Lovely Japan

Lovely Japan! We finally made it to your orderly shores. We flew from Busan to Osaka. We'd originally planned to catch the ferry to Fukuoka, however a ferocious typhoon changed our plans. Plus we are getting a bit tired, as we near the four month mark of our travels!

We easily picked up our ICOCA metro cards, which can be used in all major cities. Our pocket wifi router, which Richie pre ordered, was waiting for us at our hotel and we were all set to go. The train system is not as clear as Korea (I'm still in love with all things Korean, it's my favourite at the moment) because they have about 3 or 4 different train systems. The biggest killer is that each station has up to 20 exits - I kid you not - and the wrong exit can put you miles away, from where you thought you be!

Saturday night fever, Shinsaibashi, Osaka

As we arrived in Osaka on a Saturday, the hotel we wanted wasn't available until the Sunday. It seems weekends get booked early in Japan. However, we thought we'd make the best of the situation and decided to experience a capsule hotel for one night. 

Shinsaibashi scenes

It was difficult to find one that had capsules for both men and women - most are for men only. We eventually booked the Asahi Plaza Hotel in Shinsaibashi. We took a train from the airport to Namba station - well that was an eye opener! Saturday night in Namba is like News Years Eve in Picadilly Circus! People everywhere and each more fascinating than the last! There we were wandering around with our cases, fighting our way through the throngs of Saturday night partiers, trying to find our hotel! Just as well we have only the hand luggage! We eventually located our hotel, through trial and error and unreliable Google Maps - damn your eyes Google Maps!

This is the morning after. It might not look it - but that's me well rested!

What, no view?

After dumping our bags, we headed back out into the wild Osaka evening and we found a fabulous Takiyaki bar in Shinsaibashi. We spent a great evening stuffing ourselves with fried octopus balls and beer. Japanese restaurant staff, shout a huge greeting when you enter, another huge shout of appreciation whenever you order and a several more huge shouts goodbye - it really makes for a fun night - and makes you feel like a really important and loved guest. Of course we have no idea what they were shouting, but after a few beers and wines, we decided they were shouting "Norm"!

First night in Osaka, Takiyaki bar number one!

After our riotous evening, we duly arrived at our capsule hotel and Richard went one way, upstairs to the Mens floor and I went t'other, downstairs to the floor for Ladies.

I hadn't figured out the whole bath etiquette - it was quite daunting, especially after a few wines. I poked my head into the steam room and saw a couple of thin, ghostly white naked figures and quickly scurried off. I've never been one for public nakedness, so being the dirty pom that I really am - I settled for a good old fashioned APC, put on my hotel supplied pajamas and crawled into my capsule. I slept surprisingly well. 

Poetic version of events

I think Capsule Hotels are a great cheap option - if you were travelling alone or with someone of the same sex. Next time though, I'll get a handle on the bathing etiquette and go for it (possibly might shave my legs first though!

Am I in Sanur? Oh no, it's Osaka!

We spent the next four days at the Bali Towers Hotel - too cute! They really had captured the feel of Bali, the same annoying bing, bong music was playing in the lobby and there was a delicate waft of incense. This was our first Japanese hotel and I couldn't believe all the free stuff they give you. In the lobby was a big display of huge bottles of lotions and potions you could help yourself to - shame we only have hand luggage! 

Our warung, Bali Towers hotel

However, I did get stuck into the bath salts and face masks. Our room had even more unguents and potions! Another fabulous space age toilet, this one even played music to cover any inappropriate human noises, a slipper sterilizer, a face steamer, a microwave, a humidifier, DVD player - you name it - it had everything that opens and closes - oh except anywhere to hang your clothes ! Still in spite of the teeny tiny size of the room, it was a lovely hotel. Oh I nearly forgot the free wine and puddings in the lobby!

Osaka Castle

We spent a few lazy days visiting Osaka Castle and the Osaka History Museum, (trying to outrun all the school children); visited the Tennoji Gardens (from the outside - 'cos it was full of kids and we were too mean to pay an entrance fee) had drinks at the Umeda Sky Tower - not overly impressive - especially when you've seen the sexy Petronus Towers. 

Found a couple more Takiyaki bars and conquered the confusing metro system. Osaka seems to have as many shops and restaurants underground, as it does above ground. We ducked down lots of small alley ways and ate in little places with no English menus. The Japanese are so friendly and polite - that you manage to order something interesting - even if it's not what you thought. 

Boo hoo, it's all head and no beer!

Takiyaki Bar no. 2

Next stop Hiroshima. We have booked all our hotels for the rest of our trip now and all our transport except train from Kyoto to Tokyo. We had to have a flight out of Japan booked, to be allowed into the country, then we found hotels get booked really quickly - so we bit the bullet and booked up flights, buses and hotels until we get home. Oh home - I miss fatty!

Scenes of Osaka, as seen by Richie!

Bye bye Osaka, our first taste of Japan, was fabulous. Now we'll see what the Japanese bus service is all about. We are catching the Willer Bus to Hiroshima in the morning - have to get up at 5am - not happy Jan!