Kyoo chikatetsu de Dotombori ni itte, takoyaki o tabemashita

Today I ventured to the Dotombori district of downtown Osaka, about a 30 minute subway trip south of the hotel (or 40 minutes from Osaka U). The area is named for the Dotombori Canal, one of several waterways that run through Osaka into Osaka Bay to the west. It is a major shopping and entertainment area, with a very long, covered pedestrian shopping street called Shinsaibashi-Suji. I have several photos of the experience online for you to peruse.

I finally managed to get a map of Osaka, and was able to negotiate the subway system and find my way around on foot. The shopping area was not dissimilar to Newbury Street in Boston, or probably Times Square, considering the flashing lights and pachinko casinos. The strip is known for its great restaurants, but I opted for the cheaper street food of takoyaki, or battered and grilled octopus. I had some more takeout sushi for dinner.

I imagine my posts will become less interesting (imagine that) in the near future, as I move into my apartment tomorrow and start working full-time at Osaka U. But I'll keep you posted.