It is difficult to move when all day long I’m worried about the money to spend as we commence to experience Osaka. I was hesitant to go with my friends because my budget really not permitting me to travel. However, my conscience tells me not to worry because it’s the moment that I am about to experience. Just go ahead, my conscience added.

True enough, a day in Osaka is well spent. We arrive in Osaka on Feb 25, 2020, past nine in the evening, and the first thing I always prayed for is to face the immigration officer with confidence. I don’t want to be questioned why I have to visit Japan, therefore these little negative thoughts need to vanish, so it won’t imply.

From the Kansai International Airport, we take the train going to Tennoji station and the adventure begins when we started looking for the pad that we booked on Airbnb. You know the hardest part of this experience is not walking down the streets while the rain is pouring, but it’s the Japanese address that is difficult to understand, even map is not helping, and even locals there is a communication barrier. It took us more than an hour looking, that we almost feel our bones are breaking. But there’s always hope when you have no choice but to keep going.

I never take a vacation without bringing my laptop with me to still get to work, so before I ended the night I was the one left awake. My plan in Japan is to drink more coffee than eat. Based on what observed, coffee is what you need in the morning or could be every next hour because of the cold weather. Well, the fact is, February is the last month of winter.

In Osaka specifically, I’ve listed below just five takeaways you may consider remembering on your future Japan trip.

1.

Dress Warm. In Manila, sometimes we dress warm outfits and we used to say “winter feels”. Well, in Osaka it’s appropriate to wear warm clothes. If you cannot afford the appropriate winter clothing that’s fine just do the layering. You can double your shirts and wear a hoodie, and your good. You may look a little weird, but it works.

2.

Treat Yourself A Coffee. Aside from the actual plan of just drinking coffee, you will really demand at least a cup of hot beverage. It helps you feel warm, but if you are not a coffee lover nor like other hot beverages, you can consider drinking just a cup of hot water. Yes, without the mix of any.

3.

Observe Silence. Anywhere else possible, keep your mouth shut. Japanese is very keen on observing silence. They talk but with a low voice. All of the establishments are mandated to put a notice to observe silence. The fact that you are in Japan, you have to follow.

4.

Proper Disposal of Garbage. Are you a fan of cleanliness? Well, Japan is teaching you to be mindful of your own trash. Each visitor is required to bring their trash and throw it to trash bins whenever you see one. Mostly trash bins can be found in public areas like train stations, communal toilets,  and other public establishments.

5.

Don’t Be Shy To Ask. I mentioned earlier that there is a communication barrier, it is always recommended to ask when you are lost, and when you don’t understand something. I became the not-so-perfect translator, and if something really cannot comprehend, any Japanese you happen to ask will show you the direction of how to get there. It seems like they feel less if they cannot help you, or could be it is innate to Japanese as approachable individuals.

The abovementioned will help you enjoy your itinerary for the day without the hesitation of becoming disrespectful. So, following the Osaka adventure, we visited a temple, train stations, a castle, sky building, and shopping district. In between the break of every activity is either coffee or food. You may see Japan Was Never My Choice film, and you may also look at the official Osaka Photographs under my portfolio.