My journey next took me to the lively, illuminated city of Osaka. With its beaming lights and vibrant streets, this city exudes an energetic and dynamic vibe.During my first few days exploring the Osaka/Kyoto area, my main goal was to familiarise myself with the surroundings. Rather than diving straight into the heart of Osaka (which we’ll get to soon), I began my adventure at a peaceful, symbolic, and spiritual destination: Katsuo-ji Temple. The directions to get there, however, were a bit tricky (but maybe that was just me).

Now I can probably guess what you may be thinking, why travel all the way out of Osaka to go to this quiet temple? Honestly, I first saw it on TikTok and was intrigued by the Daruma Dolls. Plus, it seemed like a hidden gem that wasn’t crowded with tourists, so I decided to check it out. After a couple hours travel I found myself lost and confused, stuck at the end of the line trying to figure out how on earth how I’d get there. I was standing in the middle of a train/bus station, unsure of which bus to take. The signage wasn’t very clear, and even after asking for help, I still felt lost.

But then, by sheer luck, I noticed a couple of other tourists in the same predicament. So I plucked up the courage and went to ask the two girls for help.Luckily (or perhaps not), they were in the same boat. After some detective work—deciphering the signposts and awkwardly scanning the surroundings—we finally figured out the right bus. And with that, we were off!

Katsuo-ji Temple

The temple is surrounded by towering trees, with stunning traditional Japanese architecture and peaceful gardens that create a perfect balance between nature and spirituality. As you wander through the grounds, you feel immersed in the serene atmosphere of the temple. In the main hall, Hondo, visitors can offer their prayers to Senju Kannon, the temple’s revered deity. Beautiful stone lanterns line the paths, casting a soft, tranquil light and enhancing the temple’s peaceful ambiance.

With my new found friends we explored this scenic temple nestled beneath the rainy forests of Japan. It was a peaceful day, admiring the scenery and savoring the fact that I am in Japan. The two women were from Australia, visiting Japan before heading to Korea for a couple of weeks. Like me, they had chosen to venture off the beaten path and, just like me, found themselves lost amid the confusing bus stops and signs pointing to various directions.

After exploring the majestic landscape, I decided to invest in a Daruma doll myself. As for my prayer? – well if I told you that then it wouldn’t come true! nce we’d finished exploring the temple, my new friends invited me to join them on a trip to the lush city of Kobe. Since it was just a short distance away and I had no other plans, I thought, why not? We hopped on a train, and before long, we were in Kobe, enjoying some delicious ice cream and—of course—on the hunt for the famous Kobe beef!

Kobe beef

Now don’t get me wrong, I had no idea where to go to eat on the hunt for this famous specialty, but my friends had mentioned Ikuta road. With its various shopping districts, historical sites and the Ikuta Shrine, we were bound to find something. As our stomachs grew increasingly louder, we stumbled upon a lovely restaurant where they cooked the meal right in front of us. (I must apologise, as I can’t recall the name of the restaurant, but I’ll share some images of the dish below.)

Kobe beef, famous for its tenderness, has a rich and sweet taste flavour that melts in your mouth – honestly it tastes like butter. You may be offered a variety of sides to accompany your beef, such as shiitake mushrooms, courgette, onions, and other vegetables, along with different sauces to enhance the flavour. From wasabi and soy sauce to ponzu and goma (sesame), each sauce offers a distinct taste that complements the beef perfectly.

Watching the chefs prepare the dishes right in front of us was fascinating—they took such pride in carefully cooking each piece of beef to perfection. They truly are professionals in their craft. So if you’re near Osaka or passing through, make sure to stop by Kobe for this divine meal.

This was definitely one of my favourite memories from my travels—embarking on a spontaneous adventure, unintentionally making new friends, and finding a sense of peace in such a beautiful place. There was something magical about the rain falling through the forest leaves, the gentle pitter-patter of it all, and strolling through this sacred space with such lovely people. It’s moments like these that I came to deeply appreciate.

Katsuo-ji is one place where I truly felt connected to Japan’s culture and traditions. It holds a special place in my heart, and I will always look back on it fondly

A day trip out

Again, I can probably guess what you’re thinking… why aren’t you exploring Osaka if you’re staying there? But bear with me, I promise I’ll get to that part soon So I was looking for an excursion where I could explore more of Japan and where better to look than Get your Guide. The tori I booked was a day trip to Amanohashidate and Ine Bay.

So off I went, once again confused and utterly clueless on where I needed to be for my coach. After getting shouted at by tour passive aggressive tour guides who were a completely separate tour to mine, to other tour guides completely ignoring me and helping other clueless tourists andnd the minutes ticking away before I’d be considered late—I finally stumbled down the road to the right guide and scrambled onto the bus. (To be fair, I can hardly blame the staff; it was packed with tourists just as clueless as I was—if not more rude and pushy. But hey, not everyone is polite.)

. The journey was fairly long and we were on a coach for a few hours, but I didn’t care I was in Japan! The more I travelled, the more I found myself falling in love with this spectacular country.

