Solo Travel Diaries: Osaka, Day 2

Day 2, Osaka Castle

After a somewhat overwhelming start to the trip, I wanted to keep my second day pretty relaxed, or so I thought! I love to walk to my destinations to ensure that I am seeing the off-beaten path. Walking to the castle was no exception, and I believe it was an hour and a half walk or something.

“No big deal; I’ll just listen to podcasts, stop in stores, and take breaks to eat.”

Well, by the end of this day, I had walked over 13 miles. I was exhausted!

Would I do it again? Yes!

Would I recommend you do it? Proceed at your own risk.

I admittedly don’t remember much about the walk to the castle, except for the sad podcast episode I was listening to. I believe I stopped in some shops, ate a snack at McDonald’s, and sat in a cafe for a bit. The stroll mainly took me through residential areas, so when I finally could see the castle in the distance, it was shocking and exciting! Honestly, so rewarding.

On the way, I grabbed some persimmons. When I arrived, I ate my snack and people-watched. There were a lot of people alone, so I felt content.

People watching, waterbottle = pillow
Snack with a view

My Favorite Meal in Japan

Against my better judgment, I walked the whole way home. I was craving sushi, and I found a spot nearby with great reviews. It turned out to be my favorite meal of the trip.

If you’re ever in Osaka, please check out Sushi Roll Double Quotation.

The outside of the restaurant, as shown on Google Reviews.

This is a tiny restaurant, and a Canadian couple was eating when I walked in. They were both vegan and excited to have found this place. It offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options!

Tomo, the owner and chef. This photo was found on Google Reviews.

This was my favorite experience because of the owner and chef, Tomo! When I was deciding what to pick, he said, “No, no, let me pick for you. You’ll choose something you always choose. I know what will be new and exciting!”

He was right. I didn’t want to try natto, fermented soybeans, for example, but he put some right in my roll. Not bad!

My first plate

This was the perfect way to end my time in Osaka. I had a wonderful meal in a tiny kitchen surrounded by friendly faces and STRONG rice wine. Be warned.


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