TRAVEL DIARY: Jas X Osaka Part III

Our 2nd day in Japan happens to be our last day in Osaka. I know there's a lot more to see and eat in Osaka alone but we also wanted to see the other places in the Kansai region. Before we headed off to Kyoto, we visited this one famous tourist spot in Osaka...

The breathtaking site that is The Osaka Castle

The Osaka Castle was built by the ruler Toyotomi Hideyoshi who dominated Japan in the 16th century. Stories had it that thousands of people were asked to report daily to finish the construction of this 5-tiered, 9-story castle. It took only about 2 years to finish it considering how huge it turned out.

The castle is a 10-15 minute walk from the train station but very easy to find since you can see it's glory from afar.

I can hear my heart beating fast when I saw her from a distance.

I wouldn't really mind walking when the scenery is this amazing. There is just too many pretty corners and back drops in this place. I can easily categorize this place as one of my favorites. 

The weather in Osaka was about 13-14 degrees C. And Jp wasn't even wearing a coat. 

How can a "very urban" area incorporate so many trees? Japan is really something else.

This little pathway is love.

This river offers cruises which is another way of seeing Osaka.

Getting closer

 I think the travel time we chose is just perfect. These trees are my favorite kind backdrop.

This angle is your view when you're tired from walking and you just decide to chill for a bit in one of their benches in the castle area.

Hello Love!

One whole class of little Japanese kids waiting for their tour inside the castle.

Matcha Green Tea Soft Ice Cream. Gaaaaaaah! (So there's a whole lot of food stall in the castle grounds -- it's like a tourist spot on it's own. And being the bad storyteller that I am, I got no pictures because I was busy going from one stall to another.)

A European couple offered to take our picture after I took a *reallyyyyy*** nice snap of them. Hahaha

One of the many artists I see around the castle grounds sketching a beautiful portrait of the castle.

Oh Japan, it's only my second day but my senses are already on a travel high. What a beautiful sight you are! Thanks for not letting me down. 2016 may have been a bitch but thanks to you, you still got me believing about the beautiful things this world has to offer.

x O x O, 

jb

TRAVEL DIARY: Jas X Osaka Part II

After going around food stalls and feeling the first vibe of Japan, I dragged Jp to the more upscale part of Osaka. Of all the people I know, I think Jp is really one of those who loves to go up a high building and get a 360-degree view of the city. (Heck, we still do this in Cebu- Tops Busay!)

So there's no other place I brought him to other than the Umeda Sky Building. This 173-meter tall building is made up of 2 towers which are connected in the 39th Floor by the Floating Garden Observatory. This is one of the 2 attractions that we actually paid for to get in. For 1000 Y, you will be able to get the best viewing experience in one of the top 20 best buildings in the world.

From the train station, you need to walk for a little over 15 minutes. The area where Umeda Sky Building is very modern. You will be able to see lots of sky rise buildings.

Christmas lights everywhere.

Japan is widely Buddhists and Shintos, but you will truly feel the Christmas spirit by how they light up their public places.

Some famous girl being filmed and photograph.

When we reached the Umeda Sky Building, we were just in for a treat. There was a Christmas village set up. It was like Sugbo Mercado but in a more elaborate and fantastic kind of way. There was a lot of food and trinkets for sale. I wish I did not eat so much ramen in Dotonbori but oh well, I just went ahead and admire them with my eyes. 

Round and round goes the merry go round.

Christmas Trinkets

Beer stall

But of course, a giant christmas tree!

Another beer stall

Little me under the big christmas tree

While going around the christmas village, we almost forgot our real purpose in going to that area. When we finally went up the building, we rode the fastest elevator I have tried in my entire life, It was so fast, I forgot to take a video of the transition from one floor to another. 

Upon reaching the 38th floor, we rode a really long escalator going up to the observatory.

That's the 2 towers connected by the "donut" floor.

Aaaaaand that my friends are the different views and angles that we came up for!

Look how the traffic is freely moving on that lane in the left side.

Aughhh! I could stare at this the whole night!

Part of the observatory garden is an area where you can put love locks. 

Tip: To be able make most of your experience. It would be best to go up in the afternoon so you can both have a feel of the daylight and night time. Also, I've read that there is a stunning sunset you can always catch if you're there during the golden hour. I'm a little sad to have missed that.  

