Pokemon Center, Osaka
There are a chain of stores in Japan that are known as the Pokémon Center. The one in this picture is located in Osaka on the 13th floor of the Daimaru Umeda Store. It really close to the JR Osaka Station and you have the choice of taking the elevator, which sometimes takes a while or the escalators to reach this place. This store had so many goods that were just too cute and makes you want to spend all your money here. They also have promotions where if you were to show the clerk that you have a Pokémon game then they’ll give you a special release shiny Pokémon code to download into your game for every cartridge you have. The thing that sucks is that the code only works in the Japanese version. Still this place is worth the visit for those who love Pokémon.
Taiyaki
Taiyaki is a snack that is shaped like a fish. The word taiyaki literally translates to baked Sea Bream. It is made of either pancake or waffle batter and the common filling is usually red bean paste. Now if you are the type to not like red bean paste then know that there are different flavors to try. Another common filling would be custard and that is what I prefer to get. When I first ate this I was debating on which part to eat first, the head or the tail. I asked my friends where most of the filling is and I had mixed reviews. So I decided to eat the tail first and it was delicious. You can get a Taiyaki snack in various places and you’ll be looking for either 鯛焼き、たい焼き、たいやき in Japanese. There is a taiyaki shop called Taipuchi in Omiya Station that has mini versions of taiyaki. It’s great if you want to try different flavors without having to eat a full sized one every time.
Miko (Shrine Maiden)
Miko translates to Shrine Maiden or Priestess. The modern Miko are usually seen at Shinto Shrines assisting with shrine functions like perform ceremonies, offering omikuji (fortune telling) and selling souvenirs. Historically the Miko once performed spirit possessions and acted as mediums. The white haori (kimono jacket) and red hakama (long divided trousers) is their traditional attire is the most notable part about them. Today the Miko has appeared in many popular media as fictional characters. They have appeared in anime, manga and video games. It is possible that you have seen them through these outlets. It also helps to know that if you see them then you are at a Shinto Shrine. If not then you are at a Buddhist Temple.
Maneki Neko Karaoke
Have you ever had a song stuck in your head to the point you just want to sing it out loud? Well luckily in Japan there is an abundance of Karaoke places you can go to for cheap you just got to know what places to look for. When in the city or anywhere else look for this katakana カラオケbecause that means karaoke. Some places offer nomihodai where it is unlimited drinks at the beverage station. Also there are places like Maneki Neko that has this promotion called Cinderella Free Time where ladies can sing from 8pm to Midnight for only 500 yen with nomihodai. Karaoke places vary on prices and specials, but it is a reasonable enough to try out. Don’t worry these places offers English songs too.
Ryozen Kannon, Kyoto
Kyoto is known for many of its long standing historical buildings. However, this place with a giant statue of Kannon is a war memorial for those who died in the Pacific war as well as World War II. It is called Ryozen Kannon and like Washington DC, this memorial has a hall dedicated to the unknown soldier killed during wartime. As you walk around the Koi pond you’ll find an area where there are memorial tablets. There are 2 million tablets stored in the shelves and a prayer is conducted 4 times a day. Stop by this place if you like World War II history because there is much to see here.