JAPAN (Pt. 2 of 2): Up Up and Away! Season 6, Episode 2
[Music] Join us as we continue our Japanese adventure into the Kai region, including Kyoto, Osaka, and Aaji Island. [Music] from Temples to Tanuki with appearances from Godzilla, Gundams, and even Naruto himself. [Music] [Music] Clearly, this isn’t the bullet train we left Hakone on. From the Shinkansen to the Chinchin Densha, we were greeted with more sakura blossoms than we had seen in Tokyo. Anyway, and the smiling faces of tanuki on every doorstep. Though the tanuki is not necessarily famous for its smiling face. Sweet potato, creamy and chunky, potatoes meet us and are turned into tasty puff pastry pies. Enjoy our pies with the potatoes gifted from the earth. [Music] In the last episode, it was Mount Fuji. And in this episode, King Kakuji. The Golden Pavilion is another of Japan’s most famous sites. And you can see why. Covered in gold leaf, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a Zen Temple and features three unique styles of architecture: Shinden, Samurai, and Zen, one per floor, and absolutely beautiful grounds surrounding it. [Music] [Music] We left the Golden Pavilion for Rioanji and its crafted rock gardens and meditation spots. [Music] again. You can see why monks find peace here. Yuri even got contemplative and wrote a ha coup honoring the stink beetle who crossed our path. The stink bug scurries. The feet of monks hurrying. I love Godzilla. [Music] [Music] Ojama shimas. Hi. Welcome. Welcome. Welcome to our Dioan. Come in, please. Your shoes are off. Perfect. Step on up. Step on up. Thank you. I’m sorry. Uh, this is our as you can see. to tummy mats on the floor seating area. It’s going to look different later when the futon mats are out. Press to sleep on. Thank you. Thank you. We’ve got a special kiaki dinner, a Japanese cuisine dinner uh for our yoka stay. Uh it’s characterized by many uh many courses uh and lots of small plates. Uh usually uh seasonally adjusted. So based on what’s in season is what you’ll be eating. So here we go. Since the last time we were here with you, uh things have grown. Some things have gone away because I’ve eaten them. And they keep bringing things out. grilled fish and uh bamboo shoot and steak and um the exciting egg rolls and sashimi and there there’s a hot pot that’s going to happen. It just oh the the soup the pot the pot is which which you sort of pour into a teacup. Tiny little There it is. And and drink it. I don’t know where it’s going to end but I had to give you an update. I got to get back in now. I’ll see you later. Just back from the onsen downstairs and now we have our beds all made up. Isn’t that lovely? The next morning we rose early for a guided tour of Kyoto. And the light spatter of rain was nothing compared to what we had endured in Kamakura. So, we barely even noticed as we went from temple to shrine to temple again. [Music] [Music] It’s good morning. [Music] Hi. We finally found the cherry blossoms. They’re exploding finally. They They were waiting for us. Oh, [Music] God. No. [Music] We are currently in the Arashiyama bamboo forest in Kyoto. In Kyoto. Uh the the bamboo goes on and on and on and on. Uh we’ve been told that it can at its fastest bamboo can grow a meter every day meter a day which which is 3 feet which is a lot. So it’s super calm in here except for all the tourists. Um we’re of course contributing to that. But enjoy this beautiful nature scene. [Music] It started as a bonesai. As a pleasant surprise, just walking distance from the bamboo grove, we got to wander Okochi, the former estate of Japanese period film star Okoi Denjiro, featuring a garden and tea house overlooking Kyoto. Join us as we explore the relaxing and zen environment that Denjiroan used to call home. [Music] So [Music] he [Music] She [Music] know [Music] me. [Music] I took the opportunity to do a walking meditation while exploring these beautiful grounds which were lovingly constructed for the very purpose of enlightenment. You are forced to slow down and pay attention to every step you take. Centering yourself in awareness of the moment. [Music] [Music] That’s [Music] Next stop, the Togitskill Bridge, which even though I had lived in the Kyoto area when I was working in Japan, I had never seen. This bridge has been part of an initiation ritual for local Japanese children for over 400 years. Walk across without looking back once and enjoy good luck in your life. [Music] And the local shopping and restaurant area is nearby if you feel a bit peckish, which of course I did. [Music] So