The hotel provided free breakfast and it was rather good. We could help ourselves to hot and cold beverages from the vending machines
After checking out, we walked over to Gion - Shijo station to catch the train ride to Nara. It took us longer than expected but we finally reached! To our pleasant surprise, we found the Super Hotel Lohas was connected to the Nara Station! So convenient!
After leaving down our luggage, we made our way to Kofukuji Temple and also the famous Todaiji Temple (both World Heritage Sites). Along the way, there was many deer.......AT Todaiji, there were many school groups...simply very crowded!
Ramen lunch at the shopping street and the special Daibutsu Ramen proved too huge for me to finished and I gave most of the noddle to Stephen!The public bath at Lohas was actually quite good....there was one 'outdoor' bath which was an experience!
Wanted to explore the old town near Gangoji Temple but did not find much. decided to stroll along the shopping mall and initially wanted to have dinner at Mac but ended up at a restaurant serving curry rice (again)!
It is very quiet after dark in Nara and most shops were closed when we came out for a night stroll.
29 Sep
Decided not to go Kobe and so we took our time. Breakfast was provided and it was similar to the one at Shijo. I like the idea of getting free drinks from the vending machines (only during breakfast)!
After consulting the station master, we made our way (by train) to Koshien Guchi station only to find out that we were at the wrong station. I was supposed to exit from the west exit but there was only north and south exits! Managed to find out that the correct Koshien station was 15 mins bus ride and we finally arrived!
After staying a few nights at Super Hotel, Novotel Koshien was a refreshing change! It looked like a 5-star hotel! Though we were there about noon, the hotel allowed us to have early check in! Udon lunch at the shopping mall next to the Hotel....so convenient!
A 20mins train ride and we were into Osaka again - Umeda Station. Went for a look see around the place and also to Hankyu departmental Store to buy a gift for Mrs Omori.
Met up with Jiro at Takashimaya Namba and he brought us to a local shop for dinner. The owner cooked a few dishes and they were placed in front of us. We chose what we like and portions of them were served to us. Jiro put some money into a cup and every time we ordered food or drink, the owner would took some money out of the cup. According to Jiro, the food was really cheap....I begged to differ......
Jiro also showed us around Namba and pointed out some famous stalls/shops selling Takoyaki, sushi, ramen, cakes, etc.... It was really fun having someone to show us the good food!
On the way back to Koshien, we bought some 'supper' for the night!
----------------- Sawbear Travel -------------------
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