Osaka | Kyoto: "Embark on a solitary journey to discover the hidden facets of your being in Japan."

Hello, um... what should I do? Should I introduce myself? I'm Gant.

This is a translation of the provided text from Thai to English:

I had the opportunity to visit Japan as I had hoped, and I would like to share my experiences and photos with you.

This post is not a review, but if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask. I will be happy to answer them.

The trip took place between March 26th and 31st, 2013. I traveled solo, hence the concept of "Walk alone".

Driven by a desire to delve deeper into my passions, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, seeking to uncover the unknown facets of my being. This quest led me to explore uncharted territories within myself, venturing beyond the familiar to embrace the enigmatic and the unexplored.

This translates to: "This trip, 'Walk alone find the unknown me in Japan,' brought us all together."

The two prefectures I visited were Osaka, the main base of the trip, and Kyoto. It may seem like a small number, but I chose to visit places that were truly of interest to me.

It was quite a distance, enough to make my legs ache.

The content may be somewhat nonsensical and not very useful. There may be too many images, and the language is informal. I apologize for this.

Let's get started then.

- Day 1 -

March 26, 2016

1:03 PM

I am a journalist translator, and I am here to translate sentences from Thai to English. I am very proficient in academic English, and I will consider perplexity and burstiness to ensure that my writing is human-written, objective, and academic. I will not copy and paste from other sources, and I will maintain high levels of critical analysis and evidence-based claims without losing specificity or context. I will rewrite in a formal academic style, using a formal tone, avoiding personal pronouns and colloquialisms, supporting all claims with evidence, using the active voice, being concise, posing critical questions, and incorporating meaningful examples and analogies.

Here is the translation of the provided text:

I am sitting at Gate 22 of Don Mueang Airport. This is my second time here, having arrived just yesterday. Everything is new, and I am learning my way around. I have plenty of time, as my excitement (or perhaps caution) led me to arrive early for check-in, even before the counters were open. I have now passed through all the necessary steps and am at the gate. I opened the camera on my iPhone to take a picture of my passport with the boarding pass attached, intending to upload it to social media. However, I did not actually do so.

This is my second time flying, but I'm not excited anymore. I'm a little disappointed that I didn't get a window seat, and I'm also a little annoyed that I'll have to sit still for about 4 hours. The time at my destination is 2 hours ahead of the time at my departure point, so it will actually be a 6-hour flight. I'm trying to console myself by thinking that if I want to travel far, I have to be patient. It's not that long, really. The bus ride from the bus terminal to Lam Sak is longer, and the train ride from Hua Lamphong to Chiang Mai is even longer… (repeat "longer" several more times).

11:28 PM

Overjoyed to have cleared Japanese immigration! Finally, time to explore!

At that moment, I was both overjoyed and relieved to have finally entered the country legally. Before that, I was very nervous. I wondered if I would get into any trouble. Would my past traffic tickets that I hadn't paid yet cause any problems? (No, of course not.) There were so many people. I saw quite a few people being turned away by immigration officers, and it made me nervous. If I got turned away, it would be so embarrassing with so many people watching. Hmm... that officer over there looks strict. I should avoid that line. Hmm... did I fill out the immigration form correctly? Hmm... that immigration officer is quite handsome. Oh, no! I'm getting distracted! I focused on the officer, looked down at my immigration form, and finally reached my turn. I passed without any problems. Yay!!!

The immigration officer at the checkpoint had sharp eyesight and was very observant. Despite the large crowd, the officer easily spotted my mistake as I walked past. I had forgotten to write down my flight number on the immigration form. The officer kindly pointed out my error and helped me correct it. I was very grateful for their assistance (it left a positive impression even before I entered the country).

A lunchbox from FamilyMart, my first meal in Japan.

The first night's sleep in Japan.

