January 13, 2024

We decided to repeat our start of the day and get pancakes covered in whip cream. We returned to Eggs N’Things for more breakfast. We were much better at navigating the three city blocks of underground malls to get there this time.

From there we headed to Osaka castle.

The first cool thing was the moat. Matsumoto did not have a moat so that is +1 for Osaka.

It also had really large stones in the wall. This was a big selling point in the write ups.

The difference from Matsumoto is that the Osaka Castle seems to mostly be known for burning down (and playing a role in unifying Japan). The current building was built in the 1990s so while it looks old on the outside it is all new in the inside. Elevators and the whole works. You can also keep your shoes on and it is warm inside. The museum was interesting but was a very different feel.

The viewing deck at the top does afford some great views. It was also super windy up there. We were standing next to a guy his hat blew off his head and over the edge. Not sure if he found it when he got back to the bottom.

After seeing Osaka Castle we ventured to Nara (the first capital of Japan). Once in Nara, we got some lunch and went to the Nara Park to see the deer. They were everywhere and go crazy for the deer crackers that are sold around the park. As we walked unit the park we saw them head butt people.

For the most part, the deer do not want anything to do with you unless you have crackers. We did manage to say hi to them.

Overall they were cute but wow there are a bunch and they can get aggressive. One tried to head butt Owen.

From there we walked to the Todai-Ji temple. Inside this temple is the largest bronze Buddha.

Wrapping up in the temple we went on to meet Hiro who would teach us about Japanese card games. Hiro owns a cafe in Nara – Cafe Wakakusa – and hosts the experience there.

We learned about two card games Koi-Koi and Bozu Mekuri. Both were fun and something new to play when we get home.

Overall a fun time in Nara.

On the way back we decided to go for Kushikatsu.

It was great and a nice way for our last night in Osaka.