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Osaka/Kyoto Part 1 - Osaka, Kyoto and Nara

Matthew Alfred Jones

• 19 min read
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Group photo at an Indian restaurant in Japan, with language café participants gathered together, posing for a picture after a cultural exchange event.
Continuing the conversations after a language café event, with participants gathering at a local Indian restaurant to share travel stories, cultural experiences and new friendships made during the evening.

Hello again everyone this time I am off to Osaka to have some fun.

Moving to Osaka Day

10th August

Getting to Osaka was quite easy, but also fun, why you ask well, it was a long trip back through the mountains to Okayama where I had to change to the Shinkansen again and then it was a quick bullet train to Shin-Osaka station. Sound nice and straight forward, right? Wrong. There are 3 different stations with the name Osaka, there is Osaka station (the older one which is currently undertaking an expansion if I read things correctly) and this station has 11 train platforms and connects to 3 different subway lines. Also, on top of this it has another Osaka station called Osaka-Umeda station right next to it which I didn’t go in, but I know it connects to a bunch of different places as well and then there is Shin-Osaka (which means New-Osaka). Shin Osaka was also ridiculously big as well. Having 6 Shinkansen platforms and 10-12 normal platforms, plus 2 subway connections as well. Also forgot to mention that all these stations have loads of shops in and at one point I did get lost in Osaka station and spent about 20 mins trying to find the information desk so I could get my Osaka amazing pass.

Hotel room featuring a double bed, patterned wallpaper, curtained window and a turquoise suitcase beside the bed, viewed through an open doorway.
Checking into a comfortable hotel room after a day of exploring Japan, with a cosy bed, unpacked suitcase and a chance to relax before the next day's adventures.
Hotel room vanity and refreshment area featuring a sink, electric kettle, bottled water, cups, folded towels and wooden shelving with patterned wallpaper behind.
Settling into a comfortable hotel room for the night, with thoughtful amenities, fresh towels and a welcome chance to recharge before continuing the journey across Japan.
Hotel room interior featuring a desk, wall-mounted television, turquoise suitcase, backpack and bed, with luggage unpacked and ready for a stay in Nagasaki.
Unpacking and settling into a hotel room after arriving in Nagasaki, with a comfortable base providing a place to rest, recharge and prepare for the next stage of the journey.

The Hotel I am staying at is called ‘S Training Centre’ and it has its own public bath again which was nice to use pretty much every night. It looked a bit outdated, but it was a good hotel, and it has everything I need.

Group of language café participants gathered around tables at an Indian restaurant in Japan, posing for a photo after dinner with plates, drinks and menus visible.
Continuing conversations and friendships made at a language café event, with a group dinner at a local Indian restaurant providing the perfect opportunity to share travel stories, cultural experiences and memorable moments from life in Japan.
Group photo at an Indian restaurant in Japan, with language café participants gathered together, posing for a picture after a cultural exchange event.
Continuing the conversations after a language café event, with participants gathering at a local Indian restaurant to share travel stories, cultural experiences and new friendships made during the evening.

I also went to an English language cafe which was quite fun to go to, and it was only 500 yen + a drink to participate. It was split into 4 rounds of 20 mins with different people and afterwards a bunch of us went out to get something to eat. The trouble was that there is 10 of us and it is a struggle to try and get something to eat something to eat in the Osaka underground after 8pm as loads of people are there. We eventually found an Indian restaurant and had some food, and we all carried on chatting to each other there.

Kyoto and Nara

11th August

So, I was a bit knackered today and tried to go out to Osaka castle, but time was just not on my side as I had to get to Kyoto to go on the Aoniyoshi limited express sightseeing train to Nara which I had booked about 1 month in advance. So instead, I went to Kyoto and had plenty of time, so I went up the Kyoto Tower (something I had planned for later) and then got something to eat before catching the train to Nara.

