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.

One Piece Tower | Tokyo, Japan

One of the places in Tokyo that Markus and I were most excited to visit was One Piece Tower. As most of you know, Markus and I love anime and watch a plethora of shows. Back in 2012, when we still lived in Korea, Markus introduced me to One Piece. I was instantly hooked and watched hundreds of episodes in a month or so. I got the best experience with One Piece because I didn’t have to wait for new episodes every week. It was great! If you can’t tell, my favorite characters are Tony Tony Chopper and Portgas D. Ace. It’s pretty obvious why those two are my favorite characters. Chopper is probably the cutest character on the show and Ace is the hottest.

One Piece Tower is found on the first, third, fourth and fifth floors of the iconic Tokyo Tower, which was frequently featured on Sailor Moon. So visiting was like experiencing two of my favorite animes at the same tie. Even though it’s not exactly an amusement park, there is tons to do, even if you aren’t a kid. There are attractions on every floor that focus on specific characters from the anime. We really enjoyed Brooke’s Haunted Mansion and the live action show that I will be posting about later. Markus and I spent way too much time at One Piece Tower, but it was so much fun and I honestly would go back if we were in Tokyo. It’s not very often that you get to be immersed in your favorite anime!

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!