Ah, Osaka. For a non-Japanese like me, it invokes many random things. Okonomiyaki. Universal Studios Japan. (Now) Harry Potter in Japan. Kanjani8. (Haha!) But after this trip, it has become yet another one of those “places I want to go back to”. Because there are just sooooo many other places that are worth checking out, but I couldn’t because of the lack of time.
Here’s a not-so-quick photodiary of things around the places I checked out in Osaka.
On the way to Shitennoji Temple, we stopped by this fastfood-style place called NAKAU for late breakfast. As usual, they use the vending machine to place orders and make payments. After that experience in Tokyo Ebisu, I almost felt like an expert. Haha!
Here we had the usual green tea and pickled ginger. And beef udon. And karaage. I tell ya, karaage or Japanese fried chicken is THE BEST FRIED CHICKEN EVER. EVER. E-V-E-R.
We devoted over three hours or so just walking around Den-Den Town, which is just a walk away from the Shinsaibashi area.
Den Den Town is, you could say, Osaka’s answer to Tokyo’s Akihabara. It’s got lots of electronics stores, and also a hub for otakus and hobbyists. There are lots of stores selling anything related to anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture. Just like Akiba, there were also lots of maid cafes and other themed cafes and dining places.
You will also find a branch of animate here. I think Den Den Town occupies more than 4 blocks.
And look! They have gachapon places too! I am proud to have “used up” all my gachapon quota back in Akiba. Otherwise I’d be throwing my money away here too. 🙂
This was on the storefront of animate. We saw a group of guys flocking together and when we went forward, we saw this mascot and a cosplayer advertising some sort of an event, selling tickets to that event. Yes, it’s guys lining up to buy the tickets so we didn’t really bother to find out what show it was.
An entire wall lined with WANTED signs. Cute, eh?
Oooh, we tried this! Basically, it’s hotdog coated with rice. It’s yummy! And quite filling, so my friend and I just bought one and split it.
Saw this on one of the stores. Sudden Death Sauce sounds ominous. Phew.
Look up, and you’ll find interesting stuff there, too. Like the second story window of this building. Mecha-fans are going to love this!
Even the entrance will have these life-sized figures welcoming you. These are statues, though. Although I wouldn’t be surprised if some of them had actual people inside, waiting to pounce on you.
After walking, we grew a bit tired and hungry. So we looked for someplace to sit down and rest our legs. And look! MISTER DONUT!
Now, normally, I wouldn’t pick Mister Donut as a place to eat something in, or hang out in. But come on, if this guy is at the doorway of a MisDo branch, even ingrained characteristics could fade in an instant.
Aiba’s movie, “Miracle”, is set to be released in a couple of days, and it had a tie-up with Mister Donut, which explains these promotional materials. When you enter the store, there are even cute goodies related to the movie that MisDo is selling. Like photo files, clear files, mugs, small plushies for bags… cards…
Surprisingly, I wasn’t tempted to buy anything. Because I wondered what I’d use them for. They were soooo cute, though.
Some special edition muffin had Debikuro-kun stuck on them. 🙂
Autumn played a huge part in my Japan visit, because it’s the end of the season when I was there, and winter is just right around the bend. I feel so lucky I still got to see autumn colors. Like these maple leaves on the trail to Minoo Waterfall.
Oh, and the Minoo mascot welcoming everyone by the Minoo Station! Cute kids are cute!
Even the manhole (do they call them that in Japan? Coz I still am iffy using that word. For realz.) covers have the mascot!
Somewhere around Universal City Studio station, right before the City Walk is the JUMP SHOP. Anime and manga fans will be familiar with this store.
And since this is Japan, expect food and treats to greet you at every turn. Yes, even on your way to an old temple. Like this storefront on the way to Sumiyoshi Taisha. Sweet tooth galore~!
It is with a slightly heavy heart that I close this Osaka chapter in my Japan adventure with this photodiary. I wonder when I will get to see you again, Osaka? Gimme a hint?
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