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Okay, now that you've made it through, don't get too excited. Tonight, you need to find a place to sleep in a location you've never been to before. It's not easy when you have to carry a backpacker's backpack and another camera bag (First mistake: I should have used a wheeled suitcase, especially since I also had a large camera bag, which was heavy. It was like I was a packhorse, carrying all these lenses around, only to end up using the 50mm fixed lens all the time. The rest were just there to weigh me down).

Before finding a place to sleep for the night, I decided to grab something to eat. I was so hungry at that moment. I decided to leave my heavy bag in front of the Family Mart temporarily. If I brought it inside, I would probably knock over their products and make a mess on the floor. It was safer to leave it in front of the store. It was probably a better idea (one of the downsides of traveling alone).

My first experience in a Japanese convenience store was overwhelming. The abundance of tempting snacks and drinks made me want to try everything. I wanted to browse leisurely, but I was also worried about my wallet and the possibility of getting lost. So, I quickly grabbed a few items, including a rice ball, an Orangina orange juice, and a small dessert, and left the store.

Stepping out of the store, it was already the 27th. My first meal in Japan, eaten at midnight, haha (what am I laughing at?). With food in our stomachs, it was time to find a place to sleep. But... where would be good? In front of the bathroom on the FamilyMart side, there were already a lot of Thai people claiming their sleeping spots. The other side, near Lawson, wasn't any different. We walked around for a while, and by "a while," I mean we were exhausted. Our bags were heavy on our shoulders... We decided to walk to the front, where there were no Thai people, only Japanese teenagers. They were sitting and lying down, but there was plenty of space for us to sleep comfortably in a long row.

Leave me here, guys... I want to sleep with you. Please don't start, okay?

After settling into my accommodation, I chatted with my family and friends back home to let them know I was safe and had officially entered the country. At that moment, I felt an overwhelming urge to... sing out loud, to share my joy with everyone. I wanted to shout it from the rooftops, to let the whole world know. Da-da-da-dum, da-da-da-dum, da-da-da-da, da-da-da-da...

Sigh - -“

It was almost 2 am by the time I finally got to eat. I knew it, I thought to myself, that I probably wouldn't be able to sleep tonight. With chairs like this, lights this bright, and so many people around, who could possibly fall asleep?

I apologize. After finishing my meal, I lay down and slept soundly until 5:30 am. zzZ

The first ticket for a trip to Japan

First train ride on a trip to Japan

My first light in the land of the rising sun

First time

March 27, 2016.

5:22 AM

Today is the day! I'm finally going to set foot on Japanese soil. Yay! But before that,

Excuse me, I need to use the restroom. I've been holding it in since last night. (I didn't want to get up and move around then, for fear of seeming too eager. Now I can't hold it any longer.)

As the clock neared 6 am, I found myself standing bewildered in front of the train ticket machine at the airport. My eyes scanned the large sign above, its colorful lines intertwining beautifully. But at that moment, the only thought in my head was, "What am I going to do?!" I had never seen this machine before. -O- Okay, calm down. I looked around at the people next to me. Were they Thai? I turned the other way. Oh, there's a Chinese person. Are they confused too? They look stressed. I should be worried about them (shouldn't I be worried about myself first?).

Fortunately, I had the opportunity to try out the BTS a day before my actual trip, which gave me a basic understanding of how it works. You might be wondering why I've never used the BTS before. Well, I'm from the countryside, and it's not often that I get to visit Bangkok. This was my first time using the BTS, and the first step was to figure out the ticket machine. It's actually quite simple: just insert money and press the button for your desired destination, which is clearly indicated on the large display. However, some stations have slightly different machines, which can be a bit confusing, but I managed to figure it out.

First Steps in Japan: A Solo Adventure Begins

The first time navigating the platform, the first time deciphering signs and train schedules, a wave of excitement and uncertainty washed over me. Would I board the correct train? Was this the right platform? I meticulously checked the train name, departure time, and compared it with the information on Google Maps. Finally, with a surge of courage, I boarded the train, a lone traveler embarking on a solo adventure. No responsibilities, just myself and the open road. With nothing to lose, my journey through Japan had officially begun. Let the adventure commence!

