Hey guys!
I wanted to give you all an update on the biking journey!
I continued my trip heading to Osaka from Okayama biking along the coast. I was grateful since the ride was mostly flat. I could still see the mountains on one side and the ocean on another so the views were as beautiful as always.
Biking through smaller towns allows you to see many hidden away sights. I ran into an American-themed thrift store that sold vintage American clothes. I saw shirts with the NASA logo, Support our troops, Ron Burgundy, and a lot of older high school shirts. Imagine if you found your old high school graduation shirt in a small town in Japan. I also ran into a McDonald’s that looks like it was a house from the Midwest. I also had the chance to try Soy Sause flavored ice cream at a rest station. I was surprised it tasted pretty good, kinda like butterscotch but saltier.
As I continued my ride I heard a snap from my bike and realized that I had broken off a few of my spokes on the rear wheel. I ended that day’s ride early and found a hotel where I spent the night. I found a small pizza place and got some comfort food. I left my gear there and biked to a nearby bike shop where they were able to replace the wheel. Because of the awesome train system, I took a train to pick up my gear from the hotel once the bike was repaired and continued my trip to Osaka.
Osaka is a vibrant city filled with nightlife! This is the biggest city I have been to in Japan. My hotel was close to a neighborhood called American Town, there was a Starbucks, McDonalds, American flags, levis ect. I stopped to get Takoyaki, flour batter balls with octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onion, a dish native to Osaka. They were so yummy and hot!
I made a friend online who offered to give me a short city tour. We saw Dotonbori one of the city centers of Osaka’s nightlife with large illuminated signboards everywhere. I always wanted to try conveyor belt sushi so we went to a nearby spot and ate a bunch! We both finished 40 pieces trying everything. I was surprised at how fresh everything is. The fish dissolved in my mouth! Osaka is a very vibrant city, but it also feels quite grimy. I was surprised at how much graffiti and vandalism there was, the rest of Japan is pretty clean.
Continuing my journey to Kyoto soon!
\[Photos\](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/18uT90MEvyxebRg\_hud1JAHaGshQiQCsv?usp=sharing)
I made a video about this experience. It is in my profile if you want to see it!
7 comments
If you haven’t yet and are going back to Tokyo, I personally recommend Akihabara! It’s super fun and to me was the peak of my Japan trip a few weeks ago.
Osaka is definitely a lively place and I do agree that Japan’s train system is lovely compared to where I live.
Good luck on the rest of your trip!~ ( ＾∀＾)
If you are going to Kyoto next, you can bike along the Yodogawa River. Much of the riverside is a big long park and there is a bike path. You can find some water fountains to fill up your bottles. Much nicer than route 1.
Many years ago, I biked route 1 from Nagoya to Osaka in one day. I was wearing glasses to protect my eyes from bugs. At the end of the day when I took them off, I looked like a racoon from all the exhaust and grim that was on my face.
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Hi OP, I am not sure if you brought your bike via plane. But if you did, I was wondering how that experience was and if you using a foldable bike to transport on to the train? Thanks
I love this story so much! Love how you guys finished 40 pieces of sushi! 😆🤗 and the short city tour from an online friend, Kosuke-san! ☺️
Can’t wait to hear about Kyoto!
Stay hydrated and safe!
Thanks for the tip! I’ll be sure to pack extra tissues for my raccoon look.
Another part down! I didn’t think you would still be going when I was about to head to Japan myself. Keep up the good work!