In my home city of Fukuoka, I naturally eat tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen, but that’s not feasible in Osaka… While searching, I discovered a shop called Yosuko Ramen.

Upon investigation, it turned out to be a popular spot known among Osaka locals, serving crystal-clear salt broth ramen—something rarely (if ever) found in Fukuoka or elsewhere.

So off I went!

Yosuko Ramen Meimei is Within Walking Distance of Umeda

Yosuko Ramen Meimei was located very close to my accommodation.

Located in Nakazaki-cho, it’s walkable from Osaka Station and Umeda in about 10 minutes.

Yosuko refers to the Yangtze River, China’s major waterway, though why the shop has this name remains unclear.
Perhaps it was opened by someone from China.

Quite a charming exterior. Let’s go in!

The menu looks like a typical Chinese restaurant with an emphasis on noodles.

I forgot to photograph the interior, but it was a small shop with a wooden counter and a few tables.
The staff appeared to be from China.

I ordered Set A for ¥700! (Price as of 2013)
Ramen with braised pork belly and rice at this price is quite reasonable.

Crystal-Clear Salt Broth – Refreshingly Delicious

First to arrive was the braised pork belly and rice.
Sweet-savory sauce-marinated pork is delicious. Works perfectly with both rice and as a beer snack.

And here’s the ramen!
The broth is so transparent you’d think it was just hot water. I braced myself for extremely mild flavor, but surprisingly, the salt and dashi broth are robustly flavorful and delicious. Perfect for finishing a meal.

The noodles are thin and straightforward—neither particularly distinctive nor flawed.

Crispy vegetables!

Adding the fried scallions from the table condiments…

The salt broth gains aromatic depth, adding another dimension of flavor.
Maybe add halfway through eating for the best effect.

Pepper too.

Yosuko Ramen – Simple Yet Profoundly Flavorful

To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much, but it turned out to be surprisingly high quality with great value.
It works for regular meals or as a late-night drinking finish. (I personally quite enjoyed the flavor!)

If you visit Osaka, definitely stop by!

When I think of Osaka (in my mind), Tsutenkaku Tower, Shinsekai, Namba Grand Kagetsu theater, and the Glico neon sign come to mind, but I had no idea where they were located.

After some research, I found that while somewhat scattered, everything was within walking distance, so I decided to take a walking tour around the area.

For anyone like me who thinks “I want to check out those places, but I have no idea where they are,” I’d like to share this photo report!

The Route I Walked

In search of iconic “Osaka spots,” here’s the route I took:

It’s quite a bit of walking, so take it as a rough guide.

Note: I walked this route and took these photos in 2013, so the scenery may have changed somewhat by now. Please keep that in mind.

Dobutsuen-mae → Shinsekai → Tsutenkaku

Exiting Dobutsuen-mae Station and turning down a side street, a colorful avenue came into view.
This is Shinsekai.
I wanted to try some fried skewers, but time was short, so I passed through!

Walking with Tsutenkaku in sight.

This is Billiken.
Originally a statue created by someone in America, it’s apparently been placed here in Osaka as a god of good fortune.

The flamboyant atmosphere really does strike visitors from other prefectures as “quintessentially Osaka!”
I’d like to come back here at night next time.

Turning a corner, Tsutenkaku came directly into view!

Passing underneath and continuing on.

Leaving Tsutenkaku Hondon Street and emerging onto a main road.

“Double-dipping sauce is forbidden!”

Nihonbashi → Namba, Grand Kagetsu Theater

Emerging onto a large avenue heading toward Namba.
Wait, why are there so many electronics shops? I realized I’d reached Nihonbashi, Kansai’s largest electronics district.
Being a weekday morning, there weren’t many people around.

Many specialty electronics components are sold here, of course along with large retailers like Sofmap.

Game and anime shops dot the area.
Personally, my impression is that Akihabara is a young person’s district with a heavy anime focus, while Nihonbashi still retains much of its historic character as an electronics district.

After leaving Nihonbashi, I had lunch at Chitose, a nikusuui restaurant.

Nikusuui, which reportedly started as “beef udon without the noodles.”
The sweet-savory broth and tender beef made for a taste I really enjoyed. (Being a big beef udon fan already!)

For a detailed review of that meal, see the article below.

[Gourmet] Sweet Dashi Meat Broth Soothes the Soul at Chitose in Osaka’s Namba

Continuing on, I passed in front of Namba Grand Kagetsu Theater on Sennichimae.

The aggressive hawking and upbeat energy really do feel like the headquarters of Yoshimoto entertainment. Character mascots of comedians like Akashiya Sanma greet visitors.
I’d like to go inside next time!

Continuing through Namba toward Dotonbori.
There are the famous signs everyone thinks of when they think Osaka—the Kani Doraku crab and the Glico neon!

Namba → Dotonbori, Kani Doraku and Glico Neon

Takashimaya in front of Namba Station.

I’ve finally arrived in Dotonbori!

The historic Osaka Shochiku Theater.

So this is the famous moving crab sign from Kani Doraku that you see on TV!

Here too, brightly colored signs compete for attention everywhere. It’s all about standing out.

Osaka specialty Kuidaore.

Large objects hanging from signs has become basically the default here.

A dangling cow.

Every sign aggressively declares “Look at me!” This is Osaka!

Don Quijote has an unusually shaped Ferris wheel attached.

Stepping back a bit, Ebisu Bridge was the finishing point for today’s walk.
This is the spot that appears in almost every “We asked Osaka residents!” type TV segment.
Almost everyone has seen the Glico neon somewhere at some point.

