Transcription
To be honest, this trip was postponed for almost 3 years. And this year, I finally decided to release them from the real world. We went to Japan, but stayed in Shanghai for a while. And for some reason, all of our memories in Shanghai, Beijing, even Chongqing immediately popped up in my head. Like an old movie that was suddenly replayed in the cinema. Then I remembered one thing: Whatever we do, it will never be repeated in the same way.
Boing, boing, boing. The flight from Shanghai to Osaka took about 2 hours. And of course, I filled it with the food they gave me. So my stomach won't be noisy. As soon as I landed at Kansai International Airport, I immediately rushed to immigration and took a flight ticket. Now it's the cold season, the temperature is around 3 degrees Celsius. "What are you doing, Chong?" "Testing if it's cold or not, so I don't get the wrong clothes." "So, are you strong?" "I'm very strong, it's not cold at all, Chong."
Usually, when we go to Japan, we always explore between Tokyo and Osaka. This time, we will explore different cities. But because there are so many, so it's divided into 2 base camps. The first base camp, we will stay at the Osaka Hotel. So the way is from Kansai Airport. We go out, we just get on the bus limousine. Over here, we bought the ticket at the machine. The way is very easy. You choose the destination, then choose the type of ticket and the number of tickets you need. You can pay with cash or credit card. After that, just wait for the ticket to come out of the machine. Keep it well, don't lose it. Now just find the platform number. This depends on your destination. If the destination is Osaka Station, the platform is at number 5. And coincidentally, the bus will stop right in front of the hotel I chose. For the luggage, don't worry, they will put it in the trunk. Our trip will start soon. You can prepare snacks or heavy food. It doesn't matter, just eat. Oh, actually there are 2 places that I can't go on this trip. I hope I have a chance to visit those 2 places. "I know, I know, I know. But I have to be quiet."
After getting off the bus, I went into the Links Mall. My hotel can be accessed from there. In terms of location and mobility, this is really strategic. The lobby and receptionist of the hotel are on the 9th floor. Check-in, check-out or reservation, everything is self-service using a machine. As well as facilities or additional equipment in the hotel room, which we can take by ourselves in the lobby. We got it at 2, 4, 15. I think we're not going to the corner. Here it is. Let's go in. Wow, our trip. We can go straight to the OOTD. Here. Come in here, you can look around again. "Just sit here, right?" "When are we going to shoot if you look around?" "Wait a minute, we're in a hotel tour." "Sit here, straight." "Why is your bottom different?" "Huh?" "It's not bad." "I changed it." "Where was it?" "Airport?" "It's easy, at the airport." "It's here, right?" "Let's wash our hands first." "After this, we drink Osaka water." "Is it from Tron?" "It's there." "This is fun, I like it." "There's a hairdryer here." "Then it's not wet, I'm happy." "It's not wet." "Because it's a bathtub." "I think we need to change it at home." "The floor is dry." "Really?" "Do you know?" "No." "No wonder, because there's no sofa." "That's why we put it here." "One of us sit here." "One of us bathe here." "If not here." "Do you know?" "Sit there." "Four people." "One, two, three, four." "I'm the one who bathe here." "Do you know?" "After taking a bath here, we save it here." "The floor is like this." "It's good, if you wash it, it's quick and dry." "We bathe here." "Save it here." "Put it inside." "Here is the backup data." "Or we eat at night." "Everything is here." "Then I put it here." "There's a TV." "Everything is minimalist." "There's an iron." "I like it." "I can iron this." "Is that for the room?" "For the clothes?" "Yes, for the room." "It's okay." "After this, I'll be naked."
This is just a base camp, not in Osaka. But we will explore some cities, which by route, easier than Osaka. Let's explore the first city. First, we start with Kyoto city. From Osaka to Kyoto, it takes about 30 minutes. Before going to Kyoto, I think I should take a nap so I have energy. I'm so happy because there's a matcha drink, my favorite. Of course, I have to pair it with Tuna onigiri. We're here. The entrance is at the back. Now we're going to Kyoto. I don't use Shinkansen because I can take Semi-Limited Express. The journey takes about 41 minutes by 8 stops. It's at Omiya Station. You can pay by IC Card.
