Osaka. Last week, my colleagues and I had the chance to visit Osaka. I’ve never been to Japan, but the moment I got off the plane I fell in love with the country. Call it love at first sight. Everything was so orderly. Everyone so polite. We were in Osaka for a few days. Here are some of the pictures from our trip!
On the Plane
On our way to Japan, I specifically requested for a window seat. đ I love gazing at the clouds! That morning’s cloud formations was particularly beautiful.
![Patterns in the Sky](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/10155168_10154015279365752_5661122283735991145_n-640x853.jpeg)
Patterns in the Sky
Can I tell you a secret? I always look forward to airplane food. đ I know some people hate it, but I quite look forward to what’s in store. I guess the key is to have no expectations whatsoever so you’re not disappointed. Haha!
![Japanese Food in the Plane](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IMG_0685-640x480.jpg)
Japanese Food in the Plane
I don’t recall what this was — some beef dish — but it was good. The food was just whetting my appetite for Japan even more!
![One of magical parts of traveling -- seeing the country you're visiting closer and closer...](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IMG_0687-640x480.jpg)
One of magical parts of traveling — seeing the country you’re visiting closer and closer…
The Kansai-Osaka airport was so organized and orderly… and so quiet! That was one of the big differences I observed about Japan. We in Manila love our loud giggles and laughter… in Japan they were pretty much reserved. For introvert me, I was just loving it.
Efficient Accomodations
We stayed at the Hotel Plaza Osaka. The staff was friendly, the room comfortable, and one of the surprises I had was the hotel room’s bathroom. It was so tiny! A capsule bathroom, perhaps. No space was wasted. It was a little uncomfortable at first but after a few days I got used to the small space.
![Step up into the loo!](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IMG_0710-640x853.jpg)
Step up into the loo!
![Quite cramped at first but we got used to how everything was placed quite efficiently.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IMG_0711-640x853.jpg)
Quite cramped at first but we got used to how everything was placed quite efficiently.
![Cozy shower nook](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IMG_0712-640x480.jpg)
Cozy shower nook
![Shiseido products? How awesome.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/21829_10154015279470752_429030859166242640_n-640x853.jpeg)
Shiseido products? How awesome.
Patterns and Lines
I was telling my friends that Japan is an OC’s dream. I loved the patterns and lines, and how organized everything was. Here are bits and pieces of pics from various days during our stay.
![City Blocks. Doesn't it look so organized?](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11242428_10154015279585752_7423864756796236609_n-640x480.jpeg)
City Blocks. Doesn’t it look so organized?
![Simple, Streamlined Buildings](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11212759_10154015280425752_5170800076951566711_n-640x788.jpeg)
Simple, Streamlined Buildings
![This spiral staircase caught my attention.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/1526431_10154015280635752_8412217749895567040_n-640x853.jpeg)
This spiral staircase caught my attention.
![Clean and orderly street crossings.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11210416_10154015281210752_5842805602844886236_n-640x853.jpeg)
Clean and orderly street crossings.
![A bike path or walking path just above the city road. It made for a good place for a morning walk!](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11143264_10154015281110752_4360264007084829887_n-640x853.jpeg)
A bike path or walking path just above the city road. It made for a good place for a morning walk!
![Fresh air in the city? Oh yes!](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11012381_10154015281030752_5960110454468314651_n-640x640.jpeg)
Fresh air in the city? Oh yes!
![Attention to detail: Even the manhole covers are pretty.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11206103_10154015280945752_6162769476436795041_n-640x641.jpeg)
Attention to detail: Even the manhole covers are pretty.
![Pretty flowers. Contained in one area but blooming like crazy.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11212759_10154015280235752_5919568712384807131_n-640x480.jpeg)
Pretty flowers. Contained in one area but blooming like crazy.
![Flowers all a-bloom on one of the streets. They were contained in a small area but were bursting with pretty blooms.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11150814_10154015280845752_1832543849853783022_n-640x853.jpeg)
Flowers all a-bloom on one of the streets. They were contained in a small area but were bursting with pretty blooms.
![Organized to a T!](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11150814_10154015280090752_5508881750493609373_n-640x853.jpeg)
Organized to a T!
![One of the pretty buildings I saw on the street.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11233502_10154015281675752_5430834159434137079_n-640x852.jpeg)
One of the pretty buildings I saw on the street.
![The trees look so healthy and plump. Can you use the word plump to describe a tree? Okay, maybe fluffy.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11210474_10154015282145752_5968033365630510504_n-640x853.jpeg)
The trees look so healthy and plump. Can you use the word plump to describe a tree? Okay, maybe fluffy.
