Osaka - Shinsekai (新世界)

Shinsekai (新世界) is Osaka's "new world," a district that was developed before the war and then neglected in the decades afterwards. At the district's center stands Tsutenkaku Tower, the nostalgia evoking symbol of Shinsekai.

 

The area was developed into its current layout following the success of the 1903 National Industrial Exposition, which brought over five million people to the neighborhood within just five months. Shortly after the expo closed its doors, work began to improve and update Shinsekai.

 

Paris was chosen as the model for Shinsekai's northern half, while the southern portion was built to imitate Coney Island in New York. Tsutenkaku Tower was constructed in 1912 after Paris' Eiffel Tower. Although it was scrapped during WWII, the tower was reconstructed soon afterwards in 1956. The current tower is 103 meters high, with the main observatory at a height of 91 meters.

 

Another noted attraction is kushikatsu, one of Osaka's best known specialties. It is a dish, composed of various skewered, battered and deep fried foods. Varieties on offer range from chicken and beef, to pumpkin and asparagus, to the banana and ice cream dessert varieties. Many of Shinsekai's kushikatsu restaurants are open 24 hours, but only truly come alive when the lights come on at night.

 

Shinsekai is also home to Spa World, a huge bath complex with a large number of pools on a European themed floor and an Asian themed floor (enjoyed naked and gender separated). The floors are switched between genders each month. Natural hot spring water is pumped up from far below the earth's surface.

Shinsekai is a short walk from Shin-Imamiya Station on the JR Loop Line, Dobutsuen-mae Station on the Midosuji and Tanimachi Subway Lines, and Ebisucho Station on the Tanimachi Subway Line.
Taken from:http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4012.html

 

  

Osaka - Kuromon Ichiba Market (Black Gate Market)

 Until the end of the Meiji Era, the Kuromon Ichiba Market used to be called Emmeiji Market, because there was once a large temple called Emmeiji nearby. Since there used to be a black gate northeast of this temple, the marketplace later came to be called”Kuromon Ichiba Market”(Black Gate Market).

The market has a total length of close to 600 meters with 170 shops, the vast majority of which specialize in the freshest and best quality meat, vegetables, eggs and other ingredients from around the country and abroad. Although well over half of total sales are for the business (professional chef) market, Kuromon Ichiba caters also to the general public. For more than 170 years, everyone from restaurant chefs to housewives have come here, drawn by the taste, freshness and variety of its products. You’ll love it.

 

Transportation: Subway Sakaisuji Line Nippombashi Sta.(exit No.5 and 10)

*Taken from: http://www.osaka-info.jp/en/search/detail/sightseeing_1855.html

 

 

Our lunch!!!

 

Osaka - Dotonbori

One of Osaka's most popular tourist destinations, this street runs parallel to the Dotonbori canal. It is a popular shopping and entertainment district and is also known as a food destination. At night it is lit by hundreds of neon lights and mechanized signs, including the famous Glico Running Man sign and Kani Doraku crab sign.

 

*Taken from: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4001.html

 

 

I would prefer to go during the night when all the neon lights are light up. But previous day, my parents are too tired to carry on walking. And we will be flying back to Tokyo by tonight. So we just went walking for awhile in the afternoon.

 

The wall features are still amazing. Food is amazing delicious as well. And I would definitely come back again with my bf.

 

Photo taken @ Lake Ashi & Mt Hakone

Review on Matsubaya Inn (Ryokan)

My family decided to give Ryokan a try so I booked Matsubaya Inn as per their review in Tripadvisor. When we stepped in, it is as per the photo shown in their website. The room is warmth and cozy as compared to hotel. I totally love sleeping on the thick futon. But be mindful not all places provided thick futon. The apartment I stayed in Tokyo provided thin futon which is not as comfortable. There is heater, free drinks & snacks. The toilet is small, as per Japan standard. But the worst is the room wall is rather thin. I can hear my siblings whom are resting at the next room. The journey from the Kyoto train station to the inn is around 15mins walk. We would shivering everytime we walked from the train station and back to the inn, Lucky there are vending machines around and we can buy hot drinks to warm us up.

 

 

Nearby the inn, there is a traditional japanese restaurant. You have to take off your shoes, hang your coats on the wall. People are drinking & smoking inside the restaurant. The mistress of the restaurant is very nice and friendly. Although her English is quite limited, we still enjoy ordering food from her. We are not frustrated at all. Food is nice, and price is reasonable.