Osaka

We headed to Osaka from Kyoto (the opposite direction of Tokyo) to spend 2 nights. We took a local train which took about 30 minutes but wearing our packs the entire time was not fun.

Here's Paul with his pack - we're like turtles with our homes on our back

We made it - and our hotel (Remm Shin Osaka) is in this station - it was really convenient!

As we looked for our hotel, we saw a panda and some other creature - I think a fish

Paul couldn't resist and danced with him

We finally found our hotel but it was still too early to check in so we killed some time by walking around the station and buying our Shinkanesen tickets for Tokyo.

Paul is impressed that all the train stations in Japan are so clean and organized

We finally got to check in at 2pm - here's the view from the 17th floor

And here's our tiny room. I am standing in the bathroom to take this photo.

Here's the view from our bathroom of the train station

After resting a bit, we decided to walk around town and find the Umeda Sky Building.

Walking towards the Umeda Sky Building

Looking up at the Umeda Sky Building - those are two escalators making that "v"

Contrary to what we read online, the entrance is not in Tower West...it is in Tower East

Another view looking up - about 558 feet (170 meters)

Riding the escalator

Panoramic view from the rooftop

Great view of the Yodogawa River from the rooftop

Paul is on the lookout

Got someone to take a photo of us

Can you see us in the reflection of the windows?

Here's a zoomed in shot

It was a really clear day - another shot of the Yodogawa River

I couldn't resist getting this cheesy photo taken

On our way out, Paul had to punch the Umeda Sky Tower mascot

We then walked around searching for a place to eat. I wanted to try okonomiyaki - a grilled savory pancake that I read was kansai's soul food.

Instead, Paul found John Wayne to punch

Walking around Osaka

We found some okonomiyaki to try...it had octopus and veggies in it with an egg base topped with sauces

After walking around some more, we decided to head back. The next day we were supposed to see a bunch of things but ended up not doing anything.

The view from the 17th floor at night