![I *think* this was Plum Grove at the Osaka Castle Park. So pretty.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11196331_10154015282595752_7652646917190194940_n-640x480.jpeg)
I *think* this was Plum Grove at the Osaka Castle Park. So pretty.
![A crow and a pretty fence pattern at the Osaka Castle park.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/10922778_10154015281920752_4537807734118439283_n-640x852.jpeg)
A crow and a pretty fence pattern at the Osaka Castle park.
![Orderly kids on a field trip at the Osaka Castle park.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/1662403_10154015282485752_2299306792985375892_n-640x481.jpeg)
Orderly kids on a field trip at the Osaka Castle park.
![11205118_10154017079630752_8677377865656636584_n](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11205118_10154017079630752_8677377865656636584_n-640x480.jpeg)
At Kiyomizu-Dera.
![Wishes and greetings.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/1560394_10154017079410752_6486801095418512530_n-640x479.jpeg)
Wishes and greetings.
![Foxes as messengers.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11052004_10154017080380752_8561587606651102444_n-640x480.jpeg)
Foxes as messengers.
![Symmetry at the temple. Cleansing ourselves before we set foot in the temple.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11200588_10154017079715752_3084233242641515283_n-640x855.jpeg)
Symmetry at the temple. Cleansing ourselves before we set foot in the temple.
![More than a thousand cranes](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11149470_10154017080095752_288939961275447905_n-640x853.jpeg)
More than a thousand cranes
![Wishes and Cranes](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/21827_10154017079910752_6414237325447574541_n-640x479.jpeg)
Wishes and Cranes
![Torii gates.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11128464_10154017080455752_8358886920588647455_n-640x853.jpeg)
Torii gates.
![More symmetry. At a tunnel of Torii gates.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11148719_10154017080195752_3376112961953063459_n-640x917.jpeg)
More symmetry. Me at a tunnel of Torii gates.
![Great Buddha. Todai-ji Temple.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11144949_10154017078205752_5517482328304922283_n-640x853.jpeg)
Great Buddha. Todai-ji Temple.
![At the Todai-ji temple. There's a pillar there -- when a kid goes through it, it's said they come out stronger, smarter. :)](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11040579_10154017078980752_2586865014332907548_n.jpeg)
At the Todai-ji temple. There’s a pillar there — when a kid goes through it, it’s said they come out stronger, smarter. :)
![Water dippers to cleanse yourself.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11207370_10154017077720752_8946648177372685002_n-640x479.jpeg)
Water dippers to cleanse yourself.
![Such a pretty view. Everything's so clean and proper.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11205516_10154017077420752_4887181102538350804_n-640x480.jpeg)
Such a pretty view. Everything’s so clean and proper.
![Peeking out of the Todai-ji Temple.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11111209_10154017078475752_5761258005014646764_n-640x853.jpeg)
Peeking out of the Todai-ji Temple.
![What will you wish for?](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11099643_10154017077965752_7057679522591071131_n-640x459.jpeg)
What will you wish for?
![Lit a candle and wished for... :)](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11146491_10154017078130752_4876499182354799840_n-640x853.jpeg)
Lit a candle and wished for… :)
![Wishes and prayers. At the Todai-ji Temple.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11052470_10154017077805752_3030384183351220805_n-640x463.jpeg)
Wishes and prayers. At the Todai-ji Temple.
![Incense and Dreams.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11257240_10154017077890752_3073593085603763253_n-640x458.jpeg)
Incense and Dreams.
![Why did the deer cross the road? At Nara Deer Park.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11210391_10154017077540752_784939773405752539_n-640x898.jpeg)
Why did the deer cross the road? At Nara Deer Park.
![Even the deer are behaving properly here.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11112771_10154017077620752_2930945164877859891_n-640x634.jpeg)
Even the deer are behaving properly here.
![We stayed on the 13th floor. I kid you not.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11233428_10154017077340752_931345155717439105_n-640x917.jpeg)
We stayed on the 13th floor. I kid you not.
![Wow, even my bowl of Miso Soup looks so organized!](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/10982817_10154017077260752_7410572362262558592_n-640x486.jpeg)
Wow, even my bowl of Miso Soup looks so organized!
![Drink Dispenser at the Breakfast Buffet](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11220810_10154015279640752_2670654101819952734_n-640x853.jpeg)
Drink Dispenser at the Breakfast Buffet
![Soy sauce fish all contained in a bowl.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11020261_10154015279805752_225607350872655585_n-640x853.jpeg)
Soy sauce fish all contained in a bowl.
![Sugar cubes look so organized too.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/18515_10154015279730752_8580101814945663177_n-640x794.jpeg)
Sugar cubes look so organized too.