View from Kyoto Tower overlooking Kyoto Station, city buildings, roads and distant mountains, framed by the tower's orange steel structure beneath a cloud-filled blue sky.
Taking in panoramic views from Kyoto Tower, with Kyoto Station, the city's modern skyline and the surrounding mountains stretching across the horizon beneath a sky filled with dramatic summer clouds.
View from Kyoto Tower overlooking Higashi Hongan-ji Temple, surrounded by Kyoto's cityscape, broad streets and distant mountains beneath a sky filled with scattered clouds.
Looking out across Kyoto from Kyoto Tower, with Higashi Hongan-ji Temple standing prominently among the city's rooftops and the mountains of eastern Kyoto stretching across the horizon beneath dramatic summer skies.
Miniature shrine display inside Kyoto Tower featuring bright red torii-style pillars, a braided bell rope, Totoro-themed figures and a colourful illustrated backdrop.
Discovering one of Kyoto Tower's quirky attractions, with a small shrine-themed display inspired by Studio Ghibli's Totoro adding a playful touch to the observation experience above the city.
Visitor at Kyoto Tower observation deck, with Higashi Hongan-ji Temple visible below and Kyoto's cityscape stretching towards the surrounding mountains under blue skies.
Enjoying the panoramic views from Kyoto Tower, with Higashi Hongan-ji Temple standing out among the city's rooftops and offering a striking contrast between Kyoto's historic heritage and modern skyline.
Illuminated Nick Stock restaurant sign in Kyoto, featuring bold white lettering and a red Steak & Burger logo above the counter and open kitchen area.
Stopping for a meal at Nick Stock in Kyoto, with the popular steak and burger restaurant offering a convenient place to refuel during a busy day of sightseeing in the city.
Wagyu cheeseburger served with potato wedges and a cold soft drink at Nick Stock in Kyoto, presented on a wooden tray with cutlery and black gloves beside it.
topping for a well-earned meal in Kyoto, with a wagyu beef burger, crispy potato wedges and a refreshing drink providing the perfect way to recharge after a busy day of sightseeing.

The sightseeing train was quite good, and you got a good view of different bits of Kyoto and Nara, but also it was just nice and comfortable

Commemorative Aoniyoshi sightseeing train ticket card featuring gold lettering and an illustration of the train on a red background, displayed on a wooden table.
Collecting a commemorative ticket after travelling aboard the sightseeing limited express Aoniyoshi, with the elegant train providing a memorable way to journey between Kyoto, Nara and Osaka while enjoying a touch of classic railway luxury.
Aoniyoshi sightseeing limited express train at a station platform, featuring a deep purple and gold livery, ornate emblem and vintage-inspired front design.
Boarding the Aoniyoshi sightseeing limited express for a memorable rail journey through Kansai, with its elegant retro styling, comfortable interiors and scenic route offering a unique way to travel between Kyoto, Nara and Osaka.
Lounge-style seating area inside the Aoniyoshi sightseeing train, featuring four armchairs around a table, decorative partitions and warm lighting visible through the carriage window.
Taking a closer look at the luxurious Aoniyoshi sightseeing limited express before departure, with its private lounge-style seating areas showcasing the elegant design and comfort that make the journey as memorable as the destinations themselves.
Interior of the Aoniyoshi sightseeing train, featuring plush green seats, patterned carpets, decorative ceiling panels and a wide central aisle illuminated by warm lighting.
Stepping aboard the Aoniyoshi sightseeing limited express, with elegant Art Deco-inspired interiors, spacious seating and luxurious finishes making the journey between Kyoto, Nara and Osaka a memorable part of the travel experience.
Passenger seated in a plush green high-backed seat aboard the Aoniyoshi sightseeing train, with decorative interiors, large windows and warm lighting visible inside the carriage.
Settling into one of the Aoniyoshi sightseeing train's distinctive high-backed seats, with the comfortable surroundings and elegant interiors making the journey through Kansai every bit as enjoyable as the destinations themselves.

