Exploring Kansai - Kobe

When most people hear the name Kobe, the thought of Kobe beef immediately comes to mind, but there's so much more to experience than just the amazing beef!

If you're looking for a fun, quick trip to do on a weekend, Kobe can be reached by train in as little as an hour from the Makino station for around ¥830 - ¥1000 one way.


Kobe Beef

If you're really only after slab of the world renown beef, well, you've come to the right place. One very popular Kobe beef restaurant frequented both by the locals and tourists is called Steakland Kobe. (See on google maps). Literally, just a short walk from the stations North exit. Sometimes there can be a short line up but since they have two locations side by side, it usually doesn't take long to get a table.

Upon ordering, there's a few different general set menus for Kobe beef. Be prepared, this steak is not cheap but well worth it. I mean, where else better then Kobe to experience true, genuine Kobe beef? In North America, it's nearly impossible to find true Kobe beef. Many restaurants simply rip off the name and market their Kobe/Wagyu "Style" beef as the real thing. Only until recently, the beef was rarely exported, and even now in very minimal quantities, which is why I had no problem paying for the real thing, just to try it once.

Port of Kobe

Kobe's other iconic half, welcome to the famous Port of Kobe. Not only a hub for major world wide shipping but the Port of Kobe contains a bustling shopping and entertainment district popular among the locals and tourists alike.

One of the first things you'll see as you enter Kobe Port is the Kobe Port Tower. A 108 meter, lattice tower. One of the famous icons of Kobe, you've likely seen pictures of it around Japan. There's also an observatory deck just over 90 meters up the tower with astonishing views of the coastal city.

Aside from the scenery, the port offers plenty of other exciting activities to make for a great day trip! There's of course a Ferris wheel on the port side, a huge mall with tons of stores and some great restaurants in the area as well. I particularly loved visiting this city around Christmas time as the many of the streets were decorated with lots of lights, it had a really charming feel. Comforting perhaps even. Kobe has a very western feel to it as you'll notice when you see all the western style "churches" which are in fact mainly wedding chapels. In Japan today, it's becoming increasingly popular to have a western style wedding and Kobe is one of the more popular places for this.

Also, just a short walk from the port we found an awesome mini China town!


Tea Houses / Japanese Gardens

In Kobe, you can find many traditional Japanese Tea Houses. This one in particular was located inside a beautifully landscaped Japanese Garden with large Koi pond! We found Sōraku-en (相楽園) by a bit of an accident, just wandering around at random.

The Japanese Garden itself only cost ¥300 to enter, and I believe ¥500 do take part in a traditional tea ceremony that included a traditional Japanese dessert.

The garden is open between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (17:00). Plan carefully though as it is closed Thursdays between January 4 - December 28, or the following day when there is a national holiday.

Often there are a variety of exhibitions taking place here. When we went, there was a Bonsai exhibition taking place which was quite amazing to see. This was all included in the general entrance fee to the garden.

You can find a link to the Gardens English pamphlet HERE

Exploring Kansai - Nara

A short distance from Hirakata, Nara makes for an excellent day trip on a weekend offering plenty to see and do. Home to a beautiful Buddhist temple, a popular deer park where you can literally feed and pet wild deer, myriad of fantastic little Japanese shops, Nara is definitely one city you will want to visit when you find yourself passing through Osaka either as a traveler, or a student of KGU.

Tōdai-ji (東大寺)

Perhaps one of the main reasons tourists and world travelers alike flock to Nara. This grand
Buddhist temple was found in the early 8th century (around 751 AD), and is home to the largest statue of Buddha Vairocana. Measuring in at nearly 15 meters or almost 50 feet, believe me when I say, this statue is HUGE. Pictures really just don't do its size any justice, which is why this temple is an absolute must-see to truly appreciate its magnificence.

As you enter and all throughout the temple, there are several other amazing statues including two of my favourites known as Niō. I like to just call them Gate Guardians as they're typically found protecting the entrances of Buddhist temples. They're often very difficult to photograph as they're hidden behind a mesh screen.

If you're interested in reading more about Todai-ji, click here.

Nara Deer Park

Something you'll come across on your way to Tōdai-ji is the Nara Deer Park. Coming from Canada, we have PLENTY of deer here, but none as docile and friendly as the deer you'll find here. They can actually become quite pesky when they realize you have food, so be careful! In the park, there are some small street vendors who sell I guess what you would call deer crackers/cookies (Shika Senbei)? Basically they're just a hand full of crackers for ¥200 that you can feed to the deer. I have to admit I had a bit of fun with it. After running out, they would sometimes nip at your clothes but don't worry, they're harmless.

