Weekend 107: November 18, 2023
Day 747: November 18, 2023
Saturday – Osaka Solo Trip 2023 Day 1
Today marked the beginning of my solo journey to Osaka, a four-day mix of leisure and a meaningful mission. The main purpose of this trip is to submit important documents about Kai’s birth to the Philippine Consulate. The day began in Rumoi City, filled with excitement and anticipation. Since my flight was scheduled in the afternoon, I spent the morning enjoying breakfast with my family before helping tidy up our car, Ruru, and finishing some household chores. I wanted to make things easier for my wife while I was away.
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| Toilet break at Rumoi Development and Construction Department, Obetsukari Disaster Prevention Station |
Around 10 AM, I finally left Rumoi, taking short breaks along the way at the Rumoi Development and Construction Department Obetsukari Disaster Prevention Station and Ishikari Roadside Station. These brief stops allowed me to stretch, relax, and appreciate the scenic landscapes of Hokkaido one last time before heading south.
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| I parked Ruru at my friend's place |
Upon reaching Shinorocho in Sapporo City, I parked Ruru at a parking space near my Filipino ALT friend’s house. From there, I took a pleasant one-kilometer walk to Takuhoku Station, then boarded the train bound for New Chitose Airport.
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| New Chitose Airport |
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| I bought some omiyage for my Japanese family at Royce |
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| Royce Chocolate World - New Chitose Airport |
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| Time to board my flight to Osaka |
With plenty of time before my 5:15 PM flight, I wandered around the airport, soaking in its lively atmosphere and picking up some omiyage for my Japanese family in Osaka. The flight, MM114 from Shin-Chitose Airport to Kansai International Airport Terminal 2, experienced a bit of turbulence, but thanks to the skilled pilots, we landed safely.
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| This month's edition of Peach Live features Osaka. Very timely! |
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| Safely landed at Kansai International Airport Terminal 2 |
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| Super happy to be here again! |
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| Mr. Toshi and his wife, Ms. Taeko, were there to pick me up |
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| Video call with my wife and kids |
When I arrived, Mr. Toshi and his family warmly welcomed me and drove me to their home in Kumatori, Osaka. Tired but happy, I enjoyed a delicious home-cooked dinner prepared by Mr. Toshi. I was too exhausted to take photos, but the meal was comforting and satisfying.
As the night settled in, we spent hours chatting as we always do, talking about life, travel, and random topics that never fail to make me feel at home. It was the perfect start to my Osaka trip.
Day 748: November 19, 2023
Sunday – Osaka Solo Trip 2023 Day 2
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| It's a beautiful morning here in Kumatori, Osaka |
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| Mr. Toshi prepared breakfast |
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| Itadakimasu |
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| We're off on a road trip today |
It’s a warm Sunday morning here in Osaka, and it’s my first full day in the city. Mr. Toshi prepared another sumptuous breakfast for the family, and this time I finally remembered to take a photo of it. Over breakfast, we talked about their recent trip to Wakayama for Ms. Sawa’s birthday. Before I knew it, we were already on the road, heading toward Wakayama Prefecture.
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| The view of Kitano District in Wakayama City |
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| Kinokawa Service Area Southbound |
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| We went out to stretch for a bit and also walk the family dog, Yomo |
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| Yomo and I are enjoying the passenger seat |
Our first stop was the Kinokawa Service Area Southbound in Kitano, Wakayama City, where we took a short break to stretch and use the restroom. From there, we continued south to the town of Yura (由良町) via Route 24. The drive was full of surprises since many sections of the road could only fit one car. We often had to stop to let other vehicles pass, but that challenge added more fun and laughter to the trip.
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| National Route 24 |
Once we reached Yura, we spent the afternoon exploring several scenic spots:
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| Shirasaki Marine Park |
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| Shirasaki Ocean Park Sightseeing Guide Map |
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| Roadside Station “Shirataki Marine Park” |
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| Shirasaki Observatory |
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| The view from Shirasaki Observatory |
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| Obai |
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| Obiki District of the town of Yura |
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| Back to National Route 24, going to our next destination |
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| Amazing view of Wakayama Bay from National Route 23 |
After our time in Yura, we took the same narrow road back and made a stop in Yuasa (湯浅町), a town famous as the birthplace of soy sauce in Japan. Earlier on our drive, Mr. Toshi shared some stories about Yuasa’s rich history, so it felt fitting to explore it next.
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| Yuasa town |
Here are the places we visited in Yuasa:
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| Yuasa Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings / Denken District |
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| Kadocho Soy Sauce Factory |
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| We bought soy sauce here as a souvenir |
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| Kadocho Soy Sauce Museum |
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| Inside Kadocho Soy Sauce Museum |
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| Kitamachi Fureai Gallery |
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| Inside Kitamachi Fureai Gallery |
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| Dinner at Gakeppuchi |
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| Shirasu Udon Set Meal |
Before leaving town, we stopped for dinner at Gakeppuchi, one of Yuasa’s most popular restaurants. I ordered their Shirasu Udon Set Meal, the restaurant’s specialty. The dish was comforting and flavorful. I’m not a food blogger, but it was one of those meals that leaves a quiet impression long after the last bite.
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| Aridagawa Fireworks Festival |
By the time we left Yuasa, the sky had already turned dark, but our day wasn’t over yet. We were lucky to catch the 2nd Aridagawa Rakuichi / Aridagawa Fireworks Festival. The event was originally scheduled for the previous day but was postponed due to strong winds, which turned out to be perfect timing for us.
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| We're finally back home after a day of exploring Wakayama. |
We finally arrived home around 8 PM. Like the night before, Mr. Toshi and I ended the day with a long, relaxing chat over beer. These conversations have always been something I look forward to.
Looking back, I’m truly grateful to my Japanese family for always taking me to places that most tourists never get to see. This weekend was a perfect mix of discovery, friendship, and gratitude — a trip I’ll always remember.
Read more:
Japan Diaries 4: Week 107
Japan Diaries 4: Day 747
Japan Diaries 4: Day 748
Ishikari Roadside Station
Roadside Station “Shirataki Marine Park”
Shirasaki Observatory
Yuasa Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings / Denken District
Kadocho Soy Sauce Museum
Kitamachi Fureai Gallery
Japan's Awesome Manhole Covers
A Guide To Collecting Eki Stamps
10 Things to Do in Mashike
10 Things to Do in Ishikari City
10 Things to Do in Sapporo City
10 More Things to Do in Sapporo City
10 Things to Do in Chitose City
10 Things to Do in Kumatori
10 Things to Do in Yura
10 Things to Do in Yuasa
Hokkaido 179
Japan Diaries 4: Summary
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Japan Diaries 4: Week 106
Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 106
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Japan Diaries 4: Week 108
Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 108
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