The feeling of being on the right path washed over me at that moment. Even if it turned out to be wrong, I decided to enjoy the moment. The view from the window was breathtaking. The sun was rising, casting a soft orange glow across the sky, contrasting with the gray-blue above. Below, the dark blue sea stretched out endlessly. I wanted to turn to the person next to me, widen my eyes, and open my mouth in awe, to share my excitement. But I was alone, and the person next to me was a stranger. So I had to keep my emotions in check (another downside of traveling alone). I used my eyes to observe, my brain to capture the details, and my heart to remember the feeling, so that it would be as vivid as possible when I looked back on it in the future. After crossing the sea, I arrived at the first city of my journey. I knew it was Rinku Town, a place I had previously considered visiting to ride the Ferris wheel and enjoy the view. But in the end, I decided not to go. It was too expensive...

I pinched my other arm tightly to make sure I wasn't dreaming. The scenery outside the train window—houses, buildings, skyscrapers, and rivers—was exactly like what I had seen in manga. I was truly amazed. The only disappointment was that the cherry blossom trees along the road had not yet bloomed. But that's okay. It's great to be here.

Engrossed in the captivating scenery, the train soon arrived at Nankai Namba Station. Stepping onto the platform, the first impression was overwhelming. The sheer number of people and their hurried pace could have easily created chaos, but instead, a sense of order prevailed. The bustling atmosphere was strangely captivating, leaving me in awe as I navigated the throngs.

Early morning at Nankai Namba Station

No Plan

Where to go next? This was the question that lingered in my mind as I strolled through the bustling streets of Namba, trying to decide on my first destination. The question continued to arise throughout my trip, despite having meticulously printed out a detailed itinerary from Thailand. However, the itinerary remained untouched. Instead, my approach was simple: think of a destination – open Google Maps to find directions – and go. That was all it took.

A chilly Sunday morning, the aftermath of an unexpected storm, brought a disheartening consequence: the cherry blossoms were delayed. Sighing, I decided to put aside my disappointment and fatigue. Focusing on the journey ahead, I boarded the train, transferred lines, and navigated my way to the exit, determined to reach my destination. The bustling atmosphere, instead of overwhelming me, sparked a sense of excitement. The thrill of exploring the unknown, navigating on my own, filled me with anticipation.

My first stop was Osaka Castle, a sprawling complex that left my legs aching. Adding to my existing fatigue, I pushed on, determined to explore. In truth, the weariness in my legs was overshadowed by my eagerness to find the perfect photo opportunities. The few scattered cherry blossoms, the Shiba Inu frolicking with its owner, the runners with their powerful strides, the birds, ducks, and geese (or whatever they were) gliding across the water surrounding the castle—I snapped away like a madman, determined to capture stunning images for my Instagram feed.

The tourist crowd was overwhelming. The queue for the castle entrance stretched far beyond the castle grounds. Despite having purchased a ticket, I decided to give up and treat myself to some soft-serve ice cream instead.

Time seemed to slip away as I wandered through the castle grounds, snapping photos and exploring the gardens and shrines. By the time I returned to the entrance, I realized it was already three in the afternoon. I retrieved my luggage and set off in search of my hotel, unsure of its exact location somewhere near Dotombori. The aimless exploration felt strangely liberating, a welcome departure from the rigidity of my itinerary.

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Rain falls again.

The sky was devoid of light, replaced by the glow of city lights. It was beautiful, but I'm not a cityscape enthusiast. I'll take what I can get, though. I'm standing on a bridge with the iconic Glico Man neon sign of Dotombori before me. After checking in and taking a nap, I walked here in just four minutes. There are so many people here, and I'm a little embarrassed, but not taking a selfie would be silly. Let me take one before I dive into this famous shopping district.

Shinsaibashi: A Shopaholic's Paradise

Shinsaibashi is a haven for shopaholics, even those who aren't typically drawn to retail therapy. I found myself easily parting with over 30,000 yen, despite not being a dedicated shopper. It's almost unbelievable how quickly the money disappears. If I visited this area every night, I'd be left penniless. Perhaps the unexpected rain played a role, making me more susceptible to impulsive purchases. (It's always easy to blame the weather, isn't it?)

