- DESTINATION
- THINGS TO DO
ALL
- ALL
- Tokyo
- Hokkaido
- Tohoku
- Kanto
- Chubu
- Kansai
- Shikoku / chugoku
- Kyushu
- Okinawa
ALL
- ALL
- Food
- Shopping
- Accommodation
- Culture
- Entertainment
- Tour
-
Going to Osaka? You've got to try the ORIGINAL Kitsune Udon!Many of you might have already been to Osaka and if we ask you which food you've tried there, you may say, Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き), Takoyaki (たこ焼き), Kushi-Katsu (串カツ), like we've got on our list.
Kitsune Udon is one of them that we have on this list, but what exactly is this Kitsune Udon?,Basically, "Kitsune Udon" is a bowl of Udon noodles topped with pieces of deep fried tofu (油揚げ：あぶらあげ) that’s been braised in sweet soy sauce.
Some places may serve this with shredded spring onions or with any other toppings, but that is pretty much it.
"Kitsune" means fox in Japanese, but theres no fox used in this dish.
So why is this dish called a fox noodle?
There are a few reasons why this dish has got its name.
Some say, foxes love eating this deep fried tofu.
Some say it's because of the colour of the deepfried tofu. That is golden brown for us, but Kitsune-Iro, fox colour, in Japanese.
It is also said that when the deepfired tofu is curled up, it looks like a fox curled up,The resturant started its business back in 1893 (back in time when the period was called Meiji).
Yes, belive it or not, this place has been in business for 126 years and the current owner is the third generation!
This name comes from the business owners' family name, which is Usami.
The first generation opened a restaurant called Matsubaya, and that's where it all begun.
,This place is within a ten minute walk from the "Shinsaibashi" station.
Other articles related to Osaka.
One of Osaka's Best Hostels in the Amerikamura District | STAY in the City AMEMURA
Osaka Castle: What to Know and What to Do While You're There!
Kuromon Market: Where Osaka Natives and Travelers Alike Chow Down
Omurice Lovers! Eat at the Restaurant That Created Omuraisu (Japanese Rice Omelet) in Osaka - Hokkyokusei (北極星)#kansai#food#udon2019.06.11
0
2
IMANO KYOTO KIYOMIZU HOSTEL: A Chic Budget Hostel in a Great LocationSo the JAPANKURU team went to Kyoto, and we had an amazing time! (We found the origin of fortune cookies, which is surprisingly in Japan! And we headed to Arashiyama, to get ourselves a healthy dose of Rilakkuma in the mountains of Kyoto.) But when we found out that there was a new branch of IMANO Hostel opening in Kyoto, we knew we had to check it out. After all, we've visited a few of the IMANO Hostels before. The branch in Osaka, and the two in Tokyo's Shinjuku and Ginza, were all super nice places to stay! We had some idea that this branch would be pretty sleek as well, so off we went, to see what the Kyoto Kiyomizu hostel was all about.,When backpackers imagine a hostel, the first image to come to mind might not be all that great. But Japan, especially Japan's hospitality sector, really prioritizes clean and stylish accommodation. A stay at IMANO KYOTO KIYOMIZU HOSTEL is a unique experience, with its stylish touches, social atmosphere, and wealth of special Kyoto elements around the hostel.,The IMANO Hostels always include a comfortable space for relaxation as part of their series of youth hostels, making good use of their lobbies. These spaces give travelers a great place to enjoy breakfast or dinner, or just a cup of coffee. The hostels will even sometimes host a variety of fun activities, which are great for visitors looking to make some new friends, or just have a good time. Travelers who are interested in such events can check out the schedules on their website!
