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!