[Fascinating Point 1: The method of taking the subway is completely different from our country] You have to calculate the fare to the destination and insert the money first, but
since there was no option for the matching cost, this lady was helping us
[Fascinating Point 1: You board the bus from the back and get off at the front]
[Fascinating Point 1: There are MUJI products in convenience stores]
(I'm speaking informally because I'm talking to a friend!)
No, Japan is~ (slightly excited)
It's really different from our country~ (Of course, it's a different country lol)
Getting help from a Japanese college(?) student as soon as I got off at the station near the lodging (lol)
I don't meet people, and I don't even like going out (I know this is a problem I have to fix)
[Not appetite-suppressing food..]
[Departure D-3]
[Departure Preparation 1: Exchange to Japanese yen] I'm heading to Woori Bank to exchange money, I suddenly
decided to go on an unplanned trip to Japan (Osaka & Kyoto)!
(I mentioned it in the daily vlog I was filming, haha) I mentioned I was going to Japan,
Departing just 3 days later.. it's really spontaneous, isn't it?
Let's go to exchange the currency!
(TMI) My main bank is Hana Bank, but
the preferential rate for yen exchange fees varies by bank and time, so please check before you go!
At that time (April of 2024), Hana Bank offered 80% preferential rate, Woori Bank 90%!
[Woori Bank → Just apply for 'Exchange Wallet' within the app, then go to the bank to collect!] Woori Bank was used by one of the companies I worked at, so
I used a Woori Bank card and have an account there
[You can't apply for an exchange of more than 1 million won a day, so be sure to check first!] So I'm going to exchange at Woori Bank and then stop by the dermatologist
(TMI 2) It's a bit too much information, but over here, the
skin inflammation around the mouth has gotten too severe
[It feels like skin inflammation different from regular acne..?] Even if I squeeze it, nothing comes out
You know that kind?
It has worsened due to menstrual irregularity and sensitivity to bacteria
(Even when I go out alone, I always spray perfume)
Today's perfume is Miss Dior!
..It's so nice~
[Pants: the poor pants that the owner has been wearing for 9 years...]
The pants that fit me..
This is the only pair of jeans that fit me
(Out of the blue) Goodbye
[Departure D-1] I bought an OctoBuddy, which is great for taking photos alone in Japan! (A famous item Hailey Bieber showed!)
[JetSkin semi-transparent matte slim case, OctoBuddy Chalk Pink] Cute right~
... (intently)
Oh~ I didn't attach it properly
I'm at the dermatologist for an inflammation injection Brazilian/underarm laser treatment!
I've been regularly getting Brazilian laser treatments, but I stopped by before going to Japan hehe
It's a relief that it's not a place with bad water like Spain when my skin is this sensitive hehe
(Lost the AirPods Pro after two weeks of purchase, so back to the brown case...)
I'll be back after getting treated!!
(A spoiler that I ended up going to a Korean medicine clinic after visiting the dermatologist...)
Brazilian laser underarm laser inflammation injection, all done in one place
(Numbing the Brazilian area with an ice pack) I'll be back after this..
And I find myself explaining this to be so funny (lol)
The day before departure! I hastily made a nail salon reservation
I got all the gel removed~
Departure D-day
I heard there's a direct airport bus right in front of my house??
but the bus interval was 50 minutes, so I couldn't catch it and took a village bus to the airport bus
Arrived at the airport! It's been a while~
[Lunchbox eSIM 2GB/6 days for 15,500 won] Purchased an e-sim at the airport too!
For those of you who are in a hurry like me, I'll put all the links in the 'More' section!
(Now that I'm on the plane, I'm excited)
All seats were taken, so they gave me an emergency exit seat(?), what luck~!
I purchased a round-trip ticket for 500,000 won (498,500 won)! Where are the special deals for flights to Japan..
(At that time, I thought Japan wouldn't be much different from our country~ so I didn't look anything up)
Please look forward to the tumultuous Japan trip that starts in just 2 hours...)
(Ended up eating bulgogi hot pot seolleongtang in just 10 minutes while waiting at the airport lounge, and they served dinner)
(Asiana Airlines) [Korea-Osaka Namba] They serve dinner even on a 2-hour flight..! (Maybe I was the only one who didn't know..)
Seeing the portion and the menu, I'm glad I had dinner before coming
[Arrived in Osaka] Now~ after finishing all the procedures and collecting my luggage
[Rapit (Lapit): Express train connecting Kansai International Airport and Namba] I'm going to take the Rapit
[Purchased on Klook, Kansai Airport Nankai Rapit Express Ticket (one-way for 9,200 won)] Wow... I almost missed it because I only bought the Rapit ticket without reserving a seat time
It's 11 PM now... got on just 3 minutes before departure, such a lucky girl~
Most people recommend taking the Rapit to get from the airport to downtown Namba!