![What's more organized than a bento meal?](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/14087_10154017079075752_4602854883877860339_n-640x448.jpeg)
What’s more organized than a bento meal?
![Organized Bread, Butter and Jam.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11209616_10154015279970752_8725491983513632207_n1-640x815.jpeg)
Organized Bread, Butter and Jam.
Bikes of Osaka
There were a lot of people on bikes in the city. Perhaps that’s one reason why the air is crisp and fresh — no pollution! Young and old, Moms with babies, yuppies on their way home from work, rain or shine… there were lots of bikes! Some of my colleagues rented a couple of bikes from the hotel and cycled around the city one morning. Pretty cool!
![Pretty in Pink.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IMG_0705-640x480.jpg)
Pretty in Pink.
![Old Man Biker.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11036304_10154015281805752_3569553984298455294_n-640x853.jpeg)
Old Man Biker.
![More wheels in the city.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11258478_10154015281385752_7341567629599625018_n.jpeg)
More wheels in the city.
![A river, lines and wheels.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11030642_10154015281505752_6080260570590108902_n-640x852.jpeg)
A river, lines and wheels.
A Peek at the Streets
We walked around the streets and rode a bus around the streets… here are some of the things that caught my eye. We saw an arcade and couldn’t help but go in. The toys were AWESOME.
![Just riding by.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IMG_0692-640x480.jpg)
Just riding by.
![I wonder what's in there.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IMG_0694-640x853.jpg)
I wonder what’s in there.
![The Way to the Train Station. (And is that a kid tinkling?)](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IMG_0717-640x853.jpg)
The Way to the Train Station. (And is that a kid tinkling?)
![Pretty picture, but the street was (we think) a little friendlier than we had expected...](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IMG_0716-640x853.jpg)
Pretty picture, but the street was (we think) a little friendlier than we had expected…
![Loved the road signs.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11052010_10154015284130752_5211897369015939410_n-640x853.jpeg)
Loved the road signs.
![An arcade! We have to go in!](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IMG_0703-640x480.jpg)
An arcade! We have to go in!
![Dragonball!](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IMG_0701-640x853.jpg)
Dragonball!
![So cute!](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IMG_0700-640x480.jpg)
So cute!
![Look at those toys!](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IMG_0699-640x480.jpg)
Look at those toys!
![Cute wall at the arcade.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IMG_0698-640x480.jpg)
Cute wall at the arcade.
![A busy street but everyone was so chill.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11205514_10154019012110752_29378495343466117_n-640x853.jpeg)
A busy street but everyone was so chill.
![Shopping at Shinsaibashi.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11244909_10154015284335752_9080883852041783656_n-640x853.jpeg)
Shopping at Shinsaibashi.
![Dotonburi by Day...](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/1510441_10154015284510752_393511127227330327_n-640x853.jpeg)
Dotonburi by Day…
![... Dotonburi by Night.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11248163_10154015284835752_1693936003202279349_n-640x853.jpeg)
… Dotonburi by Night.
![Really loved this place.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11250623_10154015285145752_7013188812673625536_n-640x853.jpeg)
Really loved this place.
Oh, the Toilet!
Japan is so organized, and well, their toilets are quite hi-tech. I just had to take a few pics.
![Clean before sitting.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11009090_10154017080745752_2521456630926261612_n-640x853.jpeg)
Clean before sitting.
![No worries about running out of toilet paper! So efficient.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11209446_10154017080790752_1800232984738602640_n-640x894.jpeg)
No worries about running out of toilet paper! So efficient.
![You can play music while you use it. Well, the music is the sound of flushing "to absorb the sound of the toilet while in use." :D](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11150847_10154017080830752_8514396672136755157_n-640x853.jpeg)
You can play music while you use it. Well, the music is the sound of flushing “to absorb the sound of the toilet while in use.” :D
Smiles All Around
Interesting characters, good company… our brief stay in Japan was made memorable by wonderful smiles and warm folks.
![Hajime, our tour guide, was so charming and thoughtful. He loved telling stories about Osaka, and he was so endearing.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/1544374_10154015284030752_8988794020110920508_n1-640x853.jpeg)
Hajime, our tour guide, was so charming and thoughtful. He loved telling stories about Osaka, and he was so endearing.
![One of my favorite parts of the trip was hanging out with old friends and making new ones. At the Todai-ji Temple, we (old and new friends!) wrote our wishes on a tile which is to be set on a temple roof. :)](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11203068_10154017078665752_7858130348890228412_n-640x853.jpeg)
One of my favorite parts of the trip was hanging out with old friends and making new ones. At the Todai-ji Temple, we (old and new friends!) wrote our wishes on a tile which is to be set on a temple roof. :)
![Wishes and dreams of old friends and new.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/1978693_10154017078760752_2468167648155043192_n-640x480.jpeg)
Wishes and dreams of old friends and new.