Final Thoughts

Walking through what I consider the quintessential Osaka spots made for quite an enjoyable stroll. If you don’t mind the distance, it’s a recommended route for experiencing Osaka!

The rooms don’t have private toilets or showers (they’re communal), but the facilities are well-equipped with a large public bath, sauna, shower rooms, and wireless LAN.

While it has amazing cost performance and high ratings on various travel booking sites, there are a few points that require some caution.
I’ll introduce all of this, including those points, in this article!

“Hotel Mikado” located in Nishinari Ward, Japan’s largest skid row area requiring attention to safety

The “Hotel Mikado” we’re visiting this time is closest to Dobutsuen-mae Station on the Osaka Municipal Subway.
Right away, I spotted a man acrobatically running while holding down cardboard boxes on his cart.
This area has a high concentration of older men doing unclear activities.

Yes, this is on the edge of the “Airin District,” known to those in the know as Japan’s largest skid row and said to be one of Japan’s most dangerous areas in terms of public safety.

Now, let’s head to our destination by turning off the main street.
A street lined with budget accommodations. When I passed through, there wasn’t much foot traffic.

Here it is! It was about a 3-minute walk from the station.

The room is small but adequate. Outstanding cost performance

The front desk service was quite polite, which gave me a sense of why this place is popular.
I got my key and headed to the room.

The room. It’s considerably smaller than a typical business hotel, but it’s perfectly fine for sleeping, watching TV, or doing light work.

There’s proper air conditioning too.

TV and refrigerator as well.
The cleaning appears to be done thoroughly.

It also has communal baths, toilets, shower rooms, coin laundry, and wireless LAN.
For about 2,000 yen, the cost performance is quite high.

Don’t walk around much at night, especially not toward the south

This seems like quite a useful accommodation for budget travel, but as mentioned earlier, this is the Airin District in Nishinari Ward.
Being close to the station and on the edge of the area, I didn’t encounter any particularly strange people, but heading further south or west from this hotel leads to quite deep and rough territory.

It’s not a very good area in terms of safety or sanitation, and I hear there are many offices of “those kinds of people” there.
It’s safer to avoid getting too close to those areas.

Business Hotel Mikado Summary

While there are points requiring caution, “Business Hotel Mikado” has outstanding cost performance.
As long as you don’t make strange detours or wander around aimlessly at night, you probably won’t encounter any dangerous situations.

If you want to travel the Kansai region on a budget, it might be worth trying a stay here!

As someone who grew up loving games and has played the Super Mario series since the original Super Mario Bros., the whole experience felt like a dream come true.

Super Nintendo World features many exclusive items you can only buy there. Inside, there are two stores: One-Up Factory sells general Super Mario memorabilia, and Mario Motors specializes in Mario Kart merchandise.
(Some items like hats are available outside the World too.)

I got so excited that I ended up buying nearly ¥40,000 worth of souvenirs! Here are my top five favorites, along with all the other goodies I picked up.

5. Yoshi Magnet Hook

At number five is the Yoshi Magnet Hook (¥1,200).

Yoshi’s tongue bends freely—just curl it forward and use it to hang keys or other items.

It’s both adorable and practical—and sure to be useful for a long time.

4. Toad Smartphone Stand

Fourth place goes to the Toad Smartphone Stand (¥2,800).

Toad stands on a grassy platform dotted with flowers, mouth open, yet steady enough to hold your phone securely.

Once a phone is placed, Toad’s face is mostly hidden, but the stand is very sturdy—even stands firm under a 10.9‑inch iPad Air or a vertically oriented 13‑inch MacBook Air.

I use multiple devices, so a reliable stand is essential. Among mostly monochrome options, this cute stand brought unexpected joy.

3. Chef Toad Soft Doll

At One-Up Factory, my wife immediately snapped up the Chef Toad Soft Doll (¥3,900)—Toad’s dressed as a chef from the in-world Toad Cafe.

Toad’s colors—white and red inverted—are just right. The craftsmanship and colors are top-notch.

Now he watches over our meals and daily life at home.

No special features—just a high-quality, cute figurine that brightens our living space.

2. Bob-omb Senbei (Rice Crackers)

Number two is the Bob‑omb (¥1,800).

This little guy is adorable—even before noticing the tiny legs, wind-up key, and fuse.

Press down on the head—he stands stably on his feet.

Inside are 20 mini fried rice crackers. It makes a quirky Mario-themed display and doubles as a snack container—perhaps the best souvenir.

Not a main character but a cult favorite—perfect as a fun keepsake.

1. Golden Mushroom Coin Chocolates

The most eye-catching item I bought was the Golden Mushroom (¥2,900).

Look at that shine—reflects everything around it!

Even from afar, it stands out—and now sits on our shelf glowing.

Inside are 16 nostalgic coin‑shaped chocolates. Once eaten, the container is perfect for hiding small treasures.

If you like playful decor, this gem might just be worth it—golden and eye-catching.

Here’s our shelf featuring the Golden Mushroom and Bob‑omb—just looking at it brings a smile.

Other Souvenirs I Bought at Super Nintendo World

Those were my top five, but I also got several other irresistibly fun souvenirs. Here they are:

Mario and Luigi Hats

Mario and Luigi baseball caps (¥3,300 each).
Bought at the Universal CityWalk store before entering the park—great for dressing up before heading in.

Wearing them, plus Splatoon merch, drew lots of attention from friendly park staff!

Yoshi Egg Crunch Chocolates

A Yoshi Egg with crunch chocolates inside (¥1,400).

