I’m behind on posting this, so I’m going to focus mostly on the pictures. We loved our trip to Osaka. We stayed in a ryokan within minutes of Dotonbori – an area known for street food and neon lights. A ryokan is a Japanese style inn with tatami mats, futons and onsen baths, and the kids love them. Osaka has an air of goofy exuberance that made it a really fun visit, at least when viewed through the lens of the hustle and bustle of Dotonbori.

Nara was also a blast. Watching the tourists (including us) feed the deer, and getting harassed by them was one of the funniest things I’ve seen. There are signs at the entrances to the park that we took to be a warning of things that may happen – biting, head butting, kicking… It turns out that it was more of an expectation. If you take deer crackers into the park, the deer will shake you down, mafia-style. Expect no less.

But since I had done zero advance research, I wasn’t prepared for the astounding beauty of the park and temple. I was embarrassed that I didn’t know that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. I’m hoping to learn more about it and maybe go back with an educated eye. Maybe wishful thinking, but we’re only a few hours away now, so maybe not?

We saw so much else while we were there – the aquarium, the castle, the most pristine construction site I’ve ever seen, a boat tour… They were all noteworthy. But the biggest win was the incredible food that we had everywhere we went. Takoyaki, handmade mochi, okonomiyaki, roasted chestnuts, ramen… Everywhere we turned, there was mouth-watering food. There’s definitely more in Osaka to explore and enjoy.

At the end of the trip, we were all a little sad to be leaving. But Amelia reminded us, “Our vacation is ending, but we’re going back to paradise!” True enough. We’re slowly unearthing our house beneath all the boxes. But we’re liking the shape our life is beginning to take here.