As you have read from the title, or maybe seen my posts on social media, I visited Japan for the first time in my life during the winter break. It was an interesting trip as it was the first time I've traveled abroad alone (no. we are not counting in Korea, since I've been living here a while already). I tried my best in seeing as many things in Osaka as I could in the three full days I had. I arrived in Osaka in the Monday evening (Feb 6) and left on the Friday morning (Feb 10). Out of my three days I spared one day for visit to Kyoto which I now regret. I simply should have had few days in Osaka and few days in Kyoto. Both are big cities and there are a lot of things to see. My stay wasn't simply long enough. But I still enjoyed my time there.
Universal Studios Japan
On Tuesday I decided to visit Universal Studios Japan. The ticket was rather expensive... And because it was a bit chilly I wasn't too fascinated by the outdoor rides. But it was still an interesting experience I enjoyed my time at there. Probably, I spent way too much money on souvenirs, but I've never been to Disney World (or Disney Land) or any such place so I thought now that I have the chance I need to enjoy myself to fullest and not care too much about the money. And I bought just a little compared to many Korean tourists. ;P
I could imagine myself going to the Universal Studios sometime again if it was warm. That way I could try the outdoor rides as well. :)
Kyoto - Fushimi Inari Taishi, Kinkakuji, and Imperial Palace
On Wednesday I headed to Kyoto. All the historical sights.... I need to go there again some day in the future. One day was simply not enough. I could have spent so much more time exploring the city if I'd had energy and time to do so.
The first thing I did was to go see Fushimi Inari Taishi Shrine and climb up all the way to the mountain top. It was interesting experience as I know my fitness was not at its best due the lack of exercise. Yet me, Chinese, and Korean tourists were the ones to keep steady pace in climbing while many other westerners seemed to have a lot of trouble. I guess I'm a bit more used to hiking thanks to the hill to the dorms at KU. ;P It was refreshing and the view was very beautiful once you got all the way to the top.
Next I headed to Kinkakuji - the famous golden temple. The place was very beautiful. It's difficult to express by words, but there was this really peaceful and harmonious atmosphere despite all the people who had come to see the shrine. Definitely worth visiting at least once. :)
The last place I visited in was the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The old Japanese architecture and landscaping... <3 I've always been a fan of Japanese gardens. :)
Osaka - Pokemon Center, Osaka Castle, and Shitennoji Temple
My last full day in Osaka was a small disappointment because it kept raining for the most of the day. Despite the rain I tried to enjoy my last opportunity to go around the city.
I found out that there is a Pokemon Center close to Osaka station so I headed there. It was amazing! Though very expensive. There were so many plushies and other items I wanted to buy so bad but I simply couldn't. After all I'm a student with limited budget. But it was still worth going because of the nostalgic feeling. I loved Pokemon and I remember how big of a deal it was when they started broadcasting the anime for the first time in Finland.
Next stop was Osaka castle and Museum of History. I wish the weather had been better because the Osaka Castle would have looked so much better if it had been sunny. The view from the top was amazing and the surroundings of the castle park were worth exploring. I especially enjoyed the plum orchad. So pretty!
I also visited Shitennoji temple which is famous Buddhist temple in Osaka. Sadly, some parts were under reconstruction... However, I had fun surprising bunch of Korean guys with my Korean skills. I heard them wondering if they should try asking me (I was the only one there at the moment) to take a picture for them in English, but they gave up (because none of them apparently spoke "good" enough English). A bit later I offered, in Korean, to take a picture of them since it wasn't working without an outsider's help. Their faces... It was so difficult to keep straight face. :D
Overall the trip was really memorable. I was a little bit drawn down by the fact that I felt I was still in Korea. Wherever I went, there I would always find myself surrounded by Korean tourists. I guess you could compare it going to Tallinn, Estonia. If you ever visit Tallinn you will find yourself surrounded by Finnish tourists. This comparison is something at least Finns and Estonians should understand ;P I traveled all the way to Japan to experience something different and all I could hear was Korean everywhere. ^^'
The best aspect in Japan was its people. Everyone was so nice to me and ready to help even though I speak no Japanese (except few words). Also once you got the hold of the commuting system it wasn't that difficult to use the public transportation. :) So I'd say Osaka is rather a tourist friendly city to visit.
This has been a short update to my adventures here in East Asia.
Till next time!¨
xxx
The first thing I did was to go see Fushimi Inari Taishi Shrine and climb up all the way to the mountain top. It was interesting experience as I know my fitness was not at its best due the lack of exercise. Yet me, Chinese, and Korean tourists were the ones to keep steady pace in climbing while many other westerners seemed to have a lot of trouble. I guess I'm a bit more used to hiking thanks to the hill to the dorms at KU. ;P It was refreshing and the view was very beautiful once you got all the way to the top.
Next I headed to Kinkakuji - the famous golden temple. The place was very beautiful. It's difficult to express by words, but there was this really peaceful and harmonious atmosphere despite all the people who had come to see the shrine. Definitely worth visiting at least once. :)
The last place I visited in was the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The old Japanese architecture and landscaping... <3 I've always been a fan of Japanese gardens. :)
Osaka - Pokemon Center, Osaka Castle, and Shitennoji Temple
My last full day in Osaka was a small disappointment because it kept raining for the most of the day. Despite the rain I tried to enjoy my last opportunity to go around the city.
I found out that there is a Pokemon Center close to Osaka station so I headed there. It was amazing! Though very expensive. There were so many plushies and other items I wanted to buy so bad but I simply couldn't. After all I'm a student with limited budget. But it was still worth going because of the nostalgic feeling. I loved Pokemon and I remember how big of a deal it was when they started broadcasting the anime for the first time in Finland.
Next stop was Osaka castle and Museum of History. I wish the weather had been better because the Osaka Castle would have looked so much better if it had been sunny. The view from the top was amazing and the surroundings of the castle park were worth exploring. I especially enjoyed the plum orchad. So pretty!
I also visited Shitennoji temple which is famous Buddhist temple in Osaka. Sadly, some parts were under reconstruction... However, I had fun surprising bunch of Korean guys with my Korean skills. I heard them wondering if they should try asking me (I was the only one there at the moment) to take a picture for them in English, but they gave up (because none of them apparently spoke "good" enough English). A bit later I offered, in Korean, to take a picture of them since it wasn't working without an outsider's help. Their faces... It was so difficult to keep straight face. :D
Overall the trip was really memorable. I was a little bit drawn down by the fact that I felt I was still in Korea. Wherever I went, there I would always find myself surrounded by Korean tourists. I guess you could compare it going to Tallinn, Estonia. If you ever visit Tallinn you will find yourself surrounded by Finnish tourists. This comparison is something at least Finns and Estonians should understand ;P I traveled all the way to Japan to experience something different and all I could hear was Korean everywhere. ^^'
The best aspect in Japan was its people. Everyone was so nice to me and ready to help even though I speak no Japanese (except few words). Also once you got the hold of the commuting system it wasn't that difficult to use the public transportation. :) So I'd say Osaka is rather a tourist friendly city to visit.
This has been a short update to my adventures here in East Asia.
Till next time!¨
xxx
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