It stands on its own and comes filled with 12 crunch chocolates.

Mario Kart Tire Chocolate Tin

A tire-shaped tin with chocolates inside (¥2,000).

It’s made from rubber-like material, with a hubcap lid. Inside are 6 small chocolates—great container, light crowd-pleaser.

Super Mushroom Cookie Box

The Super Mushroom cookie box (¥2,000) comes in a cute felt box with 15 cookies inside.

So cute I’m tempted to reuse the box for something else!

Walking Mario Toy

One buzzed-about item is the Walking Mario (¥3,900).

Press his Koopa shell, and Mario walk—no batteries needed! A truly magical little toy.

A must-check item in the park.

Mario Kart Memo Clip

A Mario Kart memo clip (¥1,800)—great for holding To-Do notes. The design is too cute to just discard a piece of paper.

Mini Towel Set (Power-Ups)

A set of mini towels featuring the ⭐Super Star, 🍄Super Mushroom, and 🌸Fire Flower (¥2,400). Functional and adorable.

Pencil Case With Mario Level Map

A pencil case printed with a classic Super Mario level map—complete with Thwomp and Bowser looming (¥1,300).

Power-Up Strap Set

A power-up charm set with a ? Box containing Mushroom, Star, and Fire Flower charms (¥2,000). Each has a coordinating color scheme—perfect for keys if your phone has no strap hole.

Drawstring Bag (Mushroom & Question Block)

A drawstring bag featuring a ? Block on one side and Super Mushroom on the other (¥1,500).

Super Star Coin Case

A Star coin case (¥1,300) with a zipper in the back for coins or small items.

Power-Up Coaster Set

Four coasters featuring ?, Super Star, Super Mushroom, and Fire Flower (¥2,400).

Character Clear File Set

A set of four clear files featuring cute Super Mario enemies (¥1,200).

When you insert paper, characters like Boo, Bullet Bill, Piranha Plant, and Blooper appear!

The art is just so charming.

Including Mario dodging a giant Blooper that’s nearly impossible to avoid.

Mario Kart Clear File

A two-piece clear file set (¥1,000). One features holographic Rainbow Road, and the other shows Mario Kart items like Banana Peel and Spiny Shells.

Final Thoughts

Super Nintendo World was a dream come true for a lifelong Mario fan like me. Don’t miss it if you get a chance to go!

When traveling around Japan, I always research local delicious foods to try, but lately I find myself choosing ramen every time.

Kyoto is home to the main store of “Tenkaippin,” the rich kotteri ramen chain with branches nationwide.

Personally, I had eaten at one of their Tokyo branches once and thought “This isn’t very good…” and hadn’t eaten there since, but I decided to visit the main store thinking the taste might be different!

I went on a Sunday around 2:30 PM.
Despite it being well past lunchtime, there was a line. As expected from a popular restaurant.
By the way, the location is about 40 minutes by bus from central Kyoto.

This is the main store!

This is the main store!

About 10-plus people were lined up when I arrived, but the turnover was surprisingly fast and I was seated in about 10 minutes.

Inside the restaurant. Besides ramen, they have quite an extensive menu with set meals and side dishes.
There were posters of Becky who does their TV commercials, and even advertisements for the spa resort they operate. I wonder where they’re heading with all this.

Of course it was full.
The president’s photo and company mottos, plus things like “Started with 37,000 yen” written on the walls are unique to the main store.

The menu.
The popular items here seem to be Stamina Ramen and Beef Tendon Ramen, but I ordered mini portions of both the basic “Kotteri Ramen” and “Yatai no Aji” (Food Stall Flavor), which is advertised as the original founding taste.

This way of ordering seemed unusual, as they asked me “Two… bowls?”

And here came my two mini ramen bowls.
Left is kotteri, right is yatai flavor!

The kotteri ramen has a thick, potage-like viscous soup.
It feels a bit different from the rich ramen in Fukuoka.
It had more proper richness and was more delicious than what I had at Tenkaippin in Tokyo.

Yatai no Aji (Food Stall Flavor). This is also relatively rich, but closer to regular tonkotsu ramen.
They look similar and probably have the same base, but it has a different deliciousness from the kotteri.

I could choose between regular and thin noodles, so of course I chose thin noodles!

The taste varies quite a bit by location.
When I went to Tokyo it wasn’t that impressive, but I thought I wouldn’t mind coming back here.

For Tenkaippin fans, this should be a pilgrimage site!
Even if you’re not a fan, it might be worth visiting once when you come to Kyoto.

At first, I casually thought I’d drop by since I’d be in Kansai anyway, but Sayo is actually pretty far from Osaka—almost close to Okayama!

From Kobe it’s a little over an hour by express train, or about two hours by local train. (By the way, there’s basically no public transport in Sayo, so driving is best.)

If it weren’t for my friend, I might never have come here (sorry, Sayo!). But here, I tried the local powerhouse dish: hormone yaki udon—thick udon and chunks of offal sizzling on a hotplate, eaten with a garlicky, citrusy dipping sauce. Unbelievably good!

Eating Sayo’s Famous Hormone Yaki Udon at “Fuji”

We went to Fuji, one of two places highly recommended by my friend Sagayan.

They even had a local hormone udon map on the wall, showing how the whole town promotes this specialty together, instead of competing against each other.

Hormone udon reminded me of Tsuyama in Okayama (which has appeared in the B-1 Grand Prix), but theirs uses thinner noodles closer to yakisoba, while Sayo uses much thicker udon.

Tsuyama and Sayo are quite close—just two towns apart across Mimasaka City—so this dish probably spread across the area.

