Osaka

Kinosaki Onsen – Osaka (Shin-imamiya)

From Kinosaki Onsen, we took the train to Kyoto before changing trains to Osaka.

One of the constant thing that we did throughout our entire trip was running around the train station trying to catch our transfer train. While it wasn’t as big a problem for some of the smaller stations, the major train stations did certainly prove to be a challenge for us at first. We not only have to figure out which platform to board our train, but also how to get to that platform. Navigating around a crowded, multi-level train stations with more platforms is no joking matter.

Luckily for us, Hyperdia contained not only train schedules, but arrival and departure platforms for most of the trains that we were taking. The information is rather accurate.

After arriving at Osaka Station, we took the Osaka JR-Loop line to get to Shin-Imamiya station where our Airbnb lodging was located at.

Prior to arriving at the Apartment, we were communicating with the owners with Airbnb messaging. The hosts were prompt in replying messages. What I thought was a huge plus was that how the hosts understood the that travel plans are prone to last-minute changes. While they checked with us on the approximate time that we will arrive for our check-in, the host also provided self check-in instructions for us. The host was very clear with the instructions on how to get to the apartment from the train station, providing a step by step guide and a map as well. All these were sent before I left for Japan.

We arrived way ahead of our planned check-in time as we decided to forgo some of our planned trips such as visiting the Asahi Beer Factory. The apartment was very conveniently located near a JR-Station which is great for travellers traveling with the JR-Pass. We took a short walk under Osaka’s scorching weather which was a huge difference from the cooling weather back in Kinosaki Onsen. As expected, at the time of our arrival, the host was not around. We got access into the apartment and shortly after, the host came back and checked us in.

Perhaps the most interesting feature of this apartment is how the whole place just looks like one of those huge kiddy-playground where you have to find your way through a series of tunnels to get from one point to another.

At check-in, the host brought us for a tour of the entire apartment. We walked the maze to check out the dining area and common shower area. It was certainly a place that was very different from all the accommodations that I have stayed at so far. While the amenities provided was very basic, all the essentials for the regular back-packers was provided. From laundry facilities to a very well stocked pantry area where you can whip your own meals if you desire to.

Our room was located on the ground floor in a building that is adjacent to the reception area. While it is accessible from the main building through a series of stairs and passageway, it was easier for us to leave the building and to re-enter through another side door.

There are no beds here, only futons on tatami mats which was still very comfortable. The room itself was not very big, but just enough for the two of us. A small table was provided together with a desk lamp and fans. The air-conditioning was sufficient so we left the fan provided in the cupboard.

One of the places that we decided to visit was the local supermarket. We wanted to get some supplies as we will be staying at the apartment for 4 nights. There is quite a number of supermarkets and convenience stores around the apartment.

Supermarket Tamade was located at a rather old shopping arcade behind our apartment. The arcade itself was honestly a very stark difference from the clean and perfect image of Japan most people would have. It looked as though it came out from a movies back in the 60s; most of the old stores survived the rapid development of the country here in this street.

We dropped our purchases off at the apartment and decided to walk towards Osaka Namba. From Shin-Immamiya station, we walked north and came across Daiso. Daiso in Japan is cheaper than back here in Singapore as each item is going for ¥100 (¥108 after taxes). Taking up a whole two-storey building, the store is a heaven for Daiso shoppers. Featuring way more varieties than Singapore, popular items that are frequently sold out can be found here.

We left and continued our journey. We got to Ebisucho Station where the Osaka Den Den Town is located. Den Den Town is basically a whole area filed with electronics shops. The place was also very crowded and the walkway along the main road was honestly not very wide. We didn’t really stop to look at any of the shops here and we turned into an alley hoping for a short-cut to get to Osaka Namba for dinner.

After dinner, we attempted to walk into the Don Quixote store along the Dotonbori Canal, but it was extremely crowded though the building itself was a few stories. We left the building empty-handed and took a stroll along the river.

Remembering that there was a night market along the river-side, we decided to walk towards that area. Just a few minutes walk away and the entire atmosphere has changed. There were way fewer tourists at the walkway and the majority of people were locals. Nearer towards the Minatomachi River Place, homeless people were setting up makeshift shelters under the bridge to rest for the night.

We got to the night market at Minatomachi River Place, and there was an indie local band playing on the stage and some food stalls set up in tentages. We got some food and sat on the steps of the river place overlooking the canal and chilled with the lingering sound of the band playing. There was a group of locals practicing their dance moves, and a few other groups of people just sitting down by the steps and chilling.

We sat there for a while before walking to the JR-Namba station which was just behind the place and we took the JR-Train back to our apartment.

Having read online about how the Shinsekai area is dangerous, walking through the streets of Shinsekai felt rather quiet. The area around our apartment (south of Shinsekai where the dingy looking shopping arcade are) feels more like a place that fits the description of a “seedy and dangerous” neighbourhood.