Japan Trip June 2016 - Part 9 - Osaka

It was a super hot and bright morning and we were all packed and ready to ride the train to Osaka. We had no excuse to take a taxi so we walked to Kyoto Station...

It was a rather short ride considering we moved cities, it was still around noon when we arrived at Osaka Station. The AirBnb property I had booked looked close to the station on the map, but it was further than expected. We were so sweaty by the time we got there, mostly because of our backpacks and our suitcases! I was very impressed Miss Kiki carried her backpack without complaints even though it was pretty stuffed by then.

Taken from Osaka Station

We had to change our wet and sticky clothes upon arrival, and after a bit of rest we decided to head out. First to Tenjimbashisuji Shopping Street listed on a tourist guide just over 1 km away. It was so hot and sunny I regretted not taking a hat for any of us. I was lucky I hadn't forgotten to bring my sunglasses.

When we got there, we realized that there was not much to see there :( And we were starving.... We opted for a safe bet and entered 無双ラーメン, a Ramen store. Luckily I was able to read the sign. Oma shared a bowl of ramen with Miss Kiki and I ordered a Donburi for myself. Both dishes were very good.

We then decided to move on to another street market... the famous Namba area.

We needed some caffeine fuel so we stopped at Chasen Cafe. The coffee was not impressive and the place smelled like cigarette smoke. We were not happy with it. We didn't stay long and continued walking around. The street market smelled like cigarette smoke almost everywhere, even inside a Big Camera store! Unbelievable.

 

At the Takashimaya and Marui intersection, there was a large Loft store there and we bought these cute pens that my sister wanted...

Tired of walking, we decided to try nana's green tea なんばマルイ店.

Miss Kiki ordered a parfait with black sesame paste, cereal, and a bunch of other things in it. It was actually good! Oma ordered a matcha cake.

Takashimaya

We continued walking around...

It was getting dark but the city became more lively. I found this famous Takoyaki spot Takoyaki Wanaka and decided to give it a try. Yes, it was good!

We walked and reached Dotonbori area
It was so busy and full of other tourists. But well, you have got to take a picture with the Dotonbori Glico Man when you're in Osaka!

We continued walking to Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street and also walked along the Dotonbori River. Miss Kiki got thirsty and tired so we went to ホノルルコーヒー道頓堀店 Honolulu Coffee.

We sat on the second floor looking out to Dotonbori River. Across from us, there was a G3. I wasn't sure what it was, but I think it may have been a strip bar. At one point Miss Kiki asked me what the girl over there was doing. The girl she was referring to was one behind an exterior glass wall on the second floor of G3, wearing minimal clothes and dancing. All I could say was that she was dancing because that is her job... Miss Kiki's response was "I don't think she dances very well." I agreed and left it like that.

It was already late when we finished eating and drinking so we headed back to the apartment. Without luggage, it seemed a whole lot closer.... :)

Stay tuned for the next one!