Now in Nara I wanted to climb Mt Wakakusa, but by the time I got there it was closed (just missed it by 3 mins) as it is a sacred mountain and used by the wild deer in Nara quite a bit. Yes, that is right wild deer (deer oh deer). Nara used to be the old capital of Japan before Tokyo and Kyoto was, so it has quite a bit of history as well. There are temples about and the main reason I was there was also for the candle festival (Nara To-Kae).

Welcome to Nara display at Nara Station, featuring gold silhouettes of deer, a pagoda and traditional landscapes alongside multilingual welcome text.
Arriving in Nara after a journey aboard the Aoniyoshi sightseeing limited express, with the station's welcome display celebrating the city's famous deer, historic temples and rich cultural heritage.
Reconstructed Heijō Palace building in Nara, featuring vermilion columns, a sweeping tiled roof and open grounds beneath a clear blue sky on a sunny day.
Exploring Nara's historic former capital district, with one of the reconstructed buildings of Heijō Palace offering a glimpse into the grandeur and architectural style of Japan's imperial court during the Nara period.
Deer standing inside the entrance of a shop in Nara Park, with another deer outside and visitors watching from a nearby pathway beneath trees in the background.
Discovering just how bold Nara's famous deer can be, with one curious visitor wandering into a shop entrance and investigating anything that might resemble a snack while exploring the city's historic parkland.
Several deer resting on the grass in Nara Park, with visitors walking and observing the animals beneath mature trees on a sunny afternoon in Japan.
Taking a break among Nara's famous free-roaming deer, with dozens of the sacred animals relaxing in the shade while visitors explore the historic park that has become one of the city's most iconic attractions.
Visitor taking a selfie in Nara Park, with numerous deer resting and wandering across the grass while visitors explore the park beneath clear blue skies.
Taking a selfie among Nara's famous free-roaming deer, with dozens of the sacred animals relaxing across the parkland while visitors enjoy one of Japan's most unique wildlife and cultural experiences.
Visitor taking a selfie beside a deer in Nara Park, with the animal standing near a wooden fence while sightseeing areas and park surroundings are visible behind.
Getting up close to one of Nara's famous deer while exploring the city's historic parkland, with these free-roaming animals providing some of the most memorable encounters during a visit to Japan's ancient capital.

Why a candle festival, well there are many fire festivals that go back to ancient times in Nara as they believed that they could look deeply into their own hearts through the fire and prayed to deities. This has been passed down and each of the 20,000 candles that are lit up each night represents a wish for world peace and wellbeing. There were also loads of people out in yukata as well.

Visitors wearing colourful yukata walk along a pathway in Nara, surrounded by trees, grass and traditional-style surroundings near the city's historic attractions.
Seeing visitors dressed in traditional yukata while exploring Nara, adding to the historic atmosphere of the city as people stroll between temples, gardens and cultural landmarks on a warm summer afternoon.
Lanterns illuminate the edge of Sarusawa Pond in Nara at dusk, with reflections shimmering on calm water beneath a twilight sky and silhouetted trees along the shoreline.
Enjoying the Nara Tokae lantern festival at dusk, with hundreds of glowing lanterns lining the shoreline and reflecting across the still waters of Sarusawa Pond as daylight fades over the city.
Close-up of an illuminated lantern at the Nara Tokae festival, with dozens of softly glowing lanterns stretching into the background across a dark grassy field at night.
Experiencing the magical atmosphere of the Nara Tokae lantern festival after dark, with hundreds of softly glowing lanterns illuminating the park and creating a peaceful summer evening filled with light and reflection.
Lantern-lit boats float across Sagi Pond during the Nara Tokae festival, with an illuminated pavilion, reflections on the water and crowds gathered along the shoreline at night.
Experiencing the highlight of the Nara Tokae lantern festival, with illuminated boats gliding across Sagi Pond and reflections dancing on the water beneath the glowing pavilion and surrounding hills after dark.
Visitor posing beside an illuminated bamboo lantern sculpture at the Nara Tokae festival, with glowing spherical lights and festivalgoers gathered around the display at night.
Posing beside one of the striking illuminated displays at the Nara Tokae lantern festival, where intricate bamboo structures and glowing lanterns transform the city's historic parkland into a magical summer evening celebration.
Hundreds of glowing lanterns arranged across a grassy area during the Nara Tokae festival, creating illuminated patterns beneath trees and the night sky in Nara Park.
Wandering through the Nara Tokae lantern festival after dark, with thousands of candle-lit lanterns illuminating the parklands and creating a magical pathway through one of the city's most memorable summer events.
Thousands of lanterns illuminate a hillside during the Nara Tokae festival, as visitors stroll among glowing displays beneath the night sky and surrounding wooded hills.
Taking in the breathtaking atmosphere of the Nara Tokae lantern festival, with thousands of glowing candles illuminating the parkland and creating a sea of light that draws visitors from across Japan each summer.

