Packing List
by kat_on_moray
If your shoe size is 8 (EUR 39) or larger then you should take as many pairs of shoes as you need. You probably won't have trouble buying sneakers, but women who take larger sizes will find it hard to buy casual or dress shoes. The situation is getting a bit better but the Japanese do not sell large shoe sizes and even at the few places they do, the range is small. This is very frustrating for someone who loves shoes as much as myself - Japan is a true shopping mecca and they have some fantastic shoes to buy. Oh well! Japan has recently legalised the pill, but I would recommend taking enough to last you throughout your stay, however long. Have a medical check-up before you go. I found that Japanese dentists were quite efficient and not too expensive just as long as you have some type of insurance. Disposable contact lenses are readily available and the price does not differ much from prices in Australia. You can get any kind of photo equipment that you want in Japan - a full range of fun, cheap disposable cameras, the latest hi-tech digital cameras, etc... Take a copy of Alex Kerr's book 'Lost Japan'. You could read it before visiting the Kansai region, but it will mean more to you if you read it while you are there. It prompted my friend, Annie and I to go on a search for 'Bakudan Yuki'!!!!
If you are Australian, don't worry about packing Tim Tams as you can now buy them from Sony Plaza!!! You can buy Yowies too!
FANDANGO
by kat_on_moray
FANDANGO
This is a great live music venue located just north of Osaka city not far from Hankyu Juso station. If you want to experience a Japan not normally seen by others, then a trip to Fandango is in order. Nearly every night of the week there are live bands playing and the range of music is diverse: punk, rock, noise, hardcore, heavy metal, etc...Not as expensive as other main music venues such as Club Quattro in Shinsaibashi. Admission prices range depending on the band but prices are usually around 1500 to 4000 yen. It is cheaper if you buy your tickets in advance - it is usually another 500 yen if you buy a ticket at the door. A free drink is usually included in the admission price. Whatever you want!
McDonald's is everywhere
by PartyRambo about McDonald's
I don't think I need to describe the food here - or the ambience... but there are some differences to the menu in different locales.
The Japanese menu includes coffee - cold or hot, and more fish dishes than here at home. I liked the pamphlets I found in Japanese and German McDonald's - each had a little showcase on other countries' McDonald's.
And here, we had television broadcasting news, sports, and presumably, advertising.
Discover Osaka on foot.
by worldkiwi
Wandering around a city can be the best way of discovering something special. This temple (which might be called Ohatsutenjin Shrine), was sandwiched between shops in Osaka's Kata district. It was a little gem in the city forest.
SHISEIDO COSMETIC GARDEN
by kat_on_moray
SHISEIDO COSMETIC GARDEN
This is a great place for girls to visit at any time (men can go too but if you are not really into make-up it could be a little boring). It is Shiseido's cosmetic showroom. You can go in and try on as much make-up as you like, you can also paint your nails and do your hair. They don't sell anything there so no-one hassles you and you can stay as long as you want. Highly recommended for women who have time to pass in this big expensive city. The best thing about it is that it is free, free, free and you'll look great!!!
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Street art in Amerika-mura
"Paradise Bridge" leading to Osaka Castle
Uncle Curl
Fueling up on Free Food