The shop has counter and table seating. We arrived after the lunch rush, so the counter was empty, but tables were still lively.

My friends and I made it our mission to conquer hormone udon.

On the wall, a poster proudly explained their Sayo-style hormone udon: carefully selected Japanese beef offal, special noodles made just for this dish, local veggies, and high-quality soy sauce and miso for the sauce.

Here, you order hormone, meat, and noodles separately, which then come mixed together. They also have regular lunch menus if you’re not always up for heavy hormone.
Sagayan surprised me by ordering seven portions of noodles. Was he serious?

Living in Sayo basically requires a car, but since I wasn’t driving, I toasted with a beer. Sorry guys!

We were only meeting up with other guys that day, so we also got whole garlic cloves as snacks. That amazing aroma filled the air without being overpowering—dangerously good with drinks.

Hormone and Udon Sizzling on the Hotplate—It Doesn’t Get Better

Then our hormone yaki udon arrived, dumped from a flat steel pan that looked like a dustpan onto the hotplate. Just look at it—how could anyone resist?

The sizzling sound on the hotplate and the savory aroma of the sauce-coated hormone udon were irresistible.

They offered two sauces—sweet miso and soy—plus grated garlic and yuzu to mix in however we liked.

I just mixed everything together and adjusted to taste.

The noodles were thick, square-cut, soft and chewy—not super firm, but absolutely perfect for hormone udon.

Dipping them in sauce… wow! The garlic and sauce hit first, then the more you chew, the more the hormone’s umami and the veggies’ sweetness spread through your mouth. The noodles absorbed everything and made it even heartier. What an incredible dish!

At first, the huge pile seemed too much for three guys, but we kept digging in. Even Maechan, also trying it for the first time, couldn’t stop eating. It was that good.

The hormone wasn’t just one type—some pieces were chewy, others rich and fatty like what you’d find in motsunabe. Each bite was a new texture and flavor.

Later, when we were getting full, the noodles crisped on the hotplate, creating crunchy, fragrant bits that showed yet another side of this amazing dish.

I thought we’d over-ordered, but we practically polished it off. Sayo’s hormone udon truly blew me away.

Relaxing at the Countryside Cafe “Babisoa” Afterward

Stuffed from lunch, we drove about 15 minutes into the hills to Babisoa, a cafe in a traditional Japanese house.

Cafe Babisoa – Facebook Page

The cafe’s mascot dog, Gen, greeted us.

The owner moved here after working in esthetics in Tokyo. What a life change! She runs it in a space rented from the owner of the curry cafe “Doman” next door (Facebook). Love seeing local connections like that.

There aren’t many other shops around, so it’s become a precious gathering spot for local ladies.

Outside it’s just mountains and fields. And that’s the best part.

After feasting on hormone udon, relaxing at a peaceful cafe like this is the perfect end to the day.

Final Thoughts

I was reminded that there are still so many amazing local dishes in Japan I’ve never heard of.

If you’re ever nearby, definitely give this a try!

I had forgotten the name of the shop, but after googling something like “Osaka curry egg,” I stumbled across Jiyuken.

When most people think of Japanese curry, they imagine white rice with curry roux poured over it, half-and-half. But Jiyuken does it differently—the rice and curry are mixed together completely, and topped with a raw egg, which is unusual outside of Osaka.

That quirky Osaka style was reason enough for me to give it a try!

A Retro Sign and Interior Straight Out of Showa-Era Japan

Jiyuken is located in the shopping arcade in Namba, very close to the station.

Its retro appearance instantly catches your eye. The shop name “Jiyuken” is plastered on the noren curtains, the awning, and even the signboards—four times over!

You rarely see food display samples anymore, but they have them here.

There’s even a huge sign up top! In Osaka, it’s all about standing out!

They’ve even got a life-sized cutout of the proprietress. Go big or go home!

The interior has a nostalgic charm. The place was quite busy, with many tourists from China and Korea.

I saw a menu item called “Hai-shi Rice”—perhaps their version of Hayashi rice?

Photos and autographs of celebrities with the proprietress adorn the walls.

Jiyuken’s “Famous Curry” Is Meant to Be Mixed with Egg and Worcestershire Sauce

As the name suggests, the shop’s star dish is the “famous curry”—so of course I ordered it.

Here it is! If you’re not from Osaka, this might be a new visual experience—but it definitely looks promising.

Instead of being served separately, the rice and curry are thoroughly mixed and shaped, then topped with a raw egg yolk.

The curry itself is surprisingly bold and spicy.

They also serve a house-made “4th Generation Worcestershire Sauce,” which is quite hot!

Mix in the egg yolk, and the curry becomes wonderfully mellow and creamy.

Stir well and dig in—delicious!

Jiyuken’s Curry: A Unique Dish Best Enjoyed in a Retro Osaka Setting

This was a new type of curry for me, but it offered a completely different (and tasty) experience from the norm.

With its one-of-a-kind flavor and throwback atmosphere, Jiyuken is a fun stop if you’re visiting Osaka!

Since I was in the Namba area, I decided to try the “Nikusui” at Chitose, a restaurant recommended by a friend I had met the day before.

So, what exactly is “Nikusui”?
In simple terms, it’s like meat udon without the udon, a dish popular in western Japan.

As a huge fan of meat udon, especially the sweet and savory broth infused with simmered beef, this seemed like the perfect meal for me.

Chitose is known as the birthplace of Nikusui.

The restaurant is also located near Namba Grand Kagetsu, a famous comedy theater, so it’s a favorite spot among Yoshimoto comedians!