Exploring Osaka

12th August

Today I went to something that got recommended to go to on trip advisor and that was Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. Now aquariums aren’t usually something I would go alone, but it got recommended so I tried it out and I tell you want, it was well worth the £20 that it cost for the ticket. There were loads of sea life there and it took me about 2-3 hours to get round it all. I was also able to see them feed the penguins (although they were a bit noisy and it reminded me a little of the film ‘Mr Poppers Penguins’).

Large KAIYUKAN sign at the entrance to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, featuring a globe display surrounded by marine animal sculptures, including dolphins and penguins.
Arriving in Kaiyukan, with the entrance display to Osaka's world-famous aquarium setting the scene for a visit focused on the marine life and ecosystems of the Pacific Rim.
Exterior of Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, featuring its distinctive red, blue and glass facade with geometric designs, viewed from a pedestrian walkway beneath a clear blue sky.
Visiting Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, with the striking architecture of one of Japan's most famous aquariums standing out against a cloudless summer sky during a day exploring the Tempozan waterfront district.
Watching the playful seals at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, with visitors gathering around the exhibit to observe these fascinating marine mammals swimming and relaxing in a habitat inspired by the icy waters of the North Pacific.
Watching the playful seals at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, with visitors gathering around the exhibit to observe these fascinating marine mammals swimming and relaxing in a habitat inspired by the icy waters of the North Pacific.
Penguins swim through a large aquarium tank at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, with several standing on rocky ledges above the water while one glides beneath the surface.
Watching the penguins at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, with the unique underwater viewing area offering a fascinating glimpse into how these remarkable birds move with speed and agility beneath the surface.
Large manta ray swimming through the Pacific Ocean tank at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, surrounded by fish and viewed beside the aquarium's multi-level observation walkway.
Watching one of Kaiyukan's majestic manta rays glide effortlessly through the aquarium's vast Pacific Ocean tank, with visitors gathering along the viewing areas to admire one of the highlights of Osaka's world-famous marine attraction.
Whale shark swimming through the Pacific Ocean tank at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, surrounded by smaller fish and viewed from the aquarium's multi-level observation area.
Coming face to face with Kaiyukan's famous whale shark, with the gentle giant gliding through the vast Pacific Ocean tank and providing one of the most unforgettable highlights of a visit to Osaka Aquarium.
Whale shark, hammerhead sharks and other fish swimming near the surface of Kaiyukan's Pacific Ocean tank during a feeding session, viewed through the aquarium's large observation windows.
Watching a feeding session in Kaiyukan's vast Pacific Ocean tank, with whale sharks, hammerhead sharks and rays gathering near the surface to provide one of the most impressive wildlife encounters at Osaka Aquarium.
Giant Japanese spider crab displayed at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, standing on a gravel-covered tank floor with its long legs extended among rocks and fish.
Getting a close-up look at one of Kaiyukan's giant Japanese spider crabs, with the enormous crustacean showcasing the incredible marine life found in the deep waters surrounding Japan.
Information sign at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan for the spotted garden eel, displaying the species name Heteroconger hassi in English and Japanese alongside illustrations.
Learning more about Kaiyukan's marine inhabitants, with an exhibit introducing the spotted garden eel, one of the aquarium's most popular residents known for emerging from sandy seabeds and swaying with ocean currents.
Spotted garden eels emerging from a sandy aquarium floor at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, swaying upright from their burrows while visitors observe through the glass.
