Osaka & Kyoto
Hello Osaka. We flew down and jumped headfirst into its buzzing energy! We stayed right on this street, within walking distance to everything. Osaka after dark? Electric. The city hums with energy—neon signs glow like candy-colored constellations, and the streets feel alive in a way that’s hard to describe. From tiny back-alley izakayas to late-night counters and packed alleys, there’s always something happening.
Highlights included shopping, the karaoke night of dreams (seriously, we left it all in that room), indulging in okonomiyaki like true locals, and day-tripping to Kyoto where the world felt quieter, slower—sacred, even!
Tucked away like a secret worth sharing, we found Kagi U—a cozy little udon haven that served up the best udon we had in all of Japan. Silky, chewy noodles in a perfectly balanced broth, with simple toppings that let the flavors shine. It was comforting, soul-warming, and somehow exactly what we didn’t know we were craving. This place is small, unassuming, and unforgettable.
One thing that struck us again and again: Japan is immaculate. No trash on the ground—not even a rogue gum wrapper. And the wild part? We didn’t see any public trash cans. Everyone just carries their waste with them until they can sort and recycle it properly. It’s not just about tidiness—it’s a collective respect, for shared space and for each other.
On our way back from the udon restaurant, we wandered through a quiet neighborhood and I couldn’t help but notice how precisely everyone had sorted their recycling outside their homes. Everything was organized, intentional. There’s something so beautiful about that kind of quiet care.
We tried to go to the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery, but we didn’t have a reservation and they didn’t let us in. Still, the detour led us to unexpected magic: a delightfully quirky cocktail bar, @bar_cafe_sangatuusagi —a warm, whimsical spot where the night unfolds around a piano, with singing, dancing, and a round (or three) of drinks. ✨🍶🎤
We spent a day in Nara, and it honestly felt like stepping into a fairy tale. The highlight? Wandering through the park where deer roam freely—and yes, they really do bow in exchange for special crackers (it’s as adorable as it sounds). Feeding them was equal parts hilarious and heart-melting. Something about it all—the ancient trees, the gentle nodding deer—made the whole place feel quietly enchanted.
Then we stumbled upon a fancy little hidden gem—Bar Savant. Tucked away so discreetly we weren’t entirely sure if we were walking into someone’s home, it turned out to be one of the most memorable surprises of the trip. Dimly lit, quietly elegant, and impossibly cool, this place felt like a secret you’re lucky to know about.
The bartender had clearly mastered the art of the Old Fashioned, crafting each one with care and intention. It was here we first tasted Ichiro’s whiskey and discovered Japanese Bitters—complex, smooth, and unforgettable. A perfect way to end the night, warm and slightly spellbound.
Also worth noting—because it truly stopped us in our tracks—you’ll totally run into vending machines with liquor and beer just... hanging out in the open. No big deal. Drinks all neatly lined up, chilled and ready to go, like a tiny curbside bar that trusts you to be cool about it.
It’s equal parts surprising and delightful, and somehow still manages to feel classy—like society collectively agreed to play by the rules. Only in Japan can an alcohol vending machine feel both efficient and endearing. We couldn’t help but grab a beer when we passed one.
We also visited Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, famous for its thousands of vibrant vermilion torii gates that wind up the mountainside. It’s a serene spot that perfectly blends beauty and spirituality.
We might have gone a little crazy with the food in Osaka. We ate at this one place where each dish you order shoots out on a conveyor belt directly to your seat. The whole experience was so fun, watching the plates zoom toward you made the meal feel like part of a game. Every bite was a level we needed to pass, and with each delicious dish, we leveled up our foodie adventure!
That’s it for Osaka and Kyoto. Next, we were off to Tokyo via train!