Osaka is a much more “average” city then Tokyo or Kyoto. The buildings are mostly concrete without the culture of Kyoto or the wow factor of Tokyo. But at night it comes alive. Many of the side streets around our place are straight out of anime or Blade Runner with their neon lights and a seas of people.

Osaka is also noted for its gastronomic delights. Notable meals have included: pancakes with actual honey comb on top, delicious sushi, and a TGI Friday’s like place where you make your own tempura. A roiling vat of oil in the center of the table is unfortunately not something we could have in the US; Americans would burn themselves and then sue.

The aquarium on the waterfront is one of the world’s best and situated right next to the world’s largest ferris wheel. The exhibits start on the 8th floor and many of the tanks extend all the way down to the ground giving visitors a look and a huge vertical slice of different ecosystems. Normally, there is a whale shark in the largest tank but it was on hiatus. Boo!