🍞Breakfast: 7:30am～10am
☕Cafe: 11am～2pm (last order 1:30pm)
🍺Bar: 5pm～10pm (last order 9:30pm)
,Lots of hostels provide you with a bed, and a shower, and not much else. IMANO KYOTO, on the other hand, has all of the facilities you'd hope for at a hotel, without the price tag! There's a table to eat your own food at, and you can store extra food or drinks in the refrigerator. And if you're in the mood for a relaxing bath, you can just head right to the basement! There's even a little coin-laundry room that you can use at your leisure, complete with washer and dryer. The laundry room is placed quite conveniently next to the area with the fridge, so there's a place for you to sit and wait while you clean your clothes.
If there's anything you forgot at home, the hostel also has a variety of supplies available either for free, or for a small fee. Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are free to use, while there's a small charge for things like ear plugs, towels, toothbrushes, or razors.,IMANO KYOTO has a few different dorm-type rooms, with different numbers of beds, along with a few private options as well!,🏨 IMANO KYOTO KIYOMIZU HOSTEL
563-11 Bairincho, 5-chome, Gojodori Yamatooji Higashiiru
⏰: check-in time from 4pm, check-out at 11am
📞: (+81)075-532-0101
Free WIFI Available
IMANO KYOTO KIYOMIZU HOSTEL Official Website (English)
🏩 Make reservations HERE!,Fushimi Inari-taisha
(伏見稲荷大社)
The head shrine of Inari, who is seen as a patron of business, worshipped by merchants and manufacturers. Business people will still come to pray to Inari for good luck, sometimes!
But this shrine is now the #1 sightseeing spot for foreign visitors to Japan. The Fushimi Inari Taisha's Senbon-torii (thousands of torii shrine gates) are a favorite spot for photo ops, and people around the world recognize the gates after seeing them in the film Memoirs of a Geisha.
Access:
7-min walk from Inari Station (5-min ride), Nara Line bound for Nara at JR Kyoto Station
Official Website
Google Maps,Be sure to look out for more exciting articles every day at JAPANKURU🐶!!
And add us on Instagram and Facebook to share your Japanese pictures. 💖🗾
#kansai#accommodation#hostel 2019.04.2540
Osaka Castle: What to Know and What to Do While You're There!Osaka Castle is a major sightseeing spot in Osaka, and there's certainly good reason to go! With plenty of history in the area, a visit to the castle can teach you a lot about Japan and some of its famous historical figures. With a modern, information-packed museum inside the building itself, you can spend quite a while there catching up on the last few hundred years of battles and other happenings in Japan. Take advantage of the modern elevator right inside, or climb up a few flights of stairs, and admire the scenic views of Osaka City from the top of the main tower. Or, especially popular during the spring season (but certainly beautiful all year 'round!), stroll through the castle grounds and gardens. If you visit in late March or early April, Osaka Castle is one of the most popular spots in the area for viewing cherry blossoms. During other seasons you'll still be able to admire the lovely foliage and views of the castle itself, of course. Osaka Castle is a must-see spot during any trip to Osaka!,As it stands now, the main tower of Osaka Castle is only about 90 years old, having been rebuilt in 1931. Don't let its relatively recent construction fool you, though— the structures that have occupied that space have a much longer history. All the way back in 1496, a small temple was built on the land, followed by the larger and more important Osaka Honganji Temple. This is where the three unifiers of Japan enter the story, Oda Nobunaga and his retainers Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Part of Oda's attempt to unify the country included going to war with the temple, eventually burning it to the ground. After Oda Nobunaga's death, Toyotomi followed in his master's footsteps gathering power, and built a castle where the temple had been. He wanted to make the castle great and impressive, and put a strong emphasis on gold leaf! (If only that had survived.) This was the first incarnation of this now famous building, and was the largest castle in Japan at the time.
After Toyotomi died is when things around the castle really heated up, though, as Toyotomi Hideyoshi's son Hideyori grasped at his father's power and based himself in the recently completed Osaka Castle. Japanese history buffs may know... this did not work out particularly well for Hideyori, in the end. Tokugawa Ieyasu, who had been a supporter of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, was less of a fan of his son. The famous Sekigahara War began, and Tokugawa won, claiming power for himself and changing the history of the country. During this struggle, Tokugawa Ieyasu again ruined the structures built on this land, severely damaging Osaka Castle. This meant that the castle was then rebuilt in the 1620's, version number two. The castle walls built during this era still stand, if you're looking for some genuinely old structures during your visit!
