Be bold and get out of the usual travel lists!

We are seemingly familiar with Shibuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Roppongi, Tsukiji, Ginza and many others to mention. This is what a typical itinerary a tourist would have when visiting the kawaii county of Japan! However, many tourists nowadays prefer to visit the not so “touristy” destinations. They want to experience how locals live from day to day, that’s why guest houses and apartment rentals blossom in Japan. Tourists are bewildered on how Japanese spend their weekends, how they bond with their families, where they usually hang out or where is the best local cuisine that local folks flock into. Tourists are more creative and more open minded to everything. And that’s why you’d be amazed as to where this article will take you.

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Amidst the loud, fast paced world of Haneda Airport, there lies a hidden beauty waiting to be unleashed to the world. The least known ward amongst the 23 wards in Tokyo, located at the tip of the Musashino Plateau, is the vivacious city of Ota. The city was founded on March 15, 1947 and since then, Ota City has been a favorable place to reside not just the locals but for foreigners as well. This city indeed has many things to offer. With Ota being not so popular with most tourists, you’ll get to enjoy their landmarks less crowded. You can also enjoy food, services and even accommodations at lower costs compare to other wards. With this preliminary perks on hand, I know you are raising your brows now thinking about Ota. Now, allow me to introduce some of the top destinations and activities you can enjoy here….

If you are a first time goer, it is best to have a bite of the city’s history as well as the country’s background. Upon landing at Haneda Airport, head to Ota City Tourist Information Center for free cultural classes for Japan’s history, common Japanese etiquette and learn simple Japanese language useful for conventional conversation. They also teach origami, ikebana and even have your photo taken on your chosen kimono. After packing your brains with information, you are now ready to invade the city.

Seaweed, has never been so delicious and authentic in Omori. You can see nori being sold at almost every shop in Omori. But nothing made it distinctively than Morihan Noriten. The shop began selling seaweed since 1901 and still  continues to supply the best Yakinori Tabekiri packs in the city.

If you missed getting your photo taken at Kyoto’s famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, Ota City has the answer. Visit the oldest shrine in the city, built around 1818 and where the area of the Haneda Airport is previously situated. The Anamori Inari Shrine is only 2 kilometers away from Haneda Airport. Get blessed with bountiful blessings, good health and safe travels in this shrine. Walk past the legendary torii to the inner shrine and get yourself a O-suna, a sand which when sprinkled in your homes and establishments shall wheeled in good fortune.

 After getting blessed and protected in your travels, you may go ahead and explore rich local dishes in Ota City. Try some Chinese food at the Kamata area. A must-try dish is the winged gyoza at Nihao Bekkan. Another popular place to go when you want a juicy and tender tonkatsu made from famous Hokkaido Akan pork is Tonkatsu Tatsumi. If you are a person of exquisite palate, try UmeQ’s kamameshi. Kamameshi is a rice dish cooked in a small pot seasoned with selected herbs and spices, vegetables and meat. After filling in your stomach with these soulful food, Umeyashiki Shopping Street is just around the corner. Only around 500 meters from Umeyashiki station, this shopping haven has 140 shops to visit and not to mention some retro cafes that will turn an ordinary stroll into a stroll back in time.

One stop you shouldn’t miss is the Ota Market. There’s a fish auction in the morning, you can shop for fresh fruits and vegetables there, check out some flowers and there’s even an observation deck for anyone who wants to take a glimpse of the mystical Mt. Fuji.

And most of all, try a black bath in Ota…. Yes, you heard me right, a black bath. The water is literally coal black as the water has a rare mineral which originates from organic materials such as earth, leaves, grasses dating back from the Palaeozoic era. These black bath are also referred to as “beautiful skin springs” as the minerals in the water contributes to a smooth, supple and youthful skin. Black baths are bit hotter than a regular onsen. For those who wants to enjoy the heat down to your body’s core, this is a perfect place for you.

Finding the best place to live in Ota City

Seeing is believing…. Your imagination is running wild now on how you would spend your time in Ota, but it is best when you are there already. Nothing beats than running wild like the wind… Let your senses carry you to where you want to be.

To fulfill your dream in captivating the beauty of this lovely city, find the best apartment you can look forward to, after a day’s activity. A fully furnished apartment that has everything you need.

In KaguAruoo, no deposit, no guarantor, key money.  Search and pick a furnished apartment online.  In addition, sign the lease contract with the landlord even you are not in Japan yet and pay via credit card online.  You may even get a chance to negotiate and share your plans ahead with the landlord.  It’s all so simple and so easy.  Sign up now and complete your profile to send an inquiry to the listing of your choice.