Family Adventure in Historic Kyoto

Osaka, Here We Come!

Our final day in Japan arrived with a mix of excitement and a tinge of sadness. After an incredible ten days immersing ourselves in the beauty and culture of Kyoto, it was time to head to Osaka for a final day of exploration before our journey back to Berlin. I was eager to see what Osaka had in store for us, especially its renowned culinary scene. Lena, Mateo, and I packed our bags, checked out of the Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto, and hopped on the train to Osaka. Mateo was especially excited, asking every few minutes if we were there yet!


Discover the charm of Kyoto at Oakwood Hotel Oike, where comfort meets convenience in the heart of the city, perfect for your next adventure.

Our first stop was Osaka Castle, a landmark I had been looking forward to seeing since planning this trip. The castle grounds were expansive, and even though it was January, there were still hints of green in the gardens. Mateo was fascinated by the stone walls and the moats, imagining samurai defending the castle from invaders. Lena, always the history enthusiast, read aloud from our guidebook, sharing stories of the Toyotomi and Tokugawa clans who shaped the castle's destiny. We explored the castle museum, learning about the history of Osaka and the castle's significance in Japanese history. It was truly impressive to see how the castle had been rebuilt and restored over the centuries, standing as a symbol of resilience.


Explore Osaka Castle, a historical gem showcasing stunning architecture, rich history, and breathtaking views in the heart of Osaka, Japan.

The journey may be ending, but the memories will last a lifetime.

After soaking in the history at Osaka Castle, our stomachs started to rumble. It was time to dive into Osaka's culinary scene. For breakfast, we had planned to visit Hyoto Shijo Karasuma back in Kyoto, but time wasn't on our side so we ended up having a quick bite near the train station. However, for lunch, we were determined to experience some authentic Osaka flavors. We headed to Nishikawa, a restaurant known for its Omi beef. The reviews I had read raved about their sukiyaki and shabu-shabu, and I knew Lena would appreciate the high-quality meat. We indulged in a delicious lunch set, savoring the tender beef and flavorful broth. Mateo, surprisingly, loved the shabu-shabu, happily dipping the beef into the sesame sauce.


Experience exquisite Kaiseki dining at Nishikawa in Kyoto – where tradition meets artistry for an unforgettable culinary adventure.

With our bellies full and energy levels restored, we made our way to the Umeda Sky Building. This architectural marvel, consisting of two towers connected by a floating garden observatory, offered breathtaking panoramic views of Osaka. As we ascended to the top, Mateo's eyes widened in amazement. He pointed out the tiny cars and buildings below, feeling like he was on top of the world. Lena and I marveled at the cityscape, trying to spot familiar landmarks. The Floating Garden was a unique experience, with its pathways and greenery creating a surreal atmosphere high above the city.


Discover Osaka's skyline at Umeda Sky Building, an architectural gem offering breathtaking views and a vibrant dining scene.

As evening approached, we ventured into Dotonbori, Osaka's vibrant entertainment district. The bright lights, colorful billboards, and bustling crowds were a feast for the senses. Mateo was mesmerized by the giant Glico Running Man sign, a Dotonbori icon. We strolled along the canal, taking in the lively atmosphere and street food vendors. The aroma of takoyaki and okonomiyaki filled the air, tempting us to indulge in some local delicacies. We finally settled on some takoyaki, the savory octopus balls being a perfect snack as we continued our exploration.


Experience the vibrant energy of Dotonbori in Osaka, where neon lights, delicious street food, and rich culture come together for an unforgettable adventure.

Before dinner, Lena wanted to do some last-minute shopping at Osaka Station City. This massive complex is a shopper's paradise, with a vast array of stores catering to every taste and budget. Lena found some beautiful ceramics, while Mateo was thrilled to find a Pokémon-themed store. I picked up a few souvenirs for my colleagues back in Berlin, wanting to share a piece of Japan with them.


Explore Osaka Station City, a vibrant business park and shopping center offering unique shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences in the heart of Osaka.

For our final dinner in Japan, we chose Gion Nanba, hoping to experience some traditional Kyoto cuisine. The restaurant was a bit of a travel from where we were, but I was determined to try it out. However, upon arriving we realized that there was a mix-up and the restaurant was actually back in Kyoto! Disappointed but undeterred, we opted for a local restaurant in Osaka and enjoyed some delicious ramen. It wasn't exactly what we had planned, but it was a satisfying end to our culinary journey.


Discover authentic kaiseki cuisine at Gion Nanba, where tradition meets taste in Kyoto's historic Gion district.

As we made our way back to the hotel near Osaka airport, I reflected on our incredible 11-day adventure in Japan. From the serene temples of Kyoto to the bustling streets of Osaka, we had experienced so much in such a short time. Traveling with Lena and Mateo had made the trip even more special, creating memories that we would cherish for a lifetime.

While this marks the end of our daily blog entries, our adventures in Japan will undoubtedly continue to inspire future travels and culinary explorations. Who knows where Tango & Travel will take us next? Until then, sayōnara from Osaka!

I will make sure to take with me the Japanese phrasebook I forgot, for my next adventure!

Tomorrow, we head back to Berlin, filled with memories and souvenirs. It's been an unforgettable family adventure in historic Kyoto and beyond.