Unfortunately, the castle grounds clearly don't have a history of good luck. Fires in 1660 and 1665 damaged large parts of the building, and proper repairs weren't made until the mid-1800's. Not more than 30 years later, in 1868, the castle was captured and then burnt to the ground, a part of the Meiji Restoration. At this point the grounds were used for military barracks for a while, until 1931, when the most recent edition of the castle was finally constructed. The castle didn't get through World War II entirely unscathed, but for the first time in its history, it mostly survived the ordeal. After some major repairs in the '90s, the castle is now a major sightseeing spot, with an entirely modern interior taken up by a historical museum. If you want to read more about the history of the area, Japan, and the three unifiers of Japan, the museum is worth a visit!,While visitors can certainly take a quick look around the museum inside the castle and then be on their way, a relaxing day at the castle grounds is also a great possibility! After you've looked out on the city of Osaka and read up on your Japanese history, take a relaxing stroll along the paths surrounding the mote and take in the really lovely view. There's even a shrine dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, so you can go thank him for the work he put into making Osaka Castle what it is today. And although it requires an extra entrance fee, the Nishinomaru Garden is also a popular attraction, with a selection of buildings related to the castle (some of which are much older than the main tower), and some great picture-taking angles. Spend a day enjoying all that Osaka Castle has to offer, and let us know what you think!
Osaka Castle/Museum
Hours: 9:00~17:00
(Cherry Blossom Season: 9:00~19:00, Golden Week Holidays: 9:00~18:00)
Admission Fees: 600 yen, free for children in middle school or younger
Nishinomaru Garden
Hours: 9:00~17:00 (Mar. to Oct.), 9:00~16:30 (Nov. to Feb.), 9:00~20:00 (cherry blossom season)
Admission Fees: 200 yen, free for children in middle school or younger
,If you're looking for a place to stay while you enjoy Osaka, check out our article on Imano Osaka Shinsaibashi Hostel!
Or if you want to do some shopping while you're there, head to Kuromon Market for something to eat, and URBAN RESEARCH Shinsaibashi for some new duds!
Be sure to look out for more exciting articles every day at JAPANKURU🐶!!
And add us on Instagram and Facebook to share your Japanese pictures. 💖🗾#kansai#tour#osaka 2019.04.24420
New and Cheap Hostel to Open up in Shinsaibashi Osaka Worth Staying at| IMANO OSAKA...Osaka, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. One of the reasons that foreigners are also attracted to the Osaka area is because you can get a sense of both past and present. The vibrant city has a completely different feel and culture compared to Tokyo, with its amazing local food, exertive people, great amusement parks like Universal Studios Japan, interesting store signs, and more. Finding a place to stay in such a popular city can be difficult. Location is a big part of deciding accommodation, but you also have comfort, cleanliness, and price to take into consideration. Within Osaka's popular Shinsaibashi district is a newly opened hostel that also runs as a lounge and bar. The outside alone looks like a coffee shop, so we were surprised to find out that it is a hostel. Which brings us to introducing IMANO OSAKA SHINSAIBASHI HOSTEL.,Next to Shinsaibashi is a more peaceful district, Horie, which is often compared to Tokyo's Aoyama district. It's home to a number of independent shops and designers, restaurants, and coffee shops. It's the perfect place to visit if you're looking for a more calm place to walk around. Another more famous part of Shinsaibashi is Amerikamura or "Amemura" (アメ村). Amerikamura, or better known as Amemura, is the center of creative fashion and entertainment in Kansai. The name means "American Village" which gives you a look at the Japanese point of view of an America but a reason is apparently due to the focus that is put on Western import goods. However, once you go here you are more likely to see things specific to Japan from its open ranged fashion trends and small food shops.
