Exploring Japan | Pt. 2 | Kyoto, Okayama & Osaka (region)
Last September I paid my first visit to Japan. It was a long awaited trip and an opportunity to experience so many things that before I could only imagine. While Japan is a place I’ve longed to visit and that I’ve studied on different facets I had no predetermined expectations on how things would be there. This made the mountain of impressions that Japan allocates you all the more imposing.
In this feature you’ll find fragments of these impressions that I was able to capture on film with some background information or personal notes. You could consider these fragments to be recommendations, however what made my trip to Japan such a great experience was by predominantly following what seemed interesting and making impromptu decisions.
This journal entry covers ‘Exploring Japan | Pt. 2 | Kyoto, Okayama & Osaka (region)’.
Find the previous journal entry ‘Exploring Japan | Pt. 1 | Tokyo (region)’ here.
Kyoto
Kamo River | Riverbank | Japan, Kyoto
An easy evening at the riverbanks of the Kamo River. It’s a pure joy to spend some time here to wind down.
Chikujō Sō | Cafe | 15 Chome-756-2 Honmachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0981, Japan
Private tea room with a view into the garden.
The visit to Chikujō Sō was so very gentle, it’s a calming destination with a very warmhearted staff.
Upon leaving Chikujō Sō I asked about their space, the kind lady told me it was originally established by her husband’s family in the 19th century.
Okayama (region)
Cafe Moyau | Cafe | 1 Chome-10-2 Izushicho, Kita Ward, Okayama, 700-0812, Japan
Cafe that watches over the Asahi River with delicious homemade dishes and beautiful interior.
Downstairs with chair seating, upstairs features tatami seating.
Okayama Korakuen | Castle garden | 1-5 Korakuen, Kita Ward, Okayama, 703-8257, Japan
Koi carp having lunch.
ウエドレンタサイクル（Uedo Rent-a-cycle）| Bike rental | Ichinomiya, Kita Ward, Okayama, 701-1211, Japan
A bike rental at Bizen-Ichinomiya Station run by a very sweet elderly couple that will explain the route of the Kibiji bike trail in every detail.
The Kibiji bike trail is full of rice plains, due to the warmth in September the pleasant smell of rice roamed along the trail.
Bitchū Kokubun-ji Temple.
Rented bikes at the entrace of the Bitchū Kokubun-ji Temple.
Little Egret in the rice fields.
Naoshima Island | Island | Naoshima, Kagawa District, Kagawa 761-3110, Japan
Excerpt of some of the other islands surrounding Naoshima taking from the deck of the ferry.
Architectural highlight of the Junior High School.
Cafe Salon Naka-Oku | Cafe | Japan, 〒761-3110 Kagawa, Kagawa District, Naoshima, 本村中奥1167
A cafe with locally produced drinks and great food, variety of seating in a beautiful building.
Osaka
BOY | Standing bar | Japan, 〒550-0002 Osaka, Nishi Ward, Edobori, 1 Chome−19−2 ラインビルド肥後橋 101
Fried chicken.
The standing bar BOY offers an informal setting with dishes of high quality build from fun flavors and techniques.
MAKE ONE TWO (メイクワンツー | Standing bar | Japan, 〒541-0046 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Hiranomachi, 2 Chome−2−12, Ikoma Building, 1F
MAKE ONE TWO is another standing bar and family of standing bar BOY. Here you will find small dishes that are inspired by cultures all over the world. The food offers banging flavors that makes you want to order seconds.
Gamba Osaka | Football | 3-3 Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka 565-0826, Japan
Watching a football game in Japan is a whole other experience in comparison to Europe. Would highly recommend visiting if there is an opportunity.
VODKA connecting people | Clothing store | 1 Chome-18-5 Edobori, Osaka, 550-0002, Japan
VODKA’s merchandizing is just as intriguing as the items the store stocks. It’s the perfect store to allow yourself to try new shapes, materials and fits.
BAR SHIMIZU ~small talk~ | Bar | Japan, 〒550-0002 Osaka, Nishi Ward, Edobori, 1 Chome−20−11 肥後橋建和ビル 2F
Bar Shimizu offers high quality drinks with the very friendliest staff.
MusterWerk (ﾑｽﾀ-ｳﾞｪﾙｸ) | Clothing store | Japan, 〒550-0004 Osaka, Nishi Ward, Utsubohonmachi, 2 Chome−5−18 都住創うつぼ 1階
MusterWerk has been stocking the Sculpture Trainers for some seasons now and furthermore curates an array of impressive brands and items. In summary a selection of fun yet sophisticated items suiting a wide range of people.
MusterWerk Sud. | Clothing store | Japan, 〒550-0005 Osaka, Nishi Ward, Nishihonmachi, 2 Chome−4−4 三栄ビル 204
MusterWerk Sud. is MusterWerk’s second store nearby the MusterWerk store. An extension from what they are doing with friendly and stylish staff.
Sculpture Trainers at MusterWerk Sud.
Entrance to MusterWerk Sud.
Inside of MusterWerk Sud.