Without wasting too much time in the hotel, we board a train to Namba, the city center of Osaka. However, it was raining heavily soon we arrived there. I guess, rain has been following us everywhere!! Well, of course the rain does not stop us from wondering around.
Namba is also known as an entertainment district, and hosts many of the city's most popular bars, restaurants, nightclubs, arcades, and pachinko parlors. Other than the sprawling underground Namba City shopping mall, there is also Takashimaya department store.
We were dissapointed as the rain and wind caused us difficulties in taking snapshots. Namba is a great place for shopping. Just one minute walk from Namba station is the Namba Walk itself. Namba Walk is an underground shopping streets with hundreds of shops and eateries. The shops are suitable for the younger generation and more fashionable type. You will also see takoyaki stalls around. Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki is a MUST TRY in Osaka.
Namba. We were trying to cross the street but decided to take a snapshot. Rain has finally stopped!
We take-away different types of local delicacies and enjoyed it in our hotel room. As what I can recalled, we bought a pack of freshly fried sweet potatoes coated with honey, waffles from Manneken (nearby Sheraton Miyako Hotel), takoyaki from Namba Walk, drinks and other local sweets.
We take-away different types of local delicacies and enjoyed it in our hotel room. As what I can recalled, we bought a pack of freshly fried sweet potatoes coated with honey, waffles from Manneken (nearby Sheraton Miyako Hotel), takoyaki from Namba Walk, drinks and other local sweets.
Manneken Belgium Waffles. Cripsy, Crunchy, Delicious and Many Flavors to Choose from!!
Our Day 11 continue early in the morning. We got all dressed up and bagged our water bottles and left the hotel at about 8 in the morning. Firstly, we took a light breakfast at KFC which is just opposite of our hotel. Then, we board the train in Tennoji station to Osaka Castle. It took us quite sometime to figure out how to get there. We asked the train station's staff who speaks fair English which train and exits that would bring us to Osaka Castle.
Luckily in the transit train station, we saw a group of school kids going to a field trip. You might wonder how we know?! We were observant enough to be listening to the field trip teacher's briefing. Not that we can understand Japanese much but we got a hint they were going to the same place as us. So, we followed them closely ^_^
This picture is taken at the train station outside of Osaka Castle.
I love Osaka Castle as it has a big park full of blooming flowers and cherry blossom trees. The park eventually leads you to the Osaka Castle. We crossed a bridge called Gokurakubashi Bridge. It took us about 30 minutes brisk walking to reach the bridge. We also frequently stopped to take pictures of the beautiful scenery at the park.
Osaka Castle seen from the Gokurakubashi.
I love Osaka Castle as it has a big park full of blooming flowers and cherry blossom trees. The park eventually leads you to the Osaka Castle. We crossed a bridge called Gokurakubashi Bridge. It took us about 30 minutes brisk walking to reach the bridge. We also frequently stopped to take pictures of the beautiful scenery at the park.
A little birdie seen collecting twigs and grass fiber for its nest.
Another beautiful view of Osaka.
An elderly feeding the pigeons in Osaka Castle Park.
Next, we board a train to Osaka Universal Studio. We spent about an hour walking and window shopping at the street outside Universal Studio. We had our lunch at MOS Burger.
MOS Burger Set Meal. The MOS Burger in this outlet is quite different from the ones we tasted in Singapore. All MOS Burger here is served with buns rather than rice.
The Street outside of Osaka Universal Studio.
You must visit the famous Osaka Takoyaki Museum and taste the various types of takoyaki stalls sold here.
Cute Octopus and Takoyaki displayed around the museum. Must Try takoyaki here!!
It was 4 o'clock when we decided to buy our entrance ticket to the Osaka Universal Studio. In front of the ticket booth, we read a notice saying that all entry tickets will be sold cheaper starting from 4 o'clock. Hmm, that was nice!! It saved us about 4,000 yen!!
It was crazy inside!! Students still in school uniforms, families, babies and kids, visitors and almost everyone were either on 'Happy-mode' or 'Shopping-mode'! They carried bags and bags of shopping bought inside the Universal Studio's shops. People were seen running around trying to take photographs with cartoon characters. Well, of course I'm one of them!! I was a kid again! Ha.. ha.. I took pictures with Popeye and Olive, Elmo, Crash Bandicoot and lots more.
The Magical Starlight Parade Performance. Promises to bring you a night full of magic and music!
All the rides were closed after we finished watching the parade. We ended up in shops selling accessories and clothings with various cartoon characters faces on it. Then, we head to Osaka Takoyaki Museum for our supper. All of the takoyakis there were unique and delicious!! We had a heavy heart going back to our hotel as we had to pack our luggage bags.
On Day 12, we went for another shopping spree at Dotonbori. We arrived about 9:30am and most of the shops were not in business yet. So we just walked around the area slowly. Dotonbori is well known for shopping and has many neon and mechanized signs including the famous 'glico' sign and a huge crab called the Kani Doraku.
We crossed Dōtonboribashi Bridge which has a beautiful sight. It is even more beautiful at night when all the neon lights were switched on. There were also street performers singing and dancing while trying to sell their song albums.
Before heading back to our hotel, we had a nice lunch at a "Ramen standing stall".
Firstly, you select your choice of Ramen in the vending machine.
After you had paid, a receipt will be printed.
The staff will then cook your hot delicious Ramen accordingly.
Kim-chi, Preserved Green Onion are served for free refill in a huge bowl. Ice water are served for free too.
About 2p.m., we checked out from Sheraton Miyako Hotel and board a train to my friend's house. Her family invited us to stay in their house before leaving Japan. They also lived nearby to Kansai Airport.
Our friend and her mom fetched us at the train station and immediately brought us to a wholesale supermarket. My eyes went so big staring at the HUGE variety of food I can buy here. My hands were busy selecting and taking things from shelves. The prices are really CHEAP too!! Instant Japanese Curry, Japanese Curry Paste, Tonkotsu Powder, Seaweed, Japanese Mayonese, Furukakae, Green Tea, Sweets, Snacks...... I grabbed everything I can before hubby reminded me of our baggage allowances!!
My friend's house was really welcoming and heart warming. Even her dog greeted us with smiles and jumps. For dinner, they made us okonomiyaki, bought some sashimis and prepared different types of daily home-cooked dishes. I loved the stir fry noodles with sweet sauce. I munched on konyaku braised with daikon in soy sauce. Everything is just so delicious! Her dad even made cheesecake for our desserts! Yummy! Yummy!
Later that night, my friend drove us around her housing area. She showed us her previous schools, the park she used to play, shrines and other places. Then, we went back and re-pack our luggages. We were both sad and happy at the same time. We missed our dog at home but we also had a wonderful time in Japan.
We had a quick bath and said our last good night to Japan. Before going to sleep, I told my hubby I already begin to miss Japan.
We promised each other we will visit Japan again in future. Maybe next time we will be able to explore a different part of Japan.
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