Wednesday, November 13, 2024 →
✈️ Enjoying a cold drink in the Japan Airlines Lounge at Osaka Itami airport. Check-in and security so, so smooth.
Next stop: Tokyo Haneda.
☀️ Good morning! A very early start - especially given last night’s fun - to get ready for our flight to Tokyo. Plus a final hotel breakfast and bus to Itami airport. Looks like the weather is going to be nice in Tokyo for at least a couple of days. Can’t wait to be there again. 🗼
📸 Back to our hotel after another great night out in Osaka. Big thanks to the crew at Eagle Osaka! Would have been even later but we have a flight to catch tomorrow morning. And then, Tokyo!!!
But for now, this little hobbit needs some sleep. Good night from Japan.
📸 A very good evening from Osaka. Heading out for our final evening here. Tomorrow: Tokyo!
♨️ Off to the onsen again for another couple of hours of soaking and sweating. The weather in Osaka is phenomenal today, so I’ll be out on the rooftop baths to catch some sun. ☀️
🍑 With what can only be described as perfect timing, my husband returned from the gym, opened our hotel room door, just as I stepped out of the bathroom, naked.
The elderly couple behind him in the corridor watched in horror as I completely failed in my attempt to cover up. Good morning from Osaka!
📸 Taking time out from the relentless fun to relax and enjoy the sunshine in Kobe this afternoon. And I have the tan lines to prove it!
📸 I snapped this, with a phone, while walking and not even looking at the focus straight on. I think it turned out okay. And there’s no shortage of interesting and fun things to photograph here in Osaka.
📸 Yes, I’ve finally reached that age where I find myself taking photos of drain covers that interest me. In my defence, this one has a googly-eyed monster on it. The mascot of next year’s Expo in Osaka, apparently.
🍺 Trying something a little different in the lounge this evening. Asahi Black - and it’s bloody good. Googling whether I can get it again once I’m back in the UK.
👣 Today was all about 15,00 steps around Kobe. Beautiful city. Blue skies, a cable car and waterfront views. And yes, there was beef. Now back in Osaka to refresh before going out tonight.
🚂 Next stop: Kobe. We actually ditched plans for the Shinkansen. There was a rapid train service for just ¥420 (about £2.00!!) and it only takes 20mins. Filming from the train window and enjoying the sunshine.
🚄 Starting slightly earlier today. We’re taking a day trip to Kobe, so I’ll get to enjoy a (very short!) Shinkansen journey and some delicious beef! It looks like it’s going to be anotherr beautiful day, weather-wise. ☀️☀️☀️
📸 Exploring the lights, sounds and aromas of Dotonbori last night. Can you tell I’m incredibly full of delicious food?
📸 Exploring Osaka yesterday with my onsen buddy, Sho. He used to live near me in London, so it was nice to catch up while soaking in the baths.
📸 This evening was all about the comfort food: takoyaki, okonomiyaki, karaage and beautiful grilled chicken. All washed down with crisp, cold Asahi beer.
📸 This afternoon’s post-onsen lunch. Absolutely delicious!
♨️ I had the most wonderful few hours soaking in outdoor baths and melting in saunas today. No photos, obviously, but nobody needs to see my hobbit form sweating anyway. I felt absolutely wonderful adterwards and enjoyed a delicious lunch with a local friend. And then a solid and very deep nap.
🧠 Sitting down in the executive lounge of our hotel, hoping this caffeine will activate my brain.
I made the mistake of taking a nap after we came back from Namba and feel like I set my jet lag back to square one! We had a lovely wander of the area, bought some mementos, and I made onsen plans for tomorrow with a local friend. Looking forward to a long, hot soak/sauna combo, followed by some takoyaki and a beer.
Tonight? After some free hospitality in this lounge - last night’s buffet was pork-tactic! - we’re going to the best gay bar in town and taking it from there.
Enjoying a wander around Namba, under some very welcome sunshine and blue skies. It’s 20C here right now! Only slightly ruined by the relentless and awful Christmas music playing virtually everywhere.