Within the deer park there's several paths you can follow leading you around the park along some incredibly beautiful ponds, waterfalls, and even a few pagodas.

Sanjo Dori

After spending a long day exploring Todai-ji and hanging out with the deer, I highly suggest heading over to Sanjo Dori (Street). Here, you'll find plenty of restaurants to refuel at and a ton cool small Japanese stores for souvenirs. The street itself is really interesting, it's brick layered shopping district, with a lot discover. In fact, one of the most famous mochi shops in Japan is located on the corner of Sanjo Dori Street and Mochiido-No-Center-Gai (Map below). If you're lucky and your timings right, you might come across the store Nakatanidou when the Master is preparing a fresh batch of mochi. It's such a cool experience!

A traditional Japanese activity for many families during New Years, the term for this ritual is known as Mochitsuki (餅つき) or "Mochi Pounding" in English. These guys are national champions in Japan and rightly deserve it.

Resources:

• Sight-seeing map of Nara

Top 10 Study Abroad Must Haves

Onsens, Sentōs, and Roten-buros

You might already be familiar with term Onsen but how about Sentō or Roten-buro? If not, to help you rid that winter chill, a brief visit to any of these places will surely leave you feeling refreshed and in some of the most beautiful places you've ever seen.

For those unfamiliar with the terms, an Onsen is essentially a hot spring; a bathing facility or spa rather that utilizes geothermally heated water. This natural water is piped from the ground and circulated through one or more individual spas (pools) for soaking. Roten-buro's and Sentō's are essentially variations of an Onsen, which I'll explain further below including how to properly use them and get the most out of your experience.

Traditionally located outside, this style of Onsen is referred to as a Roten-buro, my personal favourite of the three. The most beautiful Roten-buros are typically located in the mountainous regions,though you can find indoor and outdoor Onsen's spread out all over Japan. Most Onsens are located outside of city centres so you may need to travel a bit but is well worth it.

However, you don't need to go far for a relaxing evening on those cool winter nights in Hirakata. I suggest you familiarize yourself with Sentōs, or bathhouses. As Sentōs are much more available than Onsens, this is due to the fact that they utilize tap water rather than hot springs; the experience however, is just as refreshing. Most Sentōs typically have several inside pools, with some offering outdoor pools as well. In Hirakata, there are several Sentōs, and one that I recommend personally which is located about 20 minutes from the seminar houses by bike. Unfortunately, one other Sentō I wanted recommend is now closed.

Gokurakuyu has 3 indoor pools, and two outdoor pools including a steam room too. It should be noted that Tattoos are prohibited here; if you have a noticeably visible tattoo, there is a chance you may be asked to leave. Directions can be found HERE. Try to avoid taking short cuts as it's extremely easy to get lost on Japanese roads.

Onsens and Bathhouses are very clean and relaxing places, as such, there's a few things you should know before visiting any of the above:

• Understand that you may be asked to leave if you have visible tattoos. Research the place before going as some allow it while others don't.
• Lockers are provided free of charge. Tickets are usually purchased at a vending machine and redeemed at the change room entrances.
• You and everyone around you will be naked, no exception. On that note, most if not all places are gender separated. If this makes you feel uncomfortable, go alone your first time. You will notice that it is very normal and not weird at all. Maybe just the first time..
• Before jumping right in, you must wash yourself in the showers provided. This is very important, the pools are not there to wash you but rather to relax in. Most spas will sell little travel size shampoo and soap for around ¥150 if you don't want to bring your own. Do not skip this step, you will likely be stared at.
• Quiet conversation is fine, but avoid loud outburst or rambunctious behaviour, This is not a public swimming pool.
• Grabbing a bite to eat and beer at a nearby restaurant is a perfect way to end the evening.

Relaxing in an Onsen is an age-old tradition in Japan, spanning back thousands of years. While it may feel weird or strange to you at first, see how you feel after dipping in, melting the stress away while taking in some of the most beautiful scenery at a Roten-buro that you'll ever see. Sit back, relax and enjoy some of the world's best mineral water spas.

Further Reading:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onsen
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sent%C5%8D
• http://www.sentoguide.info/baths/osaka/hirakata