Inbetween these two fashion areas is a hostel, IMANO OSAKA SHINBASHI HOSTEL, which was newly built this year. It's already becoming a popular place to stay among travelers primarily due to its great price and wonderful location., Hostel and Lounge Bar: Accommodation within a Coffee Shop ,◆ Choose a Bed Type That Fits Your Travel Style ◆
There are different types of bed types that you can choose from; the typical capsule style beds, bunk beds, or regular single beds. You also have a selection between staying in a private or shared room. As you may have imagined, making a reservation in a private room is like reserving a hotel room (but much cheaper!). Whereas if you were to reserve a shared room, you are only reserving a bed, and will be sharing a room with other guests (typical hostel style). In that case, the bathrooms and showers are separate and shared, compared to being in the room like in the private rooms.
Private Rooms
They have up to 6 beds available in their private rooms.,If you are staying in a private room, there are towels and basic toiletries, including toothbrushes, combs, razors, and hair bands. There is also a special package for sale at the front desk, containing a face pack and hair tie.,Shared Rooms
As mentioned above, since it is a hostel the shared rooms are a basic bunk bed style, including 4, 6, and 12-person rooms.,In the shared dormitory type rooms, in addition to comfortable and clean bedding, there are lockers/safes in the rooms so security is never an issue and hangers. Along with each bed having a curtain giving you that extra bit of privacy if desired. The beds definitely provide more room to stretch and layout than many other hostels or even capsule hotels.
If you need toiletries, such as toothbrush or toothpaste, you can go to the front desk buy what you need. There are also items such as chargers (with a deposit), hair dryers, shampoo, conditioner, and shower gels available in public bathrooms. Which is great for those who made an effort in packing light.,◆ Women's Only Floor ◆
In Japan, it isn't uncommon seeing hotels and hostels with gender separated floors/areas. IMANO OSAKA SHINSAIBASHI HOSTEL is no exception. There is a special women's only floor that not only has rooms with women only but also provides a lot of supplies that girls tend to need, such as straighteners, irons, beauty mirrors, etc. You can even find an exclusive community space on the women's floor.,◆ 600 Yen Breakfast Buffet ◆
We have to say that every time we stay at a hotel, we're always looking forward to breakfast. Although most people wouldn't expect much, if anything, from a hostel. Fortunately, IMANO OSAKA, which is also a coffee shop, isn't like other hostels. They offer a full breakfast, and at a cheap price. Whether you want just a homemade cup of coffee or something to make you full, they have you taken care of.
, Things around IMANO OSAKA SHINSAIBASHI HOSTEL ,We asked IMANO staff for some recommendations on places to go nearby. Besides shopping in Shinsaibashi or Amemura, or going to Kuromon Market and Osaka Castle, there are two other places that they mentioned. One is the ever famous Shinsekai (新世界), which was made with New York and Paris as its model before the war and neglected ever sense. The other is a Japanese public bath, Minami Aoyama Shimizuyu (清水湯), that is open to those with tattoos.,If you are planning to come to Osaka, whether it is business or pleasure, whether it is a trip by yourself or with a group of people, IMANO OSAKA SHINSAIBASHI HOSTEL in Shinsaibashi is one of the most costly and convenient places you could stay. It offers comfortable, clean, and versatile accommodation at an affordable price. Where you stay can really change the effect of your trip, and we really had nothing but the best experience. Which is why we recommend it to anyone looking for a cheap place to stay in Osaka.
◆IMANO OSAKA SHINSAIBASHI HOSTEL
Google Maps
⏰: Check-in time is from 4pm
Check-out is at 11am
Breakfast: 7～10am
Lunch: 11:30am～2pm (Last order 1:30pm)
Cafe: 11:30am～4pm (Last order 3:30pm)
Bar: 6pm～10pm (Last order 9:30pm)
Free WIFI available
🏩Make reservations HERE!
Be sure to look at JAPANKURU🐶 for more exciting articles every day!!
