After a quick train trip from Kobe, we arrived in Osaka a couple days ago. At the hotel we are staying at, they offer free everything (including alcohol). I could have really taken advantage of this if I were younger. After dropped off our bags, went for more delicious sushi. I think Japan has ruined Canadian sushi for me.

Osaka itself is currently hosting Expo (world fair), and given it is now Golden Week, things are especially busy. We spent the afternoon exploring the Dotonbori area before settling in at a pub for a couple drinks. After the pub we wandered across the bridge and found a small spot outside to enjoy yet another couple drinks. We met a couple from Germany/Switzerland who had been travelling southeast Asia for months. They gave us some good tips for potential future travel. After a couple hours here we found a place that serves fluffy pancakes and called it a night.

The next morning were up early and Luup’d (scooters) over to Osaka Castle in the Chūō-ku district. The castle itself was built in the 1500’s. The castle itself had been witness to several battles and reconstructions over the years, so we figured it would be worth a visit. We parked our scooters and began our hike around the two moats and into the inner castle area. We did a tour inside the castle (no photos allowed), but aside from the view from the top, this was fairly bland and the architecture inside the castle has been modernized. If you ever go to Osaka, you can skip the inside of the castle.

After the castle we Luup’d over to the Kuromon Kiza Market where we enjoyed some takoyaki (fried octopus balls — read that as you will) and other street foods. We then Luup’d back to our neighbourhood and prepared for our trip to the Botanical Gardens in southern Osaka.

In the early evening we entered the Botanical Gardens (by teamLabs) in Nagai. This was probably one of the highlights of Osaka.

Next stop: Nara