Going Somewhere
- Azka
- 2019年4月10日
- 読了時間: 5分
This story probably a continuation of Dian's blog, which is about our trip to the southern area of Japan.
After we finished the symposium at Yamagata University, we both continued our trip to Osaka. We departed from Yamagata station by using shinkansen for the first time. Somehow, I was very excited went to Osaka by shinkansen, even though there was a little worry and fear because we did not understand Japanese language at all and this was the first time we did such a far and long traveling. After waiting for about 1 hour (preventing from being late hehe), finally the shinkansen arrived very on time. That was one of my admiration for this country. All public transportation is very punctual, so if we late even just for 1 minute, then goodbye. We really enjoyed the trip by using shinkansen. The situation inside is very clean and the facilities are complete so that makes us both feel comfortable. The train went very fast and smooth so it was not surprising if in about 3 hours we arrived in Tokyo to switch to the next shinkansen.
Arriving in Tokyo, we were confused and panicked because we only had 12 minutes to move to the next train. Because of difficulties finding the next place to transit, unfortunately, when we arrived at the place, the train we were supposed to ride had just closed the door and was ready to go. We were worried at that time but the train officer told us that we could take the next train in the next scheduled departure. Finally, we can breathe a sigh of relief.
About 5 hours later, finally we arrived in Osaka in the evening! Then we took a rest in the lodging. After a while, we went outside to see the night atmosphere in Osaka. We went to Dotonbori and Shinsaibachi, the most popular street shop in Osaka. We spent a half night enjoying the atmosphere there.
Day 1
On Tuesday, we decided to go to some recommended places by subway. In the morning we visit Tsutenkaku Tower which is a famous tower as a symbol of Osaka. There were many shops and traders selling their wares, but because it was still early in the morning, the place was still very quiet so we could enjoy the place with satisfaction. Furthermore, without being planned we found a zoo that was not far from our place. We decided to enter the zoo because Dian was very curious and wanted to know the difference between Japan and Indonesia.
I think the zoo here is very clean and well-maintained. The animals are so many and diverse from all over the world. All animals are active and look very healthy. The location is also very comfortable and safe, so we enjoyed the place very much. Before leaving, we visited the art museum in the zoo area even though we could not enter it, but we were glad to be able to enjoy the atmosphere outside the building. During the day, we continued our trip to Osaka Castle, a historical place which is highly recommended when visiting Osaka. Lots of domestic and foreign tourists were also visiting the place, so no wonder if sometimes we met with Indonesian tourists. Osaka Castle was a priest's residence which was built in 1496. After various developments until the third generation, now the palace is a cultural heritage protected by the Japanese government as a symbol of Osaka. In the late afternoon, we decided to go to Universal City as the last destination during that day. We visited Universal Studios even though we did not enter the place. We spent the remaining afternoon enjoying the atmosphere around that place.
Day 2
After being satisfied with all the uniqueness and beauty of Osaka, we decided to do religious tourism. We visited one of the mosques in Owada area. We were very grateful could visit the mosque and we found there were many Muslim societies living in that area, so it was not surprising if there were some halal food stalls and shops. This mosque became our last destination in Osaka before moved to Kyoto.
Day 3
As the beginning day in Kyoto, firstly we visited Fushimi Inari in the morning. Fushimi Inari is a Shinto temple which became a central temple for surrounding temples. People believed the temple as a god of agriculture because it is considered to bring blessings to the harvest of the crop, success in trade business, and safety in transportation. After enjoying, we continued our trip to Arashiyama area, which is also recommended when visiting Kyoto. When we were in the bamboo forest, the atmosphere was truly different, very comfortable, and peaceful. I realized that the bamboo trees were different from Indonesia’s. In Indonesia, bamboo trees mostly grow collectively, while in Japan, bamboo trees grow one by one due to the type and characteristics of habitats. In the late afternoon, we had lunch in a halal restaurant and we tasted halal ramen (mazesoba). It was very tasty! After that, we spent the rest of the day visiting nearby temples not far from our lodging. As the last destination in Kyoto, we went to Gion Shirakawa then prepared to move to Tokyo the next morning.
Day 4
It was very sad knowing that our trip will end soon, but we started missing Tsuruoka and wanted to back home quickly. At noon we arrived at Tokyo station. We could not start the trip yet because we had to buy a bus ticket to Tsuruoka tonight. When we arrived at the bus information center, we were disappointed and panicked because the staff informed us that the bus ticket to Tsuruoka had already been sold out. All methods have been tried such as changing the destination to Yamagata, changing the departure schedule, and ordering tickets online, but we got nothing because we still did not get the tickets. Then, we went to a foreign tourist information center, and surprisingly the staff suggested us to buy the tickets in the convenient store. Immediately, we looked for that place because we did not want to waste time. Unfortunately, when we arrived there, we could not buy the tickets. We were desperate and did not know what else to do. Suddenly, there was a man tried asking for our problems. He asked one of his colleagues to speak to us because he understood English. After we explained many, it turned out that the person had visited Indonesia and understood a little about Indonesian language. We were so grateful met with kind and good people who were willing to help us. They drove us to the place which we visited before. After talking with the staff, we were able to get 2 tickets to Yamagata tonight. Finally, we were able to breathe a sigh of relief and could start the trip in the last city destination, Tokyo. Not so many places became our destination in Tokyo because of limited time. Firstly, because loosing energy to buy tickets, we decided to have kind of satisfying lunch. We ate halal yakiniku which is recommended by many people. Unfortunately, when we arrived there, it was still closed! It's sad, but it's true. Then, we got a good news that there was a mosque not far from the location. Immediately, we decided to pray in the mosque. After took a rest for a while, we returned back and several minutes later finally open! It was very delicious taste and we enjoyed it very much. Then, we visited Shibuya area and other mosque. The most favorite place is Camii Mosques which was so beautiful with Turkish ornament.
That is all. I am very glad can experience such a far and long trip with my best partner. Thank you very much Sato Sensei for giving us a valuable opportunity and also giving permission to do an unofficial trip. I got many things and learn a lot in every place I go to. I hope this is not only a trip but also an exercise to encourage and improve my capabilities and capacities.
“Better to see something once than hear about it a thousand times." - Anonymous