And add us on Instagram and Facebook to share your Japanese pictures💖🗾#kansai#accommodation#hostel 2019.04.22410
Kuromon Market: Where Osaka Natives and Travelers Alike Chow DownWhile travelers have slowly been drifting over to Osaka's Kuromon Market over the past few years, this gem of a destination is still largely populated by locals, and thrums with real Osaka spirit. The market was originally named Kuromon (黒門, literally "black gate") after a large gate at a nearby temple, which unfortunately burned down over a hundred years ago. As if to defy that ill omen, though, the Kuromon Market grew from a handful of fishmongers and thrived, earning the more recent nickname of "Osaka's Kitchen." An appropriate moniker if I've ever heard one! The food-focused market is packed full of a huge variety of grocers, and is home to an increasing number of sit-down eateries. Located in the Namba area of Osaka, a stone's throw from the ever-popular Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi area, Kuromon Market is worth a visit from anyone who wants to dive deeper into the Kansai food scene.,Having started as a traditional market mostly made up of seafood vendors, you'll find that some parts of Kuromon Market really haven't changed all that much! If you've got a kitchen where you're staying and you want some ridiculously fresh fish straight from the ocean, the market's got you covered. But the market has of course expanded over the past century, and you can also find a great selection of fresh vegetables, meat, and even some non-food items for sale. There are nearly 170 different sellers at Kuromon Market! If your dream is to create a delicious and varied six course meal from scratch, using just ingredients you get right in Osaka, well consider it a dream come true. You could even pick up the cooking utensils and serving dishes here, if you want!
As for most travelers, who are maybe just looking for a snack (say... some grilled squid on a stick?), don't worry, you'll find plenty of that as well. The market even has some seating areas, which is a relief to many browsing the numerous options (plus, it's generally frowned upon to eat while walking in Japan). After gathering up an armful of skewers and small food containers, you can sit down with your bounty and dig in. It would be hard to leave Kuromon Market without a full belly!,On top of the many shops that give you your food to go, the number of eat-in restaurants and cafes in the area has been on the rise. If you want your food brought directly to you, you can certainly sit down in one of these newer additions, and eat your way through all of the classic Osaka dishes. Since the local restaurants take advantage of the abundant fresh groceries as much as anyone, the food you eat will be on another level.
The most important thing to remember before getting to the market, really, is to arrive with an empty stomach and a full wallet! (Because you certainly will not leave that way!),Fresh seafood, high-grade cuts of meat, fresh produce, deliciously prepared delicacies, Kuromon Market has it all. For the more adventurous among us, you can even eat fugu (ふぐ), or puffer fish! (Which, as we've discussed before, is really very safe at any reputable restaurant in Japan! And is truly delicious.) Be sure to visit and check it all out, and let us know if you find any places that stand out from the crowd!
If you're looking for a great place to stay nearby, be sure to take a look at IMANO OSAKA SHINSAIBASHI HOSTEL! And while you're in the area, why not pick up a chic new outfit at the Japanese fashion brand URBAN RESEARCH's Shinsaibashi store?
Be sure to look at JAPANKURU🐶 for more exciting articles every day!!
And add us on Instagram and Facebook to share your Japanese pictures. 💖🗾#kansai#tour#osaka 2019.04.191050
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi Bettei | Beautiful Kyoto Hotel with HistoryKyoto is a place that everyone knows, loves, and wants to go to at some point. Finding a place in such a popular city can be difficult, especially one that is in a good location. As a part of the Mitsui Garden Hotel series, we went to check out their hotel in Kyoto, Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi Bettei., Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi Bettei ,◐Subway: Exit 22 of Shijo Station on the Karasuma Line, 7min walk
◐Taxi: About 15 minutes from Kyoto Station,After entering the hotel lobby, you can immediately see a Kyoto garden in the middle, consisting of trees they collected from all over Japan. There is also a Japanese rock garden on the 1st floor that includes rocks that were there when the building was a kimono store.
