My Tokyo dreams come true!

Back in Tokyo, we spent our last day walking around this great city and talking about how wonderful the trip was.







I mentioned to Drew that the only thing that I didn't do that I really wanted to, was to sit on the floor on the tatami mats at a traditional restaurant. Well, that and to sing karaoke. We had no idea how to find a restaurant like that. As we walked, Drew suggested that I should will it to happen. I saw a building across the street and said, "there it is." There wasn't any indication that the place was even a restaurant, but we walked over there and I peeked in. And, guess what! It was exactly what I was looking for! Not only that, but it had a small menu in English to explain what food they served and how we were to cook it. It was the greatest thing!! I was so happy!


So cool!




Well, we were feeling so good after that meal, we figured we should probably rent a karaoke room! It was probably the funnest thing I've ever done!! I am a terrible singer, but it doesn't matter. It's a chance to let loose!

Thank you very mucho!
I need a heeeeerOO!


We ended the night going back to the Senso-ji to see it all lit up. Wow! Japan, you've outdone yourself.

I think this blog could use some more pictures of Osaka

Since we stayed in Osaka, we got to experience at least some of it everyday.

This is the Moss Man Shrine that we found close to our hotel. When people come to pray here, they throw water on it. People have done it so much that moss covers the statues.


Here is a picture of our Holiday Inn type of hotel. We got a great deal on it and it served as a jump off point to explore the area.
Okonomiyaki time!

Okonomiyaki is whatever you want it to be. It is served in pancake form but the ingredients vary. The word itself means "what you like" or "what you want." It was probably my favorite thing to eat in Japan.

Carp Curry? No thanks.


This was St. Patrick's Day. After searching in vain for an Irish Pub in Osaka, we made friends with these guys at a small pub type, local Japanese restaurant. I wore my St. Patty's Day T-shirt and tried to explain that we were celebrating an Irish holiday. They seemed to think I was saying that I was from Ireland, so I gave up trying to explain it. They bonded with Drew through sports and were super nice. It was a St. Patrick's Day I'll never forget!


Getting goofy with some pop rocks!

NoodleGoo? Double no thank you!


Oh no! We've wondered into the love hotel district!
Hmm... would you like just a rest or a night of sleep?


We freaking loved our Japan Rail passes! They saved us tons of money and allowed us to travel all over with ease.

Time to leave the Kansai Region and take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo. Peace out, Osaka!

Visiting friends in Japan

We happened to be in Japan at the same time Yameena and that cutie, Zain, were there visiting family. We met up with them in Akashi, a suburb of Kobe for the afternoon.


Just so adorable! You just fall in love with this guy!

These two sweet girls were fun to get to know also!

We got to go out and eat okonomiyaki with them. It was so great because they could actually communicate with the waiter to order exactly what we wanted! A luxury! It was the best okonomiyaki we had!

There was a little flea market going on and they took us to the 100 zen store. The 100 zen store is the best!