Kobe

I made a trip out to Kobe over the weekend and was intrigued with how each prefecture has certain qualities that make it so unique. Before leaving I asked my Kansai Gaidai friends places they would recommend around Kobe. Nankinmachi, also known as Kobe’s Chinatown was one that came up several times. This was followed by Kobe’s port area and Sannomiya for shopping. All of them agreed with the idea that Kobe is very fashionable and modern. When I asked them about their thoughts on Osaka, takoyaki and Osaka-ben where repeatedly mentioned. It was interesting to compare what my Kansai Gaidai friends thought of Kobe and Osaka, because although these two areas are just a 2 hour train ride away, they have such different and unique qualities.

[Kobe Tower]

I continued my Kobe research online and found that it’s actually the capital of Hyogo Prefecture, as well as one of Japan’s ten largest cities.  I would not have assumed this because many of my friends that came back from Kobe told me how they thought the city is quite small.  Kobe is also a very important port city as it was among the first to be opened to foreign trade in the 19^th century. I realized its importance when I was walking to the port and came across this memorial.

Something I didn’t realize was that I was standing in front of Kobe’s City Museum, one of Kobe’s main attractions.

Nankinmachi is very unique and upon further research I realized it became what it is today only because the area was developed by Chinese merchants who settled near Kobe Port after it opened to foreign trade. 

[Nankinmachi] 

The port was beautiful, and it’s popularity was evident when I witnessed over 5 weddings that day, with the last one taking place on a yacht that sailed around the harbor.  I found the area to be designed in very modernized way that made it very appealing [when compared to Osaka].

[Mosaic Shopping Mall]

Although I only got a glimpse of Kobe, I m intrigued to find more.  I definitively plan on revisiting this large city before I return home to Canada.

Reference:

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2159.html

Travel Kobe:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g298562-Kobe_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki-Vacations.html

Osakajo

As a current exchange student in Osaka, sightseeing has become second nature to my everyday life. I love learning about Japanese history, which naturally drew me to the numerous shrines, temples and castles. I recently made a trip to Osakajo and was blown away by the entire experience. 

Even before entering the castle we had to cross a bridge over a moat and stone barriers.  The stone barriers made a huge impression on me. There was a staircase leading to the top of the barriers, where you could get a breathtaking view of the Osakajo Park area.
Upon entering the park I was surprised to find not only beautiful Japanese gardens, but a Shrine [Hokoku Shrine] as well.  Upon talking to some visiting Japanese residences, I learned that the area is quiet famous for their cherry blossom trees that spout early April.  The shrine itself is guarded by a giant status of Toyotoi Hideyoshi. After paying my respect to the shrine I finally headed towards Osakajo.

[Japanese Garden]

I unexpectedly arrived on an anniversary date and was able to enter without paying the 600 yen fee. I was shocked by how modernized the castle is;  the inside is fully refurnished with wood.  Elevators took you up to the 5^th floor, where you then had to staircase yourself up to the top.  Every floor was full of history and once I reached the top, I was awarded with this breathtaking view.

[Osakajo]

[Exhibit on every level]

[View from the top]

I definitely recommend Osakajo as a sightseeing spot.  It was an amazing experience, and something anyone can enjoy.

References:
Additional Information on Toyotoi Hideyoshi : 
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2123.html


Other popular travelling spots:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2157.html


Osakajo Guide:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4000.html

Yodoyabashi Train Station

When I arrived in Hirakatashi I knew if I were to take the Keihan Line, Yodoyabashi would be one of the end of line station in Osaka [every train would eventually stop there including local, semi express, ect.]. Keeping this in mind I knew the station had to have some kind of importance. When I headed down to Yodoyabashi station, the first thing I realized was how much it costed. 320 yen for a 26 minute train ride if you’re lucky enough to catch the Limited Express Line from Hirakatashi Station. If I were to do a round trip, the cost totals to 640 yen, and that doesn’t even include the 440 yen round way bus ride. 

