Sunday, June 5, 2016

Japan - Osaka

Earlier this year, my family went on a trip to Japan because after a series of summer vacations, we wanted to visit a cold country for a change!



It was a midnight flight and I was initially very pleased because I thought I could just sleep the entire journey and sleeping makes flight time pass faster right? Well, FML because I couldn't sleep at all throughout the night!!!! And our itinerary starts right upon reaching Japan so I had no rest at all for a full day ahead!

I don't usually find airline meals tasty, but this time I ordered "Japanese Breakfast" and it is quite nice! The combination of salmon, veggies and rice was an appetizing start to the day.


We arrived at Osaka! Here are the highlights of our time in Osaka!



UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN

First stop, Universal Studios Japan, famous for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. Everyone told me this place is a must-go.



Japan is so pretty!!!! Snapped so many photos within the first few minutes of breathing Japan air. Hahaha we were particularly excited about the cold weather because the only cold holiday we ever had before this was Genting Highlands -_-" While walking to the theme park from the carpark, we squealed excitedly each time a cold breeze brushed against us.


There was a park attendant spraying water on the pathway to create characters. I was quite amused that there is such a job?? The water dries up after awhile though, like waste his effort eh!


Hello Universal Studios Japan!!!


We were all super happy and full of energy at this point.






Okay anti-climax now because we didn't actually enter the park. Hahaha. It wasn't part of our itinerary as we weren't interested to spend time in a theme park when we could be exploring the streets!

We had the chance to go check out the entrance because another group from our coach was visiting it and the guide was helping them buy tickets.... So we also went to see see look look.



Saw this row of barren trees and felt it was an awesome photo opportunity!


After I took this photo my entire family wanted to take the same photo too. Hahaha.


OH AND WE SAW SAKURA AT THE ENTRANCE!!!! We weren't supposed to see Sakura because we were in between seasons, so it was a nice surprise for us! All of us super excited but didn't managed to snap any nice photos of it as were were in a moving vehicle. But nevermind because we managed to take close up pretty photos afterwards. Will share in another entry! :)

We were only at the beginning of our trip but we know we love Japan already!



OSAKA CASTLE

The Osaka Castle is one of the main tourist attraction in Osaka, so we went! Nothing much, but we took many photos so that we can say "ya I got go before!" haha.

Share a little about my traveling preference... I like visiting all the typical tourist attractions on my first trip to every country, then on second visit onwards can be less touristy. I try to see as much as I can on each trip because I know I'd rather use my money to visit new countries than go back to the same country too many times within a short period of time.













Osaka Castle
1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 540-0002, Japan

SHINSAIBASHI

Went to a restaurant near the famous shopping street for dinner!



It's located on the upper level and we had to remove our shoes and put them in the locker before going in.


There are several rooms of various sizes. It was quite a cozy and homely experience eating while sitting on the mat! Luckily, there's space under the table for our legs.... Don't need to kneel for the whole dinner! Haha.


Simple but delicious.





THIS GRILLED FISH IS DAMN YUMMY, in fact, the nicest fish I ate the entire trip. How I wish I can have it again!


I don't usually like tempura, but I still tried everything because I figured the ones in Japan will be nicer than the ones we have here. And it's true! It was already cold but the batter is still crispy. I usually only eat prawn and leave the rest untouched, but that day I finished even the assorted vegetables.





Then we walked to Shinsaibashi-Suji, Osaka's main shopping street! Very crowded and happening here!





Shinsaibashi-Suji
2 Chome-2-22 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 542-0085, Japan



Visited a minimart to buy some supper back to the hotel to eat!




Bought cup noodles, onigiri, and a peach drink!

Had a hard time choosing the onigiri because everything's in Japanese. The shop assistant didn't understand English too, and I was contemplating whether to ask a random shopper when our guide suddenly appeared and pointed out the grilled salmon flavour for me. So worth it because the onigiri is super yummy!!!! Plus the seaweed is very crispy. After I came back to Singapore, I bought a local brand onigiri from our convenience store and it was such a disappointment. Different country really got difference eh!

And we laughed so hard at the "1% Juice" on the peach drink packaging. They are so honest! Usually people only show 100%. If really want put 1% also will make the font super small. Hahaha. But it's quite nice, don't taste artificial at all!



We bought the mineral water to boil for the cup noodles instead of using tap water. It was our first time having egg instant noodles and needless to say, we are all very happy with supper!! Very nice eh why Singapore don't have?? Really got a generous serving of egg inside!

4 comments :

  1. Yaaay finally! I've been eagerly waiting for your Japan trip post :D Can't wait for the next one~

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  2. Hi, May I know which travel agency u chose? Any recommendation?

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    Replies
    1. Hong Thai :) The japanese tour guide isn't as funny or talkative as others i've met but she takes good care of us :)

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