Osaka, November 7-12, 2017 (edited 11/24/17)

This will be a long blog - just wanted the entire trip in this post.

Our group of 10 left on Monday Nov. 6 @1:45pm and arrived at Kansai Airport, Osaka on Tuesday @ 6:30pm. We noticed how dark it was  - it seemed like it was 9pm.

Tuesday, November 7

Thank you so much for these Sumiyoshi Osaka Lions Club members who were able to come to the airport- welcome us, escort us by train to our hotel as well as pay for our train tickets. Thank you Ayako for this photo.

We quickly learned that this type of train had assigned seats. One of our members was told by another passenger that it was his seat. After that we inspected our tickets and noticed the information.

It rains a lot in Osaka, hence the umbrellas under lock and key. 

Wednesday, November 8, my Japanese breakfast.

View from our window - we found out this red and white vehicle delivers bread to Jack in the Box.

Another view - although the subways were right there, sleepy head was able to sleep through the night.

One of the ladies from the Sumiyoshi Lions club spent the day with us taking us to some shopping areas: Takashimaya Shopping Center, we went to Chamois  and the famous Daiso - 100 yen = about a $1.00 at Dotonbori

Back at Tennoji - you are looking at the tallest building in Japan - Abeno Harukas: 984 feet / 300 meters, 60 floors, opened March 2014, owner Kintetsu Railway, architect César Pelli.

To get to it - there is a pedestrian overpass. Lori and I witnessed vehicles not giving an ambulance the right away - apparently a broadcasting system is used - of course in Japanese announced over a loud speaker-  most likely "move out of the way".

Across the street is another shopping area - Lori spotted this darling tiled mural.

Heading back, our hotel is the one that looks like a waffle.

Welcome dinner at Hoshi no Kanade - Tennoji Apollo Building, 12th floor
President Okuno of the Osaka Sumiyoshi Lions Club - he was such a joy. It was here, that we exchanged our omiyage. We were given so many gifts - such generosity!!!

Thursday, November 9 
Ayako and her mother met us at our place and we caught a train to this lovely Hamadera Park Rose Garden. here is a link https://www.osaka-info.

I noticed how the bicycles were left  unlocked - how nice to live with that freedom.

Back on the train and here we are at Mimiu. I spotted the cute rabbit logo as were walking and was happy this was where we were going to have lunch.

This is exactly why I wanted to come to Japan, everything is about presentation. I had to take a separate photo of the dish on the upper left of the the previous photo.

 Random photos

Our last stop before returning to our hotel, Sakai HAMONO Museum - notice the large knife by the middle window.

This was the reason for our trip.  We are at the Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine for the celebration of their 55 years chartered Lion's club our sister club Kamehameha Lions.

Again presentation is everything... It was an elegant affair.

Friday November 10 - a free day, Lori and I went on our own - as did the others.

I was very impressed with this food court. Not only do they separate their rubbish - the sign on the right says non combustable - the left combustable. Also there are yellow towels so we can wipe our spills and there is a place to drop the used towels into.

Notice the sinks - children are also able to wash their hands on their own.  

Saturday, November 11

Yu-san, our very cute tour guide - to Osaka Castle

The photographer must have sensed that he could have fun with us. He said loudly "Arr" I copied him then he kept saying louder. After this - he said to me "you are crazy". It was fun.

This is a replica of Sanada Maru, a famous general during the Battle of Osaka Castle.

Too bad, I did not take the photo showing the loop on the other side and the cone with designs on it.

This little one, was willing to pose for others. So pretty and cute.

Going to Amanohashidate

Kasamatsu Park

We ascended via cable car

Due to the weather, I was not going to do what this place is known for. There are platforms where you bend over and look between your legs to see a different perspective of this view.

Our overnight stay at Seikiro Ryokan (Japanese) style Hotel in Amanohashidate, Osaka

Sunday, November 12, our last day, so sad

This was actually another group's breakfast.

We found out this brother and sister are 13th generation of Seikiro Ryokan.

Mother is 12th generation

As we waited for the bus, I looked around for more memories of this place - it is a historical museum hotel

We did hear broadcasting - this their way of publicizing themselves - running for office "politics"

The owners were so kind to us - they even made coffee for us as we waited for our bus.

Again, Japan amazes me - it is clear that these seats are reserved. The beginning of our 12 hour trip home.

This was my dream come true - I have always wanted to go to Japan. I need to thank Lori again for having me join her Kamehameha Lions Club. What an opportunity to travel with this wonderful group. Another reason why this trip was so enjoyable was the hospitality of the Sumiyoshi Osaka Lions Club - thank you so very much!!!