Day 74: January 14, 2022
Friday - Kyoto x Osaka
Yesterday, while I was watching the news I saw that there was so much snow in Kyoto. Although I now live in Hokkaido where snow is a common occurrence during winter, I was still fascinated with how much snow there was in the ancient capital of Japan. I have been to Kyoto twice during the winter season but I was not able to witness this much snow. Since I'm now vacationing in Osaka, I have had the chance to see with my own eyes what the scenery and the ancient temples would look like if they were covered in snow.
 |
| Here's my breakfast for the day. |
That's why the first thing that I did after waking up was to check my phone to see if it was still snowing in Kyoto. I also sent a message to my friend Gil who lives in the city to get the first info. After confirming what I wanted to hear, I immediately changed clothes and packed my travel bag.
 |
| Mr. Toshi dropped me off at Kumatori Station |
Mr. Toshi then drove me to Kumatori Station and rode the train bound for Osaka Station. I then transferred to the train bound for Kyoto Station.
When I arrived in Kyoto, I was disappointed to see that the snow around the station already melted. My friend Gil suggested I head to the northern part of the city as there might still be snow there. Following her suggestion, I boarded the subway and then transferred to a bus going to Kinkakuji hoping to see the magnificent Golden Pavilion covered with snow.
 |
| I'm happy to see that snow was still falling around Kinkakuji when I arrived |
Upon reaching the Kinkakujimichi bus stop, my morale was boosted when I saw snow still falling around the area. Visiting the temple grounds still covered with snow, I hurriedly went to the ticket booth and paid the 400 yen admission fee. All I can say is that the beauty of Kinkakuji today was worth the more or less 85-kilometer journey from Osaka.
From Kinkakuji, I boarded a bus to my next destination, Ninnaji. Like Kinkakuji, this temple is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's famous for its Omuro Zakura during spring. However, since it's nearby and I haven't been there yet I decided to visit it today. Well, it's a good decision to visit it now as I was the only visitor for quite some time. The snow and its 5-story pagoda were something to see too. Before leaving, I made sure to get a goshuin (temple stamp) for my collection.
 |
| It's my first time visiting Ninnaji |
After enjoying the atmosphere and the beautiful scenery of northern Kyoto City, I boarded a bus back to Kyoto Station.
 |
| Arrived at Osaka Station |
 |
| I still have plenty of time to explore this part of Osaka |
 |
| This is probably the largest station that I have visited so far |
 |
| Passed through the underpass going to Umekita Sotoniwa Square |
From there, I rode the train to Osaka Station. However, instead of transferring to the train back home, I left Osaka Station to visit Umeda Sky Building.
 |
| Heading up to the Kuchu Teien Observatory on the 40th Floor |
 |
| Kuchu Teien Observatory |
 |
| You would surely love the panoramic view of Osaka from here |
The Umeda Sky Building is popular for its sunset views so I was in luck as there was still time before the sunset. I excitedly walked to the building and headed up to the Kuchu Teien Observatory on the 40th Floor of the building. I had to pay 1500 yen though but it was worth it. The observatory has an amazing view of Osaka City. I stayed and watched the beautiful sunset. It was a sight to behold.
Since I only ate biscuits for lunch, I googled nearby places to eat dinner while going down to Umeda Sky Building. Just as I reached the ground floor, there was a tarpaulin of Takimi Koji which is a retro restaurant alley that replicates Showa-era Japan. It is conveniently located at the 1F and B1 of the Umeda Sky Building.
 |
| Kiji Okonomiyaki @ Takimi Koji |
 |
| It was the owner who cooks for his customers |
Takimi Koji has numerous restaurants. It took me almost half an hour to explore it before finally deciding where to eat. I eventually settled in Kiji Okonomiyaki.
 |
| The okonomiyaki of Kiji |
Okonomiyaki Kiji prides itself on its satisfying best seller which is - you guessed that right, okonomiyaki. The food was affordable and I also got to the front-row seat watching its chef create his masterpiece.
 |
| I got to have a souvenir photo taken with the owner of Kiji |
Aside from the delicious meal, what I enjoyed in Okonomiyaki Kiji was its rustic atmosphere. The chef who I assume is also the owner was very friendly. I even got to have a photo with him before I left.
 |
| Bye for now Umeda Sky Building |
From there, I walked back to Osaka Station and boarded the train back to Kumatori Station. Mr. Toshi was already there waiting for me when I arrived.
 |
| Time to go back home @ Osaka Station |
When I got home, my Japanese family had to disinfect me by spraying me with so much alcohol, as a matter of fact, if I was a virus, I'd probably shrivel and die. Just to ensure, I immediately took a dip in the hot tub to kill any rogue virus I might have brought with me. Before calling it a day, I spent the night chatting with Mr. Toshi. I also prepared my luggage for my flight back home tomorrow. Today's adventure was a perfect way to spend my last full day in Kansai Region.
Read more:
Comments
Post a Comment