Watching Kaiyukan's popular spotted garden eels emerge from the sandy seabed, with their distinctive markings and gentle swaying movements making them one of the aquarium's most recognisable and entertaining marine displays.
Large stingray resting on the floor of an aquarium tank at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, with several sharks and fish swimming overhead in clear blue water.
Exploring one of Kaiyukan's large ocean habitats, with sharks and rays sharing the exhibit and offering a fascinating glimpse into the diverse marine life of the Pacific and surrounding seas.
Visitor seated in front of a large jellyfish tank at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, with dozens of moon jellyfish floating through the illuminated water behind the glass.
Taking a moment to admire Kaiyukan's mesmerising jellyfish exhibit, with dozens of moon jellyfish drifting gracefully through the illuminated tank and creating one of the aquarium's most tranquil and photogenic displays.
Clownfish swimming beside a sea anemone in a tropical aquarium exhibit at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, with coral, gravel and a cleaner shrimp visible nearby.
Spotting one of the ocean's most recognisable fish at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, with colourful clownfish weaving among coral and sea anemones in a vibrant tropical reef exhibit inspired by the warm waters of the Pacific.
A giant arapaima swimming near the surface in an aquarium exhibit at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, with large scales, submerged tree roots and other fish visible in the tank.
Seeing one of Kaiyukan's giant Amazonian fish up close, with the enormous arapaima showcasing the incredible size and diversity of freshwater species found in the rivers and flooded forests of South America.
Two California sea lions at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, with one resting on a rocky ledge and another swimming through a clear pool within a coastal-themed habitat.
Watching California sea lions relax and play at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, with the rocky coastal habitat providing a glimpse into the marine ecosystems of the Pacific coastline and one of the aquarium's most charismatic animal exhibits.
Aquarium keeper feeding penguins at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, with several rockhopper and gentoo penguins standing on rocky ledges inside a coastal-themed habitat.
Watching one of Kaiyukan's popular penguin feeding sessions, with rockhopper and gentoo penguins gathering along the rocky shoreline as aquarium staff provide a closer look at the care and conservation of these charismatic seabirds.

The aquarium was that amazing, I would highly recommend it to anyone who goes to Osaka and when I eventually move out to Japan, I do plan on taking people who visit here, if I don’t live too far away.

After this I noticed that one of the activities included for free in my Osaka amazing pass was right next to the aquarium so I decided it would be a good idea to go on that. It was the Santa Maria sightseeing cruise that take 45 mins to go round, now I didn’t really take any photo’s sorry as I was mainly using this to have a nice sit down and escape from the sun.

Replica Santa Maria sightseeing ship docked at Osaka Bay, featuring tall masts, wooden-style decks and a historic galleon design beneath a clear blue summer sky.
Setting sail aboard the Santa Maria sightseeing cruise in Osaka Bay, with the replica galleon offering a relaxing way to enjoy waterfront views and see the city from a different perspective.
View from the deck of the Santa Maria sightseeing ship in Osaka Bay, with a cable-stayed bridge, waterfront buildings and deep blue skies above the harbour.
Taking in the views during a Santa Maria cruise around Osaka Bay, with the striking cable-stayed Minato Bridge and Osaka's waterfront skyline providing a scenic backdrop beneath clear summer skies.
Small red octopus plush toy sitting on top of a green navigation light aboard the Santa Maria sightseeing ship, with wooden interior panels and maritime equipment visible behind.
Noticing some of the playful nautical touches aboard the Santa Maria sightseeing cruise, with themed decorations and maritime details adding character to the journey around Osaka Bay.

