already made lots of effort to fill me with videos and photos during his 1 week trip (though the quality was mediocre) so that I can gather them into Youtube Shorts for all to watch. Let's get started, shall we?
KINKAKU-JI TEMPLE (KYOTO, JAPAN)
Also known as Golden Pavilion, the temple was built in 1397 and was converted into a Zen Buddhist temple till date. The temple's striking 3-storey structure represents 3 different styles of architecture, mainly traditional Shinden style on the 1st storey; buke-zukuri style on the 2nd storey, and zen Buddhist style on the 3rd storey, topping with a golden phoenix on its roof. The top 2 storey are covered with gold leaf to create a striking reflection in the pond when the sun shines.
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| Kinkaku-ji Temple - Not bad for the reflection even on non-sunny days |
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| Amulet he got from the temple |
ARASHIYAMA BAMBOO GROVE (KYOTO, JAPAN)
Known for its towering bamboo stalks and serene atmosphere, nature lovers and photographers not to be missed. The dense forest of towering bamboo stalks form a stunning and almost surreal pathway. The rustling sound of the wind through the bamboo, with the soft light filtering through the leaves creates a peaceful and almost meditative atmosphere.
Do you know in Japanese culture, bamboos represent strength, flexibility, and resilience, as well as purity and simplicity? And at Arashiyama, it offers a peaceful retreat for contemplation and meditation.
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| Heading to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove |
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| Its towering bamboo stalks of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove |
FUSHIMI INARI-TAISHA (KYOTO, JAPAN)
One of the most iconic and significant Shinto shrines in Japan, dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, agriculture, and prosperity. Famous for the vibrant Red Torii Gates that form a stunning pathway up to the sacred Mount Inari. These gates bear an inscription of the donor’s name and the donation by individuals or companies. This place even appears in movies like Memoirs of a Geisha starring Michelle Yeoh, Gong Li and Zhang Zi Yi, and Lost in Translation starring Bill Murray.
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| One of the most iconic and significant Shinto shrines in Japan |
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| The thousands of vibrant red torii gates |
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| Stunning pathway leading up to the sacred Mount Inari |
NAMBA YASAKA SHRINE (OSAKA, JAPAN)
A unique but lesser-known Shinto shrine in Namba district, that was believed to be founded 1300 years ago now garners attention for its distinctive architectural feature at the shrine's main hall, the Giant Lion Head. It is dedicated to the goddess Sakuya-hime and was thought to serve as a protector of the people in Osaka. Also the lion's wide opened mouth is meant to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. Thus not only it is a popular photography spot but also for people to seek protection, good fortune, and success from the goddess.
My thoughts about Japan is shrines and more shrines. And every shrine I visited has its own uniqueness so it has never been dull but broaden my visual exposure of Japan.
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| Entrance to NAMBA YASAKA SHRINE |
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| The lion head is part of the main shrine building |
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| Lesser-known yet attracted a crowd everyday |
KUROMON MARKET (OSAKA, JAPAN)
Referred to as Kitchen of Osaka, Kuromon Market is one of Osaka's most famous and vibrant food markets. The bustling covered market has a wide variety of fresh ingredients and delicious street food and has been serving locals and visitors for over a century.
His advice is not to go in the morning as it is crowded. Probably past 12 noon or so to have your lunch there. Anyway they are open daily from 9am to 6pm so you can take your time to immerse yourself in Osaka’s (or Japan's) food culture.
The market is a short walk from Nipponbashi Station (on the Sennichimae Line and Kintetsu Namba Line) and it is also near Namba Station.
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| Let's go Kuromon Market! |
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| Inside Kuromon Market |
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| Big fresh King Crab Claws |
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| More King Crab Claws |
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| Japanese Oden |
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| My favourite squid and wish for a plate of sashimi now |
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| The meat section in the supermarket |
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| What he had with his friends in the market |
MEALS ON HIS 1ST DAY IN OSAKA |
| Lunch Set |
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| Wagyu Beef Dinner |
KINGUEMON DOTONBORI1 Chome-4-17 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
(Note: At the same stretch as Ichiran Ramen)
He tried Ichiran Ramen at the shop itself and the broth is salty (I find it too). Then he managed to find this shop which in his opinion, is much better than Ichiran Ramen. So my advice is to buy Ichiran Ramen and cook it at home. Increase the amount of water to 500ml or more (adjust according to your tolerance level) and it will be fine. To Ichiran Ramen, I do think you need to do something about it on your broth. It is tasty but salty too. By the way, I had mine in their Tokyo shop in May 2024.
Anyway, this shop serves the ramen in clear and tasty broth and it gives an after-taste too. The ramen texture was just right, springy and not under-cooked. No wonder he went back for it twice this trip.
And I'm not sure where he had this bowl of udon, oden and tempura that is looking good and delicious (I'm a Udon person!). Anyway he is well-fed for a week after his gastric flu before the trip. Hahaha... putting back all the weight lost.
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| Random steak house for one of their meals |
Hope you enjoy the post like I do because he checked off all the places in my wish list. Yes, there are others like Osaka Castle that we visited the last time and the iconic Glico Running Man sign, which I'm not going to introduce again. And for now, no more Japan because both of us visited Japan twice in a span of less than a year. I need more dosage of European countries so stay tune to my Finland trip in December 2024. For now, watch my daily Youtube Shorts for more travel adventures, also my daily life! Cheers.
