The Shinsekai area of Osaka

Streets of Osaka, the Shinsekai area.  This is known as the most run-down and dangerous area of Japan as it was heavily occupied by the Yakuza and crime was rampant.  It started out in 1912 as an amusement park and soon after the war, it started a downhill slide. These days it is still in dispair almost as it has been forgotten by Osaka itself.  The area hosts gaming halls for Shogi, Gomoku, and Mahjong inhabited mostly by the elderly poor.  It also hosts a large active transvestite community that can be seen wandering the covered arcades of karaoke bars   However, despite the rough image the food here is at a very good price and is as tasty as anywhere else in Japan so check it out for the out of the norm experience in Japan.  (Note: Japan is known for its very low crime rate and almost eat off the cleanliness of the streets).

Gaming Hall lost in time…

The Sankei Club (三桂クラブ大坂 新世界) in Shinsekai area of Osaka Japan.

The Sinsekai area (New World) can be called literally Shogi Town due to having many Shogi gaming halls within its borders from decades back.  The area still hosts gaming halls for Shogi mainly inhabited by the elderly though many young kids are taking up the game. In recent years Shogi has seen a spike with new young players as the game is thought to help improve young minds, especially with their grades.   Here is another busy night at the Sankei Club with almost all seats full.  The building itself is very old and almost unchanged in decor since its birth.  To play it costs 300 Yen per hour or 1000 Yen for over four hours or to stay all day and relax.

Kyoto Japan Streets of Gion / 京都 祇園 日本

 

Kyoto’s Gion district comes to life at sunset. 

The Gion district is located in Kyoto and is famous for its entertainment nightlife.  Establishments such as restaurants of all types, bars, clubs, and tea houses line the area.  Gion however is most famous for its Machiya (町屋/町家) traditional wooden townhouses along with its entertainers the Geiko and Maiko dawning the colorful Japanese traditional garment the Kimono (きもの).

Hamaotsu Station 浜大津駅 in Otsu Shiga Japan

A train leaves Hamaotsu station in city of Otsu

Otsu city located on the southern end of Lake Biwa briefly served as the capital of Japan from 667 to 672 AD during the Asuka period (538 – 710).  The area of the city has an old historical feel to it as you roam the neighborhoods.  I visited a local bar that is still running for over 50 years unchanged.

Otsu Station area Shiga Japan

Old shops line the empty streets of Otsu

Heading North from Otsu station towards Lake Biwa and Hamaotsu Station a street lined with many old shops mostly catering to locals.   The area is slowly dying as most young residents move to large cities for employment.

Streets of Kyoto

Another warm day in Kyoto.

The sun beating down from above along with the humidity is a common feature in Kyoto. It is well known that summers and winters in the city can be undesirable compared to other parts of Japan.

Lake Biwa in Shiga Perfecture 琵琶湖

View from Ono Station Platform

Lake Biwa is Japan’s largest freshwater lake.  Lake Biwa is of tectonic origin and is one of the world’s twenty oldest lakes, dating to almost 4 million years ago.  The Shiga area is great for outdoor actives such as fishing, swimming, and hiking in the various mountainous areas.

Pontocho area Kyoto

Pontocho 先斗町 alley in Kyoto

Restaurants and entertainment establishments line the alleys of Kyoto in the Pontocho district awaiting to be discovered by the curious traveler.