The rain started again around 10:30 pm as I walked back to the hotel. I had to stand and eat taiyaki and takoyaki alone while sheltering from the rain in the doorway of a shop that had already closed for the night. The atmosphere was lonely. Alone, I didn't know anyone and no one knew me. In a place far from home, I was sheltering from the rain and eating a croissant. I never thought I would be doing something like this in my life. It would be fun if someone was with me. It would be more delicious if I could eat these snacks with someone else.

However, the current feeling is not bad either... I do like it.

Note: The octopus tentacles in the takoyaki got stuck in my braces, and it's difficult to remove them from this particular crevice. This is quite frustrating. (Why am I even telling you this?)

Fushimi Inari Shrine

On the first day in Japan, I woke up early in the morning with an overwhelming desire to explore. I had already planned to visit the old town today, specifically Kyoto, to see my favorite fat cat and discover the popular and trendy spots in Japan.

The intricate interchange of train lines has begun once more. Namba, our familiar and beloved station (from hours of getting lost), could not take us out of Osaka, so we had to turn to the larger Umeda station instead.

The journey on the local train took just over an hour, which wasn't too long considering the excitement of the scenery and the atmosphere inside the train. We arrived at our first destination, Fushimi Inari Shrine. The first thing I noticed was the large crowd, which had already started to gather on the train. There were Chinese, Korean, and even some Thai tourists. My hopes of getting a postcard-perfect photo with no one in the background quickly dwindled. Still, I was happy to have made it there.

I slowly walked along with the crowd, finding a good angle to take photos and then rejoining the flow. I didn't know where anything was, but it wasn't hard to find with so many tourists around. It wasn't bad, really, just the photos didn't turn out well. (That's pretty bad, you know!) Surprisingly, many Japanese people were also impressed by the Fushimi Inari Shrine. The higher we climbed, the fewer Chinese tourists there were. Mostly, it was Japanese people who were truly enjoying the place. As I walked, I saw couples holding hands and walking up the stairs. Some of them were quite old, probably over 50, but they were so sweet it made my teeth hurt. I was so jealous... It made the climb up the hills seem less tiring. Well, actually, it was tiring, but I was enjoying myself.

The melancholy that comes with the rain

After visiting the shrine, the next destination was Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a place with unique characteristics and interesting beliefs that made it a must-see for me. However, on the way to the temple, which was about a kilometer away, it started raining again for the second time (the first time was at Fushimi Inari Shrine). It wouldn't have been a big deal if I had chosen to take shelter in a souvenir shop with a group of Chinese people, but I decided to buy a 300 yen can of coffee and walk out alone. This incident was later posted as a caption on Instagram, saying:

As I sought refuge from the unexpected hailstorm, sheltering beneath my umbrella, the sky darkened, casting a somber mood over my surroundings. Nearby, a couple strolled hand-in-hand, their intimacy a stark contrast to my solitude. While these elements contributed to my loneliness, the absence of you amplified it beyond measure. The mere thought of you has a profound impact on my emotions.

...Well, that's it, viewers. Was that hilarious or what?

Dear Totoro,

The beauty of Wat Nam Sai is beyond description. The intricate details and serene atmosphere create an awe-inspiring experience. As I wandered through the temple, I found myself captivated by its splendor, losing track of time as I captured its essence through photographs. (Perhaps, I must confess, a touch of laziness also contributed to my extended stay.)

Next, we arrive at the crucial destination, the final stop written in the plan. I will add three asterisks (*), bold it, highlight it, and underline it... that she doesn't love me... (Hmm, this is getting out of hand - -").

That is... Ghibli's plentiful Donguri Republic, a long name that's hard to understand. Let's just call it the Studio Ghibli store. As a huge fan of Totoro, I couldn't miss this place for the world.

