We are using this morning to regroup a little. Owen and I are both a little travel worn. It did not help that our room was somewhat unsatisfactory. We have asked for a new room and they will move our things while we are out today.
We have decided to spend the morning doing our own things and meet back this evening to see about heading to Dontonbori or to the festival area this evening.
Dontonbori
I made it over to Dontonbori and it was crazy hectic… fun but hectic.
I have noticed that Osaka is quite a bit different than anywhere we have been in Japan. It is a little more “rough around the edges”.
The people are louder and more outgoing. Owen and I agreed that it is somewhat more comfortable for us. We don’t feel that we have to check our manners quite as often.
It feels a little more vibrant than Tokyo. It is certainly less traditional than Kyoto. I think the festival will be fun this evening.
The hotel arranged a new room for us and moved are things. It is the exact same style of room but is in much nicer condition.
Our plan is to finish cooling off, resting, and getting cleaned up and then hit the town for some festival fun.
Tenjin Matsuri
The Tenjin festival was so fun tonight. We’re sitting in a taxi because we wandered out of range of a subway station. The food and drink booths went on and on. Everyone was out having a blast.
We started at Tenmangū shrine. It was packed. We proceeded to follow the food stalls that ran along the river. There many families out enjoying but most of the “kids” were in their teens and twenties.
I have never seen so many pretty girls in one place. I asked if Owen noticed the same, and he did. He got a lot of attention, so many smiles and giggles.
We had a blast walking along several river miles packed with stalls and everyone having a great time.
It is a very different festival than Gion Matsuri which takes itself very seriously. Tonight was all about fun.
Tomorrow, we’re going to do the same except the festivities run later into the evening and there will be fireworks!
Osaka is a beautiful city, particularly along the river in the evening.