Whenever I wanted to go shopping or meet up with friends, Yodoyabashi was the transfer point.  If you depart from Hirakatashi station, the most convenient way of switching over to the Osaka Municipal Subway Midosuji Line is at Yodoyabashi station.  At this point, you can access several large shopping districts such as Umeda, Hommachi and Shinsaibashi.

With such large shopping districts just one stop away, my first assumption of Yodoyabashi Station was that it was a major shopping district as well. After asking my Japanese friends, I soon realized this station is just the opposite; a busy corporate area.  Coming out of the station I was greeted by this beautiful metropolitan scenery on the Yodoyabashi Bridge.  But after this point, there was nothing but formal looking sky scrapers of business headquarters and hotels. The area is accessible by the Keihan bus, as well as limousine buses to the airport.  Major institutions around the station include Osaka City Hall and Nakanoshima Park [a public park that lies between Dojima and Tosabori River]. Major business headquarters include Osaka Gas Co. and Mizuno Corporation.

[Osaka City Hall]

[Nakanoshima Park]

I had fun exploring this area and hope to spend time exploring other stations as well.  It was very interesting to see how every station has something particular about it that makes it unique.

Reference:

Keihan Route Map

http://www.keihan.co.jp/en/station/

Google map:

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=yodoyabashi%20station&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=10197l13059l0l13196l19l15l0l0l0l0l319l1976l0.10.1.1l12l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1366&bih=643&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl

City Hall Picture:

http://www.panoramio.com/user/1766963

Nakanoshima Park Picture:

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=nakanoshima+park&hl=en&sa=X&rlz=1W2SNNQ&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=yW8DUSPOQwCr8M:&imgrefurl=http://www.osaka-info.jp/en/search/detail/sightseeing_5025.html&docid=egQAKHO9IhMqgM&imgurl=http://www.osaka-info.jp/db/sightseeing/5025-L.jpg&w=365&h=205&ei=6lWhTvX8O-qcmQXZ_6WfCQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=347&vpy=164&dur=1458&hovh=164&hovw=292&tx=189&ty=32&sig=104982329602651391336&page=1&tbnh=99&tbnw=177&start=0&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0&biw=1366&bih=643

Portrait of a Japanese Person: Umeda Saya

Before coming to Japan and taking part in this exchange, I talked with many past Kansai Gaidai exchange students to hear their take on this experience.  Majority mentioned that making a true Japanese friend was the most difficult, as it was almost impossible to get over the “How are you, how was your weekend? That’s awesome! Bye now,” fluff talk. But even knowing this, I was prepared to push my comfort boundaries to make true friends. After moving into dorms and entering Gaidai, the process actually ended up being a lot easier than I thought. I got lucky.

My closest friend to date has to be my house mate, Saya.  She’s a second year Gaidai Student pursuing a degree in Tourism.  Her family is in Fukouka, which is why she’s living in dorms for one semester with the rest of us. Saya has so many characteristics that just embodies what is Japanese.  She’s so reserved, but always willing to extend herself to help others.  When it comes to homework, dinner, going out, she’s always there to help and give advice. 

Cooking is the most difficult problem we faced to date as a group. None of us know how to cook, and if it wasn’t for Saya I’m sure we would have all been on an instant noodle diet. I was able to catch this moment when Saya was preparing her bento for the next day’s lunch. The moment I mentioned this anthropology project, the first thing that came to her mind was “I don’t have any make up on!” which is so Japanese; no surprise at all.  But I m glad I caught her here, since it was because of cooking and making bento together every day, that brought us closer as friends.

Making Japanese friends isn’t hard at all.  Thinking back now, we’re all curious about each other and the more open you are with yourself, the higher the chances are of making a new best friend. 