for the first few days, we were unable to find any sakura blossoms and we were very sad. But the weather has turned and they are all in bloom now and they’re gorgeous. And now I’m gonna eat some sakura um soft serve with sakura mochi. Here’s some sakura mochi. Filled with red bean paste. Everything is filled with red bean paste here. And and now I am too. And now I am too. I am one with sakura. [Music] So, as some of you might know, I’m a fan of very simple Japanese cuisine. It doesn’t always have to be the finest sushi or or this or that the other. This is a very basic staple. This is oyako. Oyako buri, which is it’s chicken and egg. And oyako means uh uh like parent and child. So, it’s it’s kind of grim. Um, but I’ve been looking forward to just a simple oyakon since I’ve been here. And finally, I get some [Music] But our shopping expedition marked the end of our time in Kyoto. Next stop, my old stomping grounds, Osaka. So, I just walked past the cutest of the macaroon. It’s a little bunny. It’s got a little heart in it. That’s the biggest macaroon I’ve ever seen. The biggest. You’re right. But the cutest. The cutest. I have to eat it. I’m going to eat his ear. I’m not staring. Bigger is better. But now he can’t hear. We still got one ear. No trip to Osaka is complete without visiting the Dotoi area, and we will visit it multiple times on this trip. See if you recognize any of the iconic locations from their appearances in cinema and pop culture for bonus points. [Music] It was time to meet up with old friends Keith and Ya for a long overdue reunion over sake and skewers. Let’s pour. I’ll pour. We’re here with with our friends Keith and Aya, which is crazy in uh in in Japan in Osaka. And we’re at a place called Yakon Senta. And uh before we get some skewers, we’re going to get some sake. And here you just for yourself, you just get it out of the out of the case and pour. So, let’s see if we can There’s not very much left here. Let’s see. Oh, no. You got to go all the way. You got to go all the way up. Okay. Up, up, up, up, up, up, up, up, up, up. Nice. I mean, that’s like that’s like the Let’s see. No, it’s it’s okay. I got this because it was because of the label. Of course. That’s that’s how I choose. It’s not exactly small. It adds adds pollution, right? Yes. Osaka, like many Japanese metropolises, really starts to come alive at night. So come with us as we wander the glowing streets of Namba and Shinsaiashi. As we went in search of dinner and found one of Kai’s specialties, okonomiyaki, a delicious savory pancake not to be missed. [Music] [Music] You can move from modern Bladeunner type scenes to quiet traditional scenes with the turn of a corner, which makes the city feel even more magical. [Music] to you. [Music] She [Music] She goes. [Music] to heal. [Music] A new life awaits you in the off-world colonies. The chance to begin again in a golden land of opportunity and adventure. If you get motion sick, you may want to close your eyes for this next bit. But we too were dizzy with the excitement of the Osaka Knights. [Music] I know you would like that. [Music] When Bruce tells you it’s time to eat, you eat. So, we stopped off at a late night ramen shop where you buy a ticket out of a machine to choose your ramen. [Music] But we didn’t only find delicious food at night. The day also shined light on tasty treats as well. Hey, we’re at the Oh, it says where where my uh my my stomach is my eyes are already bigger than my stomach or something like that. Um but how do you not go to a place like this? Especially when you’re in a hurry and you want to see the rest of everything. Look at this big piece of eel with a bunch of tamago under it. Delicious. I don’t think I can get it all in my mouth at once. Don’t hate me for eating in bites. [Music] It was time to visit the 800lb gorilla in the room, or rather the 450-year-old fortress, Osaka Castle. [Music] Built in the 17th century, the walls are super thick in places and constructed with massive stones, including some megalithic ones weighing over a 100 tons each. [Music] And for fans of the TV show Shogun, compare this modern view to the feudal period version you saw on the show. [Music] It’s true. [Music] [Music] From ancient history to modern history, we were lucky enough that there happened to be an action figure museum exhibit that included all of Yuri’s favorites. And Yuri’s nerdy little heart wouldn’t allow us to cut anything. So, join us on a walk through the exhibit as we figure that probably at least a few of you might have similar