Travel Japan Day 1 Moshi Moshi

The red sun welcoming our approach to Kansai International airport.

Nintendo welcomed us too.

This is genius, a tram at the airport. It wasn't like a bullet train but it was quick enough. It probably saved us a good 10 or more minutes of walking.

I don't know why I took this photo. She ìntrigued me I guess. Something about the way she carried herself on the runway.

Got to Kansai Airport a little too early and had to wait for the post office to open in half an hour to pick up the pocket wifi we rented.

The meantime I had to scout and ask some info where to get our JR passes. One thing I love about Japan is how they are always ever so courteous. They always bow their heads and makes me want to bow my head too. It's contagious.

One of the things you certainly need is a mobile internet. Secondly, if you will be traveling to a lot of cities that are 4 hours apart, get Japan Rail Pass.

J.R. Pass can be used in almost every line in Japan's rail network. It is only for tourists staying for less than a month in the country. Most of my friends that have been there always recommends getting it.

Locals are not allowed to use them. Two way travel from Osaka to Tokyo would have paid for the JR Pass already. Get one!

Sometimes the train system can be confusing. Especially if there are no indicators like this one. Without these, you have to rely on the train staff or locals to get you back on track.

My last visit here, I had to travel via bus and that was a doozy. I would rather not travel in Japan's buses. It's just so much more head spins and drivers aren't very helpful, in my experience anyway.

After a lot of map googling, numerous inquiries and lots of arguments, we made it. I am now in Ikebukuro.

This is where we booked our Airbnb unit. It has 3 bedrooms and only one bathroom between 8 people. Bathroom arrangements needs to be set. It feels cramped but what more can you ask for $50 a night.

How convenient are vending machines. You just put the coins in a slot and out comes a cold drink. In Japan they go one step further by providing hot beverages, smokes and cold beer.

Walking around the area, I saw one big building supporting Aussies.

Just down the road from our apartment is a foodie heaven. There are guys dressed in black pimping girls and guys dressed casually pimping food.

There are more people pimping food though. So food outweighs the rest. One huge area where every corner you look are potential food heaven. I am so ecstatic right now.

We ate at a place where I didn't expect much of it but it turned out really good. I don't know how but Japan's karaage chicken is so tender and moist while so crispy. It's heavenly to eat.

The Tonkutsu was very satisfying as well as the rice dish with chicken teriyaki.

All this for a measley sum of $6 AU.

That was a great feed. In Sydney, I struggle to find a place where they make Tonkotsu. It is a long simmered pork broth that is thick and cloudy white.

I was just standing outside watching this chef work. He then calls and waves at me to come in and eat. Alas, I am so packed to the brim and anything I'd put in will likely to come out. I ate most of my friends' leftovers. I passed.

We surely don't have this in Sydney. If I would put up a resto like this one, it would go broke I think.

Look how funky these Japs dress. Its almost like I am watching an Anime episode.

@centerlink represent!

Walking at night in this area, I felt overly under dress. Everyone was dressed to the nines. Some looks funky, cool, rocked out, businessy and some look like cartoon characters. I was just in my Bonds shorts, thongs and plain shirt. Talk about out of place.

Ending the night with a photo of my origin and proudly represent. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas.

Gnight all! Or should I say good morning hehe. It is 4.52 AM Tuesday local time.

Tips:

1. Reserve a seat in the train during rush hours when you can.
2. Rush hour times are between 8 to 9 AM and after 5 PM. Avoid morning rush hour whenever possible.

!steemitworldmap 35.733589 lat 139.708109 long ... d3scr

©2017 All Rights Reserved @foovler