DinkLife

Hey everyone, it’s Wes and Chanda, and welcome to another episode of DinkLife! Today, we’re taking you on a thrilling adventure in Osaka. Our day started off with a delicious meal, and we couldn’t wait to explore the Kaiyukan Aquarium near Universal Studios. So, let’s dive into our unforgettable experience!

After finishing our meal, we headed towards the aquarium. Getting there was quite an adventure because we had to catch a ferry with a limited schedule. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with directions. Just remember to exit CityWalk via the subway, and once you’re outside, cross the street and follow the path that leads to the ferry. It’s a short 10-minute walk at most.

The ferry ride was a treat, despite the chilly weather. We sailed through the harbor, taking in the breathtaking views. There was even a giant Ferris wheel and other attractions to admire along the way. However, finding the ferry terminal upon arrival proved to be a bit confusing. But hey, we’re always up for a little challenge!

Stepping off the ferry, we found ourselves standing outside the Kaiyukan Aquarium. And let us tell you, it surpassed all our expectations! The aquarium showcased an incredible collection of marine life that left us in awe. We encountered dolphins, seals, and sea lions, each more captivating than the last. The highlight was the massive central tank, where we spiraled down while admiring the enormous fish swimming around. Time flew by, and we wished we had more of it to explore this captivating underwater world. Unfortunately, we arrived around 4:30 pm, so we only had an hour and a half or maybe two hours to enjoy the aquarium.

After bidding farewell to our underwater friends, it was time to head back. We decided to take the subway for our return journey. However, Wes started feeling a bit under the weather, battling sinus issues. This unexpected twist added a touch of humor to our day as we embarked on a hilarious quest to find a drugstore or pharmacy. Language barriers made it even funnier as we relied on Google Translate to decipher medication boxes. Our antics caught the attention of others, and we must have seemed like a pair of quirky tourists!

But the fun didn’t stop there. Wes needed some cough drops, and guess what? In Japan, they call them “throat candy.” Trying to communicate this request was a challenge, but Wes managed to convey his need by showing a cough drop from his pocket. The storekeeper’s response of “throat candy” had us in stitches. And let’s not forget the unique packaging of cough drops in Japan, individually sealed like breath mints or Lifesavers.

After our laughter-filled detour, we hopped on the train to downtown Osaka. We were excited to explore a strip called Dotonbori, located right off the subway exit. This vibrant area was bustling with shops and restaurants, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll. The picturesque river running through the heart of Osaka added to the charm, and we couldn’t resist marveling at the iconic signs, like the famous Glico running man.

During our downtown adventure, we stumbled upon street performers, adding an extra dash of excitement to our day. It was our first time witnessing such lively entertainment in Japan, and we were captivated by their incredible skills. The vibrant atmosphere made it an unforgettable experience.

Unfortunately, time wasn’t on our side, and we had to cut our downtown exploration short. As much as we wanted to indulge in the delicious array of eateries, time didn’t permit. But we noted that downtown Osaka is a food lover’s paradise, offering an impressive selection of dining options.

Heading back to Universal City near our hotel, hunger struck us. Craving a quick snack, we decided to try the infamous octopus balls. We went to the food court-like area with multiple restaurants specializing in different variations of this unique delicacy. Joining the long line, we eagerly waited for our turn to sample these intriguing treats.

Wes took the plunge and got himself a six-pack of octopus balls, while Chanda, not being a fan of octopus, watched with amusement. The verdict? Well, let’s just say the combination of cheese and octopus inside the deep-fried balls wasn’t exactly Wes’s cup of tea. But hey, at least he gave it a try.

To satiate our appetites further, we made our way to Wolfgang Puck’s eatery, where we could grab a quick bite. Ordering a flatbread pizza, we knew it would take some time to prepare, around 30 minutes. So, we decided to make ourselves comfortable at the bar and enjoy some drinks.

Here’s something interesting we noticed—bars in Japan aren’t as popular for socializing and having drinks like back home. We were the only ones at the bar, but that didn’t stop us from striking up a conversation with the bartender. Even though we couldn’t communicate verbally, our gestures and expressions created a friendly atmosphere. And let’s not forget the bartender’s impeccable skills in creating the perfect beer head! Presentation truly matters in Japan!

As the evening drew to a close, we made our way back to our hotel room, ready to rest and recharge. The next day held an early start as we were heading to Universal Studios Japan.

Remember, the essence of DinkLife is all about embracing new adventures and creating lasting memories. So whatever you decide to do just get out there and do it!