Neighborhood Hirakata

I’ve always defined each neighborhood in Japan by their train station, mainly because I could never read the Kanji to decipher a street address. When I first arrived at Hirakatashi Station, I was shocked to see how calm and quiet the area was. With only the stereotypical metropolitan areas of Tokyo and Osaka station images in mind, it was clear this area was going to be the exact opposite. Walking into the nearby Kintetsu Department store, I was trampled by mothers and grandmothers, buying groceries for the following night. Looking around, shops were targeted towards the older generation, mature clothing, nothing really suitable for myself. It only took me 2 hours to explore all of the station area, until I hopped onto a bus and took it back up to my dorm, heading into a Japanese residential area.

The same night I took a late night bike ride to further examine the neighborhood I now call home. There was something different about this residential area compared to my home back in Calgary, but I just couldn’t put my finger on it [probably because I got use to my surroundings already]. I grabbed my camera and began to shoot buildings I typically wouldn’t see in my neighborhood back home. Coming out onto the main street, the first thing that hit me was the Pachinko building “Himawari”. Right next to it, a giant supermarket, “Top World”. When I turned the corner, I found myself at a karaoke bar, and then down the street was “Fashion Mall”. With just a 10 minute bike ride, I passed by over 5 convenient stores.

Japan truly took the word convenience to another level. Everything one needs to survive is located in such a small area. When I returned from my bike ride, I realized how different a Canadian and Japanese residential area was. I would have had to drive at least 10 min to find my nearest convenient store. Grocery shopping would also be impossible without a car [our bikes don't even have baskets], and the nearest karaoke bar is downtown, a 40 minute drive away. If only Canada could better utilize this word, "convenience". I've now come to define my neighborhood as the areas my bicycle will take me. This encompasses Hirakatashi eki all the way till Keihan National Highway.[between Kappa Sushi and Donquijote - ドン・キホーテ]. 

Culture Shock: Early Impressions of Japan

I don’t consider myself to be a stranger to Japan.  My father is a Japanese Literature Professor, so he’s taken me to Japan countless times as a student.  My father always told me how when he comes to Japan, he feels like a citizen, not a foreigner.  While preparing for this exchange, I thought I would be able to easily relate to this feeling, but was slapped in the face the moment I hopped into the taxi headed for Kyoto. 

I know about the love hotels, pachinko stadiums and ferris wheels on top of 5 story department stores.  What I forgot, was the feeling of mental obliteration, pure shock of seeing all these unimaginable architects squished together side by side. However I soon realized this feeling of shock from seeing, is just stage one of culture shock.

 

I lived in Kyoto two weeks prior to coming to Hirakatashi and had plenty of time to adventure and explore the area.  Interestingly enough, I was most shocked when it came to lunch time. I was craving udon one day, so I walked into a small udon shop on the main streets of Kawaramachi.  To my surprise, the whole isle was filled with office ladies facing the wall, eating alone.  Because I was shopping alone, I naturally sat down at one of the isle seat and for the first time ever, felt this unbearable loneliness. It was such an interesting feeling, something I’ve never felt back home in Canada, even when I’m eating alone.  I started to question how these office ladies bear doing this every day, something that seemed like a norm to them.

After asking my Japanese friends, I learned of the word, “Ohitorisama,” meaning “one person”, usually used to describe a someone who can handle everything in life by her/himself.  TBS, a media company in Japan even made a television show titled “Ohitorisama”, a story of a strong willed women capable of handling any work by herself.  This send out a positive message to the female working class, but is clearly not as glorious and rewarding in real life. As a foreigner, upon hearing this word I immediately felt sad  because I could never be able to enjoy life without companions. It gave me the impression that Japanese people are overly independent. I asked another Japanese friend for his view on the word, and was surprised when he said a lifestyle like that is neither good or bad. Clearly the lifestyle has grown to become somewhat of a norm, but will remain forever foreign to me.

Although these encounters are unimaginable in my mind, I look forward to continually discovering and experiencing these cultural differences. 

Reference:

Drama “Ohitorisama”

http://www.tbs.co.jp/ohitorisama2009/