Sunday, our last full day in Osaka, we went to Osaka Castle. It was a very hot day and a pretty long walk through the park and up a slope to the castle. Aaron wasn't in the best mood that day, and at some point, we wanted to give up walking all the way up. Thankfully, we didn't.
Although we didn't go into the castle (as we read that it was a "modern" museum inside with hardly any English translations), the facade of the castle alone was enough to impress us. The green roofs and golden trimmings were very unlike English and Chinese castles that we've seen.
And the view of Osaka city from outside the castle was beautiful.
What was even more exciting was the carnival-ish atmosphere just outside the castle. Not sure if this only happens on Sundays.
There were people dressed up like olden days samurai and Japanese soldiers, parading around, and taking photos with whoever asked them.
And food stalls selling typical Osaka street food
And a stage with bands performing "Power Ranger" sounding songs
The souvenir store was also very well-stocked, and not too expensive.
But the long walk and hot sun was getting to us, especially Aaron, who was probably suffering from cumulative exhaustion. Very cranky. So we had to leave and go into air-con comfort.
We went to Osaka City Station, a massive shopping mall on top of a major railway station. We didn't go to too many shops, but made a major haul at Old Navy, where there was a sale.
Sundays in Osaka are just like Sundays in Singapore. The mall was so crowded. I had to queue for 20 min for the washroom!
Since it was our last night in Osaka, we decided that we had to find the bbq beef restaurant that our friend highly recommended - Matsuzakagyu Yakiniku M. We found the restaurant at Daruma Building quite easily, but it was full. The waitress led us to its other branch next to Hozenji Temple, which was great, because that was one street I wanted to visit but we haven't had time.
The Hozenji Yokocho Alley was indeed a street that seems lost in time. It is an alley from the Edo era. Very charming, and full of small bars and eateries, which I'm sure serve excellent food, like Yakiniku M.
The Matsusaka beef was simply out of this world. The cows are served beer to create
a healthy appetite, and get body massages with a mixture of shochu to improve their blood circulation. So much pampering just so they become exceedingly tender and juicy meat that melts in the mouth!
The staff at the restaurant were also extremely attentive and accommodative. I asked if they could make a sunny-side-up for Aaron, and they agreed readily. The kids enjoyed their meal as much as we did! What an unforgettable last meal in Osaka! An excellent trip, rounded off with a wonderful meal.
This had been a really trip. Love Japan, love the friendly people, love the efficient public transportation, love the splendid shopping and love the mouth-watering food! Will certainly visit other parts of Japan in future!
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