Getting help from a Japanese college(?) student as soon as I got off at the station near the lodging (lol)
Is it true that there are over 20 exits in a Japanese subway station..
[Despite not speaking any English, I was lucky to meet a very kind Japanese person who readily helped me] Thanks to them, I made it here safely and now I can go to my accommodation
Wow~ I'm walking to the accommodation now
The atmosphere is really nice~
No, Japan is~ (slightly excited)
It's so different from our country~ (Of course, it's a different country lol)
Wow, my first Japanese convenience store! (Even seeing a cat passing by is interesting right now)
Lawson
I think that's like CU in our country (not sure)
[Amazing point 1: Lots of Japanese people ride bicycles]
Wow, right now.. it really just feels like Hong Kong here..
[Eyes wide open at the supermarket] At the supermarket, it's definitely Japan
Takoyaki, Hambagu, Okonomiyaki and other convenience foods at the supermarket are so Japanese style! (Because it's Japan...)
I think I'd regret it if I just went to sleep in my accommodation,
so even though it's night, I walked 20 minutes to Dotonbori!
(I almost froze to death after coming out in shorts) I came to a famous Okonomiyaki place, which is 20 minutes walk here at Dotonbori
It's open until 5 AM, so I recommend it to those who arrive late at Dotonbori!
I came here based on a Naver blog recommendation, and as expected, there are many celebrity autographs
Starting with a Yuzu Highball~!
(A part-timer who speaks Korean very well appears) After about 25 minutes of waiting, the food finally arrived!
(Not Korea) Yes, thank you~
[Amazing point 1: Everything is written in Korean] I ordered Seafood Salt Yakisoba (13,000 won)!
The seafood smell is coming out strongly!
So excited for my first local food in Japan!
(Salty seafood flavor...)
It's really delicious
The taste of seafood comes through (since it contains seafood...)
It's totally... has a sea aroma (because it's from the sea...)
(Whole scallops served)
In the middle of a noodle-slurping storm
It's worth coming all the way here
Yakisoba 2 Drinks 2 = 52,000 Won!
- Thank you~ - (This isn't Korea) Thank you~
[Interesting Point 1: Japanese taxi doors are automatic]
(The FamilyMart I've only seen in Japanese movies)
[Interesting Point 1: There's a place to put cash inside the taxi]
(Plot Twist: I studied Japanese as a second foreign language in high school)
[Interesting Point 1: There's a MUJI section in the convenience store]
(I'm speaking informally to my friend!)
[Interesting Point 1: There's also a small shower ball (which turned out to be a face wash)] So cute, too cute
You may be able to find it in Korea, but I'm finding everything fascinating
(Immediately letting go)
Every section here is MUJI cotton pads
MUJI mini stationery store
(A super kind Japanese lady is helping me) Today is the day I'm going to Universal Studios, but I can't get on the train from the start
[Interesting Point 1: The way to take the train is completely different from our country] You have to insert money first, calculating the fare to the destination
The lady is helping me because there's no option for the exact fare needed
(She explains eagerly, but I can't understand Japanese)
(First time at Universal, alone) Got off at Universal Studios station, but what is this place..?
(Is it starting after coming out of the exit? Is there no separate entrance..?) I haven't entered Universal Studios yet, have I?
(This thing is spinning) I didn't know that thing spins, wow it's so pretty~
(1) Purchased from klook - Admission ticket 75,600 Won (2) Purchased from kkday - Express Pass 4 around 130,000 Won
Barely managed to buy the last non-popular express ticket.. Please buy in advance!
Came to 'Happiness Cafe' for our first meal!
For those who want to eat something like rice with curry instead of pizza, I recommend this place!
- (Again, not Korea) Thank you~ - Thank you~
- Ate a lot~ - Yes, thank you~
Craving for onion rings, so I ordered a hamburger!
This cute burger
Onion rings with burger, salad, and a drink
Also ordered curry rice!
Didn't expect much from this burger, but it was really delicious!
So cute, this place is heaven~
[My mind was blown away by the various souvenir shops] So cute, wow, a tissue case
But the color scheme is just too cute
(I love cute things, but I don't have much desire for material possessions, says Gi-eun84)
[Kiwi: pet bird] This is our Kiwi's carrier~! Kiwi carrier~!
