Today was one of those days that started with swimsuits and belly laughs… and ended with lanterns and raised eyebrows.
We kicked things off at Spa World in Osaka this mega indoor water park and bathhouse mash-up that absolutely was enough to satay out expectations, however, before we even hit the water, we had our first cultural curveball…
Shoes off at the door and not like the usual Japanese homes, no, we mean full on shoe lockdown on the ground floor. You pop them into a little locker, barefoot it to the lift, then get sent to either the men’s or women’s floors.
From there?
No changing cubicles, no awkward curtains just strip off at your locker. That’s it. Everyone’s cool with it. And it’s wild, considering how reserved Japanese culture can seem on the surface.
Once we were changed we entered the water park and that’s when things got really bonkers.
Everyone was covered up. I’m talking rash vests, full hoodies and leggings in the pool you name it. Even little kids were rocking long sleeves. Turns out, Japanese pool culture leans pretty heavy on modesty and sun protection. So there I am, just in my trusty orange shorts, feeling like an absolute rebel. No regrets though I came to swim, not sweat and boy was the water hot!!!.
The slides? Not bad, there was a lazy river and enough water play zones to keep the kids grinning all afternoon.
After drying off and suiting back up, we headed out into the Osaka night put the kids to bed and then I fancied a can of coke from one of the local vending machines, a 2 minute walk… and that’s where things took a turn.
I found myself in this atmospheric little street, two blocks from our place. Lanterns glowed softly, the buildings had that old school wooden charm, and it felt like a scene from a film. I took a quick snap on my phone, just soaking in the vibe. That’s when a pair of private security guys approached me, asking no, telling me to delete the photo.
Bit taken aback, I laughed (I was twice their size and clearly not doing anything dodgy), but I was surprised. Turns out, i had wandered right into Tobita Shinchi, one of Osaka’s “grey area” red light districts. What I thought were shopfronts with traditionally dressed women turned out to be… well, not quite bakeries.
Apparently, this place is famous for operating in a legal grey zone, and photography is very frowned upon to keep things discreet. Lesson learned. Still, a cracking photo of some lanterns and a surreal end to a brilliant day.
From slides to scandalous streets, Osaka never stops surprising.
Have you ever accidentally wandered somewhere you weren’t meant to be? Let us know in the comments and keep following for more wild wanderings from our family’s big adventure