interests. [Music] [Music] [Music] Row, row, fight the power. [Music] [Music] [Music] Let us take a brief pause to show you a picture of me with legendary director Akira Kurasawa because when you’ve got that kind of flex, you have to deploy it. Okay, you can continue now. [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] Then it was time to visit another beautiful shrine, Sumioshi Tasha, and it was glorious and quite possibly my favorite stop. Oh, [Music] no. [Music] You want more me? [Music] Jesus. [Music] We finished with a monster of a shrine, literally Nambayasa shrine, whose massive lion head or shishiden swallows evil spirits, but looks more to us like a kaiju getting ready to chop Terra. But we would have to wait a little longer to get swallowed by a kaiju. That was still to come. This bus is kind of a dead giveaway for where we are headed next, but you got to admit we kind of had to go. There’s no way we were going to miss the Nijigen Nomori Naruto theme park. And after a long bus ride and a long walk to the island that holds two things Yuri loves, Naruto and Godzilla, but more on him later, we were finally at the gates of the Hidden Leaf. We’re here at Chino Vizato. We finally made it to Naruto Explorto theme park. And here’s my guy. I’ve returned home. We’re going through the the Naruto Borto maze to rescue Naruto. We have to find all the hand sides and the stamps for the scrolls to be able to rescue Naruto. Don’t get on the But don’t fall on the spikes. Don’t fall on the spikes. [Music] So it looks like you got to put the hands together here and then up and down like that. You got to turn it straight ahead. Here I am with all my Akatsky brothers. I mean you know Katsky sometimes I’m a sometimes Akatsky. Saskuke is a sometimes Akanski. They all look so much cooler than I do. It’s definitely not safe. And it’s gross. Oh, it’s so gross. I can’t stay balanc. Oh no. Ignore the lowercase letters. Gross. So gross. This is so cool. [Music] Steve Bloom, is that you? I have to defeat the temple guardian. [Music] stamp my scroll. [Music] So, here we are. It is, as far as I know, this is the only real Ichidakuram. And when I say real Ichira means we’re here at Shinois, you can see in the background. I’ve ordered, you can see they they print on the ni, so you know it’s legit. And I got a a Sasuke bottle I have to take home with me. Nice. What about this? So So here we go. Oh, and we have this. We have a Sakura crep. Yum. All right. We had to go all out. Enjoy. So is is is it good here at Slurpit? It’s pretty good. How do you say that in Japanese? Mama Yuri, where’s your costume? Welcome to Nyod, the National Ali Island Institute of Godzilla disaster. Uh, we’re here to prevent a Godzilla disaster. And by that, I mean, I hope there will be a Godzilla disaster. And I hope it ends with me ziplining right into Godzilla’s mouth. That was awesome. [Music] I’m in. He’s back there. Godzilla awaits. [Music] [Music] I did it. I went into Godzilla. Zipline right in. It was smelly in there. So now you’re stuck cuz you came out. Said I came out the other side. So that’s the ultimate Godzilla experience. Hey, you’re pooping. Mission complete. Not so big from down here. Actually, very big from down here. For a much more manageable view of a Godzilla, we move to the small but mighty Godzilla Museum at the Godzilla theme park and our fill of Kaiju. [Music] zip line. This is what it would have looked like. [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] Who wins? Let them fight. So we let them fight and then returned to our skyscraper of a hotel in Osaka to look out over the city and bed sanara to Japan. [Music] Well, we’re finally on our way out. And it was a whirlwind week and change uh in Japan, but at least these Gundams took care of us. So, thanks again. Until next time on Up, Up Up, and Away. Heat. [Music] [Music] Heat. [Music] have any last words? We did. I mean, we’re so high up that we’re in the clouds. Oh, okay. I’m showing. Did you turn off?
In which we return to Yuri’s old stomping grounds of Kansai and visit Kyoto, Osaka and Awajishima to see bamboo forests, temples, shrines, Osaka Castle, and action figure exhibits, all culminating in a trip to the NARUTOxBORUTO and GODZILLA Nijigen no mori theme parks!
Starring: Yuri Lowenthal and Tara Platt
w/Special Guest Stars: Keith and Aya Ikeda-Barry
Written by Yuri Lowenthal and Tara Platt
Edited by Shahab Zargari
Original Theme by Elliot Herman
#japan #anime #kyoto #osaka #naruto #temari #sasuke #tourism #travel #kansai #boruto #ryokan #godzilla #sushi
AloJapan.com