Osaka: Universal Studios and more!

It's cool to find out that I got an aunt and some cousins in another city of Japan. So we visited them and it took us and 8 hour-drive from our place (Suwa City, Nagano) going there. But it's ok because it was such a smooth travel. Express Ways in Japan are just perfect for long drives.

First stop was at the Universal Studios. Gosh there were really a lot of people because it's the Golden Week holidays (and most of the Japanese people didn't have work/school). The whole day was spent there and it was really tiring. I experienced lining up for a certain ride at almost 2 hours! Yikes that's crazy, yet fun.:)

My favorite ride was Spiderman. It got the longest line at entrance. Well it's actually worth it. That 3D experience was awesome. I also enjoyed the Waterworld show. It's a live act that's full of effects, plus the actors were really good. They did the acting, the stunts, and they even involved the audience. Though this show can really get you soaked! haha! Some actors/crew were throwing water to audience at the first few bleachers. So funny!:))

 Universal Studios entrance

 the globe :)

 

 same Coach sling bag. now you see why bear key chains are essential. LOL

 

 Aunt, Uncle, Cousins, Grandma

 Hello Kitty! (it's my childhood love!)

 Audrey Hepburn's star ;)

 JAWS ride. It's cool. The fake sharks looked real and scary!

 JURASSIC PARK ride. You'll get dropped that high inside that building.

 haha never mind

 BACK TO THE FUTURE 3D ride

cousins wearing Elmo hats

Too many people

WATERWORLD!!!

the bad guys haha

one of the streets

SPIDEY!!!

me likey!:)

all pink stuff at the Hello Kitty Shop

 :)

 

Hard Rock Cafe and other restos and shops

USJ train going to the city

After dinner, we rested a bit at our Aunt's condo then went back to Nagano.

We weren't really able to explore much of Osaka so I felt lucky when I had the chance to go back. This time, alone! I traveled by bus for almost 8 hrs. Spent around  Y5000 (Php2500 )for a roundtrip ticket. It was a smooth travel. Though kinda scary 'coz it's my first time to travel alone in a different country. But at least, I knew how to speak some Nihongo.  I intended to bring around Y10000 (Php5000) but my Aunt was worried about me so she gave me an additional Y20000 (Php10000). Haha but I found the trip really exciting! Anyway,I went there for an important appointment (will share in another blog post). But I as happy that my Aunt accommodated me. Her husband picked me up at the bus station and I stayed at their condo overnight. The next day, my Aunt and cousin accompanied me in Osaka City Air terminal (OCAT) Bldg. Then after my appointment, we went around Umeda, Namba, and Shisai Bashi. I actually saw a lot of tourists there too.

besides the terminal, there were actually offices inside the building

 Going to Namba

 shopping place!:)

Shisai Bashi

 Glico logo at the background

 7 floors of H&M! Woah!!!

 buying train tickets

 somewhere in Umeda

 lavatory inside the bus

After exploring Osaka, my Aunt sent me to the bus station and even asked the driver to look after me. haha! I was like a kiddo. Anyway, it was a simple yet fun overnight trip.:)