Our last train trip from Hiroshima to Osaka, like every other train before, was on time and comfortable. The railway system in Japan is truly incredible. And on our arrival a classic photo opportunity presented itself:

Once we had dropped the bags at the hotel, we were on a mission to shop. We had seen enough of the 160,000 temples and shrines that are spread throughout Japan, and this was our last chance to spend our remaining yen. It did not take long to find the Sea of Humanity they call a shopping street.

We soon came upon the Dotonbori shopping district which was overwhelming in size and imagery.

We had to move on from shopping to make sure we did not miss the “Sumo Experience”.

It is the off season for Sumo so the best we could come up with was an exhibition about Sumo. A bit cheesy, but a lot of fun.

Next, a walk back to the Dotonbori district to see the light show.

We filled our last day in Japan with more shopping and a walking food tour.

And progressed to the 8 story Namba Park shopping mall.

The mall completed our shopping mission. We (and I use the term we loosely) successfully filled the empty extra duffel bag we brought along just in case.

Our final event was the walking food tour.

We started in another shopping district that at one time was the crown jewel of shopping, but had never fully recovered from the downturn in business as a result of the pandemic. But it was still something to see:

As we were walking we stumbled across one of Becky’s Osaka bucket list item’s; Tower Knives. So as to not slow the tour down, she hastily purchased a paring knife, but could not leave before receiving proper instructions:

After our first stop for Sake, beer, and all things fried on a stick, it was picture time with our new friends from Australia.

We walked and talked some more, our guide telling me more about life in Japan, before our last stop for a savory pancake filled with your choice of cheese, pork, or shrimp (all with some vegetables mixed in).

One last stop for a sweet treat to take home and we were done.

Now we are packed and waiting for the hotel checkout time as our first flight to connect in Tokyo is not until 1:30. After the 3 hour layover, we will be back at DFW in just eleven hours more.