Day 7 – Miyajima Island & Osaka

We woke up and did onsen at the ryokan, its amazing how natural this tradition becomes and very cute to see a mother fussing over the process with her daughters.

After strolling back down to the waterfront, we did some shopping at all the souvenir stores, had a frozen breakfast and then continued taking in shrines and historical buildings.

I stopped at a shrine to make a donation and light a candle.

The local deer roam the streets and pester people for food and pats.

We bought love fortunes from this box, the fortunes are wrapped like little girls in kimonos.

Then we walked to the Miyajima Ropeway and caught a cable car up to the top of Mt Misen for a spectacular view of the Island and surrounding areas.

Then we caught the ferry, Skinkansen and finally a train to Osaka and checked in to the impressive Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan (USJ). The concierge upgraded us to the 23rd floor and gave us a room with a great view of Universal Studios and the rainbow lights of Tempozan Ferris Wheel.

Then we ventured out for dinner and found levels of food options between the entrance to USJ and the Hotel. I decided on life-changing dumplings from 551 Horai – fast food, affordable and deliciously yummy!

Above: Soba noodles, seaweed garnish, miso soup, noodle dipping sauce and quail egg (for good health and sex). Bottom right to left: delicious take-away pork dumplings, hot stickers and instant ramen noodle pack. Bottom Left: massive frozen snow cone with preserved lemon flavour.

Tomorrow USJ!