Osaka Day 2

Just back to our hostel now after a busy second day in Osaka. Decided to head to Bay area to have a look at the aquarium - something a bit different for us.

After cheap brunch at a kind of Japanese fast food joint called Yoshinoiya, we jumped on the subway. A forty five minute ride took us to the bay area, and a short walk to the aquarium itself.
Very impressive aquarium, of a somewhat different calibre to Napier's one. Special mentions go to : The Whale Shark - never thought I'd see one of those; and the Cook Strait section. I had no idea what sort of creatures were lurking in our humble strait. Had to come all the way to Japan to find out.

After the aquarium, and a bit of a wander around the bay area shops, we jumped back onto the train. We hoped to find an area called "Amerika Mura".

Despite following our instructions, we couldnt find the famed area. After a while of senseless wandering we pretty much had given up when we stumbled into it. It is fairly easy to miss. Several narrow alleys of very cool shops, and even cooooler (typo intended) people. This is surely the best country in the world for people watching. The fashions have to be seen to believed. The youngsters (and even not so youngsters) go to great lengths to capture the look they are emulating. Amerika Mura seems to be kind of a centrepoint.




Every trend/movement you know about from past, present, or for that matter the future, is still going strong here. Rockabilly, Punk, Grunge, Tribal, Goth, Hippy, and in all sorts of combinations as well. But often the look is presented in a way that is of course Japanese, and of course new. Many stores offer the clothes, accessories, and music in very complete and faithful ways.

This part of Osaka was very good to see. We look forward to seeing Tokyo's versions - Harajuku and Shinjuku.

On our way out of Amerika Mura at around 8pm, we were beckoned over to a bar by the noisey but friendly staff. We squeezed into the tiny bar (probably can seat 8 people at most around the bar) and we were treated first to some very tasty draught beer, and an Osaka speciality "Takoyaki" - balls of octopus meat cooked in a type of batter. Very tasty. Also a small frying pan of sliced potato, melted cheese, corn and several sauces. All food to help the beer go down better! All the while there was alot of jovial shouting going on amoungst the bar staff as they served the patrons - several business men and one woman in a Kimono.

A memorable end to a busy day in Osaka.