Got only 4 hours of sleep and now I'm already tired from walking around as an ISTP
I'm going to take a nap on the grass
(Feeling refreshed lying down)
If you're tired from walking around, make sure to rest on the grass
Entering the Harry Potter zone
Entered right away because 2 out of 4 express ticket attractions were Harry Potter!
Thought I'd buy a lot of souvenirs, but Gi-eun84, who isn't into material things, strikes again..
(Wondering if I can wear it to sleep)
[Harry Potter: The Aerial] ← The most fun, innovative, and technologically amazing attraction!
(I say it's fun, but it's no secret I closed my eyes tight and screamed because I was scared..)
There's a huge variety of things to do besides rides, like musical performances, wizard experiences, and more!
(Christine, who's not very interested, just took a quick look and passed)
[I did want to touch it once] Harry Potter wands~
Really curious about the Harry Potter butterbeer!
They give out one each inside this booth
(After the first sip, I got excited because it was so delicious and unique lol) It's really tasty, very sweet, and it's like caramel but doesn't taste like beer?
[It's worth waiting in line for 30 minutes~!] It doesn't have any bitterness at all!
Everywhere I look, it's a beautiful space heaven..!
Snoopy Studio and~
Hello Kitty Cafe, uh huh~ (starting to get tired)
Isn't this place like heaven?
Both places had such long lines, so we quickly passed
Bought a Kitty headband and took a commemorative photo with Kitty haha
After waiting 2 hours for the Demon Slayer rollercoaster, it's already night when we get out..!
The rotating Universal globe in the background (so pretty~!)
A very Japanese-like train (because it's Japan lol)
Even while waiting for the train, the colorful sights are a delight
Now off to have dinner!
〈Uoshin Minami Branch〉 Came to the sushi restaurant that people highly recommended on Instagram & Naver!
Each piece of sushi is really big but not expensive, so I understand why it's famous
Everything looks so delicious, we ordered about 100,000 won per person
You must visit here, I can't eat it if it's even slightly fishy, but this place is really fresh and delicious
Ordered more
[Back to the hotel!] Bought chocolate with frozen strawberries from Don Quijote!
The Dotonbori Don Quijote was packed like a concert venue, so we just bought what we needed and left..
Starting work with a pack on my legs~!
(Went to bed at 3 AM after working..)
Next day! Went out for breakfast at the ramen shop in front of the accommodation
Felt thankful again for starting the day with good weather and clear sunshine
My friend who studied abroad in Japan said they liked Japan because of the 'weather,' and I totally get it
The taste here is similar to ramen shops in Korea, so I won't (bother to) share the location!
[Ramen that definitely makes it into my top 5 favorite foods! Came to eat you!] Black pork tonkotsu ramen and
also ordered soy sauce egg rice (because I love it so much)
Ramen (mini) soy sauce egg rice = about 9,000 won!
[Also ordered fried dumplings] That's one of the reasons I wanted to come to Japan
[Itadakimasu~!] I will enjoy this authentic Japanese ramen
Ended up being the Korean who orders kimchi (lol)
[Interesting point 1: Several trains with a Harry Potter vibe run here]
[Inefficient point 1: Have to buy a new train ticket every time you transfer]
[Impressive point 1: The public's consciousness with the best manners in public transportation] (No pushing or shouting to get on first)
Isn't the interior of this Harry Potter-like train also so pretty?
The chairs are as luxurious like restaurant chairs but super comfortable
[Interesting point 1: The posters above the train are all paper, not electronic displays]
It was great because the fun of looking out the window while on the train was so immense
(And watched like this for a while)
And what was really shocking..
I saw the hard-to-meet Japanese main chataracter visual men twice,
They was so handsome that if I were an SM casting agent, I would cast him right away,
I couldn't look out the window for a moment... He looked like a new member of TWS...
Arrived at Kokusaikaikan Station!
Been traveling like this for an hour and a half
[Today, I'm planning to go to a ryokan in Kyoto and rest!] Now taking the bus to the hotel with the ryokan
Kyoto and Osaka are so different from each other..!
Gangnam (Osaka) - Seochon (Kyoto) vibe?
The ryokan we're heading to is located in the countryside, so we have to take a village bus all the way there!
With Japanese elders and the natural scenery behind... it feels like we've entered a Japanese drama
[Fascinating Point 1: Board from the back of the bus and get off at the front] I had no idea how to get on the bus
(I should have looked up how to take the bus beforehand) The driver just says no and that's it
So I'm not sure,
but you receive a ticket that opens at each stop and pay with cash when getting off!
Any Japanese passenger just boards without doing anything special!