Before the year 710, the capital city of Japan was moving. It depended on the ruler. But when the ruler died, the capital moved. Because spiritually, it's not clean anymore. In the year 710, the first capital city in the country system was Nara. But Nara was more strong in Buddhism, so in the political, it's a bit hard. So they moved again. In the year 794, Kyoto was chosen as the capital city of Japan.
When I arrived at Omiya Station, I went out to the west gate. Tap out IC Card, then walk for 5 minutes to the bus station. Just wait for the bus No. 11. As usual, you can pay by IC. If you don't have enough balance, you can pay by cash. The journey takes about 30 minutes by 23 stops. It's at Nonomiya. It's only 1.5 hours from Osaka, but the rhythm is different. And I like this kind of city. It's not trying to be modern, but it's not stuck in the past.
The first stop is one of Kyoto's navigation, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Arashiyama means Badai Mountain. It's so fast. It's like a bumper car. Arashiyama has been a part of Kyoto since the Heian Era. At that time, this area was used as a resting place for the nobles. They built villas around the park, river, maple trees, and bamboo forest. An environment that inspires many artists and flowers. Bamboo here is harvested and cared, not wild. In Japan, bamboo symbolizes endurance, purity, and inner strength. Bamboo can bend without breaking. A life principle often associated with Zen thought. "This year, I have a new ability. I can fly." "I can fly."
If you're done looking inside, the way out is the same. Please stop by my shop. At the end of the road, we saw there are many choices. In Japan, especially the old city like Kyoto, bamboo is a savior of difficult times because it's easy to plant, cheap, and filling. Bamboo is also a symbol of autumn and winter. This is called maroon gold because the taste and aroma are similar to chestnuts. I want to eat this. Sweet and crunchy. I like to move locations. I like Japanese sweet potatoes. "Wait, don't move locations yet. We're still in the same area." I see something interesting and curious. Matcha croquette. I like matcha, I like croquette. It's hard to just pass by. The potato tastes like matcha. It's good. It's a bit bitter. It's good with a bit of wasabi. Why does it taste so unique? This place is so cute. Onigiri, Teriyaki Hamburger Steak, 350 yen. "Thank you." "Thank you." You have to prepare cash to try this. They only accept cash. "Super, super yummy." "Thank you." Yum, yum, yum, yum, yum.
Let's continue to the next. Kyoto's DNA. Why did I say breath? Because Arashiyama is about nature. It's calm and lively. The bamboo doesn't show off. It's straight and neat. It's similar to Kyoto people. They don't like to rush, but they're consistent and long-lasting. This is in line with Kyoto's lifestyle. The next Kyoto's breath is Fushimi Inari. It represents Kyoto's lifestyle. It's step by step, up and down, but it's still going. The total journey is about 52 minutes. Two times in a row, but it's all in JR line. It's not complicated at all. Especially when you get off at Fushimi Inari. I really want to see the torii because the torii at Fushimi Inari is not just a temple or a religious symbol, but it's about the journey process. It's a reminder that life doesn't always have to be fast. This was built in 711, one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto. It's dedicated to Inari. In Wapadi, if I'm not mistaken, his name is Inari. Let's go inside. There's no entrance ticket. I'll wash my hands first. Even though the water is cold.
