as i walked up to the doors i felt warmth emanating from within, before i could get to it myself, a man opened the door for me, welcomed me in and as he gestured with his hands my body moved towards a ticket machine, just like the ones at ramen shops. i knew this was going to be there but i didnt realize there would be so many options. i didnt think too much because i was eager to go in towards the echoing chatter, the sound of water, and the distinct sound of blow dryers deeper in behind the wall. i picked the classic set, got a ticket and tried to wait for julian but was ushered deeper into the space towards a tatami platform floor, slippers waited for me so i knew to take off my shoes. i sat down on the platform floor, and thought i'd carry them to the locker room but once i stood up qnd turned around i was met with lockers, the perfect smaller size for a pair of shoes. i took the solid wooden key out, put the shoes in and turned around to see the doma attendent ushering me over, this time finally to them. i traded them my shoes key for a new metal and plastic one i could wear on my wrist. i gave them my ticket and got two towels. they showed me some rules, i thanked them, waved bye to julian and entered through the nori curtain towards the chatter.
osaka
Nozomi Shinkansen - 2:30 hikari shinkansen - 2:53 JR station to pick up
osaka neighborhoods
namba | chuo-ku (heart of night life) dotonbori | chuo-ku shinsaibashi (shopping + trendy) | chuo-ku amerimura | chuo-ku (v cool + vintage) tenma | kita-ku (osaka's soul food)
osaka restaurants
hozenji yamakazu | namba | chuo-ku unagi kushiyaki izumo | kita-ku
osaka cafe
ralph's cafe | shinshaibashisuji | chuo-ku vourke | naniwa-ku rest in beli
osaka bars
beli
osaka "sites"
namba yasaka jinja | motomachi | naniwa-ku katsuoji temple | minoh | osaka