Time to get a move on to my next destination which was the Osaka 70’s Expo Park. But before that, here is a giraffe made from Lego as I passed Osaka Legoland discovery (was near the aquarium).

Large giraffe sculpture made from LEGO bricks outside the Legoland Discovery Center in Osaka, standing beside fountains and walkways beneath a bright blue summer sky.
Stopping by the Legoland Discovery Center at Tempozan Harbor Village, with a towering LEGO giraffe providing one of the most eye-catching attractions along Osaka's family-friendly waterfront entertainment district.

At this point I discovered on my phone that there was another typhoon heading my way, so this was something to keep an eye on as I just had outrun the last one. When I got to expo city, I went on the Ferris wheel that was there and it was awesome being able to see over the city of Osaka. Just whatever you do, don’t look down!!! Oh wait, too latttteeeeeee!!!!!!!!

EXPOCITY sign outside the shopping and entertainment complex in Osaka, featuring large white letters, red decorative structures and landscaped greenery on a sunny day.
Taking a break at EXPOCITY after a day of exploring Osaka's waterfront attractions, with one of Japan's largest shopping and entertainment complexes offering everything from dining and retail to unique attractions and family-friendly experiences.
Promotional display for the Osaka Wheel at EXPOCITY, featuring an illuminated image of the Ferris wheel and information about Japan's tallest Ferris wheel attraction.
Planning a ride on the Osaka Wheel at EXPOCITY, with Japan's tallest Ferris wheel promising sweeping views across Osaka and a unique perspective of the surrounding cityscape from 123 metres above the ground.
View from the Osaka Wheel overlooking Expo '70 Commemorative Park, surrounding city districts and distant mountains beneath a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
Taking in sweeping views from the Osaka Wheel at EXPOCITY, with parks, city neighbourhoods and the distant mountains of northern Osaka stretching across the horizon during a clear summer afternoon.
View through the transparent floor of an Osaka Wheel gondola, showing the Ferris wheel's white steel structure, roads, vehicles and buildings far below the cabin.
Looking straight down through the transparent floor of the Osaka Wheel, with the towering steel framework and busy roads far below adding an extra thrill to one of Japan's tallest Ferris wheel experiences.

I even got a little bit of a reminder of home while here as there are a lot of this type of shop back where I live!

Food stall sign advertising Turkish kebab wraps at EXPOCITY in Osaka, featuring images of kebabs, bright red and yellow branding, and Japanese text promoting the menu.
Stopping for a quick bite at EXPOCITY, with a Turkish-style kebab wrap providing a tasty and convenient meal between attractions while exploring one of Osaka's largest shopping and entertainment complexes.

It was getting a bit late in the day now and some parts of the park were starting to close, but that didn’t stop me. They had this big statue of a sun god at the entrance which had a museum under it (all sold out when I got there), there was also decorations and a beer festival that was opening soon after I got there (just a shame I don’t like beer). I headed towards the pedal boats of which I took one out.

Visitor map of Expo '70 Commemorative Park in Osaka, showing walking paths, gardens, lakes, museums, facilities and major landmarks across the expansive park grounds.
Using the map at Expo '70 Commemorative Park to plan the next stop, with the extensive grounds featuring gardens, museums, lakes and the iconic Tower of the Sun spread across one of Osaka's largest green spaces.
Entrance ticket booths at Expo '70 Commemorative Park displaying a Banpaku Summer Festival 2023 banner, with visitors purchasing tickets beneath clear blue skies.
Arriving at Expo '70 Commemorative Park during the Banpaku Summer Festival, with seasonal events, illuminated displays and evening attractions adding an extra layer of excitement to a visit to one of Osaka's most iconic public spaces.
The Tower of the Sun at Expo '70 Commemorative Park in Osaka, rising above a landscaped lawn dotted with white spheres beneath a bright blue sky and scattered clouds.
Standing before the iconic Tower of the Sun at Expo '70 Commemorative Park, with Taro Okamoto's striking creation remaining one of Osaka's most recognisable landmarks and a lasting symbol of Japan's first World Expo.
View from a pedal boat on a lake at Expo '70 Commemorative Park, with the Tower of the Sun visible in the distance beneath blue skies and sunlight reflecting on the water.
Enjoying a relaxing pedal boat ride at Expo '70 Commemorative Park, with calm waters, late afternoon sunshine and views of the iconic Tower of the Sun creating a peaceful break from a busy day of sightseeing in Osaka