Chitose in Namba, Osaka: A Classic Restaurant Famous for Nikusui

The restaurant Chitose is located in a quiet corner of Namba, one of Osaka’s busiest entertainment districts.

Although I expected it to be in the middle of a bustling area, it was actually tucked away in what felt like a wholesalers’ district, just a block or two away from the busy streets.

The traditional storefront had a nostalgic charm that I personally found very appealing.

Inside, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with an old-school vibe that added to its appeal.

Although they serve udon, I went for their signature Nikusui paired with Kodama (Tamago Kake Gohan, or raw egg over rice).

The Original Nikusui: A Deeply Satisfying, Flavorful Broth

The rich broth, loaded with beef and green onions, was beautifully complemented by the bright yellow Kodama (raw egg over rice).
It looked absolutely mouthwatering.

For someone like me who loves umami-packed broths, this was a dream come true.

Tender simmered beef and green onions floated in the soup, topped with fresh chopped scallions.

The taste was exactly like meat udon, just without the noodles.

The katsuobushi (bonito flakes) and kombu (kelp) broth was infused with the sweet-savory essence of the simmered beef, creating a perfectly balanced flavor.
It was delicious!
Absolutely my kind of taste.

Inside the Nikusui, there was also a soft-boiled egg.
Mixing it in gradually made the broth even smoother and richer.

Kodama (Tamago Kake Gohan) with Special Soy Sauce

And now, onto the Tamago Kake Gohan (TKG)…

It is served with a special soy sauce designed to enhance the egg’s flavor.
Oops—looks like I ended up with two eggs instead of one, but no complaints here!

Feeling full and satisfied, I glanced at the table and noticed a bottle of soy sauce with a quirky Osaka joke on it—it read *”Shouyu koto!”*, a pun by famous comedian Murakami Shoji.

These little Osaka-style touches made the experience even more enjoyable for a traveler like me.

A Must-Visit When in Namba

I was able to fully enjoy the original and authentic taste of Nikusui.

If you’re visiting Osaka Minami or stopping by Namba Grand Kagetsu, I highly recommend trying it out.
The deep, comforting flavor of Nikusui will warm you to the core!

The economic bubble, spanning from December 1986 to around February 1991, was a period when the general populace began to feel the good times around 1988, characterized by rapid rises in stock prices, soaring real estate values, and significant increases in personal assets, bringing about an unprecedented economic boom across society.
Economic Bubble | Glossary of Securities Terms | Tokai Tokyo Securities Co., Ltd.

Living in a provincial city (Nagasaki), I have no memory of the lively city scenes often depicted in movies from that time. Maybe that was just a Tokyo thing? Perhaps some of it existed near the nightlife area of Shianbashi, a place kids seldom entered.

It’s unlikely that Japan will ever see such a crazy economic boom again, at least not in my lifetime.

While I can’t experience the bubble live, did you know there’s a hotel in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, that still breathes the air of that era?

I stumbled upon it while looking for a place to stay during a trip, and it’s called Hotel Kawakyu.

The exterior is like a massive, oddly-shaped castle.

By the entrance, an enigmatic sculpture greets visitors, a glitzy golden hallway reminiscent of a foreign luxury hotel, and every room is a spacious suite.

The ‘King’s Buffet’ for dinner and breakfast offers an array of luxurious dishes including sushi, sukiyaki, tempura, and more, all of which you can enjoy to your heart’s content and are genuinely delicious. This is probably the best buffet-style meal I have ever had.

When we think of the bubble era, we often imagine tasteless ostentation.

However, my stay at ‘Hotel Kawakyu’ was luxurious with substance, not just superficial glamor.

It’s also perfectly located just a 10-minute drive from Japan’s number one panda zoo, Adventure World, making it an ideal base for tourism!

A Gigantic and Odd Building in a Rural Town: ‘Hotel Kawakyu’

It takes less than two hours by car from Kansai Airport.

In a coastal town with no tall buildings around, suddenly there looms an extravagant, gigantic structure.
What is that… could that be Hotel Kawakyu…?

The hotel is almost like a castle.
It could almost be mistaken for a religious building
If it were a game, it would surely be filled with various puzzles and traps. The lord of the castle must be quite formidable.

Following directions, I parked in a courtyard-like space just inside the gate.

On both sides of the entrance, spires topped with two frolicking rabbits greet the guests.
This odd expenditure is so reminiscent of the bubble era…!

The two welcoming rabbits symbolize Hotel Kawakyu’s hospitality.
Created by Barry Flanagan, a famous British environmental sculptor, they depict a rabbit that once offered its life to a starving monk,
and now stand atop the two towers of Kawakyu as deities of service.
The Charm of Hotel Kawakyu: 100 Selections Vol.2 – Hotel Kawakyu’s Blog – Booking at ＜Jalan＞

The Opulent Interiors and Rooms Are Still Beautiful Today, Offering a Taste of Celebrity

Immediately upon entering the lobby.
You’re overwhelmed by a space reminiscent of a palace in the Middle East, with its high ceilings and dazzling golden glow. What is this place…

Apparently, the lobby is lit even more beautifully when hit by sunlight, thanks to the 22.5-carat gold leaf that adorns it.
I’ve stumbled into an incredible place…

I nervously completed check-in and followed the staff to my room.

The luxurious long corridor.
Although the building and facilities from the time of construction show some signs of age and the taste of the era, they are so well-maintained that it hardly matters.

