Japan 2025, day 5: Osaka

We arrive a few minutes early to the class and decided to use one of Japan’s ubiquitous vending machines for a quick drink. These are super convenient, especially in the 90F* heat. The only catch is that most of them take coins only, so we’ve learned that it’s wise to carry at least 150Y (approximately $1.00) in change.

Here we are mixing water and flour to make the udon dough. Our host, Keiko, instructed us to use all five fingers in a spiraling motion until it became crumbly. We gently formed it into a ball, then let it rest in a plastic bag while we created warmth by holding it in our hands.

We double-bagged the dough and stomped on it with our feet for two minutes. Peel it out of the plastic lining, fold it into a square, and repeat the process.

Radhika: Wow!! Interesting cooking method!

Such a sharp instrument requires intense concentration!

We did it! Last step before cooking, loosen the noodles and dust with cornstarch.

We could choose a hot or cold preparation. I chose cold, for obvious reasons! At first the taste was rather plain, but the noodles soaked up the flavor of the broth the longer they sat in it and the coolness was refreshing.

Next stop: Osaka Castle. We took an Uber! When you call an Uber in Japan, you frequently get a cab; it doesn’t seem to be some random guy with a car. Our ride to the castle took about 10 minutes, but it probably saved us about 45 minutes on the train and an embarrassing amount of sweat. We arrived fresh and ready to go…

…but then hiked up to the castle and proceeded to get unrefreshed pretty quickly. It’s just the nature of being a tourist in Japan during the summer. You’re gonna sweat! Fortunately, this was not a surprise to me, as I had lurked in the Japan Travel Tips Reddit for weeks prior to our trip. I learned pretty quickly that sun umbrellas are very popular this time of year, so I brought one from home and we made our own shade.

Jesus touchdown! |__|

Of course we stopped off at the museum cafe for a refresher. These are plastic replications of the restaurant’s offerings.

Here’s the (Anna’s) real thing. Not as perfect but a whole lot tastier.

We made it to the top! Although the safety fencing interferes with the view, I do appreciate it. Even with that in place, I experienced some pretty strong vertigo and had to go back inside.

Anna and Casey didn’t mind the height and they hung out for a few minutes, enjoying the view and the cooling breeze.

A touristy boat ride is tempting, but you know it’s going to be hot and jam packed with people all vying to be closest to the water.

We decided to try one of our host’s sushi recommendations. It was still hot out, but the sun had shifted enough that its heat wasn’t full force. Our 15 minute walk wasn’t too bad, and it was interesting to see what the neighborhoods were like.

We sat in a small tatami area, shoes off and criss-cross-applesauce style.

The rice ball amuse was surprisingly delicious.

Casey said the sushi was just okay (!).

Trying…to…fit…legs…under…the…low…table…

Tempura with ginger and sea salt. Notice the sisho leaf on the left.

We headed to one of the other sushi places on our host’s list. This was a bit farther out, but the temperature was falling into the high 80’s and it was a manageable walk.

Of course, we had to dodge a few bikes that were ignoring the bike lane in favor of riding on the sidewalk, but we had been in Osaka for a few days now and were getting quite good at this.

Sushi awaits!

Our walk home was nice and relaxing. The temp was fine for a 20 minute stroll, and the bikes (had) mostly retired for the evening.