Shinseikai & Namba

New day , new adventure. This morning was a bit difficult because of all the food of yesterday evening ^^ The good thing about taking your time is that you actually meet people. The Toyo Hostel where i’m staying is a great place to meet backpackers and Japanese. I would recommand this place because it’s so cheap , clean , you have a private room and the people are so nice. This morning I have met Hajime chan and Seiya. Two really cool Japaneses. It was time to start the day in good compagny.

Ohayo Gosaimasu with new tomodachi.

This morning we are going to the very nearby “Shinseikai” area. A very popular area which has been described as being “Deep japan” by a Japanese friend.

You can play some fun games. On this one you had to shoot some foods with a fake riffle. I believe this game was impossible to do anyway. The food package wouldn’t move at all. But it was good fun and the people so lovely.

In Shinseikai there is many old school arcades where you can play old classic games.

The good old memories. From Mario to Street fighter you could go back in time for a 100 yen coin. We played Metal Slug 3 in there. Very fun game.

Welcome to the heart of Shinseikai.

With our good friend Seiya. In the background you can spot the iconic “Tsutentaku” tower. Shinseikai is a fun area to explore. It has a very laid back and fun atmosphere.
“Shinsaikai” means “New world” in Japanese. This area was developping before the war and then neglected in the decades afterward. It also an area with many homeless people. It’s interesting to see this contrast in Japan. It’s a sad reality that even touches developed  countries. This area is actually safe just in case you wonder. I walked there after midnight and nothing dodgy. Many guesthouses a located in this area because it’s a very cheap place to live. Dont hesitate to come here , even if at first it’s doesnt look attracting.

Kitkat Sake in a store. I wonder how does that taste. Kitkat is big thing in Japan. You can find many unique flavors that doesn’t exist back in Europe.

Why not looking in the future now ?

Let’s look in Seiya hands to see what the future will bring.

So according to this woman Seiya will become rich in one year. Mmmh okay , good for him 🙂 This woman was apparently famous. That’s what she said anyway ^^ You could see “famous” pictures of peoples she have seen before. Maybe she have some powers. Maybe.

Let’s go back to Doutombori street in the vibrant Namba district.

Nice to back here with friends. I think you really have to experience Osaka with people. Osaka is a people city more than a sight city.
You can also try Fugu fish here. It’s known to be a deadly mortal fish if cooked not properly. It’s also a very expensive food.

Kabuki art from the Kabuiki museum in the heart of Doutombori. Kabuki is an old type of theatre in Japan. It’s an old tradition that’s still take place in some cities. Especially in Tokyo.

Okay let’s try more food now. The good thing about being with Japaneses people is that you can know about the good / local places to eat. I really wanted to try Okonomiyaki today. We founded the perfect place for that.

Okonomiyaki could be compared as an omelette. It literally translate has “All that you want”. As Japanese people say it’s a “Soul food”. You’ll find many different type of Okonomiyaki in Japan. The two most famous type are in Osaka and Hiroshima.

This looked really yummy. After 30 min of waiting we are in the restaurant. You can order many type of Okonomiyaki. I went for a veggie one with extra Kimchi topping.

This is it , Okonomiyaki. It will be serve on a hot surface so be carefull not to burn yourself. You then have to cut the Okonomiyaki in pieces (like a pizza) with a special knife. This tasted incredibily good ! I understand why people talked about Soul food. The texture , the flavors , all of it was very pleasing. On top you see a topping of : seaweed ,mayonnaise and a sweet soy sauce. This was an explosion of flavors. Make sure you try this food in Osaka.

Sake time in the bar in front. A small bar where you can only be stand up. Osaka is a really fun place. You can indulge life without paying attention at how you look or sound. It’s a very human city. It’s feels definitely different than other Japan. A more laidback and “rebel” vibe to it. I’m really impressed by how nice it is actually.
If you look around you might see some cool buildings.

This is the Michikusa appartment. And old disaffected building that has been rebuilded by young artists. The end result is great. You can find indie shops and cafés inside. Each shop had a lot of personality. This reminds me of “Berlin” somehow.  Osaka has an alternative vibe.

A bit further you might come across “hotel broccoli” !

Strange name for an hotel. It’s actually a “love hotel”. Big cities has a lot of them. This places are made for … Love ! This is what will save Japanese low natality rate problem. Make love my friends!

Love Hotel street in Osaka.

After two days in Osaka i’m realising how cool is that city. I almost didn’t went in Osaka because I thought there were no much to see . It’s true , you dont go to Osaka for the views but for the people that live in it. Osaka is rebel , young , vibrant and alternative. Osaka was a great suprise and I’m glad I stopped here 2 days.

Now it’s time to go for a long Nature break. Let’s go to the sacred mountain of Koyosan. Back to temples and nature.

See you for the next discoveries guys.
Take care !