CNNGo TV in Osaka and Kyoto: the historic heart of Japan
Whether it's the 500-year-old soba recipe in the former imperial capital Kyoto, or a signature takoyaki restaurant in Osaka, there's no escaping Japan's history and culture in these two cities.
CNNGo TV takes a look at some of the places in Kyoto and Osaka that the locals like to go, including the fortune-telling Kibune Shrine, a hilarious wrestling show and a coffee/antiques shop.
No longer in the palace, but the royal family is still a fan of their soba.
Honke Owariya
This soba shop in the heart of Kyoto has had plenty of time to get its recipe right.
Originally a confectionary shop, Honke Owariya has been serving up the traditional Japanese noodle dish since 1465. Back then, it served noodles in the imperial palace. Today, you can still enjoy your soba in the traditional surroundings of a restored confectionary shop.
322 Kurumayachodori Nijo, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, www.honke-owariya.co.jp
Enjoy koto music with a cup of coffee, if you're lucky.
Mefuku Antiques and Coffee Shop
Come for the coffee, but stay for the antiques at this machiya (traditional wooden townhouse in Japan) turned coffee shop in Kyoto.
If you're lucky, the owner may just be practicing the koto, a traditional Japanese string instrument.
830 Itchome, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, opens each month from the fifth to 10th, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., special curry menu at weekends; www2.ocn.ne.jp or maiko-net.com (Japanese only)
Sacred water at Kibune Shrine.
Kibune Shrine
Found in the mountains northeast of Kyoto, Kibune Shrine is soaked in history.
The water here is believed to be sacred. Many people come to the Shinto shrine for a mizuura-mikuji or paper fortune. The text on the fortune-telling paper is only revealed after dipping the paper into the water.
Northeast of Kyoto, 1112 Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Sakyō-ku, Kuramakibunechō, +81 75 741 2016
More on CNNGo: Kyoto without the crowds: Escape like a local
In case you can't wait to get inside, takoyaki is available at the door.
Tako Tako King
In the food-crazy city of Osaka, competition among restaurants is tight. But if you want to enjoy one of Osaka's best-known dishes, takoyaki, your best bet may just be Tako Tako King.
They serve up the octopus dumplings straight off the grill, with a heavy side of blues music and energy from the staff.
2-4-25 Higashi-shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
We know wrestling's a joke, but here it's meant to be.
Osaka Pro Wrestling
There's a good chance you'll be able to catch the live wrestling, with this venue staying open for six days a week. Founded in 1998, Osaka Pro is Japanese comedy mixed with wrestling.
1-8-21 Sennichimae, Chuo-ku, Osaka, www.osaka-prowres.com
More on CNNGo: 72 hours in Osaka
