Wolf Money/Bargain(10 things you need to know about Osaka and Kyoto)part1

(Osaka Tower)

I just came back from a trip to Japan. My family was able to experience the warm hospitality offered by the country from our trip to Nagoya and Tokyo 2 years ago. Here we are, back again, for more wonderful experience. These are the 10 things you need to know about Japan. 

Politics 

LDP or Liberal Democratic Party is the ruling party in Japan. Sanae Takaichi is the current Prime Minister of Japan. The number 1 priority of the government is to solve the inflation problem. The government is proposing lowering the VAT on food from 10% to 1% to help the population. Food inflation is a big problem in Japan. Many ramen shops were forced to close due to rising ingredient prices. Many honourable ramen shop owners choose not to raise prices at the expense of customers.

(Japanese government rolling out measures to help the citizens)

(Yen at lowest point in 40 years, but the stock market at its highest)

Weather 

We experienced our first typhoon in Osaka. Typhoon Jangmi caused a massive storm near the coast of Japan. Osaka Bay was affected, but the inland areas were largely unaffected.The temperature range from 19-28 degrees for most of our days in Osaka and Kyoto. We can’t ask for better weather despite the small inconveniences of rain. End of May and early June are excellent timings for a trip to Japan. 

(Typhoon Jangmi causing severe flooding near Osaka)

Price of goods

The Japanese economy is mostly export-driven. Given the weakness in the Japanese Yen over the past few years. Exports have been growing. Many tourists are coming to the country to take advantage of the weak currency. The downside to a weak currency is higher inflation. Just 2 years ago, when we were in the country, the Japanese Yen was at SGD $1 to JPY ¥115. We didn’t felt the prices were high previously. This time round, SGD $1 buys JPY ¥124, even with the superior exchange rates, generally prices had climbed. A small Wagyu Beef Stewer was selling at Yen ¥2000($16). A bowl of Cha Shu Ramen ¥1000-¥1300, previously ¥700 gets you a bowl. The food prices are more expensive, mimicking those of Singapore since our last visit. 

(A bowl of ramen costing ¥1100)

Economy

Car export is one of the major drivers of their economy. Honda and Toyota are struggling with poorer sales domestically due to weak consumer demand. Competition from cheaper Chinese-made EVs also affected their export numbers. Given the high pump prices, the Japanese government has capped the selling price of petrol at 170 yen per litre to help the local population.

(The car owner must be a hustler)

(Japanese government cap the price of petrol at ¥170 per litre)

Tourism

Tourists from all over the world love Japan. Despite Japan’s spat with China, their tourism is not affected. Visibly, there are fewer Chinese tourists, but a lot of Korean, Russian, Taiwanese, Indian, French and Singaporean tourists took advantage of the opportunity of a weaker Yen to enjoy the wonderful experience of Japanese hospitality. I also find people in Osaka to be free-spirited. They are not as uptight compared to people in Tokyo. Tourists in shorts and flip-flops didn’t bother them too much; many were seen dining in an upmarket restaurant. Shops that target tourists are aplenty, especially in the Dotonbori area. If you want a more authentic experience, head outskirts.

(Dotonbori Canal)

(The running man of Glico and The flying Lone Wolf)

Social

Many youths in Osaka are obsessed with Gachapon. The reason is simple. A Gachapon buys happiness with very little money. Popular themes include manga characters and households miniatures . I love my Natto and my son is obsessed with his bells that comes with a loud ringing tone. Going to a trendy cafe or a famous eatery are one of many things people do in the city. Ice-cream is big business in Osaka. Baskin-Robbins is very popular due to its many favours and affordable price. One could get a big scoop for around  ¥400.

(In Japan, B&R cost 50% less compared to Singapore)

Population 

The Japanese are hardworking people. Most salarymen/women go off from office around 8pm. Culturally, it is not appropriate to leave first before your boss leaves. Japan’s population has fallen from 126m to 123m in a short 5 years from 2020. The aging population is not pervasive in Osaka. We saw many young people and students during our trip. Students were out in large numbers to Osaka Castle and Nara Park enjoying themselves in the great outdoors. There is a growing trend of foreigners working part-time in Japan. Under study-work scheme, foreigners coming to Japan to learn the language can engage in some form of part-time work. I met a gentleman from Myanmar working part-time for 3 hrs in a restaurant. Those foreign part-timers form the backbone of the service industry. It helps to supplement the Japanese workforce. Currently, 30% of the workforce in Japan are aged 70s and above.

(We are on hand to experience the famous “sardine” train during peak)

Transportation 

The Japanese rail is the most sophisticated in the world. Frankly, I didn’t enjoy finding my way around their complex metro lines. The lack of proper English signage makes navigating the Japan rail system a nightmare. A wrong train could literally take you out of the prefecture. 😅 One should be able to move around the city using their local subway. Each train ride costs an average of ¥200 to ¥300. If one could afford paying more, taxi provides a good alternative for point-to-point transportation. It costs an average of ¥1500 to ¥2000 per taxi ride for a short distance. Airport Express remains the most cost-effective way of getting into the city centre. A one-way 85mins trip from Kansai Airport to Kyoto cost ¥3300 about SGD $27 under a reservation ticket.

(Train from Kyoto to Kansai Airport)

Osaka

Osaka, which means Big Hill in Japanese, is the third-largest city in Japan. There are approximately 2.8m inhabitants in the city. The wider metropolitan areas comprised of Kyoto and Kobe is home to 18m inhabitants. Osaka is famous for its Takoyaki. We were there to try out some, made fresh by the store. They were delicious. 

(The storm clouds gathering above Osaka Castle)

(Tayoyaki costs approximately about ¥650)

Kyoto

Kyoto, which means Imperial Capital, is the ancient capital of the Emperors. The city is famous for its ancient architecture and gardens. It is also the heart of Matcha production in Japan. In Uji, its many teahouses is a heaven for Matcha lovers. Visitors can walk into a teahouse to have a tea set. The city is home to all things matcha. Matcha Latte, chocolate, cake, ice-cream, noodles and many more. Anything you can think off, there is a matcha version of it. The housing and historical sites are very well-preserved. Some houses stretch back to the Meiji period. The city is also popular with shutterbugs. My wife engaged a photographer to have our photo taken. The end result is quite pleasing.

(The Thousand Torii Gates)

(Most historical buildings are well preserved)

Part 2 coming up….

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