Hotel Kawakyu features all-suite accommodations, with even the smallest rooms being quite spacious at over 60 square meters.
I stayed in a Kawakyu Suite (Western style) which is about 80 to 90 square meters in size.

It’s so big, you’d wonder who they expect to host. The official capacity is three people max.
If there were kids, they’d definitely be running around as soon as they entered.

Viewed from the opposite side. By combining the sofa and chairs, it seems 11 people could sit here. What’s going on here.

The washroom space is also quite expansive, as you can see.
The furnishings appeared to be mostly foreign-made.
Dr. Ci:Labo’s facial cleanser and cleansing products were also provided.

The view from the window includes the sea. It’s almost completely dark at night, though.

A bed made by Simmons.

I also stopped by the hotel’s gift shop later, which felt like a high-end confectionery store you might find in a department store. I thought about grabbing some beer and snacks, but it didn’t quite feel right.
(Though there was some beer and snacks available)

Even the bathroom entrance is extravagant. The bubble era was truly something else.

Sushi, Sukiyaki, Tempura… ‘The King’s Buffet’ Is Luxurious and Too Delicious

While Hotel Kawakyu also offers French creative cuisine and Japanese kaiseki meals, most plans include meals at the ‘King’s Buffet.’

When you hear “buffet style,” you might typically think of decent quality food in ample quantities.

However, the ‘King’s Buffet’ lives up to its name with a stunning array of exquisite dishes that are a cut above your typical buffet.

Dinner

Upon entering the dinner venue, various dishes were beautifully arranged throughout the gorgeous space.
Not only did they look appetizing, but they were also visually appealing.

The theme is “A luxurious buffet dinner where lavish ingredients from Hokkaido and Kishu meet.”

Gathering luxurious, seasonal ingredients from Hokkaido and Kishu, the food capitals,
our chefs create delicate and beautiful buffet dishes, changing the menu with each season.
The King’s Buffet | Restaurant | Shirahama Onsen Hotel Kawakyu

In addition to the prepared dishes, there are live performances where chefs make sushi, freshly fried tempura, and freshly carved roast beef on the spot, allowing you to enjoy freshly made and freshly prepared delights.

The first thing I picked up looked like this. The presentation might be off, but everything was incredibly delicious.

Freshly fried tempura is the best.

While the venue is crowded, so it lacks the ‘celebrity feel’ of the rooms or entrance, the quality of the food is impeccable.

Dessert performances started coming around shortly after I began eating, but I was in the middle of my meal and missed it, which I now regret…

Honestly, I got so caught up in eating that I didn’t take many pictures. For more details, please visit the following page.

The King’s Buffet | Restaurant | Shirahama Onsen Hotel Kawakyu

One more thing, alcoholic beverages are quite pricey as a separate charge. I remember beer being close to 1,000 yen.

If the thought of these prices makes you cringe (including myself), I recommend buying drinks elsewhere and enjoying them in your room.

In our case, we found a small supermarket called ‘V Shop Sanbashi Store’ about a 5-minute walk away, where we bought some local beers and relaxed in our room at night.
※ There’s also a convenience store about a 15-minute walk away

Breakfast

Breakfast is also served at the ‘King’s Buffet.’

Live cooking is still active in the morning. Freshly made omelets and onigiri,

including the luxury of sukiyaki in the morning.

A seafood donbowl corner with salmon roe, something usually seen only in hotels in Hokkaido. Warnings about overeating blare loudly in my head.

But I completely ignored those warnings and went for three rounds.

First round: An omelet-based Western-focused setup.

Second round: A Japanese-style setup with onigiri and miso soup.

Ending with a seafood donbowl! I even indulged in the intriguing Western-style risotto.

I ate too much in the morning, but I have no regrets. This is the essence of traveling.
Delicious indeed.

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‘Royal Spa’ Hot Spring Salon: Enjoying the Hot Springs in Resort Style

Another highlight of Hotel Kawakyu is the hot spring salon, ‘Royal Spa.’

Men can use the 1F ‘Royal Spa Yuku no Mori’ from noon to evening, while women can enter the next morning.
Since other guests were also in the bath, I only took photos of the terrace area. It’s a relaxing space perfect for chilling after a bath.

View from the terrace.

The powder corner is designed with women in mind. It has partitions, so you don’t have to worry much about privacy.

There’s also a fruit ice bar service.

Here’s the 2F ‘ROYAL SPA.’ Women can use it from noon to evening, and men the next morning.

Built in 2016, it features a well-equipped large bath with a reclining bath, silky bath, sauna, and chairs with sofas.

There’s also a large stone bath outside with a view.

Once you’re warmed up, there’s also a space to lie down and cool off. Truly luxurious.

Shirahama Onsen | Shirahama Onsen Hotel Kawakyu

Afterword

The accommodation price for two people, including dinner and breakfast, starts from the 30,000 yen range (for the Southern Suite).
For such a luxurious and extraordinary experience at this price, it’s quite a bargain. High reviews and ratings make perfect sense.

With its unique and interesting offerings, you can definitely have fun just coming here with a purpose. Of course, you can also visit Adventure World, just a 10-minute drive away, before staying over.

Do visit at least once!

Among the many popular autumn foliage spots in Kyoto, one standout location is Rurikō-in Temple.

The spectacular autumn colors seen from the traditional sukiya-style architecture are truly a breathtaking sight.

The photos of maple reflections on the table are especially famous and often discussed on social media.

In mid-November, already deep into the autumn foliage season, I decided on a whim to visit Rurikō-in.

Despite the reservation slots being mostly filled, I managed to secure a booking for the slightly less crowded November 30th, thanks to the current circumstances.

