We have stayed in Osaka longer than planned. Originally we had booked to stay here 4 days but that turned into 9 due to complications with our trikes and unexpectedly needing to order a unique tool. This turned out to be a good thing as we have fallen in love with Osaka and would have missed so much if we hadn’t been delayed. We’ll return to the same hotel in July, so we were able to leave a bag of things in their storage room.
Lunch at our hotel before heading out
We wondered about this restaurant as it is Italian themed but we learned that it is Italian food with Japanese flair. This is our second time….salad buffet, coffee and entree. Mary Ellen had “soft” beef on noodles etc. superb. Breakfast is also highly recommended.
The ride from our hotel to the ferry terminal is about 39Km. It took longer than predicted because we discovered new areas of Osaka that we checked out. It is slower riding on the sidewalk than being on the road, but it is safer and more entertaining.
This area had small shops with extraordinary luxury cars. Thank goodness these were not bike shops, we would still be there!
Tsutenkaku Tower is a landmark site in this neighbourhood. You can go up for a great view…maybe next time. The area was developed following the 1903 Industrial Expo. Paris was chosen as the model for the area’s northern half while the southern was built to imitate Coney Island in New York. This tower was built in 1912 based on the Eiffel Tower and is 103 metres high.
The Shinsekai area of Osaka has a seedy element, despite these quaint shopping areas that have been developed-like the photo below. We saw homelessness, prostitution, poverty….a rough area. However, we did not feel threatened.
Our ride went so well through the city…as usual our ride was completely on the sidewalk sharing the space with pedestrians. And as we were approaching the port, this happened. We couldn’t fit on the strip up the middle and besides that, it was super steep. An older man was very concerned as he saw that we were going to take the road. He was most upset for our safety, but we had no choice.
We got into a good gear, powered up the motor and rode as fast as we could over the steep bridge. All was good until we were confronted by the same problem closer to the port. Once again, the cycling route only worked for pedestrians and 2 wheeled bikes. This was more complicated as we had two bridges and the road was crowded with all of lanes packed with freight trucks heading to the port. We were both puffing after this part of the ride, but surprisingly the drivers were very tolerant of our presence on their road.
We knew that we needed to get to Terminal 2. Despite our google map, it was confusing as there was no signage…at least nothing we could decipher and we were running out of time. Luckily we found the entrance to where we needed to go. It was a gamble as there was no sign at all. The ground crew were very helpful and they directed us to the office. Sunflower accepts reservations but one cannot pay until you are at port. We made it in the end and they boarded us before cars etc. A relief.
Our trikes are safely stowed in the bike section. As the seas can be rough on this sailing, upright bikes must secured lying down and they provided us with wedges to secure our tires. Each vehicle is also secured with clamps on the on the tires.
We were deciding between getting food at the shop or try the buffet. As we were looking at the cost, the worker pointed at the price for the senior discount…..how do they know we are over 65? The lower price convinced us and it was quite a feast.
There are spas offering 24 hour showers etc and Onsens for men and women.
The Sunflower Kirishima has been in operation since 2018 and it is a beautiful ship. In fact it feels like a small cruise ship with amazing amenities. This overnight sailing with our superior cabin was significantly cheaper than the trip we made on BC ferries up the west coast to Port Hardy.
The top two plates were delicious, then there is the mystery meat on the plate at the bottom. Barry will try anything, at least once and he may suffer eater’s remorse later. These 3 items were tried but not finished
Our (wee) superior room has 1 twin bed and an upholstered chair that transforms into a twin. We were surprised at how spacious the bathroom with shower was.
Everywhere we stay, no matter how modest, we get kimonos and slippers to use during our stay. This Kimono was really comfy.
Today's ride: 35 km (22 miles) Total: 89 km (55 miles)
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Suzanne GibsonJust getting to the ferry was quite an adventure already! And I am loving that you try every kind of new food. Reply to this comment 11 months ago
