Osaka Day 1

The two-and-a-half hour bullet train ride from Tokyo to Osaka provided time for blog writing, photo organizing, and a scenic view of a landscape dotted with mountain peaks and scattered fields.

We checked into the hotel and, after a quick snack, we toured through the city making a few key stops: a Pokemon center for Simon’s shopping,

a castle in the center of the city,

and our guide introduced us to a few other key places.

Along the way, we had a chance to dress up in ninja gear and snap a fun picture!

Dinner for the night was a teppanaki style meal—the kind that they cook at the table in front of you. The food was delightful! The restaurant was located on a downtown walking street that was lined with restaurants, which were in turn adorned with different, artistic signs to attract customers.

Continue on to Osaka Day 2.