I then started to wander around the park and found some gardens including sunflowers, Fir grove, mini bamboo forest and plum trees.

Close-up of a bright yellow sunflower in bloom at Expo '70 Commemorative Park, surrounded by green leaves and other sunflowers growing in the garden behind.
Strolling through the gardens of Expo '70 Commemorative Park, with bright summer sunflowers adding a splash of colour to the landscape and providing a peaceful moment between the park's larger attractions and festival events.
Orange and yellow lanterns hanging from trees at Expo '70 Commemorative Park in Osaka, lining a pathway as visitors walk through the festival area during the early evening.
Exploring Expo '70 Commemorative Park as preparations began for the evening's festivities, with colourful lanterns hanging from the trees and creating a welcoming atmosphere for the Banpaku Summer Festival after sunset.
Visitors explore a sunflower field at Expo '70 Commemorative Park in Osaka, with hundreds of blooms stretching across the gardens beneath blue skies and late afternoon sunshine.
Wandering through the sunflower fields at Expo '70 Commemorative Park, with visitors stopping to admire the colourful blooms and enjoy a peaceful summer evening before the festival lights came to life.
Tall bamboo grove at Expo '70 Commemorative Park in Osaka, with slender green stalks standing behind a low fence beside a quiet pathway in the late afternoon light.
Walking through a peaceful bamboo grove at Expo '70 Commemorative Park, with towering bamboo stalks creating a tranquil setting that felt a world away from the nearby festival crowds and city surroundings.
Tree-filled garden area at Expo '70 Commemorative Park in Osaka, with low-growing trees, benches and a quiet pathway winding through the greenery in the early evening.
Exploring one of the quieter corners of Expo '70 Commemorative Park, with tree-lined pathways and peaceful orchard-like gardens providing a relaxing escape from the busier festival areas and attractions.
Reflective pond at Expo '70 Commemorative Park in Osaka, with dramatic clouds, reeds and trees mirrored in the calm water beneath the evening sky.
Pausing to enjoy a peaceful evening scene at Expo '70 Commemorative Park, where dramatic clouds, still water and perfect reflections created one of the most beautiful moments of the day as the sun began to set over Osaka.

Now by this point I was a bit knackered, but I still had to go out for food and what better thing to when you are out near Kobe beef county is there to do then go and try some of the world’s best beef, grade A5 Wagyu Kobe beef.

I found this restaurant online and it came as highly recommended called Matsuakagyu. When I got there, I was a little confused as it looked like a very small restaurant, but it wasn’t, it covered multiple floors and was kind of spacious. I got seated in my own private booth, the lady came to the double door and explained the menu, including the set menus that are normally for 2 people minimum, but she said I could order off them as well. So naturally I went for the most expensive one (about £82) and boy was its nice food.