After a leisurely walk up to the peak of the mountain to admire the view, I decided to hop onto the chair lift and rode to the top of Mt. Monju to witness the Amanohashidate-kasamatu park from a different view. It was quite fun and a classic activity to take part in. Riding up, I had the chance to fully take in the views.I also hopped on a bike cable car that took me around a small track—don’t ask why, but I saw it on TikTok, and it was another excuse to get some great photos. It was a truly remarkable experience, made even better by the unexpectedly clear, sunny weather.

Next, we headed to Chionji Temple also known as Bussharado. It is the largest in the Tango region and sis dedicated to ensuring academic success. Decorated with many omikuji (fortune slips) – a fan shaped decorative – when hung upside down, symbolise gradual improvement. What I find particularly fascinating about Japan, is the sheer number of temples they have, each with its on purpose i.e. this temple is dedicated to improving ones academic studies. Others can have other reasons for prayer i.e. health, wealth, family.. you name it! It truly is fascinating.

Next on the itinerary was a visit to the charming fishing village of Ine, where we explored the iconic Funaya boathouses. Located in Kyoto prefecture the Funaya (boathouses) have been used by the fishermen for centuries .The sight of them, nestled along the bay with their boats tethered nearby, was a glimpse into the way of life that has persisted in this tranquil village for generations. After taking a few photos, we boarded a small ferry to feed the seagulls and eagles—a highlight of the trip.

I bought some snacks to lure in the seagulls and even a few eagles, but little did I know, the birds were lightning-fast! As soon as I held out the snacks, they swooped in with impressive speed, snatching them right out of my hands. After quite a shock and few stolen snacks, I managed to capture some incredible shots of the birds in flight. It almost looked like they were dancing around the ferry, their wings spread wide as they soared through the air.

After the exciting birdwatching, we made our way back onto the coach and headed towards Osaka. To end the day, I found myself in a cozy izakaya, enjoying a delicious meal before heading to bed, feeling content and grateful for the day’s experience.

Tea ceremony experience and a nice surprise

The following day I booked myself onto a tea making experience to watch an expert prepare and blend matcha tea. Led by a wonderful professional, I was immersed in a traditional tearoom where I could observe the delicate art of making matcha while enjoying some classic Japanese snacks. The delicacy we tried was:

• Daifuku: A sweet mocha treat filled with a bean paste filling (to my surprise, quite sweet and chewy)

Located in Dotonbori the teacher taught us about the essence of Japanese tradition Andrea ceremony etiquette. It was an interesting experience where every gesture—such as the way you sit and how you hold the cup—follows a set of precise etiquette. The process of making matcha is intricate, and while I won’t attempt to explain all the steps (as I’m sure I’d butcher it), here’s a brief overview: the master carefully pours the water and whisks the matcha powder until it dissolves into a smooth, frothy tea. The tea is then presented in a specific manner, and guests are expected to drink it according to certain customs.

After watching the expert, we then were able to make our own and try it for ourselves. I found the experience incredibly calming, and it offered a deeper connection to the rich traditions and history of Japan. This is definitely something I’d recommend, as it allows you to truly appreciate the craft behind the tea, and the experience itself is both peaceful and grounding.

The suprise

So, the reason that I had been… avoiding? no waiting to do things is Osaka, is because one of my friends was flying out to meet me!

Airport nightmare

Now here’s a story, I had planned to meet her that evening at the airport so she wouldn’t have to make her way to our accommodation alone. Here’s the kicker, I left an hour and a half in advance to get to the airport so I would arrive on time, thinking I was being super organised and would arrive on time. So I bought a little snack and propped myself in a corner watching the arrivals board.

At first, I noticed only domestic flights listed, and I couldn’t see my friend’s flight number. Naturally, I thought, “Oh, maybe I’m in the wrong section of the airport. I decided to wander around and find another board that would show international arrivals. But to my surprise, I couldn’t see one. I checked the details again and confirmed that my friend’s flight was supposed to land in Osaka, but still, I couldn’t see any international flights listed.

I started to feel a little uneasy, so I walked over to the information desk to ask for help. When I showed the employee my friend’s ticket, her face changed from confusion to concern. She looked at me and said, “Ma’am, this ticket is for Kansai International Airport. You’re currently at Itami Airport. We only handle domestic flights here.”

Cue Sasha panic mode.

I had travelled all the way to the wrong airport.

I frantically ask the poor lady how I can get to Kansai airport and what the quickest route would be, by taxi? by train? . She proceeds to confirm that both methods would take just as long.

So, with only 30 minutes before my friend’s arrival and a two-hour journey ahead of me, what did I do on a Thursday night at the airport? I l ran. I legged it like a madwoman late for a flight, back onto the train, all the way across the city. Of course I was also bombarding my friend with frantic apologies, promising I’d get there as quickly as possible.

But once I DID arrive, I finally got to do the cliche/classic run up and five her a massive flying hug which seemed to wipe away her droopy eyes and my frantic expression.

ANYWAY after unintentionally touring the north to south of Osaka and an UNECESSARILY long and sluggish journey back to our hotel. We dropped off her bags, she took a long shower, and we relaxed by munching on Japan’s famous variety of KitKat flavours.