Now let's talk about the torii. There are thousands of torii, decorated to make it look cool and aesthetic. All of these are donated by individuals and companies. This is the name of the donator. This is the long one. I'll collect the money later. "I want to build a torii here." "Donate it." D-A-S-Y-N. "Why do you have to look for money?" "I'm just helping." "It's really good to just help." "When I grow up, I'll work too." Like other shrines, we can pray here. There are also a lot of souvenirs and souvenirs that you can buy. But if you don't want to shop and want to eat, don't worry. You'll get burnt or steamed. I think it's good. It's better than this. But we have to pray every day. "Hi." "One." "Which one is the favorite one?" "Thank you." This is dango, balls of rice flour. Mochi's family, but different texture. I chose the green one, spreaded with red beans. The matcha is good. Super super yummy. It's not burnt. It's so good. The red bean paste is sweet. The matcha is not too sweet. It's just a little bit. The balls are the same as mine.
Let's go to the next location. I walked to Fushimi Inari Station. It's only 5 minutes. Right across, there's an interesting place to eat. You can try it later. Don't forget to tell me on DM. I can't come because I'm in a hurry. It's not far. No transit. Only 9 minutes with 5 stops. We'll exit at exit 2. Next, we'll go to the market that's been here since the 14th century, Nishiki Market. I'm so happy. The first day in Kyoto feels like I'm welcomed. Even though the weather is cold, but I don't mean the weather, I mean the locals. They're so friendly. They don't make me feel awkward. On the contrary, they often help me in silence, especially when they realize I'm making a video. Other than the locals, another thing that makes me angry is the food. For me, the food from their kitchen, almost all of it, suits my taste. And that's one of the reasons why I went to Nishiki Market, a place that's often called Kyoto Kitchen. So of course, I have to try their food. There are more than 100 stands. Let's take a look. Daifu Strawberry is always interesting to look at and to eat. Chicken satay with wasabi is also interesting. But I'm curious about Tako Tamago. Boiled boiled egg. This is a street food from Nishiki Market because this is where this food became popular. Wow, it's so soft. At first, it's a bit fishy because it's cold. But once you bite it, the texture is awesome. Yummy.
Let's take a look at the head. If you're wondering, is this Nishiki Market or not? This is the sign. If you see this, it means this is Nishiki Market. Let's go to the other side. Besides sushi, there are also a lot of cute snacks. There's biscuit character. There's a Snoopy shop. There's even a bonsai plant that you can plant yourself. The picture on the pot is also good. Don't be surprised if you see Tanuki in front of the shop. In Japan, Tanuki is believed to be a symbol of business and fortune. Let's continue. At the end, I found a donut. Usually, it's made from flour, but this one is made from milk. I'm curious, the texture must be really soft. The donut is really soft. It's a bit sweet. I feel like I've never eaten a donut. "I'm biting it." "I'm biting it." "Do you know that?" "I thought it was a Japanese book." "What are you doing?" "I'm trying to help." "You're trying to land, but it's too fast." "It's so difficult." "I can't hold it." "I think you're in a hurry because your teeth are still inside." "It's already swollen."
It's only a 7 minutes walk. We will arrive at the shop. It's famous for its matcha gelato with a different level of bitterness. The highest level is number 7. It's really high. Why is it like this? If you come to Kyoto and love matcha, you can't skip this. The highest level is number 7. The bitterness comes from the concentrated tea. They also have other choices like black tea and salted caramel. Because I'm curious about the highest level, I chose number 7. Let's try the highest level. I hope it's in my tongue so I won't spit it out. Super super yummy. The bitterness is still in my tongue. It's like I'm eating tofu. The matcha one. It's really thick. But this one is a bit bitter. Of course, I ordered the drink. They recommended me sweet matcha. It's hot. There's no cold version. It's really sweet, but a bit bitter. If you're healthier, it means it's not too cold.
