Exploring Osaka

We slept in, since we were up late at Universal Studios yesterday. In the morning, we could see lines forming at the entry to Universal Studios. Today, we explored Osaka and tried some of its iconic food.

We took the train from Universal City station to downtown Osaka. We did some research and found a very highly rated okonomiyaki restaurant. Reviewers warned that it was a very small restaurant (which was typical in Japan) and to expect to wait. We managed to find the unassuming place via GoogleMaps. We sat on a bench outside to wait; a waitress came out with menus so we could order ahead since the place was supposed to be closing soon. I ordered the seafood okonomiyaki while Laurel had the shrimp. We both added noodles (the modanyaki) since we were hungry. After about 30 minutes, we were invited into the tiny restaurant, seated at the counter with about 6 seats only. The okonomiyaki was cooked right in front of us. We were able to move over to a table for two with its own grill, so okonomiyaki can be kept warm while we eat. I had a lemon and gin cocktail with my food. There was a lot of food (I should have left out the noodles), somehow we managed to finish it all before leaving to check out more of Osaka.

My daughter went shopping while I walked around town all day and into the night. Nightlife in Osaka is definitely colorful, crowded and noisy!