Traditional Japanese restaurant booth viewed through red wooden slatted partitions, with table seating, warm lighting and private dining spaces visible inside the interior.
Stopping for dinner at a traditional Japanese restaurant, with a private booth providing a cosy setting to relax, reflect on the day's adventures and enjoy an authentic dining experience in Japan.
Tabletop yakiniku grill in a private restaurant booth, with dipping sauces, a glass of soft drink, a bottle of Coca-Cola and menu items arranged around the dining table.
Settling in for a yakiniku dinner after a day of exploring Osaka, with a tabletop grill, dipping sauces and a cold drink setting the scene for an enjoyable evening meal and a chance to reflect on the day's adventures.
Matsusaka beef course menu at a yakiniku restaurant, featuring photographs of marbled wagyu cuts, course details and pricing displayed on a black menu page.
Choosing a special Matsusaka beef yakiniku dinner in Osaka, with the menu showcasing one of Japan's most prized wagyu varieties and turning the evening meal into a memorable culinary experience.
Grilled slice of Matsusaka wagyu beef served on a black plate, with light charring, sesame seeds and juices visible after being cooked on a yakiniku grill.
Enjoying one of the highlights of a Matsusaka beef yakiniku dinner, with a perfectly grilled slice of wagyu showcasing the rich marbling, tenderness and flavour that make this renowned Japanese beef so highly regarded.

There was a small grill in front of me where I could cook the beef the way I liked it and every time that I got brought the next bit of the menu (was like a taster menu) they explained to me what it was and if there was a special sauce, that they recommended I dip the meat into it.

Table set for a Matsusaka beef yakiniku meal, featuring premium wagyu cuts, beef sashimi, kimchi, dipping sauces and a tabletop grill inside a private restaurant booth.
Enjoying a premium Matsusaka beef yakiniku course in Osaka, with beautifully presented wagyu cuts, sashimi-style beef and traditional side dishes creating one of the most memorable dining experiences of the trip.
Lightly seared Matsusaka wagyu nigiri served on a wooden presentation tray, featuring richly marbled beef over rice with a small garnish and decorative leaf.
Sampling one of the standout dishes from a Matsusaka beef yakiniku course, with beautifully marbled wagyu nigiri lightly seared and served as a melt-in-the-mouth introduction to one of Japan's most celebrated beef varieties.
Slice of Matsusaka wagyu beef grilling alongside sweet potato, courgette, shiitake mushroom and baby corn on a tabletop yakiniku grill inside a restaurant booth.
Cooking premium Matsusaka beef and seasonal vegetables over a tabletop grill, with the interactive yakiniku experience allowing each ingredient to be prepared to taste while enjoying one of Japan's most celebrated wagyu dinners.
Marbled Matsusaka wagyu beef labelled "Bottom Sirloin Flap", presented in a savoury sauce with sesame seeds and garnish before being cooked on a yakiniku grill.
Working through the different cuts of a premium Matsusaka beef yakiniku course, with beautifully marbled wagyu served individually to showcase the unique flavour, texture and characteristics of each part of the animal.

With every mouthful of this lovely meal, I was almost dancing in my seat from just how delicious this steak is. It just melts in your mouth and the marbling effect on it is just insane. It almost put me off having steak back in the UK ever again because there is just no comparison!!!!

Premium Matsusaka wagyu tenderloin presented on a decorative glass plate, featuring richly marbled beef cubes garnished with leaves and flower petals before grilling.
Sampling one of the most prized cuts from a Matsusaka beef yakiniku course, with beautifully marbled tenderloin showcasing the exceptional quality, tenderness and rich flavour that make Japan's premium wagyu famous around the world.
Grilled slice of Matsusaka wagyu beef served on a black plate, with caramelised edges, rich marbling and juices visible after cooking on a yakiniku grill.
Working through the premium cuts of a Matsusaka beef yakiniku course, with each slice grilled to perfection and showcasing the incredible marbling, tenderness and flavour that make Japan's most celebrated wagyu such an unforgettable dining experience.

On this night as the typhoon was getting closer and after talking to my parents as well, my plans for the next few days got thrown out and changed a bit so I didn’t end up staying in the path of the typhoon. This meant me going to Tokyo for the Obon festival instead of Kyoto. Luckily I was able to get my Kyoto hotel refunded and change my JR seat reservations.

See out all next time in Osaka/Kyoto part 2!!!