(When getting off, I told the driver the starting stop and paid the fare.) It's quite surprising to do everything with cash
So if you don't have a card, you just board anyway
After about 30 minutes on the bus, we've arrived at the terminal station!
From here, I have to walk all the way to the lodging
Cherry blossoms are fluttering in the wind, settling on the rooftops
[Perfect with the sound of birds...] Can you hear the birds chirping? This is totally Kyoto's
[(TMI) I love the sound of birds so much that I always use it for my intro sound effects] It's the countryside, but I'll go check it out
(Of course, it's Japan~) It's totally Japan itself, so beautiful
(Excited by the natural tulips 1) The tulips are naturally growing upright~!
Wow~ So beautiful~
(Not grandma's house but Kyoto, Japan)
Wow, such a restaurant..
There's such a pretty restaurant in the countryside.. Wow~
With this bird chirping~
Ah, it's so nice~
〈Seryo〉 Arrived at the hotel, sweating greatly!
They came out to greet us from the yard!
They said they would bring the luggage to the room, and now I'm waiting for guidance!
The highlight of Kyoto, the ryokan accommodation..
[Thanks to the walk, I got to see a charming village] But I wonder how everyone gets up this incredibly steep mountain
Right upon arrival, I saw a foreign couple getting out of a taxi van, so don't hesitate and just take a taxi
This place is more famous for its Michelin-starred dinner and breakfast!
If you want to fully relax for a day in Japan, I highly recommend this place
A forest view that purifies the mind
[Fascinating Point 1: Charged extra for the welcome drink and dessert I didn't request]
Hot matcha tea and matcha mochi(?)
[The surroundings are so beautiful that I'm rapping] I was going to rest right after coming in, but I can't
I have to go out and walk around because the surroundings are just too pretty
The surroundings are just too beautiful
(Wet wipes) Sensible~
(Used up all my energy carrying the luggage up)
I'm dying of thirst, so I ordered hot tea
and orange juice
(All charges were billed at checkout)
(I was very happy thinking the welcome drink was free)
I feel alive, really
Ah~ It's really so nice
I need to shower quickly...
And go out...
They operate a morning shuttle bus to the bus stop for the village bus in two shifts!
The way up was so tough, but it's really a relief
The destination itself was nice, but I'm dying of laughter thanks to a friend in Kyoto
Keep asking for more drinks (a bit embarrassing)
Even these leather slippers were luxurious and pretty
Finally moving to the room!
Well, not yet, they're going to start with a facility tour
The place with the ryokan's large public bath!
Public bath~
The large bath is nice for a quiet enjoyment since it accommodates up to 4 people
Relax room next to the large bath
Free mini drinks provided
Enjoying ice cake after coming out of the ryokan (such sensibility...)
(Excited that it's free amidst all this)
Now, really moving to the room
(heart pounding)
Wow, the view here is absolutely breathtaking
[Stairs - Corridor - Stairs to get to the room] Now, heading to the room
So good, so good
It felt more comfortable and nice, like experiencing a Japanese household rather than a commercial hotel!
With only a few rooms, this place is private and so quiet..
Wow, it's amazing, so good..
True to the land of vending machines, there's also a vending machine here
This is the room!
They're explaining about the yukata in the wardrobe
The windows, wood-tone interior, and the view outside the window are all classic and elegant
[Check-in Welcome drink Facility tour took at least an hour and a half..] After finally finishing check-in, I went out to see the cute little shops I saw on the way up!
The temple right behind the hotel
Took a commemorative photo!
[The nearby shops close at 5 pm, so I just went for a walk and came back!] The view from the room is so beautiful
The view of the veranda seen from the room... It's so green and refreshing..
(It would have been a disaster if it weren't for the Don Quijote chocolates...) Recharging with some chocolate
Heading out to have dinner in 30 minutes!
[It's a staycation day, but the schedule is tight so it's tough...] For now, I think I'll rest here for 30 minutes
[Just being in the hotel feels like experiencing all Japanese traditions] The clothes to wear in the ryokan start with a robe and include a sash
[Thanks to them, I got to try on a yukata!] And they packed all these clothes here for me
(Even socks with separate toes!)
Cute instructions on how to wear a yukata (lol)
[Once I put it on, I feels great] I'm so excited to wear it for the first time
I'll go eat dinner dressed like this!
[A 10-course dinner!] This must be the dinner menu
Cherry blossom~... not sure what it is though
Appetizer~ (unhelpful description)
Since I can't eat raw fish, they're substituting the sashimi with tofu skin..
Starting with a refreshing sake that has a cherry blossom flavor(?) and scent!
There are small roses on top!
But..
[The paradox of getting hungrier as more dishes come out...] What is this..? Is it.. sea urchin?
