Day 8 – Chasing Waterfalls

24,364 steps taken – 15.41km travelled

Still being a little unwell, we had a slow start this morning, only leaving the hotel just before 11. Drew and I went solo for most of today, with our first stop being a temple nearby the hotel. Imamiya Ebisu Shrine was a very quiet and intimate experience, as we were the only people visiting at the time. The shrine stamp I received here will be fondly remembered as this is where Drew and I got to witness a puppy playdate! The temple attendants had a black dog in with them that we noticed while we were watching the calligraphy, and as we went to leave we noticed a man walking in with the smallest chihuahua I have ever seen. He picked him up and put him up where the black dog, where they greeted each other with excitement.

Next temple! On we went towards Shitennoji Temple. This temple was originally built in the year 593, but like many temples in Japan, the wooden buildings have burnt down during history, but was meticulously rebuilt to reflect the original design. These beautiful red and green and gold buildings housed massive statues of Buddha, with magnificent large paintings covering the walls. There was no photography permitted in these buildings, which was both good and bad. I’d love to have documented the sights I was seeing, but it allows you to just stare at these wonders and take it all in.

I’ve been keen on recharging my battery by getting back out into the greenery, so we decided that we were going to go find us a waterfall today! To do that we headed to the station, and 3 trains later we were at the base of a hill leading to Minoh Park Falls. This place was beautiful. It was the right mix of modern, traditional and nature. It was about a 45 minute walk along a well worn path towards the waterfall and I have to admit, it was worth every step. To only be 25kms or something out of Osaka and having a place like this was magical. We sat for maybe 30 minutes just watching and listening to the water falling.

Walking back to the station was easier because it was all slightly downhill. On the way we found another temple to get a stamp from, only 11 more to go. We hit the station, stopped at a little bakery for some snacks and then trained it back into Osaka. Drew wanted to stop at the Pokemon Centre in Osaka so we made our way there. It was chaotic madness but somehow organised. We found this adorable Pikachu set that we had to get, picked up a few more little bits and pieces and then joined the throng of people paying.

With our merchandise in hand it was time for Izakaya Toyo. If you have Netflix and want to see what this place was like, there is a series called Street Food and the episode on Osaka heavily features this place. We lined up for about an hour before being able to get a place to eat. The food was great, we had a crab and scallop salad in some delicious dressing, a bunch of sushi with salmon roe and then this giant plate of tuna sashimi. One of the chefs were braising meat using the flamethrower which sounded so intense. Temporarily satisfied it was time to visit the Disney store for Amy.

Dontonburi was even more packed than last night. I mean it is a Friday and it was about 8:30 but that is beside the point. Amy and Anthony went straight to Disney while I went into Uni Qlo and found a few bits and pieces. We met up at Disney, had a browse and then it was time to head back to the hotel. A quick Lawsons stop on the way for some cold drinks and fried chicken meant we were back safe and sound.

Drew is just finishing up a little bit of washing while I get this all organised so we can start getting ready for tomorrow. We are heading to Kobe for some amazing views and what has been hyped as one of the most delicious steaks this side of the hemisphere.