The entry fee of 2,000 yen seemed a bit high for a temple(in 2022), but by the time I left Rurikō-in, I was filled with satisfaction.

It’s great that reservations are required nowadays, so there’s no need to wait in long lines, making it a place I truly enjoyed visiting!

Access and Transportation to Rurikō-in

To get to Rurikō-in by public transport, the Eizan Electric Railway’s Yase-Hieizanguchi Station or the Kyoto Bus Yase Station are convenient.

Although the Hieizan Cable’s Yase Station is nearby, it leads to the summit of Mount Hiei and is unlikely used when accessing from the city.

Having had a bad experience with Kyoto’s buses, I personally avoided them and opted for the train instead.

From Kyoto Station, for example, you can take the JR Nara Line to Tofukuji Station, then switch to the Keihan Main Line to Demachiyanagi Station.
From there, take the Eizan Electric Railway to its terminus at Yase-Hieizanguchi Station.

There seems to be no nearby parking, so if accessing by car, the official website recommends using the “Kyoto City Demachi Parking Lot.”

From there, take the Eizan Electric Railway from Demachiyanagi Station to Yase-Hieizanguchi Station.

Reservations Required During Autumn Foliage Season at Rurikō-in, Admission Fee is 2,000 Yen

Entry to Rurikō-in is only possible during the special viewing periods in spring (April to June) and autumn (October to December).

While spring is relatively uncrowded and doesn’t require reservations, you must book in advance through the official website during the autumn foliage season.

Official Rurikō-in Yase Website

The admission fee is 2,000 yen for all seasons. It’s somewhat pricey, so please check in advance if you are okay with the cost.

From Yase-Hieizanguchi Station to Rurikō-in. Picturesque Scenery Along the Way

After taking JR → Keihan → Eizan Electric Railway, you arrive at Yase-Hieizanguchi Station.

Exiting the station, you cross the wooden bridge right in front of you, turn right, and head to Rurikō-in.

Though past the peak of autumn foliage, there were still vibrant red maples along the way.

At the entrance of Rurikō-in, there were lanes for the queue, but it seemed people were entering smoothly that day.
At the reception, confirm your reservation and pay the admission fee of 2,000 yen per person to enter.

Despite the limited number due to the reservation system, the place was quite crowded.

The path to the building also offers plenty of beautiful scenery for photography.

Halfway, I encountered a gate and thought it was the entrance, but it was actually the exit.
Let’s continue up further.

A single maple leaf fallen on the moss.

Apparently, this is the entrance to the building.
With the maple colors deepening, many groups started taking commemorative photos.

Leave your shoes at the entrance in the provided bags and enter.

Upon ascending the stairs, there was already a crowd. Perhaps the climax is right at the start?

The Breathtaking Beauty of the Garden and the Reflections on the Table

As expected! I immediately reached “the spot” upon entering the building.

Wait patiently in line for your turn to take photos.
When it’s your turn, try to take your photos as quickly as possible.

The scenery of the garden and the glossy table reflecting it. Anyone can capture a beautiful photo by including both elements in the frame.

The peak has slightly passed, so there are fewer red leaves, but it’s still quite beautiful.

There are actually a lot of people taking photos around me, but they don’t appear in the picture.

Regrettably, after taking enough photos, move on to the next spot.

More than Just the Reflections on the Table: A Host of Attractions

While the spot with the reflections on the table is the most famous, Rurikō-in is not just about that. You can enjoy the garden from various angles.

If you thought there was a sauna here from the time of the Jinshin War…

A spot on the ground floor from where you can enjoy the garden.

This spot also had many photographers. Despite the current times, there were quite a few visitors from abroad.
It’s indeed a popular spot for experiencing Japanese culture.

There are many other rooms with views of the garden, windows where you can see beautiful autumn leaves, and many attractions inside the building.
I only knew about the spot with the reflective table, but the interior is quite spacious.

Enjoy the autumn garden in shades of red, yellow, orange, and green.
I was initially taken aback by the admission fee of 2,000 yen, but it was indeed a worthwhile experience.

八瀬 瑠璃光院公式サイト

Established in the 7th century (607 AD), this temple associated with Prince Shōtoku is said to be the world’s oldest wooden building.

In 1993, Hōryū-ji Temple, along with its surrounding Buddhist structures, was designated as a World Heritage Site.

This article will introduce how to get to Hōryū-ji Temple and its highlights.

Directions to Hōryū-ji Temple (Access) and Business Hours, Admission Fees

How to Get to Hōryū-ji Temple

Hōryū-ji Temple is located in the town of Ikaruga in Nara Prefecture.

Although there is a “Hōryū-ji Station” on the JR Yamatoji Line, it is about 1.6 km from the station, approximately a 25-minute walk. There is a bus service from the station, but it doesn’t run very often, so planning ahead is advisable.

(Reference: Timetable Search – Nara Kotsu Bus Navi web)

If possible, traveling by car is best to Hōryū-ji Temple, and if driving is challenging, combining JR trains with a bus or taxi would be the next best option.

There are many parking lots around Hōryū-ji Temple, but the fees vary significantly. When I visited, the parking lots closer to the temple were more affordable than those closer to the entrance.

It’s recommended to check the parking lots near the temple entrance before settling for the first one you find.

Business Hours and Admission Fees of Hōryū-ji Temple

Business hours (visiting hours) of Hōryū-ji Temple are as follows:

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• February 22 to November 3 → 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• November 4 to February 21 → 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

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The admission fees are as follows. They also cover the West Precinct, Great Treasure Hall, and East Precinct.

