Adventure to Osaka

Last Saturday, Joel and I decided we needed to get out of the house and experience something different for a little while. We hadn't ventured to another city since I arrived in Japan so we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to hop on the train and make the small journey to Osaka. It only takes about 30 minutes total and two different train routes to get to Osaka. There might be other routes but ours was the cheapest and easiest for us. Earlier in the day we discussed going to the Osaka IKEA because we were in great need for basic household items like another skillet and pot, dishtowels, kitchen utensils etc. My first impressions of Osaka were much different than that of Kyoto. Osaka is a huge city with over 30 million people residing there. It doesn't feel crowded, but it feels busier and much more industrialized than Kyoto. Kyoto has a quaintness about it that is hard to find in a city. Although I'm sure Osaka has wonderful cultural and historical heritage, you might have to dig a little deeper there because of the modernized look and feel whereas Kyoto is enveloped in it. After our train ride we wondered over to the IKEA bus stop. Since the store isn't located right in the heart of Osaka, they provide a free shuttle that runs every twenty minutes or so for the convenience of the customers. Amazing! The shuttle ride was great, and before we knew it we were at IKEA. 

The store was completely packed and seemed like a cattle call to me, but definitely fun! We wondered through the displays and aisles upon aisles of IKEA goodies and gathered all of the necessities. The Japanese IKEA had some of the same products as the stores back home, but they catered to the Japanese culture providing futon beds and displays that looked like Japanese apartments. After our adventure in the vast wonderland of home goods we boarded our shuttle back into the city where we were meeting Joel's friend Joey for some drinks. 

Joel has known Joey for quite a few years and they are great friends. They did the show "Blast" together and have wonderful stories to tell. They both know the Osaka area pretty well, and have a favorite bar that Joel always talks about. Sort of an American tourist dive bar, but fun and very energetic. Joel had been craving the grilled cheese that they serve ever since he had it last in 2008 so we ordered that and some drinks. I listened to their stories of good, crazy, and adventurous times. We talked about planning a trip to Hiroshima for their sake festival and hanging out again. I'm sure Joey will be a great and cherished friend of mine now as well. We laughed and talked for a few hours before Joel and I wondered back to Kyoto where we were ready for the comfort of our cushiony soft futon. 

See you tomorrow readers!