Homeward Bound

Murph, Takashi

What a wonderful trip and experience!  Takashi, Michiko, Tsukasa, Yuko, Mio, Kaoru & Daisuke were the best hosts, family and friends!  Each of them are host, family & friend!  Sharing the experience with Jada made a great experience absolutely stupendous! 

Jada, Michiko

Michiko, Takashi, Tsukasa, Kaoru, Murph, Daisuke, Jada

Yuko, Mio, Tsukasa, Jada, Murph, Takashi, Michiko

Jada and I had to carry our luggage around Osaka before
our evening departure from Kansai Airport, so
we wandered about the Shin-Osaka Station,
a huge facility with many shops and restaurants,
including this MacDonald's.  We didn't stop here
but spent our time in some unique shops
and a quiet little restaurant. 

At Kansai Airport, UTAGE China Tower

UTAGE China Tower

UTAGE China Tower

Our first leg from Kansai to Honolulu was
aboard the Airbus.

During our layover in Honolulu
we enjoyed the lounge and garden again.

Our second leg from Honolulu to Phoenix was
aboard the Dreamliner.

Key locations during our travel in Japan.

Back in Tucson, we enjoyed a local festival.

Arizona sky

Arizona sunset

Pittsburgh Steelers meet
Dia de los Muertos

My ride back to Dallas.

Osaka Castle

Our last day to play tourist was spent walking about Osaka Castle, including climbing the stairwell to the very top of the castle.

All the best photos were taken by Jada.

At our B&B, Murph discovered the World Series
between NY Yankees & LA Dodgers
was on local TV .  .  .at 9am!

Later that week, when no World Series games
were being played, we watched Tokyo vs Yokohama.

This pitcher is throwing a wicked Underhand!

Enroute to the castle, we wandered about this bookstore
discovering they had a huge selection of books and
magazines about baseball, including the Japanese
sensation in the US, Shohei Ohtani.

View from the train in Osaka.

Our walk from the train
to the castle took us through
several buildings and this view
of the castle.

Food vendors had these treats available.

Hawks and other predatory birds
were being shown by their trainers.

Humans weren't the only tourists .  .  .

.  .  .  check this fella!

For a short video of Castle & Moat,
Click Here.

Street performers kept the crowds amused.

Unlike Nagoya Castle, Osaka had
large ebony panels with gold tigers
on the next to last upper story.

Manhole cover, for more, Click Here.

The stairwell could be intimidating.

The interior of Osaka Castle is a grand museum,
different exhibits and themes on every floor.

Downtown Osaka viewed from the upper castle.

Looking Down on the Tiger Fish
for our lofty perch at the top.

On our way home, these
street performers were playing Irish tunes!
Click Here to Hear their tune.

This stairwell measured your calories burned!