Jean in Japan!

Well, if Emily can be in Paris, Jean can be in Japan!!

A long awaited journey has only just begun for me arriving Wed morning,  the most further East I have ever travelled.

As we flew into Osaka, from Abu Dhabi, early in tbe morning, I was fascinated with the neighbouring islands that we flew over on approach. Mountainous, they were covered in what looked like a moss green vegetation, possibly forests but from tbe air it looked like interlocking moss green velvet pin cushions!!! It seemed to stretch on  for miles until I could see the Coastline and a densely developed area. I discovered it was called Awaji Island and is on the direct approach to Kansai Airport where we landed.

This Airport is the world’s first Ocean Airport built on an artifical Island and is now sinking!!! I was happy to learn this information after we landed, am glad that I am returning from Tokyo!!!

A very pleasant bus journey of about an hour, after a rather chaotic arrival in the Airport due to constant security and immigration checks, was a lovely introduction to the Land of the Rising Sun. We had to cross the SkyGate Bridge , a double decker bridge ( another first for me!) to access this sprawling city of almost 3 million people. Multiple apartment blocks stretching upwards and an efficient road system with little congestion brought me to a Sheraton, my hotel centrally located.

After a couple of hours rest I ventured out alone to investigate the area. Japan is known to be a very safe country but I still made sure I was careful. Most important errand was to get cash as credit cards are not universally accepted. This job was completed quickly enough as there are lots of ATM’S about. It was dark but warm and people i asked for help, were very kind in helping with directions and change in the shops!

Early start this morning at 28 degrees!! I decided to walk as the city is laid out in  grid like fashion with wide footpaths along four lane avenues. Now, I call them footpaths,  but they are also cycle lanes for the tens of thousands of cyclists here, who manage to navigate through the pedestrians, while chatting on their phones, many with children carried behind them. I also noted that most locals are wearing masks.

Eventually I arrived at the Dotonbori River which flows through the City. I took a Cruise on this famous waterway that is located in the middle of a vast entertainment area and the place to go after dark, I am told. A long barge sailed under a number of Bridges, accompanied by a bi lingual commentary, a lot of which I didn’t understand, but we had fun!!!

There are Karaoke bars, Animation places ( big here) Cabaret and all sorts of entertainment for all tastes day and night, to be had in this area!

And now to SHOP!! I was headed to the nearby area of  Shinsaibashi where one can shop til you drop and I almost dropped!!! It is now over 30 degrees, very humid and very crowded

My research had highlighted the shops selling vintage designer bags, designer jewellery and watches, all at what was advertised as amazing bargain prices, so off I go!!!

Now, not being a regular buyer of designer accessories, I was somewhat taken aback by the prices!!! A known reader of this blog will not agree, but over €2,000 is not my idea of a bargain!!!! Maybe I am just mean??? There is a scale by which the prices are set, showing wear and tear. I kid you not!!!

Suffice to say,  I asked to see many ,with not a notion of buying, and to say some were decidedly scruffy,  was an under statement!!! This is when I miss a travelling companion, with whom we could have a giggle!!!

Anyway, onward for more retail therapy. The Japanese are very stylish and have produced many fabulous fashion designers, so I was interested to see this Fashion Academy in the middle of the Shopping area which supports many rising stars apparently.

I have now arrived at one of the leading Japanese Department Stores, Daimaru. It surpasses Saks Fifth Ave, Harrods, Brown Thomas etc. Absolutely fabulous, I decided to take a picture in the Cosmetic Hall and almost immediately over the PA, which had been live anyway, a voice said, We ask that patrons refrain from taking pictures inside the Store!!!!! The embarrassment, but I got the picture!!!

Then it was off to Uniqlo, more my budget!!! By now, exhausted, as there are so many little streets to investigate as well.

So time for a break, no better place than Ralph’s Cafe to recharge the batteries!

So, tonight I am.meeting my fellow travellers and tomorrow, I go to visit Nara, the ancient Capital of Japan, Osaka Castle and the famous Todai-ji Temple.

Come join me on the rest of the trip and hope you won’t be bored!!! I won’t be!!!