(Even after looking it up, I don't recognize the ingredient...)
What's this sauce?
Hmm~ it's just sauce (relieved)
[Fresh tofu is expected to come out at least 6 more times] Wow~ the tofu is totally springy!
(The tofu is so soft it's hard to pick up)
This guy... The tofu is so delicate that it's hard to pick up!
(Finally got it)
It's so unique (final thoughts)..
... (I want to eat convenience store triangle kimbap)
The additional sake I ordered has arrived!
Pouring the sake into the cup, it's a cup with cherry blossoms from a tree! (I like this kind of thing haha)
(The tofu tastes too exotic and fishy for my liking, and that's when my appetite started to decline...) It's usually time for sashimi, but I can't eat sashimi, so
they gave me something like this tofu instead
[Different cups for each type of sake!] I ordered another sake and the cup is really pretty, this one is for one type of sake
and this one is for another sake
It's quite fun to look at the tableware..
[Not an appetite suppressant food..] The expression is already not good with the bean soup
They really like healthy stuff here
After eating everything, I was so hungry I ate all the chocolate..
Neat food keeps coming out... but I'm hungry..
Tiny shrimps are all... clumped together~
Oh~ I can't look at these eye-like things.
(Finished eating)
The thing that suited my taste the best... miso soup..
Even the last dessert!
(Even the pudding had a challenging taste...)
(It tasted like ground vegetables, not mango...) This one seems like mango
I came for the ryokan experience and I'm the only one here!
Now~ I'll take a bath~!
[Interesting point 1: Japanese ryokan is like a Korean public bathhouse]
Today's highlight
Quick shower and into the bath!
Satisfaction 1000% because I can relax alone
The cool cider brought from the relaxation room
Haah~ It's really so good..
Oh my, oh my, oh my, suddenly lost my balance (lost it)
[15 minutes in ryokan over!] It was really so nice, goodbye
I'm going to rest while eating ice cake in the relax room next door
There are rooms with private baths here! (I booked a room without a private bath for 700,000 KRW per night!)
Wow~ Really..
I feel like I need to earn a lot of money..
At night, the cool sound of a waterfall..
It was nice to enjoy the common areas privately because there weren't many guests!
Wearing the pajamas provided by the hotel
Finishing the day eating ice cream..
(Thinking of coming back with my parents)
Couldn't eat much dinner (because it didn't suit my taste)
I asked if there was a convenience store nearby
they said I had to go out by car and offered to take me
I felt sorry so I didn't go, now I'm drowsy~ and hungry to the point of death.
I recommend bringing some simple snacks when you come here
(They said there's no room service! There's a drink vending machine next to the room)
It's cold, so I'm thinking of putting on an extra coat
I didn't bring many clothes, so the yukata provided here is a big help
Happily ending the day at the Kyoto ryokan hotel~!
For breakfast, a neat Japanese home-cooked meal was served!
I could choose the breakfast time (Was it 8/9/10 o'clock?) so I set it for 8 am
Cypress steaming(?) grilled salmon steamed eggs
Since it was a country house, I turned off the heater and slept, and I thought I was going to freeze to death
Today's window view
[Eating breakfast with this view... I'm so happy...] The morning window view is prettier than the evening's
The (salmon) is shaped like a cheesecake
This is salmon... (Still half asleep)
Warm tea.. oh, I love it.
(Up until now, I felt like I was catching a cold because it was so cold)
They keep coming out one by one!
[Interesting Point 1: The rice is placed on the left]
The steamed eggs look really delicious.. I'll enjoy the meal
I wonder if I should open this after it's been steamed a bit?
Yay~ This is it~
Pumpkin, fish cake, and cabbage are included, and it was healthy and delicious!
After eating breakfast to reduce swelling, off to the ryokan~
The weather is clear, the air is even better, and I'm full = heaven
No one else is here, so I'm enjoying the large communal bath all by myself
Usually, when I feel pressured or stressed, I can't even rest,
and I don't want to meet people (since I think it's a problem I have to solve myself) and dislike going out,
but it was in that moment I realized that 'letting go is also important'
That moment felt not like a luxurious leisure, but rather a time when heavy burdens were emptied and a positive mindset was filled
It made me realize how important it is to become a healthy person with healthy food and environment
I promised myself that I should make time to travel here every year
My late twenties unexpectedly made me enjoy my alone time and books more..
I hope Destiny Subscribers also visit here with their parents or loved ones if you go to Kyoto
I played around by myself and came out because it got too hot
See you in Kyoto downtown part 2
See you in part 2 of my Kyoto city trip