Also, if you plan on staying til night, make sure to have cover ups ready as it's very chilly up there. I hope you like this installment. 

P.S. I'm bad with night photography, one of my goals for 2017 is to learn how to use the night mode of my point and shoot camera (:

Part 3 is coming! <3 p="">

x O x O,

jb

TRAVEL DIARY: Jas X Osaka Part 1

Exactly a month after our Japan trip, I finally made time to write about it in this little space. It's hard when you're still not over the high from the trip because you can't seem to go through editing and sorting pics without stopping and day dreaming every memory you have through the pictures. Believe me, I attempted quite a lot of times to sort and make up a story but it comes out too overwhelming for me. 

I don't deny, Japan is my favorite destination to date-- and I think that what I feel about the place is intensified because of the fact that this trip should have happened last year. However, this year's timing couldn't have been more perfect so here's my first story of our first stopover. 

Jp and I set a 7-day vacation last Nov 21-27 for Japan. With the little time that we have, we wanted to make the most of it by flying in to Osaka and flying out in Tokyo. In that way, we will be able to take in as much as we can in our very first (because we plan on going back *crossing fingers**) trip.

Osaka is the perfect place to land if you wanted to get a feel of old and modern Japan. It's perfectly located in the Kansai region which has preserved a lot of Japan's culture dating back in Edo (you have got to read this period in Japanese history - very interesting) era. 

You know you're in Japan, when you see pretty girls holding signs like this outside establishments.

Here is the quaint little neighborhood where we are staying. It lined up with shops and little boutiques.

This is where we stayed. This is very affordable. The room is clean-- we use a shared bathroom but is very comfortable to use with really good toiletries. Jp would have wanted to ask where they buy it.

Jp at the back of the Tsutenkaku Tower-- a very well-known landmark in Osaka.

But of course, Jp gets a hall pass!

One of the shops in the neighborhood. As you can see in the right hand side of the frame, bikes are parked in the sidewalk. Most Japanese go around the neighborhood through bikes. And they're not mountain bikes, mind you. How cool is that?

After we checked in, we immediately hurried out to be able to explore Osaka. Also, I was anticipating to finally eat my first LEGIT Japanese meal. Since we are staying in Osaka for only a day and a half, I only planned on seeing the "touristy" spots first. So off to DOTONBORI we go.

Found it!

There's a lot to see in Dotonbori. My senses are extra happy. I'm like a little child on acid! 

How cute are these doggie costumes!

Some school children going home. I think the uniforms in Japan are really well though of. Can we copy this here in PI?

Ahhhh food stalls! 

Another one-- just take all my YEN!

This one is really something you need try. When you see people lining up, it must be pretty amazing.

The BIG CRAB sign. You won't miss this. From all the blogs I read, they always have this photo.

After all the little eats we had from different food stalls. This one deserved the bigger portion of my bellyyyyy! The number 1 ramen shop in Namba!

MY FIRST LEGIT MEAL! S U C C E S S! OMG! I can't even begin to explain how it tasted. YOU HAVE TO TRY IT!

Dessert, anyone?

Starbucks- I dint buy coffee because I was too full but Starbucks is interesting in Japan. It almost always come with a bookstore or an electronic store. 

Inside Starbucks. The bookstore is at the back of the bar.

While we were walking, we chanced upon Don Quijote (right side). One of some famous store chains in Japan. They sell anything from food, clothing, etc etc.

My mama's namesake. E M M A 

Oh well, too tempted to buy but I stopped myself. It's still our first day. 

Original, pre-loved LV bags up for grabs.

AWWW! I was looking for you. This Glico Man sign is a famous landmark in Osaska. A lot of people tend to meet up here since it's very easy to find. This one is for the books.

Some young performers in one of the street corners. So cool. I wish Filipino upcoming Filipino artists will do this.

Just before going to the next stop, we chanced passing by a small shrine. Enthralled with the lanterns and everything their faith represents.

Wohooo! Writing this gives me so much happy memories. I literally want to hop on a plane and go back. If you happen to read this, please watch out for the 2nd installment! 

x O x O,

jb