OSAKA & KYOTO

So this was my second time traveling to Japan. The last time I went was to Tokyo back in 2003, which was well over a decade ago and I don’t recall too much of it. So this time round, I was quite excited to be able to explore other parts of Japan: Osaka and Kyoto. Though it was only for a short few days it was still an awesome experience. Now some photos:

1. ARRIVING IN OSAKA

Our dinner at the airport upon arriving in Osaka // bottom right: taro + salt & cookies ice-cream

After checking-in to our hotel (U-Community Hotel, Kawachi-Kosaka ), we decided to have a short walk in the vicinity of the hotel and grab some supper (that’s right, we eat all day, eryday). I also stumbled across some amazing looking ice-cream at the Family Mart near our hotel. Why can’t we find such amazingness in Melbourne…

Also something to note, I was really impressed with how clean and accommodating the hotel was – there were heaps of freebies to grab: free combs, free hair-ties, free spa soap, and even a free drink of choice each day. But what impressed me the most (though it sounds weird) was actually the hotel toilet lol. It was one of those fancy ones that cleans your bottom and has seat heating (which is helpful after a cold and long day out).

DAY 2 – UNIVERSAL STUDIOS (DA BEST DAY EVERRR)

Without a doubt, the day at Universal Studios was my highlight of the trip. Funnily enough, the weather that day was actually terrible as it rained throughout most of the day. However, because of the crappy weather, there were actually a lot less people in the theme park which turned out well for us. Also, my only wish was simply to go into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which did happen, so I was forever happy and grateful 🙂

Starting off the day with some scrumptiously satisfying donuts

BUTTER BEER: tasted a bit like creaming soda with a tint of ginger flavour

what. a. view.

Top left: pudding flavoured kitkat from a shop along Universal City Walk // Bottom right: my stash of goodies from universal studios 😛

our dinner: sushi/sashimi platter/ grilled meat/ shabu shabu // bottom right: takoyaki inside a sushi, how interesting

DAY 3 – UMEDA SHOPPING OUTLET // KUROMON MARKET // SHINSAIBASHI // OSAKA CASTLE

Breakfast at a coffee shop – interestingly, the food itself was cheaper than the cost of a cup of coffee. but the catch was…when you order food, you HAVE TO order a drink as well (what a way to do business..) // Umeda shopping outlet // Snoopy town!

food from the Kuromon Market: chicken skewers, oyster with fried rice

more food, so much noms // also a sign that caught my attention

I absolutely love these night views & dem colours

more street views

At the Osaka Castle Light Show: absolutely stunning. *starts singing* “and at last I see the lightttt…”

pigging out on more food from the Kuromon Market. Adding to my KitKat stash!

DAY 4 – KYOTO

Breakfast: donuts, take 2

DAY TRIP to the BEAUTIFUL KYOTO // Highlights: the AMAZING scenery and architecture; the overload of green tea flavoured foods

We came across a very interesting restaurant rich in Japanese culture, as seen from the decorations. What’s even more awesome was that there was a FREE stamping booth just outside, which is a common touristy thing found in Japan. I LOVE STAMPS.

the perfect place for lovers of green tea

sushi or candy?

middle: corn soup from a vending machine (never heard of before) – it tasted SO GOOD; bottom right: my KitKat collection

DAY 5 – OUTLET SHOPPING // DEPART FROM OSAKA

Doraemon comics – my childhood

Ah, so in Japan, you come across the most interesting things. For me…I found a book on poo. Enough said. (Lol to be fair, I did have a look through of the book and it is somewhat educational.)

View outside our hotel: a grocery store plus some shops

At an outlet near the airport. It was HUGE – there was already so much to look at even before entering the outlet itself!