Osaka cultural wanderer
Down one of the
metropolis cherry country, by Danie Satrio, executive summary by darmansjah
When compared with the Tokyo, Osaka and Kansai
residents are generally much more casual and have a strong sense of humor.
Comedian top in Japan, mostly from here, "said Asa Perkasa. The man who
once served as General Manager for representation in Osaka judging from the way
people dress and interact.
The issue of timeliness, the people here, 'eleven-twelve'
with us ... Ha ha ha." Asa who three years living there chuckling at my
surprise found.
I am curious remark proves Asa. Among the agenda of the
visit, I slipped search Osaka Prefecture's capital city by bike. I
borrowed a yellow Hummer folding bike from a friend. I want to feel the pulse
of the city that are part of the metropolitan area of Osaka - Kobe - Kyoto. Is the industry and the
main port city is friendly for cyclists?
I started testing and looking around. Wherever the eye could
see almost every road and pedestrian as if controlled by cyclists. Different
types of bikes, with different sets crowded riders passing by. I can not wait
to join them, across the smooth asphalt surface, special roads, and sidewalks
are wide enough-about three to four meters.
Osaka has been
providing heavenly garden for
bicycle enthusiasts. At least that's my opinion are accustomed to cycling
on asphalt pocked and under 'threat' of motorists. Behavior citizens - fellow road users - so
honor the train riders wind. "On average each household or family here has
two to three bikes. They already consider bicycles as a means of transportation
like motorcycle or car, "said Aksa.
The first objective, Osaka Castle which now serves as a museum. I
walked the streets of the contoured relatively flat. I was pedaling at a
moderate pace. There comes a desire to hurry. During summer, I do not really
recommend cycling because temperatures can reach 39 degrees Celsius. Hot
temperatures and high humidity can lead to dehydration.
The main castle
building has an architecture similar to the major castles
in other cities. In the midst of white domination, emerald green emitting roof with gold accents. Ditches and breezeway of the park that surrounds the
castle that gives the impression of shady founded the 16th century when the
clan Azuchi-Monoyma
this ruling. I was down the bike path in the park were crowded with the great
variety of plant species.
The next goal, Amerikamura shopping. It
is here, where looking stylish stuff young and very American-ized. "The
Japanese were so infatuated with everything American. Ranging from fashion to
lifestyle, then here is Amerikamura, "Asa
said on a separate occasion.
Much like Harajuku in Tokyo, Amerikamura seen as the
center of Japanese pop culture. Tata design shops, cafes and restaurants also
goods sold there, suitable for anyone who confessed fashionista. Formerly in one
corner there is a miniature Statue of Liberty is a marker which was originally
one of the clothing stores. But now that the statue had become a marker is no
longer displayed. I do not know, what is the reason that the transfer.
Amerikamura probe has led
to a surprise for me. Apparently, there is a special lounge for smokers yan
made by one of the largest cigarette company in Indonesia. In addition to
providing a smoking lounge as well as a promotional event clove in a cultural
context.
Formed a short time, I immediately return the yellow Hummer.
I still cruise stop in the city soon Dotonburi. A shopping plaza filled with
culinary destination on the banks of the canal that name. Flanked by two
bridges, Dotonburibashi
and Nipponbashi,
reminiscent regional festivities Shibuya in Tokyo.
One of the markers that I could not miss was a giant
billboard "Glico Man". Located just above
the bridge Ebisubashi, billboards set up by the
candy company Glico in 1935 was sometimes a background image. That is why, the
location being at the bottom to be the ideal meeting point in the area that
never deserted it.
Down the alleys Dotonburi
is like being in a carnival. When night came, light and sexy neon sign that
massive size that tends to form more comical adds shine.
Somehow my favorite sushi and sashimi will suddenly recede
here. Replaced by my passion for eating takoyaki or okonomiyaki, which can be
obtained at any stalls scattered all over the plaza.
Asa then took me to enjoy okonomiyaki in a reputedly the
oldest tavern in the city. Cooked directly in front of the diners by the cook
who looks the same age as the building shop, snacks such as 'Crepes'
seafood-vegetable without this coating, it was fitted I enjoy in the summer.
Taste the delicious sweet-salty-eminently suited when moistened throat cold
beer. Delicious!
Logistic Transportation:
155 minutes by using the Shinkansen
from Tokyo,
at a
cost of about $ 250. Traveling for eight hours
with reached using
public bus (price range of US$145-US$285). Using the car the
fastest, just six hours from Tokyo (cost
about US$150. Accommodations: Rooms are comfortable
4 star quality in the Imperial Hotel Osaka with
prices ranging from U.S. $ 150. Swissotel Nankai
Osaka is located in Namba,
with prices ranging from US$ 120. If
you want to settle
in the Umeda area,
try RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, with comfortable rooms
quite economical, starting at US$790.
