After our first two days in Japan moving and traveling non-stop, we are happy to be settled for a little bit and do some sightseeing.
Our first mission - Osaka Castle!
However, there are also other matters of great importance to attend to...
FOOD!
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| This is 'Ton Katsu' (fried pork) made with soft-cooked eggs |
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| Anne, Grant, Azu, Mika, Muta |
After a quite satisfying meal, we make our way to the next objective.
However, not before another train ride and a ponderous meander through some back alleys and near some sketchy warehouses...
We are not dissuaded by lack of direction, and sure enough, reach the park which is home to Osaka Castle.
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| The rain comes to meet us as we reach the outer walls |
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| Most of these stones are set as one entire block from one end to another to create huge walls |
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| Colorful Gates |
There are many beautiful sights as we walk along the outer moats of the castle.
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| We spot the castle in the distance |
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| There are samurai clan symbols carved into the stones about the keep |
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| A view from the old looking toward to new |
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| We come upon the splendorous structure and stand in awe |
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| The stones are absolutely huge at the base |
We pick our way along the old and worn paths and stairways leading into the center...
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| The castle grounds cover approximately 60,000 square meters (15 acres) |
After taking some time to admire the castle's enormity, we venture inside where a museum is held.
There were many cool things that you were not allowed to take pictures of.
I did anyway.
One of the best highlights was the view from the top...
Once we get our fill, and learn all there is about samurai warfare, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and the construction of castles during 1600 Japan, we make our way down the five stories and back out into the park.
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| Beauties |
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| Beasts |
The rain and wind picked up heavily on our way out the park, so we decided it was perfect time to go inside somewhere cozy.
Of course, being the coffee nerd that I am, I instantly had the perfect place in mind.
TAKAMURA COFFEE ROASTERS!
A short taxi ride and a quick saunter down an alley, and we come upon a beautiful sight...
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| A pleasantly reassuring front entrance familiar to my third wave sensibilities |
I quickly sum up the place and deem it quite worthy.
Within moments, I am leaning myself over the counter, practically begging for 'one of everything'.
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| As inviting as it is tasty! |
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| Craft coffee with craft chocolate, well played |
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| Equipped with an ultra sweet Marzocco - they don't mess around |
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| So many beans! Each with it's own profile |
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| All the gear a home brew-thusiast would need |
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| I default to a trusty v60 pour-over and our Barista seems quite pleased about it |
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| Not only does Takamura host splendid coffee, but it has an absolutely enormous selection of wines (for the after party) |
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| Creamy 'tes |
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| Sticky 'spro |
Needless to say, at this point I am skipping and jumping around like a child on Christmas morn (not only from the caffeine, thank you).
I dedicate some time to communicating with our Barista in Japanese and English, and he is very excited to find out that I have worked with specialty coffee in California (Verve shout out!).
We spend quite a long time there, and the rest of the gang has to practically drag me out of the building.
But I concede, and we all admit that we are quite hungry after an adventurous day.
We say goodbye to Azu and Muta...
... and off to the grocery store!
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| Mika prepares an awesome all-in-one style dish |
When we come home, we prepare a bountiful feast. Mika does the main course, and I prepare a western style salad.
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| She can't help but smile |
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| Koichi takes a break from his all-night work sessions at the radio station to share dinner with us! |
As it turns out, for Anne and I it is a special day; it is our anniversary of when we met in Japan 3 years ago. So of course we have bubbly wine!
I'd say we could not have asked for a better day!
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| We give Mika and Koichi a fitting housewarming present |
