We are nearing the end of the two weeks vacation in Japan. On the twelfth day, we visited the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan (海遊館). It is one of the largest public aquariums in the world and is located in the ward of Minato in Osaka, Japan, near Osaka Bay.
![Entrance to the Kaiyukun Nearing the aquarium](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2381/3537362803_35c9be5e92_o.jpg)
![Rachel and I, in front of the Kaiyukan Rachel and I, in front of the Kaiyukan](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2472/3538173902_cf4089832d_o.jpg)
![Theres a ferris wheel besides the Kaiyukan Theres a ferris wheel besides the Kaiyukan](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3318/3541233894_1966150431_o.jpg)
![Our tickets Our tickets](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2033/3538171690_78ef414d48_o.jpg)
![Rachel and I Rachel and I](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2346/3537366715_35f12c8f29_o.jpg)
![Japanese dude observing the fish Japanese dude observing the fish](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2187/3537366577_6de382f5ef_o.jpg)
![Penguin decors Penguin decors](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2003/3541241732_2a7fbfebfb_o.jpg)
Rachel and I enjoyed ourselves at the aquarium very much. We saw live whale sharks, sun fish, and other exotic marine creatures for the first time in our lives.
Mark was quite a nuisance at the aquarium, constantly pestering everyone to hurry up and leave the place as he was getting very hungy (all of us had buns for breakfast, provided by our hotel except Mark who claims buns are not for human consumption). It doesn’t help that he cannot appreciate the beauty of the marine lifeforms and regarded all of them as “live seafood”, tempting him to eat them all up.
![Indoor garden Indoor garden](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3609/3540424551_1106c652af_o.jpg)
![Theres even trees inside Theres even trees inside](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2422/3540432003_70211ebb90_o.jpg)
![Mark is only 1.68m tall, but he is a giant among the Japanese Mark is only 1.68m tall, but he is a giant among the Japanese](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2393/3540426251_d29bffe555_o.jpg)
![Feeding time for the otters Feeding time for the otters](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2044/3540436811_5c371897bf_o.jpg)
![The otters pestering their keeper for food The otters pestering their keeper for food](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3612/3541237408_3d0708f5ef_o.jpg)
![Some common freshwater fish in Japan Some common freshwater fish in Japan](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2286/3538176188_9320b3efa0_o.jpg)
![How these fish looks like on the surface How these fish looks like on the surface](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2100/3538175724_d55a389be0_o.jpg)
![Small freshwater fish from the surface Small freshwater fish from the surface](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2107/3537354685_6e4914ae85_o.jpg)
![Coral reef fish Coral reef fish](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2286/3538181308_92a791a075_o.jpg)
![Rich assortment of colours Rich assortment of colours](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2055/3537368343_954ed4859f_o.jpg)
![More coral reef fish More coral reef fish](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2207/3538178862_030b019a90_o.jpg)
![Check out the beautiful reflection on the water surface Check out the beautiful reflection on the water surface](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3552/3537365549_675f01de31_o.jpg)
![The fish feeds on cabbage! The fish feeds on cabbage!](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3620/3538169116_1da6a3fb78_o.jpg)
![Rich colours and layering Rich colours and layering](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2371/3540425335_67b3f8c5f5_o.jpg)
![Observing the coral fish from the water surface Observing the coral fish from the water surface](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2253/3537361317_38c4410832_o.jpg)
![A school of orange fish A school of orange fish](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3595/3538178768_f8b2b123b0_o.jpg)
![A school of sardine A school of sardine](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2028/3540430251_d306027cd6_o.jpg)
![Shiny, shimmering sardine Shiny, shimmering sardine](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3598/3538177056_bb3170bc0d_o.jpg)
![Rachel and I with the sardine Rachel and I with the sardine](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2080/3538175258_b6c2eac9eb_o.jpg)
![Sea octopus crawling around Sea octopus crawling around](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2235/3541239638_61813a5c2e_o.jpg)
![Another look at the octopus Another look at the octopus](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3368/3540435589_d1501dab42_o.jpg)
![Freshwater Amazon fish Freshwater Amazon fish](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3663/3538179902_228a42251d_o.jpg)
![Giant Amazon fish Giant Amazon fish](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3636/3538179788_8c1dc91062_o.jpg)
![More giant Amazon fish More giant Amazon fish](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2460/3537364365_728b774c53_o.jpg)
![Close-up shot of one of the giant Amazon fish Close-up shot of one of the giant Amazon fish](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3360/3537357041_38437e913f_o.jpg)
