We left the weekend & Osaka behind and traveled the short distance to Kyoto.

We are so fortunate to be here before cherry blossoms are in full bloom. No crowds – can really enjoy small alleys, cafes, temples & restaurants.

This is our first large castle – stunning.

Much later in day we stopped for a beer- which was served with a snack. Four macadamias in shell. Drop them individually on the plate & they crack open – crazy!

Finally, a shop in the mall food hall which is famous for its basque cheese cakes. Greg waited patiently for 30 minutes – so we could all enjoy!

This is a tourist thing! and lots of people!

Our first dinner where we cooked our beef at the table. Great experience- and surrounded by locals! Fun.

Then lunch at counter!

Then Pokémon store in a huge mall.

We travelled via train from laid back Kyushu (during the week,) to vibrant Osaka on Saturday morning. As we approached Osaka the train was more crowded- to standing room only& when we got off the train – wow! Crowds! We stayed at a really nice Nikko hotel with a great location- right across the street from Gucci! 😄

Osaka is vibrant, safe, fun and I took lots of photos.

Jack wanted to enjoy a bento box lunch on a bullet train & Beppu to Osaka was a good time! Additionally had to add the photo of sweets offered at a cafe!

We wanted to experience a ryokan with Jack & our options were getting limited. Beppu – near Oita is famous for its onsen – so we selected what we thought was a ryokan. Onsen – yes. Ryokan- no. It was missing the traditional food part. We had an amazing private onsen with a view of city, we had a traditional room with tatami mats & bedding, & kimonos. We were starving & ate at the closest restaurant- really good Pizza & z beer!🤣

Beppu is interesting as onsen – steam clouds dot the landscape as does the odor of sulfur!

A short train ride away from Oita is the mountain town of Yufuin. A fav with Japanese tourists. Cute historic streets, shops, spring runoff fed streams, spring g flowers, nice little lake & temple. A fun day trip on the local train which takes us past beautiful countryside. Rice paddies, small farms.