The Mirror Pond fortune-telling is especially charming because it doesn’t give you a rigid black-and-white answer.
Instead, through the interaction between the water and the paper, it gently follows nature and offers guidance for where you are in this moment.
When you softly place a coin on the blank fortune paper and watch it float across the clear surface of the pond,
as the words gradually appear, an incredible sense of calm fills your heart.
Dotonbori
Crab, octopus, cow, crane….these are just a few of the oversized 3D signboards that make up the look and feel of the bustling Dotonbori Area. Its packed with a number of eateries along the northern Dotonbori River and main street along its southern side.
If you come to Osaka and can only choose one place that's hard to leave both day and night, it has to be Dotonbori! (It's written with the character "堀," not "掘"〜)
During the day, Dotonbori is a food lover's paradise. Stroll along the canal and eat your way through the long-established places with lines out the door. Once night falls and all the neon lights come on, the entire street instantly transforms into a vibrant city that never sleeps. This is the true spirit of Osaka.
Kyoto Station Building
Kyoto station is attached to an enormous building which provides shops and restaurants, as well as a hotel and cultural center. The Cube Shopping Mall occupies the ground floor and two basement floors. In its spacious confines are shops offering a wide variety of unique souvenirs and specialty desserts from Kyoto, trendy fashion items, and interesting knickknacks.
Grand and modern by day, romantic and dazzling at night—Kyoto Station never gets old.
I especially love setting aside some time at the station:
Going upstairs to admire the illuminated Kyoto Tower in the distance
Stocking up on matcha desserts and souvenir boxes in the underground shopping area
Having a steaming bowl of ramen upstairs before catching the train 🍜
As both the starting point and the final stop for travelers, this place truly offers beautiful views, great food, and shopping all in one〜Next time you're passing through, don't rush off. Set aside some time to explore and take photos.
Kuromon Market
Kuromon Market in Minami, the heart of Osaka, is said to have started around 1822 and was approved as an official market by Osaka Prefecture in 1902. The market got the name “Kuromon Market (Black gate market)” because the gate to Enmyoji Temple near the market was black. Since then, it has been loved as Osaka’s favorite kitchen, and it has become a popular tourist attraction these days.
The joy of feasting on seafood is right here at Kuromon Market.
I stop by every time I come to Osaka. Freshly opened sea urchin, grilled giant scallops, and wagyu skewers are seriously irresistible〜
After eating and browsing, grab a box of juicy seasonal fruit, and your happiness level will be maxed out.
I recommend coming around brunch time, then continuing with the rest of your plans once you're full and satisfied.