![White arowana fish White arowana fish](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2278/3540423901_8e8a894ccb_o.jpg)
![A lady observing the fish A lady observing the fish](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3617/3541242006_3cdba563ff_o.jpg)
![Fat Amazon fish Fat Amazon fish](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2355/3538174656_c540e4b370_o.jpg)
![Top view of the same fish Top view of the same fish](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2355/3538173436_26c7e2fdb4_o.jpg)
![Scary-looking reptile-like fish Scary-looking reptile-like fish](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2113/3537366647_b9f2681624_o.jpg)
![The full body of this strange sea creature The full body of this strange sea creature](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3544/3540432317_a757eb51d9_o.jpg)
![Black duck Black duck](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3356/3538180546_32bf9876cd_o.jpg)
![Brown duck Brown duck](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3360/3538173506_404de10f8a_o.jpg)
![The duck looks graceful on the surface, but have to paddle fiercely underwater The duck looks graceful on the surface, but have to paddle fiercely underwater](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2286/3537359819_33fedebb24_o.jpg)
![Elegant white crane Elegant white crane](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2366/3541236420_5498e2d86c_o.jpg)
![Giant tortoises Giant tortoises](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3636/3541235760_2e9a50fe2e_o.jpg)
![Sunbasking seal Sunbasking seal](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2409/3538181814_1552c12d43_o.jpg)
![Sea otter washing its face Sea otter washing its face](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2234/3538178152_1db1f251ec_o.jpg)
![Scratching its belly Scratching its belly](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2129/3537356749_0f1592020c_o.jpg)
![Rachel and Meiyen with the otters in the background Rachel and Meiyen with the otters in the background](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2482/3537353417_6e736b7dbe_o.jpg)
![Cleaning itself Cleaning itself](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2410/3538181424_f2a97582ac_o.jpg)
![Sea lion flipping around the water surface Sea lion flipping around the water surface](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2351/3538172794_0a563c6f09_o.jpg)
![Peeking out of the water Peeking out of the water](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2380/3537354413_a5583362de_o.jpg)
![Swimming sea lion Swimming sea lion](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3572/3537360653_539ea5b08e_o.jpg)
![The penguin enclosure The penguin enclosure](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2280/3537363343_95f9762865_o.jpg)
![More penguins More penguins](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2453/3537354767_e627135163_o.jpg)
![Two medium-sized fish Two medium-sized fish](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2229/3538182132_6e1a2a51d0_o.jpg)
![Fierce-looking fish Fierce-looking fish](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3538/3537368773_fabecd549c_o.jpg)
![Mark says these are all delicious, edible fish Mark says these are all delicious, edible fish](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2028/3537367971_3e399aaf02_o.jpg)
![Giant luohan fish Giant luohan fish](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2105/3537366033_bc0d4a30a7_o.jpg)
![More fish swimming around More fish swimming around](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2375/3537367323_3167b28962_o.jpg)
![Mark went crazy when he saw this delicious grouper Mark went crazy when he saw this delicious grouper](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2414/3537361865_681f4debe8_o.jpg)
![These fish were all swimming seafood to Mark These fish were all swimming seafood to Mark](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2181/3538171764_2b2c7fb769_o.jpg)
![A really fat fish A really fat fish](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3614/3537355015_0e043babac_o.jpg)
![Sea turtle Sea turtle](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3592/3538170908_743d205c9e_o.jpg)
![Stingray gliding around with other fish Stingray gliding around with other fish](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3549/3537355835_a8fe80dfb8_o.jpg)
![Hammer head stingrays Hammer head stingrays](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2136/3538179332_f185232eef_o.jpg)
![Gliding at the bottom Gliding at the bottom](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2004/3537365481_d02bc0d219_o.jpg)
![Stingray swimming around with the other fish Stingray swimming around with the other fish](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2083/3538169698_629bd794b9_o.jpg)
![Underbelly of the hammer head stingray Underbelly of the hammer head stingray](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3573/3537356155_da61b03347_o.jpg)
![Freaky face of the stingray Freaky face of the stingray](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3537/3537356495_283cdf62f5_o.jpg)
![Wider view of the underbelly of the stingray Wider view of the underbelly of the stingray](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2122/3537353555_4d60ef181a_o.jpg)
![Diver with food to feed the fish Diver with food to feed the fish](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2389/3537357317_5f913c328f_o.jpg)
![Feeding all the fish Feeding all the fish](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2334/3538170952_a6e05d342e_o.jpg)
