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August 18-20, 2025 Marti Eicholz Over the next three days, our journey unfolds across three captivating cities in the Kansai region—a place celebrated as Japan’s historical and cultural epicenter. This area is renowned for its blend of ancient temples, dynamic urban life, and exceptional cuisine. The cities we’ll explore—Kobe, Osaka, and Kyoto—each offer their own unique character and charm. The Odyssey’s arrival at Kobe marks a momentous occasion, greeted by a ceremonial water salute. Fireboats create dramatic arches of water, symbolically “showering us with affection” and honoring our ship and crew. Docking at Kobe Port Terminal (Shinko Pier No. 4), we find ourselves at the city’s heart, with easy access to both Osaka and Kyoto. Kobe, a vibrant international port city, is recognized for its elegant architecture and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Nestled between the Rokko mountains and the sea, Kobe boasts stunning natural scenery and a rich maritime history. The city is world-famous for its Kobe beef—a marbled delicacy celebrated by food lovers worldwide. You can ascend by Ropeway to Nunobiki Herb Gardens for sweeping city and mountain views, wander through the gardens themselves, and visit Nunobiki Falls, a scenic nearby waterfall. Harborland offers opportunities for shopping, dining, and outdoor activities, further highlighting Kobe’s unique blend of Western and Japanese influences. Reaching the Osaka Expo 2025 (World’s Fair) from Kobe is simple—a 20-30- minute train ride that brings you to Yumeshima Island, the Expo’s venue. The Expo centers on “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” with sub-themes of Saving, Empowering, and Connecting Lives. You experience a sprawling, ring-shaped pedestrian walkway, engaging pavilions, cultural performances, and displays of cutting-edge technology. Friends Dwight and Shelia captured their own Expo visit through live videos, bringing the event’s excitement to life. Osaka, Japan’s second-largest city, is a vibrant metropolitan hub of commerce, manufacturing, and technology. The city is celebrated for its lively nightlife, historic sites such as Osaka Castle—an impressive architectural relic with beautiful gardens—and Shitenno-ji Temple, the country’s oldest Buddhist temple. Modern attractions include Universal Studios Japan, home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The Dotonbori district dazzles with neon lights, street performances, and an energetic spirit, while the local food scene is legendary. Street foods like takoyaki, kushikatsu, and okonomiyaki have earned Osaka the nickname “Nation’s Kitchen.” Shopping is another highlight, from tiny underground shops to expansive department stores and the city’s endless shotengai—covered shopping arcades that typify the Osaka experience. Osaka’s motto, “kuidaore” or “eat yourself broke,” reflects the city’s devotion to cuisine, with countless affordable and welcoming restaurants. Universal Studios Japan, just 30 minutes from central Osaka, stands out as the country’s premier theme park. For a taste of history, climb Osaka Castle’s tower for sweeping views and a glimpse into the era of samurai. The Tennoji area’s Shinsekai district offers a retro atmosphere, revealing what Japan was like before its economic boom. Museums abound, including the Osaka Museum of History, National Museum of Ethnology, and Osaka Museum of Housing and Living. Amidst the sea of concrete and neon, green spaces provide peaceful escapes throughout the city. As Japan’s ancient capital, Kyoto is synonymous with tradition, boasting wooden machiya houses and world-famous temples. Icons such as Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion for its gold-leaf gilded upper layers), Kiyomizu-dera, and Fushimi Inari—renowned for its thousands of red torii gates—are must-sees. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Ryoan-ji’s tranquil garden offer serene retreats, while Gion’s geisha district immerses you in the city’s historic ambiance, especially at dusk. Home to 1.5 million residents, Kyoto served as the nation’s capital for over a thousand years and remains its cultural heartland. The city’s palaces, gardens, temples, and shrines—including seventeen UNESCO World Heritage sites—make it the “City of Ten Thousand Shrines.” Kinkaku-ji’s gold-leaf exterior glistens as a symbol of Zen beauty. Fushimi Inari-Taisha’s 10,000 orange torii gates create a photogenic path up the hillside, with fox statues honoring Inari, the Shintō deity of rice and industry. Nijo-jo Castle welcomes you with its grand battlements, intricate carvings, and “nightingale floors” that chirp with every step—a clever defense against intruders. Saihō-ji, or Koke-dera (Moss Temple), inspired David Bowie’s “Moss Garden.” Kyoto’s food scene is equally compelling, from high-end burnt ramen and creative mushroom ramen to traditional sweets like Wagashi, which pair perfectly with matcha. Nishiki Market, “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” a five-block collection of over one hundred restaurants and shops, offers an array of delights: tako tamago (a baby octopus with an egg in its head), beef sushi, soymilk donuts, rice crackers, dashimaki (a Japanese rolled omelet, served as tempura), and the elegant Kaiseki Ryori—Japan’s multi-course culinary art. The Odyssey is ready to depart, Anne is at the grand piano, playing Japanese melodies, so it’s time to sit back, relax and sip some matcha. Matcha, a powdered green tea, was originally drunk by Chinese Buddhist monks who believed the highly caffeinated beverage assisted in their quest for nirvana. When the religion spread to Japan, matcha came with it, which has an 800-year tradition of cultivation. Nowadays, there are a few unique twists on the beverage like a brown sugar matcha latte or a Uji Matcha Tiramisu. I am having some Wagashi, which is a delicate red bean, sugary pastry with my matcha. It pairs well with the matcha’s earthy essence. Though Kobe, Osaka, and Kyoto are closely linked geographically, each city is charting its own course. Kobe is redefining itself with a focus on art, international flair, and innovative design. Osaka is leveraging its vibrant scene to attract more visitors, while Kyoto is responding to overtourism by limiting access to sensitive areas like the Gion geisha district. |
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