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spacealien_vamp) wrote2019-06-02 11:52 am
spacealien_vamp) wrote2019-06-02 11:52 am
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Japan 2019 Trip Report Part 2
Tuesday, March 11
We got up bright and early and went to Tokyo Skytree right when it opened. This is an excellent way to avoid waiting in a long line; we could just walk right in. The view of Tokyo from the observation deck is incredible. (If you look closely, you can see Tokyo Tower spearing the horizon in the distance.)
Once we finished viewing the city and shopping for souvenirs, we headed to the nearby area of Asakusa, which has what is possibly Tokyo's most famous temple. We were surrounded by young ladies and some young men in traditional yukata and kimono, but the vast majority of them were tourists from China and Korea. The yukata-rental business is booming. One used to be able to dress in a traditional kimono in Kyoto for about $100 as a luxury experience; now such shops are everywhere, and the price has decreased to about $30-40. We nearly tried it ourselves, but when the first shop we entered turned us away (claiming they were too busy with reservations, even though they had a sign posted at the entrance saying no reservations needed), the group grew disillusioned and decided not to try again.
We spent quite a bit of time at the temple, while my neighbor purchased various fortunes and lit some incense. We also admired many of the things available for sale, though we didn't really buy anything. This plastic food display showcases the various flavors of soft serve ice cream available, but the place was really far too packed with people to be enjoyable. (That's the major down side of visiting popular tourist spots--yes, it's a must see, but that means everyone else will be there too.)
After strolling past the crowded vendor stalls, we had a late lunch at a tempura place. We continued our walk a few blocks more to the Kappabashi neighborhood, which is also called the "plastic food district" because it supplies restaurants with plastic food models (as well as all their other needs, everything from dishes to furniture to interior decor to industrial cooking equipment). At this point, I have to say that I loved having a GPS-capable device with me at all times. It made navigating a breeze, something I never imagined I would say about Tokyo. The shops in this neighborhood are tempting, and I wound up buying a few small trinkets, such as a set of plum blossom hashioki (chopstick rests).
Wednesday, March 13
My neighbor,megoryb, and I split off from the other two. We caught an early morning shinkansen to Osaka, arriving about lunchtime. (Why can't we have nice things like high speed rail in this country? WHY??) We made our way to Osaka Castle, where we finally came across an early sakura blooming at the base of the wall. The weather was chilly and the line for the castle wasn't too long. We enjoyed browsing the displays inside the castle museum and picked up some souvenirs at the gift shop.
We braved the high, blustery winds to check into our hotel, which was across the street from Universal Studios. The hotel was decorated with an elaborate theme combining Minions and Jurassic Park.
Only in Japan
A giant beetle scales a building above a plastic food shop in Kappabashi. I have no idea why.
At the convenience store across the street, I found this seasonal snack: chocolate-covered milk tea potato chips.
Everywhere we went, we were bombarded with posters for the performance of Musical Ocean's 11 by the all-female Takarazuka acting troupe.
More sightseeing to come!
We got up bright and early and went to Tokyo Skytree right when it opened. This is an excellent way to avoid waiting in a long line; we could just walk right in. The view of Tokyo from the observation deck is incredible. (If you look closely, you can see Tokyo Tower spearing the horizon in the distance.)
Once we finished viewing the city and shopping for souvenirs, we headed to the nearby area of Asakusa, which has what is possibly Tokyo's most famous temple. We were surrounded by young ladies and some young men in traditional yukata and kimono, but the vast majority of them were tourists from China and Korea. The yukata-rental business is booming. One used to be able to dress in a traditional kimono in Kyoto for about $100 as a luxury experience; now such shops are everywhere, and the price has decreased to about $30-40. We nearly tried it ourselves, but when the first shop we entered turned us away (claiming they were too busy with reservations, even though they had a sign posted at the entrance saying no reservations needed), the group grew disillusioned and decided not to try again.
We spent quite a bit of time at the temple, while my neighbor purchased various fortunes and lit some incense. We also admired many of the things available for sale, though we didn't really buy anything. This plastic food display showcases the various flavors of soft serve ice cream available, but the place was really far too packed with people to be enjoyable. (That's the major down side of visiting popular tourist spots--yes, it's a must see, but that means everyone else will be there too.)
After strolling past the crowded vendor stalls, we had a late lunch at a tempura place. We continued our walk a few blocks more to the Kappabashi neighborhood, which is also called the "plastic food district" because it supplies restaurants with plastic food models (as well as all their other needs, everything from dishes to furniture to interior decor to industrial cooking equipment). At this point, I have to say that I loved having a GPS-capable device with me at all times. It made navigating a breeze, something I never imagined I would say about Tokyo. The shops in this neighborhood are tempting, and I wound up buying a few small trinkets, such as a set of plum blossom hashioki (chopstick rests).
Wednesday, March 13
My neighbor,
megoryb, and I split off from the other two. We caught an early morning shinkansen to Osaka, arriving about lunchtime. (Why can't we have nice things like high speed rail in this country? WHY??) We made our way to Osaka Castle, where we finally came across an early sakura blooming at the base of the wall. The weather was chilly and the line for the castle wasn't too long. We enjoyed browsing the displays inside the castle museum and picked up some souvenirs at the gift shop.
We braved the high, blustery winds to check into our hotel, which was across the street from Universal Studios. The hotel was decorated with an elaborate theme combining Minions and Jurassic Park.
Only in Japan
A giant beetle scales a building above a plastic food shop in Kappabashi. I have no idea why.
At the convenience store across the street, I found this seasonal snack: chocolate-covered milk tea potato chips.
Everywhere we went, we were bombarded with posters for the performance of Musical Ocean's 11 by the all-female Takarazuka acting troupe.
More sightseeing to come!