In Denden Town for Toys! Toys! Toys!

It was my final night in the city and I'm leaving next day morning so I opted not to waste my remaining time in the city. A lot of Japanese animation, or anime, has dominated the world and it is just for me to get a piece of it while in the country. As soon as I get back from Kyoto, O headed to Denden Town by taking subway train to Ebisucho station.

A few minutes walk from Ebisucho station will bring you to Nipponbashi, also known as Denden Town, where you can find shops specializing in gadgets, electronics, anime, collectibles, comic books and yes, some take home "adult entertainment". You would say it's like a Disneyland for modern adults!


It was late at night so there wasn't a lot of shoppers in the area and some shops are about to close already. Walking past store by store, you would see characters that will sure bring back memories of your childhood!


character collectibles


manga comics and books


some character figures on display


I was on a quest looking for something related from a show I haven't heard of so it has been hard talking with the store personnel who didn't understand English much. Great thing I was able to find someone more capable who did the translation for me. Roshie was looking for some items related to the anime and manga series Chobits. She was looking for Chi and Elda but apparently none was available so I got whatever there was related to the series.


I also bought a few Shin-chan items for myself, a number of Hello Kitty stuffs and some Naruto things and then I headed back home. I wasn't much of an anime fan but if I was, I'm sure I had stayed longer!

Walking farther from Denden Town and towards the hotel, I happened to pass by a Japanese fast food chain I like in the Philippines - Yoshinoya . Since I haven't had dinner yet, it's just perfect timing that I go in and grab something to eat.


Eating here is very much different from eating in a Yoshinoya in the Philippines. This place looks like a very small and casual eatery.


I sat down on one chair and by pointing, I ordered Set A of beef bowl (beef gyudon rice toppings), inclusive of miso soup and cabbage with corn salad (JPY750). The beef bowl is a usual comfort food for me and nothing beats eating one from Japan! I am not exaggerating but it was delicious as it was freshly cooked!


I decided to walk back to the hotel rather than taking the subway. On the way back, I happened to pass by a dog, tied on a pole standing on its feet. Cute!


When I reached the hotel, I just slept and woke up early the next day in time to leave the hotel and head back to the airport. It was a short trip 4-day trip for me, which felt like just 2 because the first day was spent for inbound transit and the last day was spent for outbound transit. Definitely, I will be back!

A Kyoto Day Trip

For breakfast on my 3rd day, I just had an instant ramen (soup noodle) which I bought from the convenience store and off I went again for a day of exploration. I was supposed to be booked for a tour in another city, but due to miscommunication, I missed the group so I had to do the tour by myself, covering as much as I can using public transportation.


Kyoto was the capital of Japan for centuries, until the informal transfer of the title to Tokyo. A lot of history and culture, and Japan's roots can be felt and experienced in the city. Later did I know that I was in for a series of visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the city.

I arrived to Kyoto via train from Namba station in Osaka to Kyoto (JPY890). The trip wasn't that long and probably took around just 45 minutes.


outside Kyoto Station


As I exited Osaka Station, the first thing I saw was the Kyoto Tower, an oberservation tower and tallest structure in the city.


I bought a Kyoto Sightseeing One-day Pass Card (JPY1200). A two-day pass is also availble for JPY2000. The pass allowed me to ride subways and buses unlimited for the whole day.


To try out the card, I then proceeded to my first destination - Nijo Castle. I took the train to Nijojo-mae station which is a short distance away from this UNESCO World Heritage Site castle. Entrance is at JPY600.


Ninomaru Palace


garden lake


castle grounds


From Nijo Castle, I walked over to Kyoto Imperial Palace, which was the official residence until 1869 when the capital was moved to Tokyo. Emperor of Japan today resides in Tokyo Imperial Palace, so this is its counterpart in this side of the country.

As I arrived it seems to me the entrance was closed, I tried to walk further on other entrance just to give it a try.


Too bad for me, it really was closed that day. Further research later revealed that it is scheduled to be close on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays. I just explored the park and vicinity outside the palace on my way to the bus station.


outside the palace


garden and pond outside the palace


I took the bus again, this time bound to Kinkaku-ji or Temple of the Golden Pavilion. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a buddhist temple surrounded by a zen garden. Entrance fee for JPY400.


It is famous for its golden pagoda, a 3-story structure over a pond that gives a beautiful reflection of this majestic pavilion.


me


grounds of kinkaku-ji



I rode a bus again, this time to Heian Shrine.


near the shrine


Heian Palace and Shinto Shrine (right). The palace was the original palace in the city during the years of 794-1185 (Heian Period).


Another bus ride and I am now on my way to Kiyomizu-Dera, a Buddhist temple and is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. For me to go there, I have to walk a steep hill for a few minutes.


the temple


gate


on the way down the hill


From there, I rode a bus to Kyoto National Museum, formerly called the Imperial Museum of Kyoto was opened in 1897.


It was closed for a month (September 7 - October 9), so I didn't get to see the exhibits inside.


That was my last stop and I decided to go back to Kyoto station again ultimately back to Osaka. As I arrived the station however, I followed signs out of curiousity which led me to Osamu Tezuka World.


Here you can see different characters created by the manga artist Osamu Tezuka. Above you can see Astroboy, and Princess Knight. Below is a picture of me and Astroboy.


This vending machine caught my attention and I was about to enter the station. Apparently, it can dispense hot meals such as chicken and fries, chicken nuggets, hotdog sandwiches, noodles, etc. If I was hungry I should have tried it! Perhaps even if I wasn't, I should have and I regret not trying it today.


ticket back from Osaka to Kyoto (JPY540). I wonder why this was cheaper?


A very lovely city! Kyoto has it's old feel and charm and there are lots to explore about the city. In fact, to understand Japan more, a visit to this place is essential for appreciation. I just wished I stayed longer!

Walking on Dotonbori and Osaka Shinsekai

Dotonbori, is a popular destination street in Osaka to both locals and tourist. Here is where you can find a number of restaurants and entertainment establishments all close together.

Minutes after I arrived at the hotel from Universal Studios Japan, I found myself on the go again, taking train to Nippombashi station from Dobutsuen-mae (JPY200).


Here are some of the things I saw in Dotonbori:

Plates Dotonbori Hotel Gloria




Krani Doraku (crab restaurant on the left) and other restaurants


performer


floating blowfish lantern


pachinko


Walking further, I arrived at Osaka Shinsekai where Tsutenkaku Tower, an observatory tower is located. This is the second generation of the tower as the first was destroyed during war. The original tower is similar to Eiffel Tower.


more restaurants in Shinsekai


another floating blowfish


another view of the Tsutenkaku Tower


After having dinner at a fast food (Yoshinoya), I headed back to the hotel (by walking) and took a deep rest. It was just my second day and I have already covered a lot! Looking forward for Day 3 in the city!