Off we go exploring Osaka, and the first thing we encounter is “Americamura” or the American neighborhood with youngster fashion. I finally found jeans that fit me… at the Levi’s store. But! They were made in Japan of Japanese fabric, plus I had my name embroidered in Japanese (Hiragana) on the pocket!

In the evening, we had a foodie tour lined up. Our guide took us through the neon-laden Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi areas, and we tried some Osaka specialties like kushikatsu (fried meat/fish/vegetables on a stick), takoyaki balls (goopy grilled dumplings with octopus), and Osakan okonomiyaki (Japanese “pizza” or “pancake” with cabbage, batter and whatever toppings you like – okonomi means “whatever you like” – all mixed together and grilled with mayo and sauce and bonito flakes on top). The okonomiyaki was different here than in Hiroshima, and our guide told us there is a rivalry between the two cities about which is the better kind. We made our own on a griddle while sitting on the floor and ate it straight off the metal spatula.

Our guide also showed us the typical Japanese snacks and sweets, and where to buy them.