You can still find many traces remaining from when the building was a kimono store, like the wooden pillars and many of the artwork hanging in the hotel. Each floor has a different work, a perfect combination of modern and past art.,-Deluxe Twin-,Their deluxe twin room is full of things traditional to Kyoto. A sliding door to let you into the room, raised area to relax on the couch and drink some Kyoto Uji tea provided, paper window, etc. The room is very spacious with comfortable beds, has high ceilings (where traditionally low), plus the bathroom and tub are separated (non-unit bath), which is rare at many hotels. It is a hotel room recommended for those that want a traditional Westernized room yet still want something with a Japanese feel to it.,In typical luxurious Japanese hotel fashion, there is a large bathing area open to guests. Although it is an artificial carbonated spring, it still has the effects of relaxing the body and eliminating fatigue. For those with tattoos, you can ask the counter staff for a sticker to conceal the tattoo that way you can still enjoy the bath without worrying about anyone saying anything to you.
◐Hours: 6～9am / 3pm～1am (following day)
*Tattoo cover-up stickers: 8*10cm, up to 2 pieces,The restaurant at Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi Bettei used to be a warehouse when the building was a kimono cloth store. The breakfast is self-service, and it offers many Kyoto-originated side dishes called obanzai, and they are made with seasonal ingredients. Their breakfast is primarily Japanese style, but they do have an array of bread, scrambled eggs, yogurt, and more if that is something you prefer.
◐Hours: 6:30～10am (final admission 9:30am),
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi Bettei
三井ガーデンホテル京都新町 別邸
Google Maps
Check-in 3pm / Check-out noon
💻Official website (ENG), Nearby Kyoto Sightseeing Spots
Kyoto has so much to offer! Below are some of the popular tourist spots in Kyoto that are easy to get to from the hotel.,Be sure to look at JAPANKURU🐶 for more exciting articles every day!!
Or add us on Instagram and Facebook to share your Japanese pictures💖🗾#kansai#accommodation#kyoto 2019.04.181030
Popular Japanese Select Store in Osaka・URBAN RESEARCH Store ShinsaibashiShopping in Shinsaibashi
Shinsaibashi is one of the main popular shopping districts in Osaka with countless stores of all kinds like restaurants, cafes, drug stores, and clothing stores from high-end retailers to the familiar street brands featuring the latest fashion in the area. Recently JAPANKURU went to one of Japan's top "select stores" (a store with a wide selection of brands) URBAN RESEARCH in Shinsaibashi and Horie, but this time we are introducing their ranked #1 most popular store among foreigners in Japan, which also happens to be in Shinsaibashi. Not to be confused with its other store, URBAN RESEARCH Store is less focused on younger fashion and more a shop of essentials, home goods, accessories, shoes, formal wear, etc. The atmosphere is also calmer and not as bright and in your face. If you compare the two, SENSE OF PLACE by URBAN RESEARCH and URBAN RESEARCH Store, you will see what we mean.,The first floor is primarily sold towards women.
Here you will see not only a wide range of styles but also accessories.,Aside from personal fashion items, there are also lifestyle items on the 2nd floor.
There are corners within the floor selling different fragrance goods (perfume/cologne, air fresheners, candles, etc.), kitchen and bathroom goods (towels, coffee pots/filters, mason jars, table clothes, interior design items, etc.), even furniture!,This large select store collaborates with various brands (famous and sub-label) to create exclusive collections and items,
and you can find a lot of these collaborations on the 3rd floor.,⇩Check out our video for a more detailed view of URBAN RESEARCH Store⇩,
★URBAN RESEARCH Store Shinsaibashi
Google Maps
⏰11am〜9pm
💻Shop blog (JPN)
Be sure to look at JAPANKURU🐶 for more exciting articles every day!!
Or add us on Instagram and Facebook to share your Japanese pictures💖🗾#kansai#shopping#osaka 2019.04.03770
1234
All Contents and pictures are
Weibo
Pinterest
Blogger
Naver
Sina
Pixnet
Vimeo