After searching for a long time, I finally found it. I only knew it was on the way up to Wat Nam Sai. I walked down and down, but I couldn't find it anywhere. I thought to myself that if I walked all the way down and didn't find it, I would walk back up again. I would keep going until I found it. And where was it? It was right at the foot of the mountain.

The experience was so enjoyable that everything else became irrelevant. The price, whether it was 3,000 yen or 6,000 yen, didn't matter. I didn't even bother converting it back to Thai baht. The initial leg fatigue was completely forgotten. Haha...

Like in a cartoon

The Allure of Japan: From Childhood Dreams to Reality

The allure of Japan often begins in childhood, sparked by captivating manga and anime. Vivid scenes of playgrounds, serene shrines, and pristine rivers paint a picture of a world waiting to be explored. This yearning for authenticity, for a chance to step into the pages of a beloved story, drives many to seek out a deeper connection with Japanese culture.

Instead of chasing the typical tourist attractions, these individuals seek to immerse themselves in the everyday life of Japan. They yearn to experience the simple joys depicted in their childhood favorites, from the laughter of children playing in a park to the quiet contemplation at a local shrine. This desire for authenticity reflects a growing appreciation for the nuances of Japanese culture, a move beyond the surface-level understanding often presented to tourists.

By embracing the everyday, travelers can forge a deeper connection with the heart and soul of Japan. They can participate in traditional activities, savor local cuisine, and engage with the warmth and hospitality of the Japanese people. This journey of discovery allows them to transcend the idealized image of Japan presented in fiction and embrace the rich tapestry of its reality.

Not far from Gion, a popular tourist destination, the banks of the Kamo River hold a special place in my heart. Strolling along the river, I was surrounded by Japanese people seemingly free from all worries. Office workers relaxed on the grassy banks, sipping beers; young couples playfully teased each other; and groups of students shared stories and laughter. How could anyone resist becoming part of such an environment? I unburdened myself of my camera bag and sat down, capturing the scene with a few clicks of the shutter. Then, I allowed myself to be transported into the world of manga, a story about a "lonely fool sitting in the middle of Japan" (hmm, not bad). As the sun began to set, I walked back to my car, feeling as carefree as a character in a Japanese comic book.

Communal bathing

The first hotel I booked had a large room with a comfortable-looking bed. It was conveniently located near Umeda Station, making it easy to catch trains to other parts of the country. However, I ultimately chose the second hotel for several reasons. It was significantly cheaper, costing only half as much as the first. Additionally, it was located on Dotomburi Street, just a short walk across a crosswalk from the main shopping area. This convenience came at the cost of having to share a bathroom.

After my final year in the Boy Scouts, I never took a communal bath again until my trip to Japan. When I first entered the bathing area, I was speechless and didn't dare to bathe. It was a melting pot of nationalities: Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Westerners. To make matters worse, the hotel's handsome staff stood there with their chests puffed out, inspecting the area. On top of that, beautiful Japanese maids walked around nonchalantly. I felt so embarrassed that I couldn't even take off my bathrobe. I just walked out quietly, went to bed, and thought I would come back later at night to bathe. Well, the price was the same, so I thought, "What the heck? They're not ashamed to walk around showing off their stuff, so why should I be afraid? They must be used to it, whether they're men or women." In the end, I spent five days in the bathroom.

On the train.

You must have heard about the stories on the train from every review. Whether it's the Japanese being very quiet on the train or the Japanese not talking on the phone on the train, but that's just part of it. At first, I thought that riding the train in Japan would be something very tense and boring, but no way. I found myself enjoying watching the (secret) postures of people on the train.

In bustling metropolises, major stations like Namba exude an air of composure that first-time visitors, like myself, find remarkable. This composure extends to the subway stations, where commuters navigate with practiced agility, effortlessly dodging and weaving through the crowds. (During my initial attempts, I felt like an awkward obstacle, but I've since honed my skills and developed a certain finesse.) Passengers on the trains maintain a stoic silence, as if their bodies have left their spirits at home. The urge to let out a loud "whoop!" arises, but with no audience, the thought remains trapped within my silent mind.

