We planned our trip to Osaka so that Dexter could compete in the World Yoyo Contest. If you are not seeded, you have an opportunity to try to show your stuff in 30 seconds called the "Wildcard," where they pick the top contenders to advance onto the preliminaries. Dexter did not make it into the prelims, but he went to every day of the contest as a spectator and shopper! Lots of yoyo's to purchase!
Outside of the YoYo Contest, we found some fun things to do around Osaka. It's a big city with a lot of things going on! Aquariums, Ferris Wheels, Dotonbori Street, and Cat Cafes!
Dexter meeting Evan Nagao on the street. I think he was a little star struck.A delicious local ramen noodle place in Osaka near our hotel.Registering for the Wildcard event at the World YoYo Competition.The Osaka Tower. We did not go in this one, but had to take a photo with it!Cheers to Osaka!We seem to be able to find Scot's favorite food no matter where we go! Ole!There are a bunch of cat and dog cafe's around the city. The apartments are usually so small that tenants can not have their own pet. They get their fix at various pet cafes.The cats all seemed very content and well fed at the cafes.Everyone getting their pet fix on!I wanted to finally get some sushi, so Max and Zoe joined me while Dexter and Scot went to the Yo-Yo competition.The Osaka Aquarium was amazing! They have huge tank in the middle of the building that includes a whale shark!Whale shark and manta rays.HUGE crabs! Look at those legs!The aquarium cafe had a bunch of cool treats with cute designs. Kids got dolphin milk shakes and . . .Scot and I got a whale shark on our coffees.Cute seals from underneath.Giant Ferris Wheel next door to the Osaka Aquarium. At night it is lit up but we went on during the day for some spectacular views of the city.Riding the Giant Ferris Wheel!Dotonbori Street is lined with all sorts of shops, restaurants and entertainment. This area is open all night long!In front of the famous Glico Man.The Dotonbori Ferris Wheel aka Ebisu Tower. The line was too long to get on, but we watched this for a little while. It's mesmerizing.
