The splendidly efficient Japanese rail transportation system never ceases to amaze me! Our Shinkansen bullet train ride from Kyoto city centre to Osaka city centre ( 56 Km ) took less than 15 minutes! For comparison, it takes the Go-Train from my Richmond Hill station to downtown Toronto, a distance of roughly 42 Km, a whopping 50 minutes!!!..and the Japanese ride was way more comfortable!
Upon arriving in Osaka, we checked into the ‘ Swissotel, Nankai ‘, directly atop Namba train station. We picked this hotel based on its iconic Swiss brand and its superbly convenient location.
This was the fifth hotel we have tried so far on our trip and by far the most convenient, comfortable and one that boasts the best and most impressive views! The sunset over Osaka from our room’s vantage point was simply spectacular and breathtaking!
With uncertainty over our arrival/check-in time and the knowledge that there are three shopping complexes plus a major department store - ‘Takashimaya’ surrounding our hotel. Therefore, for dinner, we decided not to make any advance plans, but rather, took an impromptu approach, by walking around the neighborhood and picking an eating venue on the fly that happened to catch our eyes!
We ended up eating at a casual Japanese style pasta place inside the food floors of Takashimaya Department store. Tasty soups plus well executed, and perfectly cooked, yummy Japanese/Italian fusion pasta for two…. A Japanese fusion, Bacon and mushroom carbonara plus a Shrimp,Tarako ( Pollock roe ) and Tomato preparation. All for less than CAD$30!..Incredible!