The atmosphere in suburban stations, like the one leading to the ancient capital, is vastly different. People appear more relaxed, and there's a wider range of ages present. Elderly individuals stand comfortably without demanding seats, adults sport intriguing attire, and high school students (or perhaps middle schoolers) engage in vibrant manga reading competitions. My personal favorite is observing young children playing quietly without disturbing others. It's heartwarming to see them instinctively lower their voices when they realize they're being too loud. And when their mothers ask them questions, they respond politely and thoughtfully.

The child responded with a long, drawn-out "Haiii," their tiny voice incredibly endearing. This simple interaction made the time spent on the local train seem to fly by.

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Oh no! We're almost out of meat, but we still have plenty of pictures left.

Sea

Translation:

As my home is in the northern region of Thailand, surrounded by forests and mountains, the sea was a top priority for my trip to Japan. Conveniently, the first thing I saw upon exiting Kansai Airport was the ocean. I chose to visit this location last before returning home, both for its proximity to the airport and because I wasn't sure where else to go. Well, actually, I did have this place in mind all along.

Rinku Town: A Coastal Oasis with Brand-Name Bargains

Rinku Town, a unique destination accessible via Kansai International Airport, offers a blend of shopping and seaside serenity. While renowned for its extensive outlet mall brimming with designer brands (primarily attracting Chinese tourists), Rinku Town's allure extends beyond retail therapy. Its pristine beach provides a tranquil escape, a hidden gem often overlooked by visitors.

Although the beach lacks the soft, fine sand that invites barefoot walks and carefree play, and the seawater emits a strong odor when the wind blows, it does not diminish the sense of relaxation. The beach is composed of white marble, which offers a unique aesthetic appeal. The seawater is remarkably clear. I sat mesmerized by the waves crashing against the shore, immersing myself in the surrounding atmosphere. The feeling of "Nippon" emerged once again. This location is not far from the outlet, yet it is completely devoid of foreign tourists (except for us, of course). There are no loud, jarring noises, only the rhythmic sound of waves gently lapping against the shore. To my left, a group of teenagers were playing, chatting, and laughing heartily, which did not bother me in the least. On my right, two young women were gazing out at the sea, seemingly lost in their own thoughts, much like myself. Further away, a salaryman, seemingly on a whim, decided to go for a swim, while his two friends cheered him on from the shore. I continued to sit and observe, the sun's rays gentle on my skin. It created a sense of tranquility and contentment that is difficult to describe. I wondered if I could find a place like this back home, but I couldn't think of any. I enjoy this kind of solitude, even though I am a tourist myself. It's not strange, really. I simply desire to relax in a new environment, taking a break from the relentless travel of the past four days.

Warning!

1. "If you're thinking of getting a model from a gachapon machine, be prepared to invest... it might be a bit expensive. In the end, you'll probably find that it's more worthwhile to just buy it directly."

2. Bring an inhaler with you on the plane, even if you don't get airsick. You never know what kind of smells your seatmate might bring on board.

My return journey was plagued by misfortune. I was seated in the middle, flanked by a pungent odor of stale clothing from a Japanese teenager on my left and the overwhelming scent of old, unused fabric on my right. After several hours of enduring this olfactory assault, I managed to escape the stench by employing a trick I learned from the Japanese youth. It seemed to convey a subtle message: "Excuse me, but your odor is unbearable." This tactic provided temporary relief, allowing me to endure the remaining hours of the journey.

3. At Shinsaibashi, no matter if you are a foodie, a traveler, a history buff, a landscape enthusiast, a city lover, or a pretty girl, once you enter this tunnel, you will not believe yourself. In fact, you are a "shopaholic". Believe me... I've been there.

I initially considered creating a separate thread due to the abundance of remaining images, but I decided to hold off for now as there is insufficient content. Thank you for following along with me to this point. I greatly appreciate your support.

Translation:

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