July 20, 2010

We met in the lobby at 10:00am as planned with our luggage. We checked out of the hotel and checked our luggage in with the consierge desk. They were so cordial and helpful. The omiyage we brought really came in handy for these moments.

Another "free day", but this time we decided to take it a step further.

Francis, Robbie, George & I caught the Midosuji subway line again to Dobutsuen-mae station and transferred to the Sakaisuji line and got off at Ebisucho to get to Den Den Town. We followed Dr. J's directions to Kimonoya, a kimono shop on a side street. Thanks to Francis's negotiating skills I bought two silk kimonos and one obi for a total of $40 US dollars or Y4000. What a deal!









We walked around a bit looking in stores here and there. I found the artwork on the top of the buildings quite interesting.









We got back on the Sakaisuji subway line and went to Ogimachi station to get to the Tenjinbashi suji shopping arcade. We did it! We found Chigusa restaurant but sadly it was closed. So we shopped and walked until we found a noodle shop. We had lunch and then caught the JR Osaka Loop Line subway back to Umeda station.

We decided to check out Yodobashi Umeda since we still had some time. We found the massage chairs and by this point we were all tired, our legs hurt and these chairs felt rather good. I sat in one and guess what, I fell asleep, yikes! Too funny! We were all done with our shopping and Robbie finally found a gift for his grandfather in Yodobashi. Wonderful!

We met in the lobby and made our way over to the limousine buses we took to Kansai Airport. Everyone was tired. Most of us slept on the bus but I wrote in my journal so I wouldn't forget my thoughts and experiences.

I never realized how big Japan really is and how crowded it is. People work well into their 70s and they seemed to be strong and in good health. What's their secret?










Dr. J really does a fabulous job of putting this class together. He obviously put in a lot of time planning everything, even down to transporting our luggage from Kyoto to Osaka. So many details. He really wants us to learn a lot about Japan, the people and their culture. What I learned the most about Osaka & Kyoto is that the Japanese have been able to keep their traditions and their culture alive while moving forward in technology and modernity. Their respect culture is so strong, their willingness to serve everyone without expecting any tips amazed me. They are so cordial and nice. Even the young workers are respectful and grateful for our business. I love it here!



This is Sunset over Kansai International Airport! What a lovely way to say goodbye.....









Kyoto/Osaka Summer Class 2010
"New Friends!"

I can't wait to get together in August....see you folks soon!

July 19, 2010

Today was designated as a "free day". Dr. J said this was a test of the skills he's taught us since we arrived in Japan. We are armed with our survival language, our maps, contact phone numbers and the name of our hotel....just in case.

So we decided to get some shopping done today. Francis, George & I went back to Dotonbori. We caught the Midosuji subway line at the Umeda station to Namba. We wanted to go to Don Quiote to buy gifts for our family and friends. We found lots of snacks and gift items there, including Hello Kitty stuff for my daughter. We even showed Francis the "forbidden" isle. hahaha

After shopping we walked around a bit and found a small noodle shop down a side street, it was okay but the ramen I ate at JR Kyoto station is still the best so far. Dotonbori looked different during the day but it was still crowded, as if it was a weekend day. There were street side vendors and music entertainers. It was a totally different crowd, the hosts weren't out yet.

We made it back to the hotel safely. It was pretty simple after all, but I wouldn't do it by myself. It's a maze in the subway so it's easy to get lost. We decided to get most of our things packed. We needed to make sure we had enough space for everything and not go over the airline weight restrictions. Good job! We can still shop tomorrow.

We met in the lobby at 7pm to go to our Farewell Banquet. That was good. The meat and vegetables were steamed and the rice was served with iriko and bonito flakes. Ono!

After a few "kanpai" it was time to go. We went to another place right down the road where we could reflect on everything we experienced and enjoy each others company.

It's been a long day so we went back to the hotel with Dr. J. We'll see everyone in the lobby at 10:00am tomorrow. It'll be a happy, sad day. Happy that we'll see our family soon but sad because we have to leave Japan. We both like it here in Japan. Next time we'll try to stay longer and hopefully our kids will join us next time. Good night!

July 18, 2010

We enjoyed breakfast at Mitsuya which is located in the Umeda Station complex. You wouldn't believe what's underground in Japan. There are tons of shops, eateries and the subway.

This water feature is also located at the Umeda Station complex. Just by looking at this picture you wouldn't think it's located underground. It's amazing how the Japanese utilize their space.







Here's a couple of food displays. I'm guessing they do this to lure people like us into their shops, and guess what, it works!



Unlike the two displays above this is the real deal. This is a bakery in the Umeda station as well. Doesn't it look scrumptious? I could already see the differences between Kyoto and Osaka. In Osaka, the food seemed to play a major role. They didn't just have lots of food but they seemed to take a dish and make it into Osaka's very own.





Once we're done with brunch we're on our way to Shinsekai via the Subway.



