, soda and lemon – I made the journey north for an altogether slower experience. A two-hour train ride away is Kinosaki Onsen, which is the best example in the country of a city which has managed to stay true to its traditional values. And if you are looking for a relaxing, p){kind=link}
Exploring four cities in Japan and discovering a country with a magical mix of calm and chaos from serene temples to lively karaoke clubs
Sizzling street food aromas filled the sultry night air in the maze of narrow streets as raindrops fell like liquid crystals, casting a shimmering glow on the wet asphalt which reflected the vibrant neon lights above.
The surreal juxtaposition of those reflections illuminating ancient relics, statues and futuristic skyscrapers alike seemingly went unnoticed by the swell of people around me. This was exactly the Japan I expected.
Earlier, our taxi driver had blitzed down the rain-soaked high street of Osaka, with high-end fashion boutiques flying past at an alarming rate.
But behind that facade sits the real beating heart of this historic Japanese city which has become the modern food epicentre of the country, aka Kansai’s Kitchen, a place that’s not good for the waistline â but great for the heart and soul.