Day 11 & 12 - Osaka
A relaxing train ride brought me from Tokyo to Osaka. I wasn't sure what to expect from Osaka, but it is close to KIX airport for my returning flight. Coming from Tokyo, the first thing I noticed, was that people were standing on the right side of escalators again. I was just used to keeping the left! And then the hair cuts. Stylish, funky haircuts everywhere. I arrived on a Friday afternoon and the Streets were packed with people celebrating the start of their weekend. During my walk I saw several street artists as well. Such a funky town!
Had some Okonomiyaki diner and went to the capsule hotel.
Capsule hotels. Experience sleeping in a pod... The moment I entered the door, a surgical-masked woman behind the desk screeched at me to take my shoes off. She handed me the keys for the first locker. After that, I got a second pair of keys. She told me I could only enter the Spa- and sleeping area with the clothes provided in that locker. Awesome, I didn't know it had a Spa-area. The provided clothing appeared to be a short that looked most like a blue diaper. I did no longer bother about that when I saw the facilities I could enjoy there. The capsule hotel had several swimming pools I could use. A bar area, hottubs and sauna's. There was even a gym and massage room (the last one was extra paid though). It took me some time to understand all the rules, but it was quiet, relaxing and refreshing,
you could take what you need, from tooth brushes, to towels, yukata, slippers, water bottles... all was provided. The sleeping rooms looked very neat as well. The beds were capsules, sized approximately 1 x 2 meter. It had a silent fan, alarm clock and TV. the Capsule was closed by a pull down blind. I had a pleasant stay. I have to say, there is always someone in the room snoring like Snorlex, but it was not busy when I was there. Prices are a bit lower than an hotel room, but higher than dormitory rooms. The lockers and the rules (don't bring your belongings in) were not so convenient, but all in all.. it was an experience I wouldn't want to miss. I'm usually not a Spa-guy, but this felt futuristic and exclusive.
One of Osaka's specialties is the Takoyaki. A food that is made from octopus, flower, dashi, etc. They are very tasty and taste a bit like pancake balls.
Next morning I visited Osaka castle. An area surrounded by canals. It is an entertaining walk to the big Osaka castle in the middle of the area. you'll pass many gardens with typical Japanese trees. Japanese families picnic on the lawns. Others play cricket or do Kendo, a sort of Swordfighting.
In the afternoon I went to Osaka Kaiyukan aquarium. Tickets were about 17,50 euros. The basins were huge, the mantas, sharks and other fish were impressive. Typical Japanese was the cuteness theme, even some animals (see the seal) were smiling somehow. It was a Saturday and some popular aquariums were crowded. Typical is that you'll never feel a push and people won't let you wait long to stand in front of the glass.
Next to the aquarium there is a food hall. Which was very welcome after the aquarium visit. The hall is a labyrinth of narrow hallways. There were many different street foods and all well-priced. I just pointed at the pictures I wanted to eat, so I don't know the names of the food. It looked like garlic squid wraps.
After that I visited Amemura. Neighbourhood with many typical American stores. It is the American equivalent of China town. I liked to see it, but I didn't buy anything. Also I visited DenDentown, a typical anime and electric geek stuff area. I had one more relaxing night at the Capsule hotel. I didn't know the swimming pool closed at 9pm. I was half an hour alone in the bath and noticed the pool was supposed to be closed when I walked out. I think the Japanese lifeguard was too polite to inform me.
Next morning I took the Nankai rapid line to Kix airport for about 1o euros.