Another fitful night’s rest, this one due to the stomach issues I experienced as a result of…
That greasy heat lamp fried chicken?
The “healthy” side salad with the pure red vinegar dressing I had for lunch?
The late night pistachio cake snack?
Whatever it was, I was NOT feeling great this morning. But there was no time to wallow (or recover) as we had to catch an early morning train to Osaka!
We arrived at Tokyo Station with plenty of time to pick up something for the trip. Originally, I had planned to pick up a medley of bentos and assorted treats but because I was feeling a little under the weather, I opted to go easy…
This Berkshire pork bento.
Deliciously rich and fatty. Served on a bed of rice and accompanied by some ginger (I ignored) and a square of tamagotchi. It was also nice of them to include that single tiny shishito pepper to help balance out all that meat with some veggie.
The bullet train was surprisingly smooth, roomy, and comfortable. It stopped at Nagoya along the way, a place, according to Akemi, that is famed for its eel. Thinking we should do a day trip the next time we come to Japan.
Upon our arrival to Osaka, we checked into the Zentis, a surprisingly nice (and relatively inexpensive) three-year-old boutique hotel. Then, we took a stroll –
I was feeling munchy, so we stopped off for a beef tend curry pan –
Then we stopped by one of my favorite chocolate shops, Palet d’Or, where we picked up an assortment…
- of mostly sake-flavored chocolates. Akemi picked up her favorites, the dark chocolates flavored with honey and maple syrup instead of sugar, using soy milk over regular cream and sesame oil instead of butter.
Yes, that’s a Palet d’Or chocolate vending machine.
After picking up a black buta bun from the local 7-11, we relaxed in our hotel room (where I mostly updated this blog) before heading off for dinner with Akemi’s mom, sister, and brother…
This place looked promising.
Finally, we went for unagi dinner with Akemi’s mom, sister, and brother…
Akemi went with the crispy shiro unagi while I went with the classic mahogany lacquered.
The Aotas.
What follows up barbecued eel better than waffles and custard. Just a peach tea for me though as I don’t want a repeat of last night.
And that’s a wrap on Japan Day #4 – Osaka Day #1!
Leave a Reply