Japan: Off to Osaka

We concluded our day in Kyoto, said farewell to our tour guide, and boarded the bus for Osaka. First thing's first: a walking tour of Korea Town. All in all Korea Town in Osaka is essentially the same deal as China Town back in the states, except Korean, obviously Here is the photo tour version of the afternoon:

What's more naturla to see walking through
Japan than a Romanian flag? (^.^)

Thomas the Tank Engine on a subway sign (this one's for you,
Brady!)

Our Osaka tour guide...

...with his new friend that we found on the side of the road

My attempt at capturing the essence of Cherry Blossoms...

...through the gate, down the street, very pretty...

...Ok, I'll admit; iPod photos aren't the best. But
they're good enough for me.

Our guide's favorite temple

More of the temple

Around the world in 30 feet...Hawaii, Korea, Italy

Entering Korea Town!!

Notice the Korean styling on the side of the building

Street food, just like being back in Seoul!

Bicycles in Japan, naturally...and look! Cherry
Blossoms! How b-e-a-u-tiful <3

That evening, in honor of our friend Stephanie's 21st birthday, we went out to dinner. We tried to go somewhere super Japanesey, so we started with すし and てんぷら (sushi and tempura). Then we continued on to get ﾗｱﾒﾝ. To order, you go to a machine (pictured below), select your meal and put money in it, then the machine gives you a slip with your order and any change you need. You take that slip around the corner to the pickup window where you exchange it for a number. When they call your number you take your food and enjoy. SO much ﾗｱﾒﾝ!　おいしい！(Ramen! Delicious!)

We then went outside and there was a river boat coming towards the bridge we were on. They were having some kind of dinner party, playing what sounded like fun music. (Note to self, go on a river boat dinner party cruise with good music)

After hanging around as a group in the streets of Osaka for a little bit, about half the group went back to the hotel to get some rest/energy to go out later in the evening. The rest of us proceeded to walk around the area a little more. Here's what we discovered:

The Japanese idea of "American" food: Spaghetti, omelettes,
eggs & toast, parfaits. Okay Japan, okay. At least it's not every
unhealthy thing known to man!

It's like back in America!...

...except I'm pretty sure these would be a law suit
waiting to happen...

Advertisements in Japan

except I'm she's definitely NOT Japanese...

Everyone loves Christmas Elmo!

(These are for you, too, Brady)

After walking around for a bit we went back to the hotel. The others may have gone back out later, I'm really not sure. But I was exhausted after having traipsed around Japan for two full days on very little sleep (as a reminder, we left Yonsei at 5:30am, so I only got about 2hrs of sleep, and none on the plane, then breakfast this second day was at 7am). So I explored the SINGLE room I had in the hotel (two nights in Osaka in my own room, happy Katie was happy ^.^)

"Don't forget your BREAKFAST. It is very important for your
health. Japanese & Western style Buffet. 7am~10am, China
Table"...Japanese and Western food and CHINA table? Ok...

"DOCTOR: Touch #9. Please contact the front desk. FIRE:

Touch #9. Immediately contact the front desk if a fire should

break out in a room.

*In case of accidents such as a fire, announcement is made in

the entire building and our employees will guide you to the exit.

Follow their directions and move calmly. EMERGENCY EXIT:

The lication of emergency exit in case of emergency is indicated

at the inside of room door. Please confirm it when you first enter

the room"     

I just love foreign translations (^.~)

 Stay tuned for the next post: The Most EPIC Easter EVER!!!

Oh, and it should be noted that I wrote this post while listening to KPop. Crystal is really trying to get me into it.