KitKats

For a quick review:

• Strawberry Cheesecake: tangy mixed with a strawberry taste (had a strange flavour, I wouldn’t buy again)
• Matcha: slightly rich with a mix of bitter and sweet (I couldn’t taste much, but it tasted alright)
• Sake: I won’t lie, I disliked this flavour, I can’t describe it, but I wouldn’t buy again for sure
• Cherry Blossom (Sakura): Slightly floral and sweet taste (My second favourite, but didn’t have much flavour to it)
• KitKat Gold: caramelised flavour, sweet and rich (my favourite out of these options)

But there are so many flavours out there that you have to experience for yourself!. Of course, don’t just take my word for it—always give it a try yourself! These are just my personal opinions based on my taste buds. After our little KitKat taste test, we called it a night so my friend could get some rest..

Our first day in Osaka

After a much needed rest, we decided on a rough plan and headed out to Osaka Castle!

Not that I am a tour guide by any means, But I felt a sense of responsibility to show my friend why I love Japan so much, and what better way to do that than by visiting one of its many majestic castles?

Off we went to explore the city centre walking through the castle grounds and on the hunt for cherry blossoms. The castle grounds sprawls with lush greenery amidst the urban hustle, offering both a rich sense of history and a peaceful retreat to unwind. Osaka castle was built in 1583 and by an influential warlord known as Toyotomi Hideyoshi (who later unified the country in the 16th century. It was a wonderful crisp and clear day where we walked around the castle grounds and inside to admire the museum antiques.

Evening walks in Dotonbori

After spending the day wandering around the castle and city, we hopped onto a boat for a tour of Osaka’s vibrant nightlife in Dotonbori. The canal offers a unique perspective of the area, with its lively atmosphere, bright neon lights, and mouth-watering street food—definitely a must-see on your bucket list. That said, I’ll admit, while Dotonbori is famous and lively, it’s also incredibly touristy and crowded. Be prepared for the hustle and bustle, as navigating through the sea of people is part of the experience.

Don Quijote

If you haven’t heard of Don Quijote (or Donki for short), you’re in for a wild ride. This madhouse of a store is a must-visit. With anywhere from 8 to 12 levels packed with just about everything you can imagine, it’s like your local supermarket—but on steroids. From food and toiletries to toys, snacks, clothing, drinks, and souvenirs, you’ll find it all here. These stores are scattered all across Japan, from Sapporo to Osaka to Fukuoka, making it a shopper’s paradise. Open 24 hours a day and illuminated by bright neon lights, Donki is always buzzing with activity.

The Osaka location, in particular, is unique, as it even features a ferris wheel on the rooftop! I’d heard from some friends that it was a bit anticlimactic, so we decided to skip the ride—but it was definitely an impressive sight to see

Street food

Some of the famous street food you can find in Dotonbori is:

• Takoyaki: This is a ball shaped cuisine made of dough and filled with octopus. Topped with takoyaki sauce and bonito flakes, it is usually fried. You can find lots of this across the street. Whilst it wasn’t my favourite, it is always best to give everything a try!
• Osakas version of Okonomiyaki (they say you should compare this and Hiroshimas – see what one you prefer, but honestly I like both!).
• Kushikatsu: This is deep-fired meat and vegetables on a skewer. It tasted quite crispy and battery.

If you’re a fan of fried food, then this place is absolute heaven. While I thoroughly enjoyed exploring and sampling the street food, by the end of it, I was definitely craving a salad!

Finishing in ROUND1 Stadium

After battling through the crowds and munching on takoyaki (octopus balls), we wrapped up our night at ROUND1 Stadium. A popular chain found all over Japan, ROUND1 offers a wide range of activities, from bowling and arcade games to karaoke—the list goes on and on. My friend and I, in our typical, carefree way, didn’t realise there were EIGHT floors to this sprawling labyrinth. With limited time to explore, we made the most of it, squeezing in some bowling, volleyball, baseball, and a variety of arcade games.

Now, for a final story that I’m almost embarrassed to share—our baseball game experience. So, in baseball, you wear a helmet and use a bat, right? Well, as a leftie, I didn’t realise you had to adjust the settings so the ball would be aimed towards the left side. In my confusion, I was busy chatting to my friend, not fully prepared for what was about to happen. Before I knew it, I heard my friend scream my name. I whipped around just in time to have a baseball pummel me right in the stomach. The impact was so intense that it left a big red mark on my belly. I still remember the pain—definitely not the fun kind, and it honestly felt like something out of a movie scene.

So, just a little tip: if you ever find yourself in a ROUND1 (or any similar centre) playing baseball, make sure to face forward before the ball comes at you. We eventually figured out the settings and got the ball on the right trajectory, but that moment will forever be a facepalm in my memory.

We ended the night there, slowly making our way back to the hotel—one of us sporting what looked like a circular sunburn, while the other couldn’t stop laughing at the other’s antics.

In my next post, I’ll share more of the activities we got up to as we wrapped up our time in Osaka and made our way to the next adventure in Japan!.

Thank you for reading my post—I hope you enjoyed.

Until my next blog of intrepid tales on my trails…!