There's Travis & Dr. J.....remember now, if there are open seats, don't hesitate, sit down because if you don't someone else will.








There's Francis, Robbie & Travis on the Subway on our way to Shinsekai.


As we walk through Shinsekai, in the distance you can see Tsutenkaku Tower which is known as the authentic symbol of Osaka. This is the second tower built in 1956. The original tower, built in 1912 was dismantled to provide iron for the war.



While waiting for our turn to enter the tower I notice another takoyaki shop across the way....yummy.




It's very hot and very humid in Japan and because they all practice conservation the air conditioners are not cold like we're accustomed to. It's bearable though once you accept that, that's the way it is. So my advice to all, carry a fan, it helps.



The Billiken Shrine is in the Tower. Billiken is the God of Good Luck. If you rub the soles of his feet it's believed that your wish will come true.


Picture taking time in the Tower....Charlie, George, Travis & Robbie having some fun!

As we made our way to the top of the Tower to view the city from the observation platform I catch a glimpse of the city, which is so dense and heavily populated. There are buildings everywhere for miles. You won't see regular homes in the city. Everyone lives and works here so they all live in tall buildings and the Japanese seem to use any space available. Since they can't spread out wide, they build up.







Check out this house, it's so narrow but it probably meets all their needs.




Look at this garden at the top of this building. I think you would agree with me that they certainly do make good use of their space.




Although it's quite crowded here, I feel safer here than I do when I'm in Los Angeles or Las Vegas. There's no graffiti and although there isn't too many rubbish cans around the town, there's no rubbish on the ground. I understand that this may be a "shady" area in comparison to other areas, but it didn't really seem like it. People go about their business and they certainly have a good sense of humor and a willingness to help us tourists! Kind of reminded me of "Confucius lives next door", don't you think?






Shinsekai has an array of shops ranging from clothing, shoes, musical instruments, Pachinko parlors and theaters but it was quite evident as we walked through that the central theme was its food. There were so many choices, for instance, you could choose from ramen, takoyaki, kushikatsu, sushi, and traditional Osaka Shinsekai foods, like fugu, if you were willing to take the plunge.



From the observation platform you can see buildings for miles in each direction you look. I could see a zoo nearby, a school and buildings, buildings, buildings.











This has to be my favorite picture. Can you see Osaka Castle amidst all these buildings? I truly realize how the Japanese have been able to maintain tradition and culture while industrialization spread throughout Japan. I was in awe of this beautiful Castle and how it represented the Shogun's power. I think it still commands respect.



Dr. J & Yoko went to purchase the show tickets at the Naniwa Club so we were free to peruse the different eateries and shops. While walking around town we came across the Asahi Theater where a show had just ended. We got to see one of the actors greeting the patrons and signing autographs. Looks like it's an older crowd that enjoys these live shows.







We also came across the famous Fugu (Blowfish) Restaurant. There was some temptation to try it but then I came to my senses.






As we cruised around town we found Dr. J & Yoko having lunch. It was at a small corner shop and they served traditional foods like tripe, fish guts and other interesting innards. We tried some and to our surprise it was quite delicious! Sugoi! It didn't surprise me too much because we eat na'au and ake at home. It was kind of similar.


We met at the Tower and walked over to the Naniwa Club. It's a small, quaint theater. Here's Sara and I in front of the Naniwa Club before the show.

According to "Japan, its History and Culture", the popular Kabuki theater forbid woman to be associated with theaters as actresses. Therefore, men played the women parts. This tradition is carried on today in these small theaters.

This is the inside of the theater. It's small but comfortable. The crowd was made up of mainly older women. Besides us, there wasn't a young crowd here to enjoy the live show. There's Yoko. She's the best guide ever! She's originally from Osaka. She must be happy to be home for a visit.



Here's Francis in the theater relaxing. The seats were quite narrow so for a while he made himself comfortable on the elevated floor next to us.



Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to take pictures during the play however we were allowed to take photographs during the dance performances. The costumes are beautiful. Many of the entertainers are men dressed as women, just like in the old days. This reminded me of "Five Women who loved love."

This is the star of the show!



Here's more shots of the guys.

I just love those costumes! And I'm sure the lighting helped with the overall effect!



These two girls were so kawai.











.....And here's some shots of the entire cast....











At the end of the show some patrons showed their appreciation to the actors by giving them monetary gifts to insure that these shows continue. Dr. J said this is a dying art. I feel very fortunate to have experienced this.

This show lasted three hours and the actors greeted everyone after the show for picture taking and just to say hello. Very classy.

We had a late dinner tonight. Although Dr. J wanted all of us to eat kushikatsu the place we went to was very crowded and unfortunate for me I have to restrain from eating deep fried foods until my next checkup so I had to find another place to have dinner. Shucks!

We all met up and caught the subway back to our hotel. See everyone tomorrow....Goodnight!