My Journey to Japan 1: Osaka

A few weeks ago I returned from a much need two weeks of self discovery in Japan.

Suddenly in late 2015 I fell in love with Japan, thanks to 4chan, Detective Conan and then in 2016; Keyakizaka46.

I began to study, and mentally digest all things Japanese, Deciding that I needed to live there, work there, study there. I felt that Japan was so different from where I am now (England) that it would be a truly exhilarating experience, and something (my higher self?) told me (and tells me still to this day) that Japan is part of my destiny.

So part 1 of my journey was to actually see if I liked it there, to love Japan not only from subjective ideals, but from experience also.

Here I will share my pictures and maybe a story also!

In Japan

I arrived at the airport in Manchester to be told my flight was delayed due to a fault, and that I would have to wait five hours longer, not only that I now had an extra stop in Shanghai, China! So I arrived about 10 hours later than expected and unbelievably with missing luggage, exhausted, and after travelling into Namba, I had no idea how to get to my hotel.

I saw these buskers on the street, a pleasant welcome!

After walking around for about an hour, and concerned due to it becoming dark, I finally plucked up the courage to get into a taxi. Honestly, the driver was very helpful, and despite language barrier (I am far from fluent) he got me where I needed to be, and didn't overcharge me (he charged me about £7 altogether)

So I'd arrived!

Sightseeing in Shinsaibashi

Shinsaibashi, a crazy, old fashioned in places, and modern in others. It's a beautiful mixture of east and west. My first few days I explored here, along with Dotonbori, I actually went to GU Shinsaibashi to buy clothes, as my bags didn't arrive until Day 3.

Dotonbori

One of the most spectacular views in Osaka, and bloody crowded! I found it overwhelming at first. So many people everywhere. Where I live in England, it's actually rather quiet. I began to acclimatize to the crowds after a while, which is a good thing, as I would be travelling to Tokyo a week later, and it was at least twice as busy as Osaka (Thats another post though).

Osaka Castle

I'll be honest, I began to get a little bit lonely. After a disastrous date with a dishonest person at the Hilton, I spent a day feeling pretty bad. I literally forced myself out of my hotel room and decided to do something. Osaka Castle was just what I needed.
It's a modern replica of a shogun's castle, and it's pretty beautiful. The whole castle compound is a tourist spot, and there is even a shrine there! Along with a hot dog stand, and dozens of market/shop stands. The view from the top is spectacular!