Osaka Castle | Osaka, Japan

One of the most iconic places in Japan is Osaka Castle. Construction began in 1583 and the entire site covers around 61,000 square feet. Osaka Castle is an important symbol for the Kansai region of Japan and it played a major role in the unification of Japan in the 16th century also known as the Samurai era.

Markus and I decided to go to Osaka Castle on one of the hottest days of our trip. We tried to go really early to avoid the heat and tourists. We were unfortunately not successful with either. It was so hot that I was constantly seeking shade and fanning myself. The area around the castle is really beautiful and everything looks much larger in person. Markus mentioned that it reminded him of the old Akira Kurosawa films. When we arrived, there were heaps of school trips and small groups of students were running around approaching tourists. One small group came up to us and we quickly realized they were interviewing people in English. I wish I took photos or had video of the experience because it was such a lovely reminder our time in Korea. After the kids conducted their short interview, Markus and I sat in the shade on the south side of the castle and enjoyed the atmosphere.

Photoshoot with Manu Akamatsu | Osaka, Japan

As you probably know, every year Markus and I use a photo from our travels for a holiday card. Before we went to Japan, I planned two different shoots for last year’s photo. Our first attempt in Kawaguchiko with Mt. Fuji, did not work out so I had a backup plan with a photographer in Osaka. Thankfully, I found Manu Akamatsu on AirBnB. The time we spent with him was definitely a highlight of our trip.

Markus and I were a bit nervous before meeting Manu. We wondered if it would be an uncomfortable and awkward experience. I almost cancelled because I didn’t want to deal with it, but I’m so glad I didn’t. Within a few minutes of meeting Manu, I knew we made the right decision. He was warm, personable and funny. It was like meeting up with an old friend or cousin. He took us to a few really great spots in the Namba area and even gave us a couple restaurant recommendations. I was also able to ask him some hard hitting questions about Japanese dramas. For example, “why does every drama couple, adults or teenagers, always go on a date to the aquarium?” It was so funny to see his reaction because he never thought about it before but then realized that I was right. I’m still waiting on that answer. As you can see from these photos, Manu isn’t just a great conversationalist. He’s also an amazing photographer. We loved our photos and I wouldn’t hesitate to book him again if we visit Japan again.

Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu | Akasaka, Tokyo, Japan

If you’ve seen the movie Kill Bill, then you’ll see similarities in this restaurant. Apparently, it was the inspiration and model for the “House of Blue Leaves” restaurant in the film. I have my friend Kimberlina to thank for this last minute recommendation. It somehow came up in conversation shortly before our trip to Japan and I quickly made a reservation on their website. Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu is very popular with tourists and it was quite obvious when we showed up for our reservation. We were in Tokyo during the Rugby Worldcup so the place was full of Australians in town to support their team. Usually, Markus and I try to avoid the more touristy restaurants and sites, but there was something about Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu that we couldn’t resist.

To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much from the food and that the real draw would be the ambiance. I’m happy to say that I was very pleased with the meal. Markus and I both ordered two different courses one at 3,500 yen and 5,500 yen (about $35 and $55). We enjoyed an assortment of dishes ranging from yakitori, sashimi, tempura and soba noodles. It was a nice mix of food and I felt like a good value for the price. The more expensive set came with miso glazed cod and tempura shrimp and those were two of my favorite things we ate. I’m glad we decided to go, because I really enjoyed our meal and time at the restaurant.

Shimokitazawa | Tokyo, Japan

The first time Markus and I visited Tokyo in 2013, Shimokitazawa was a vintage heaven. I bought way too many clothes, accessories and jewelry. I was very excited to go back again and spurge on anything I saw. Unfortunately this time, I wasn’t so lucky. The area has always been popular with the youth and tourists, but it’s amazing in six years how much changed. It was a bit too touristy and the stores were similar to ones that you would find in Wicker Park in Chicago. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but I wanted the hard to find vintage items that you don’t see in America. Markus did finding rare Ultraman cards and a pin in a vintage shop so that was really cool. Even though, I didn’t find anything, I still enjoyed our afternoon in Shimokitazawa!

Shining Moon Tokyo - Sailor Moon Restaurant | Tokyo, Japan

As a child of the 90s, I loved Sailor Moon. I remember rushing home to watch episodes after school. It was my favorite show in middle school. I always loved Lita or Sailor Jupiter. I didn’t really connect with any of the other girls. Ironically, I grew up to be like Rei or Sailor Mars. Everyone knew I loved this show and was completely obsessed. I wore my hair like Lita almost every day and had posters of the Sailor Scouts all over my walls. I even used up all the ink in our printer to print all the cool illustrations from Japan. Back in the day ink was hella expensive, so I definitely got in trouble for printing that stuff out. My eldest brother Chris bought me so many bootleg VHS tapes of the non-dubbed episodes and movies.

When I found out that a Sailor Moon dinner and a show was opening only a couple months before our trip to Japan. I knew we had to visit Shining Moon Tokyo. I read online that the food was something left to be desired, so we didn’t have high expectations for that. To be honest, this was one of the greatest experiences of my life. The show and production was incredibly and really well done. The language barrier is not a problem at all. It’s mostly dance and action so you can easily follow what’s going on. It’s an all female cast, which I loved very much. The actresses were all so kawaii (cute) and really get into character. I loved seeing Usagi (Sailor Moon) and Mamochan (Tuxedo Mask) in real life being so cutesy. I can’t even describe to you the pure elation I felt during the two and a half hours that we were there. If we are ever back in Tokyo, I would definitely go again, I loved it that much!