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• Individuals: Adults 1,500 yen, Elementary School Students 750 yen
• Groups (30 or more): Adults 1,200 yen, University/High School Students 1,050 yen, Middle School Students 900 yen, Elementary School Students 600 yen
• Disability Discount: The person and one caregiver (two for wheelchair users) 750 yen, Elementary School Students 370 yen

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For the latest business hours and fees, please always check the official website of Hōryū-ji Temple.

Highlights of Hōryū-ji Temple

While Hōryū-ji Temple is famous for its Five-Story Pagoda, it actually has a vast premises with many notable spots to visit. Here are some highlights to check out:

Main Hall and Five-Story Pagoda

Right near the entrance of Hōryū-ji Temple are the Main Hall (Kondō) and the Five-Story Pagoda (Gojū-no-tō).

The Main Hall houses the principal Buddha triad, and its interior walls and Buddha statues are masterpieces of Asuka period Buddhist art. (Note: No photography inside)

The Five-Story Pagoda, known for its beauty and as a symbol of Hōryū-ji Temple, has a majestic presence that belies its age of over 1400 years.

Great Treasure Hall

A short walk from the area with the Five-Story Pagoda is the Great Treasure Hall.

Hōryū-ji Temple exhibits many treasured artifacts here, including national treasures and important cultural properties.

History enthusiasts will be moved by the remarkable treasures, and even those not particularly interested in history will be impressed by how well these ancient artifacts have been preserved.

Vajra Warrior Statues at the Central Gate

Right along the approach to Hōryū-ji Temple is the Central Gate.

The Central Gate is flanked by Vajra Warrior statues, which are believed to be the oldest extant Nio statues.

The reddish statue on the right is known as “Agyō“.

And the bluish statue on the left as “Ungyō“.

Both statues are incredibly imposing, and even those with little interest in history are sure to be awed.

Summary of How to Get to and Highlights of Hōryū-ji Temple in Nara

I only knew about the Five-Story Pagoda before visiting, but I was surprised to find many other sights and how spacious the temple grounds were.

If you’re planning a thorough visit, it’s advisable to allocate at least two hours, including time to walk around.

Hōryū-ji Temple is a place that everyone has probably heard about at least once in their history classes.

It’s a spot worth visiting at least once in your lifetime.

Senbon Torii(it means thousands of Toriis) is very impressive for its red Toriis standing in a row at tens of centimeters.

Kyoto has a lot of famous sightseeing spots like Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Nijo-jo castle and so on and Fushimi Inari-Taisha is also a place you should visit.

Red Toriis and Foxes welcoming at Fushimi Inari-Taisha

The nearest station to Fushimi Inari-Taisha is JR Inari station or Keihan Railway Fushimi Inari station. It takes 8min by train to JR Inari staion from Kyoto station.

I started at Keihan Fushimi Inari station. It’s good atmosphere by vivid red pillars and white foxes. The Fox have been believed as a messenger of God since long ago.

This is the road to Fushimi Inari. A bridge is also vivid red.

Good looking old Japanese-style houses stands in a row along a street.

This big Torii is a landmark of entrance of Fushimi Inari-Taisha.

A stern faced fox posing dynamically holds something gold in its mouth. Is it deep-fried tofu?
(The deep-fried tofu called “Abura-age” have been considered as favorite of fox in Old Japan. To tell the truth a fox is a carnivorous animal, though…)

I finished a worship and went to Senbon-Torii.

Women weared Japanese Kimono is also good for this location.

This is a guide map of precincts of the temple. There is Senbon-Torii halfway up the mountain from here main shrine.

Some souvenirs are here and many of them are related to the Torii.

You can see many Toriis standing in a row at narrow spaces but don’t be surprised such a scenery. It’s only the beginning.

Let’s go to the Senbon-Torii pass under Toriis.
It’s interesting that some Toriis are vivid red and others are faded because of their age.

In Senbon-Torii, thousands of red Toriis fill your sight

I finally arrived at a junction. Here is the Senbon-Torii. Many many many Toriis, it’s brilliant…

Thousands of red Toriis filled almost all of my sight. It’s amazing and mysterious feeling.

They stands at intervals of 10-20 centimeters. Here is surrounded by trees so their green color is good contrast.

I feeled like being sucked somewhere.

When I looked back I could see many adresses and company or individual names who dedicated Torii to the shrine.

It’s an exit!

Here is Okusha shrine where go out from an exit.
There were many High-school girls on a school excursion because Kyoto and Fushimi Inari is famous sightseeng place.

This is “Omo-karu Stone”. It is said that if this stone’s weight is lighter than you expected then you get your wish and the reverse is true. I recommend you should guess it’s very heavy.

There are variety of fox faces. You can buy and write it.(at ¥500)

Since I was already here, I went ahead little more.

From here stairs are getting more steep.

There are many Toriis and Hokoras(small shrine). They look their own directions so I have no idea about their regularity.

This is a price list of dedicationg Toriis. It’s expensive, isnt it?

I proceeded on my way taking a side glance at emotional Japanese tea shop.

I moved up quite a ways.

I think here is a top of this mountain, isn’t it?

But it’s not. Here is a middle point of all the way. It’s longer than I think. I decided to retrace my course.

Japanese calico cat sent me off on the way back.
(It depends on her mood)

Instead I sent her off.

After all, thousands of Red Torii rows are magnifisent. It is worth watching.

Postscript

I recommend here if you have a chance to come to Kyoto, Japan.
It’s better to bring light equipment because you need to walk some distance.