Let's take the public bus again. Don't worry, this time the journey won't be long. It's even very short. It's like just getting on and getting off. Because it's only 13 minutes with 7 stops. Later, we get off at Kumano Jinjaman. I invite you to buy by Kyoto. We just walk for 4 minutes. This is the most iconic omeyage in Kyoto. This is the oldest yatsuhashi shop in Kyoto. It's more than 300 years old. This is the same as before. "Hello, Tona." "I want to be here with Tenuki." What I like the most about this shop, they give testers for all variants. The size of the testers is not cheap, so we can know and be sure about what we choose and buy. There are 3 types of yatsuhashi: the classic one, the texture is like a biscuit with a curved shape; the raw one, the texture is soft like a steamed mochi; and the yatsuhashi with angko, folded neatly in the shape of a triangle. I bought all three. But later, we will try the yatsuhashi with angko, which can only last for 7 days at room temperature. Delicious. Very sweet. I tried the matcha yatsuhashi. The matcha yatsuhashi is also delicious. But the matcha yatsuhashi is sweeter than this. But I also have the black yatsuhashi because it's free. Yummy. A little bitter. If you like the bitter one, the black yatsuhashi is sweeter. The white yatsuhashi is sweeter. The matcha yatsuhashi is sweeter. Even though it's matcha. "Hold it, Cong." "But it's hard." "My legs are like this." "Cong Cong, why are there so many yatsuhashi today?" "One more." "No, I'm done." "One more." "Cong, no."
Let's just walk. It's only about 18 minutes. Not far. Actually, you can also take a bus, but I choose to walk because usually we can do unique things. Like the one on the right. I found a building with antique decoration. Details like this, usually just pass. If we take a bus, we just ate. We also bought omiyage. Now, if you want to buy a bag, there is a bag of pride of Kyoto people. This is a Kyoto handmade canvas bag shop with crazy quality. They have been operating since 1905 and become one of the pride of the locals. If you look at it, the bag is not a style bag or cool. The design tends to be classic, and the main focus is still in function, not fashion. Many Kyoto people buy bags here to be used for years because it's durable. To be honest, even though it's not a fashion bag, but there are many things I like. Especially this bag. It looks unique.
Let's continue. The footpath is over there. Near here, just 7 minutes walk. We will enter the DNA and breath of the next Kyoto, Gion Shinbashi. Traditional entertainment area since the Edo era. This was built along the Shirakawa canal. It used to be used for goods distribution. Now this area is still functional as a Hanamachi Geiko and Maiko area. That's why the photography is limited at some points because it's a living area, not a tourist attraction. If you look at it, the wooden buildings are still original. This is a classic Kyoto that still runs normally. Everything is maintained, neat, calm, and full of unwritten rules. Gion Shinbashi is a representation of how Kyoto maintains its dignity. Do you know? In Kyoto, a 6-minute walk can feel like a different city. While Gion Shinbashi is an ancient and calm Kyoto, Pontocho is a living Kyoto. We will have dinner in this narrow alley. It's only about 2-3 meters wide. In the 17th century, Pontocho was used as a night entertainment. If now, this alley is full of traditional wooden houses, small restaurants, even a tea house. We've walked all the way to the end. Follow me. The one who chooses to eat. Ta-da. This one. We eat Tonkatsu. Sorry, this is non-halal. In Kinton Tonkatsu, meat is not cooked until gray. The inside is left pink and juicy so that the taste of the meat is still sweet. The texture is soft and not dry. It's time to eat. This is the first time I try mustard. I really like this mustard with chili. There are 3 types of meat. You can choose according to your taste. This is their sauce. It's a must to use the dressing because this is a homemade sauce that is their identity. Of course, I will put it on top of the rice. Hmm. The rice is delicious. Super super yummy. This is really thick. Maybe add more. The rice. I swear. If Pontocho alley, if noon and night are different, it's different. Like it's out of shape. If it's noon, friends are lonely. If it's night, it's crowded. The lights are on. If you want to come here, to Kyoto and Pontocho alley, please come here. Not just the sauce. I want to eat slowly. You don't have to follow me. I'm hungry. Re-SM reported from Kyoto. It's really aesthetic. Just fix the. "I don't like to make it fall." "Already." "What is he doing?" "Don't move." "What are you doing?" "Don't move."