Lunch at Parco
Last day. Bags into a locker at Namba (¥2,400), then a yakiniku lunch set at Matsuya in Parco Shinsaibashi, with lots of little side dishes and our own grill. ¥4,466.
The toy floors
Parco has floors of character shops. A giant burger, No-Face on the train from Spirited Away, Godzilla.
Then Tokyu Hands for the last souvenirs and a watch strap (¥4,480 + ¥3,046), with the tax refund.
Namba Yasaka Shrine
A short walk away is Namba Yasaka Shrine, whose main building is a 12-metre lion head with its mouth wide open. It’s meant to swallow evil spirits, and bring luck for exams and business.
It was February 3rd, Setsubun, the day before the start of spring, and the shrine was getting ready for the evening.
Takoyaki, twice
Walking back through town: Daimaru, founded 1717, and takoyaki, twice (¥800 and ¥920).
Setsubun
After dark we went back to the shrine for the mamemaki, the bean throwing. The courtyard was packed.
Locals in white stood on the lion’s stage and threw little bags of beans and mochi into the crowd. Catching one is good luck for the year.
We caught one!
Into the pocket it went, for a year of luck.
Bye Japan
Then the Rapi:t, the blue train that looks like a robot, to Kansai Airport.
And the overnight flight home. Twelve days, two Hogwarts, two days on snowboards, one lucky mochi, and Rilakkuma’s biggest trip yet. Bye Japan, see you soon!
Information About Namba Yasaka Shrine
A small shrine near Namba with a 12-metre lion head for a stage, its mouth open to swallow evil spirits. A 10-minute walk from Namba Station.