Mocha Cat Cafe - Just one small part of a Tiring Day!

I suppose yesterday was our last full day of activities in Osaka before we leave for home. We had wanted to take it easy after our busy schedule, but of course, when you are on holiday, nothing quite works out the way you plan. The truth is, we didn't really organise an itinerary for this holiday at all; we just went where we liked each day, and it seemed to work out fine. Yesterday was more of the same, and we mostly did what we fancied, not what a guidebook dictated.

The weather looked promising in the morning, so after another 'average' hotel breakfast, we jumped on the Osaka Metro and headed to the central library area and Kitahama Station. There was a shrine I wanted to see, and as a bonus, we stumbled across the beautiful Rose Garden in Nakanoshima Park. This wasn't an area we had planned to see, but as we took some photographs in front of the distinctly European-style library, we spied some flowers on display along the riverbank.

This is an urban area. Above the river, there are major roads and lots and lots of concrete. Along a pathway overlooking this city sprawl, there were displays of stunning roses — all different types — with an explanation for each one below. Walking along the path, the arrangements got more and more elaborate. I couldn't help thinking to myself how a spectacle like this wouldn't last five minutes where we live. The Japanese are far more respectful as people than the British or Australians, and this public space was perfectly manicured and cared for. Back home in Australia, it would be vandalised and destroyed by a Western culture that just doesn't care in a short space of time.

As we reached the end of the riverbank, we emerged into Nakanoshima park, which was packed with local people enjoying a warm spring day. Bands were playing, people chatted with each other, and small dogs dressed up, taken out for the day in pushchairs by their owners. Today, almost immediately felt relaxed, compared to the rest of the week. There was a different vibe. People in this large city had time for one another. You could see the smiles on their faces as they greeted friends and loved ones in the park.

In many respects, this is what Sunday's used to be about in the UK when I was a child. They may have been slightly different in style, but essentially, spending time with people was a priority, not a luxury, as it is today.

We eventually found Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, gently hidden away off the main thoroughfare, hidden behind some shops. There are plenty of small religious centres dotted around this city, beautifully preserved by an army of dedicated custodians every day. As we walked through the traditional gates, there was a hive of activity. There were small groups of what appeared to be Scouts, or the Japanese equivalent of. Leaders were demonstrating how to erect tents and build fires. It was all well-organised in a typically Japanese, efficient style. The shrine consisted of several buildings. I assume each one has a purpose. There appeared to be grave markers, a ceremony (possibly a wedding) going on, and people paying their respects in prayer. These are only my initial observations, and other traditions and activities may well have been going on, unbeknownst to me.

The Rose Garden at Nakanoshima Park

Osaka Tenmangu Shrine

Mocha Cat Cafe

From the shrine, we headed back into the Dotonbori district and paid a visit to the Mocha Cat Café. It is tradition for Darrell and me to visit a cat café wherever we travel. We have had some good experiences and some not so good. In fact, one was so bad that we ended up walking out. But the Mocha Cat Café was clean and tidy, and there was no pungent smell of urine, as there was in other places we had visited. In typical Japanese style, it was perfectly organised, and people were very respectful of each other's space. I have discovered just how private the Japanese are on this trip. They protect their privacy at all costs, and although they are delightful and accommodating, there is something a little aloof about them. One could almost call it cold, but it isn't quite that — possibly more reserved and shy?

Our experience at Mocha was wonderful. The cats were well-adjusted and cared for in a modern, inviting setting. There were fewer toys than I would have expected. However, the cats were good-natured and friendly, and we didn't go home with any bites or scratches. Some cats were more dominant than others, and it was great to see their individual personalities shine through. These were genuinely good-natured cats, who were lovingly looked after by the staff at the café in the heart of the city — definitely worth a visit if you are here.

Umeda Sky Building

We stopped for a short while for tea and cake at the Poundhouse tearoom in Dotonbori. This has become my favourite place to take a break as we navigate this city, and the cakes are to die for. The staff here are also great. The young girl, using her translation app on her phone, remembered me from the day before and asked how I was doing. I will miss this small part of our holiday the most. Sitting in this small café, overlooking the vibrant neighbourhood outside, people watching, content with my life — this will always be a fond reminder of a special trip that will remain in my heart forever!

We took a rather impromptu trip up to the top of the Umeda Building before lunch. This striking skyscraper, unlike any I have ever seen, has one of the world's steepest escalators, which crisscross the exposed internal structure of the building. Descending upwards, you can see the outside world from every angle. It is quite possibly the strangest high-rise I have ever seen, and although we didn't quite make it to the very top, we went far enough to experience the best this building has to offer.

Hub, British Pub

With the end of the day in sight, we discovered 'The Hub, British Pub', part of Links complex in Umeda. It did have the look of a British pub — selling pints of beer and bar food — but it also had a unique Japanese twist, which made it all the more special. For a brief moment, I was transported back to the UK, having a drink in my local, The Newcome Arms. This little pub in Osaka had the atmosphere that I so miss living in Australia. It is strange that no matter how hard the Aussies try, they just can't get that English pub theme right. In Japan, however, they have managed it pretty well — better than Australia, it seems!

Don Quijote Ferris Wheel

... And finally to the retro Don Quijote Ferris Wheel in Dotonbori — The epitome of Japanese cyberpunk and kitsch styling. We took a 15-minute ride on this strange ferris wheel on the river, overlooking Dotonbori and the busy streets below. It wasn't particularly exhilarating, but this is an attraction that has been around for years and something every visitor has to do. I'm actually enjoying these high-flying experiences now, after years of avoiding them. 

In many ways, this was a fitting end to the day, in an area we have grown to love and a city that we hope to return to again in the future. As we prepare for our final day today, I am satisfied with everything we have accomplished on our journey — Japan is a country like no other, and a dream come true for both of us!