![Tourists in Kimonos.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11150733_10154017079170752_8147059424302295417_n.jpeg)
Tourists in Kimonos.
![Cute little one!](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11200619_10154017079250752_9156486188514287665_n-640x898.jpeg)
Cute little one!
![A Bruce-Lee like tour guide at Shinsaibashi. Should I tell him crack kills? :P](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11218505_10154019012170752_6784962233311609371_n-640x853.jpeg)
A Bruce-Lee like tour guide at Shinsaibashi. Should I tell him crack kills? :P
![Aww, no customers for him, even if he was doing all sorts of martial arts moves.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11218783_10154019012295752_3635941390890116747_n-640x480.jpeg)
Aww, no customers for him, even if he was doing all sorts of martial arts moves.
![Tourists and locals. Everyone pretty much minded their own business. :) Oh, can you see me? :D](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/1471142_10154019012060752_4983336104547897671_n-640x479.jpeg)
Tourists and locals. Everyone pretty much minded their own business. Oh, can you see me? :D
![My shopping buddies on our last day - Wilma and Rea.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11149374_10154019012860752_1142896025744077465_n-640x480.jpeg)
My shopping buddies on our last day – Wilma and Rea.
Yummy Food
I love Japanese food and couldn’t wait to try authentic dishes once we landed! Here are pics of some of the food I loved.
![Takoyaki Guy at Osaka Castle grounds.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11139382_10154015282695752_4415368626804908642_n-640x480.jpeg)
Takoyaki Guy at Osaka Castle grounds.
![My first Takoyaki in Japan! It was okay. :D](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11217803_10154015283220752_7045989266731149399_n-640x853.jpeg)
My first Takoyaki in Japan! It was okay. :D
![I was happy happy! :)](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/10410691_10154015283650752_846943568377657460_n-640x480.jpeg)
I was happy happy! :)
![Best sashimi I've tried so far! At Koganko. So good.](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11229308_10154015283725752_8294985253969722966_n-640x640.jpeg)
Best sashimi I’ve tried so far! At Koganko. So good.
![1510997_10154015283850752_3299961387031803358_n](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/1510997_10154015283850752_3299961387031803358_n-640x480.jpeg)
Sushi at Koganko. So yummmmy.
![11143253_10154017079540752_8689335926029097139_n](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11143253_10154017079540752_8689335926029097139_n-640x853.jpeg)
Matcha Cream Puff at Kyoto. OMG. This was so good.
![11151054_10154017080640752_4441852729783153770_n](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11151054_10154017080640752_4441852729783153770_n-640x480.jpeg)
Crab on a Stick. Whut. 500 yen for a stick. It smelled so good!
![10996234_10154017080675752_7960873266577444342_n](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/10996234_10154017080675752_7960873266577444342_n-640x885.jpeg)
I enjoyed every bite of this crab on a stick!
![10407189_10154019012415752_480738269475339793_n](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/10407189_10154019012415752_480738269475339793_n-640x853.jpeg)
Osaka Ohsho at Dotonburi District. Best gyoza ever! Isn’t it obvious by the sign? ;)
![11206000_10154019012570752_5568843000509223633_n](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11206000_10154019012570752_5568843000509223633_n-640x837.jpeg)
12 pieces of gyoza shared by 3 hungry women. đ It was so yummy! Crisp on the outside and perfectly steamed on the inside.
![11120080_10154019012670752_6403362040316704430_n](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11120080_10154019012670752_6403362040316704430_n-640x853.jpeg)
Fried Octopus. It tasted so fresh! Yummy.
![11206074_10154019012745752_3036129739411447008_n](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11206074_10154019012745752_3036129739411447008_n-640x853.jpeg)
My officemate Rea and I getting a picker-upper at Dotonburi. Coffee was much needed after our filling lunch!
![14087_10154019091935752_1473184826958416404_n](http://www.wifelysteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/14087_10154019091935752_1473184826958416404_n-640x640.jpeg)
Quiet time at the hotel. The night before we left, I cozied up in our hotel room with a cup of green tea and some Matcha Cream Puffs I bought from Family Mart. I was still dreaming of the Matcha Cream Puff I had back in Kyoto, so this was okay. It was a simple, quiet way to wrap up my Japan trip. Loved it! Arigato Japan!
I super loved Japan and can’t wait to go back. Next time, I’ll bring my family. It’s a wonderful place and there’s so much more to explore.
Arigato, Japan! We’ll see you again soon!
Mumbai One Beauties
August 7, 2022 at 1:44 am (2 years ago)You have made our job easy by publishing your good important information