Hello Osaka

 Sunday 2 July 

Day 13

We woke rested and ready to begin our next adventure. The sun was streaming through the windows affording a wonderful view over the river, buildings and the hills in the background. We had breakfast, showered and packed our cases. Once satisfied we had all of our belongings, we checked out and walked across to the station. 

We were glad to see that all train lines were up and running, as the Shinkansen had also been effected yesterday. We had watched Japanese news reports last night showing the deluge of rain and the havoc it had caused in towns, with flooding and landslides. 

We entered the gate and went straight to the platform, where we sat in the waiting area booth for 30min before our 933am train arrived. We had booked the seats with oversized bags (no extra charge) and this proved to be a smart move. We were able to store our cases behind our seat and then kick back for the next hour and 40min. 

There was plenty to see as the train slid by. One spot took my interest as I could see a futuristic silver slater like dome with architectural pond surrounding it and many vermilion torii gates along a path to a temple and I wondered where this was. At 10am we stopped at Fukuyama Station. This caught my eye, as I saw a large cathedral building and then the Fukuyama Castle, both were impressive pieces of architecture.

At 1030am, I was pointing out Himeji Castle to Paul, as we will be heading there tomorrow, along with Kobe, the next train stop at 1045am. Osaka was now only 1 stop away. We pulled into shin-Osaka station at 11am and proceeded to find the nearest elevator and out of the Shinkansen station. It was pretty easy to find our way. Once we had exited, we found a ticket machine and once again booked our next leg, Osaka to Tokyo for Friday. I am so glad we have worked out these machines, it saves a lot of hassle and stress. 

Next was to locate the JR line to Osaka station. This was an easy proposition and we were soon finding elevators to get us to the platform. The train arrived shortly after and we were on our way, arriving only a few minutes later. Now starts the crazy, finding the hotel. Google tells me we are only 500m away, but working out the exit needed was hectic. In the end I used a sign post for the intercontinental hotel and then we could determine the direction needed. Things were easier, once outside, though I got the feeling we were supposed to do most of our transiting through the underground shopping mall. 

I felt better as the little blue dot, made its way in the right direction and we could finally see our hotel ahead, Hotel Monterey Le Frere. We reached the doors, caught the lift to the second floor reception and of course were told we couldn’t check in until 3, it was now 12pm. It wasn’t a big deal. We left our luggage behind and went in search of lunch. 

We returned to the Main Street, over an over pass and into a lively looking street. There were no food joints open here, but after continuing to walk a short distance, we located a sushi restaurant that looked promising. We ordered the set and received various portions to try. A good find. 

I wanted to get to Osaka Castle, so it was back on google to determine the best option. The underground it was. We made our way into Osaka Station once more, bamboozled by the malls. We needed an atm, found a tourist info that wasn’t particularly helpful and then scanned an info board, eventually locating one. We then returned to the line we required. We topped up our suica cards first and then went on to the platform. 2 stations later, we were at the nearest station and needing to walk the final 1km. 

As soon as we hit street level, we could see the castle walls looming. Google could go away for now. There were plenty of tourists about, wanting to check out the impressive structure. We checked out the large moat that surrounds the castle boundary. If you fell over the wall, you were not getting back out on your own. 

We rounded the castle boundary, before crossing the bridge and then entering through the gigantic doors. We were met with a sign stating the largest rock to make up the wall was in front of us. It was carried 100km and weighed 100t. That certainly was some feat. 

We entered the main grounds, where the beauty of the castle could be admired. The giant white pagoda like structure stands proudly in the centre of the square. It is pretty magnificent. We took in the view of the castle from many angles. We opted not to follow the crowds into the castle itself and just enjoyed the grounds. It was hot in the sun, and wearing jeans wasn’t helpful. We looked for shade at every opportunity. 

At one point we sat near a man who had brought an owl into the grounds. It sat happily on the wall watching the world go by and was not fazed by the tourists taking it’s photo. We walked along the edge of the second moat and watched a small tourist boat motor by, before finding an exit and returning to the station and ultimately our hotel. This time we managed to find our way through the underground maze. 

We checked in, collected the key for room 818 and made our way up, glad to be able to remove the warm clothing and shoes. We set out our things, unpacked a few necessities and then sat back and relaxed in the aircon. Glad for a chance to catch our breath. I also took the opportunity to plan out the necessary travel options for our next two days of excursions. 

By 530pm, we were ready to get out amongst it again. This time we followed google 1.5km in a different direction, to find Beer Belly. There were some interesting buildings to see along the way and we needed to cross Tosahori River. Unfortunately, google had lied to me and the place was closed, so it was a quick check to find something else. Yellow Ape Craft Beer Bar was it. With a bit more walking, we were finally able to find somewhere to sit, but it was a squeeze, and it was a fence pailing that you had to perch on. 

We made ourselves at home, before ordering drinks and food and watching the employees at work. The tiny little kitchen area on the side of the bar, became a hive of activity, as our Camembert was prepared and our serve of fish and chips. Both were delicious. Paul enjoyed his IPAs also. Relaxed and full, we meandered our way back across town, passed interesting art, cool buildings and the river once again. We picked up dessert at the local Lawson Station and then returned to the room, happy with the day’s adventures.