We took the bullet train (shinkansen) from Tokyo to Osaka. It can go as fast as 170 MPH. I couldn't look out the windows for too long - it made me sick seeing all of the building fly by.
After we checked into our hotel in Osaka, grandma Michiko's friend's friend's daughter picked us up and took us to the Tsutenkaku (Osaka Tower). We too the elevator up to the top where we coudl get a view of the whole city.
Here is Yuka. She is 19 and is in cosmetology school. She used to study Japanese dance. She is going to take us to Kyoto on Sunday to see a huge festival and parade.
Here is a view of one of the markets near Shinsaibashi. Katrina and I split an taiyaki maker, so we can make our own fish-shaped bean cakes at home!
I tower over everyone in our group.
Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori are both near the river, and the markets surround both sides of the bridges.
Dotonbori is known for it's crazy signs. Here is one especially for Hana.
This is the sign for a fugu (pufferfish) restaurant. If you ate fugu that has been prepared correctly, there is a good chance you would die.
Osaka is famous for tacoyaki (little octopus balls, sort of like Japanese aebelskivers). There are octopus signs like this all over.
Osaka is also famous for it's okonomiyaki. They're pancakes made with egg, cabbage, and whatever meat you choose. You can also add noodles. We went to Fugetsu, where we could watch them make our okonomiyaki right at our table.We were supposed to spend another day in Osaka, but we are going to the festival in Kyoto instead. If we make it back in time tonight, we might stop by Osaka Castle and then get some delicious takoyaki.
1 comment:
Japanese ableskivers, eh? I think I will stick with the Danish ones myself! Your photos indicate you are having a wonderful time - can't wait to hear all about your trip!
Post a Comment