Osaka - 12th May

The journey from Nara to Osaka was fairly painless and although we can find our way to bus stops or train stations near to our accommodation, the final step, ie. finding street, is always a bit tricky. We jumped in a cab at Osaka station and the taxi driver giggled as we gave him the details. Now some may think I am a little naive considering the we were looking for Hotel Kinki, but I was horrified to see the large neon sign advertising room rates 'by the hour' as we pulled up outside the dark alley that housed our hotel.

I had booked us into a Japanese 'love' hotel in Osaka's red light district. The receptionist handed us tissues on arrival. Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. No way. Was only one solution. A big night out in Osaka to numb the seediness. I slept on my travel towel and draped Adams coat over the head board. No loving at the love hotel for Mr Filby, who was rather chuffed with our cut price accommodation.

Above: Osaka entertainment district, Dotom-bori. We hired a karaoke booth to round off the evening. Thank goodness for sound proofing.

Above: Afternoon at Osaka Aquarium and ride on the big wheel. The longest suspension bridge in the world (apparently) can be seen in the views over Osaka.

Nara - 10th - 11th May

We have now visited Japan's current capital, it's previous capital, and now Japan's first capital city, Nara. There are a number of fantastic historical sights around the Nara-Koen area.

Above: Isui-en Garden. It was difficult to tear ourselves away from this stunning garden.

Above: Scenes from Todai-ji temple. Largest wooden building in the world, home to Japan's largest bronze Buddha. The sitting Deity above is said to help heal wounds. Rub the statue in the area of your ailment, rub your respective body part and you will be cured. I must say, my knees are feeling much better! The lady in the top photo is testing her path to enlightenment. It is said that if you can pass through this hole cut in the temple's pillar (which is the same size as the bronze Buddha's nostril), you are ensured enlightenment.

Above: Terrapins galore

Above: Adam feeding the deer rice cakes at Nara-Koen. The deer are designated national treasures. Not in my book, as one aggressive blighter bit a hole in my sightseeing map.