![Feeding time for the stingrays Feeding time for the stingrays](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2223/3537368227_40d9528599_o.jpg)
![Some of the stingrays prefer to eat on the seabed Some of the stingrays prefer to eat on the seabed](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2032/3538180826_ebcb224893_o.jpg)
![Finishing up the last bits of food Finishing up the last bits of food](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2064/3541241438_049fae4df1_o.jpg)
![Majestic giant stingray Majestic giant stingray](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3348/3541239484_9251258dc9_o.jpg)
![A very peculiar looking giant fish called Sun Fish A very peculiar looking giant fish called Sun Fish](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3647/3538173624_af67083b1d_o.jpg)
![Look at the silly lips Look at the silly lips](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2097/3538173716_b1744d91d9_o.jpg)
![From another angle From another angle](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2159/3538169754_33cd602773_o.jpg)
![Rachel and I with the strange looking tail-less sun fish Rachel and I with the strange looking tail-less sun fish](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2203/3537367221_f549281b6f_o.jpg)
![The sun fish has a very silly-looking face The sun fish has a very silly-looking face](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2403/3538176546_cf908d57b6_o.jpg)
![Rachel alone with a sun fish Rachel alone with a sun fish](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3279/3538176116_f1b1b1e5a0_o.jpg)
![Behold the whale shark! Behold the whale shark!](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3174/3537367719_3878e12dbb_o.jpg)
![School kids gawking at the whale shark School kids gawking at the whale shark](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2335/3538175930_72120d0663_o.jpg)
![The full length of the magnificent whale shark The full length of the magnificent whale shark](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2037/3538177734_448752a353_o.jpg)
![The underbelly of the whale shark looks like a Chinese korou pao The underbelly of the whale shark looks like a Chinese korou pao](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2318/3538173960_f7a3cb902f_o.jpg)
![There are two whale sharks in the giant tank There are two whale sharks in the giant tank](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3312/3538174000_f0d09d3444_o.jpg)
![This fish likes to swim beneath the whale shark This fish likes to swim beneath the whale shark](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2183/3538168674_f456c31f03_o.jpg)
![Lots of other giant fish in the whale shark tank Lots of other giant fish in the whale shark tank](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2312/3538173172_97a5ee5880_o.jpg)
![Frontal view of the whale shark Frontal view of the whale shark](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2071/3538169814_b862f9671c_o.jpg)
![A dolphin A dolphin](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2136/3541238896_b87252375a_o.jpg)
![Rachel is happy at the aquarium Rachel is happy at the aquarium](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2296/3537360037_853a89d53e_o.jpg)
![A giant catfish A giant catfish](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/3538180482_0dec88120b_o.jpg)
![The delicious Hokkaido King Crab, live The delicious Hokkaido King Crab, live](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2202/3537364475_31ab218c69_o.jpg)
![Close-up of the crab Close-up of the crab](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3395/3538176832_a89264aa8d_o.jpg)
![Electric blue fish Electric blue fish](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3656/3537363819_767013dbee_o.jpg)
![Clown fish Clown fish](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3373/3537353773_9b67a1c5a0_o.jpg)
![Sea cucumber Sea cucumber](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2285/3537357155_e7cff107be_o.jpg)
![Beautiful sea creature Beautiful sea creature](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2372/3538171394_00beb5568c_o.jpg)
![Tiny button mushroom-shaped jellyfish Tiny button mushroom-shaped jellyfish](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3598/3537369085_6a64537685_o.jpg)
![Long flowing jellyfish Long flowing jellyfish](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2232/3538179824_dc491dd47d_o.jpg)
![Jellyfish that looks like scallops Jellyfish that looks like scallops](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3595/3537361559_c71cdcc4fb_o.jpg)
![This jellyfish looks like firework sparks This jellyfish looks like firework sparks](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2463/3538177568_a6e3fffd96_o.jpg)
![Really small flower pedal-shaped jellyfish Really small flower pedal-shaped jellyfish](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2307/3538179396_a14ff512a6_o.jpg)
![Close-up of a jellyfish with strange pink tentacles Close-up of a jellyfish with strange pink tentacles](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2205/3537364663_dec9406c0f_o.jpg)
![Top view of the same jellyfish Top view of the same jellyfish](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2230/3538174080_581673bc2c_o.jpg)
![Glowing yellow jellyfish Glowing yellow jellyfish](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3297/3538179258_46a1dedda3_o.jpg)
![Floating about Floating about](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2276/3537356237_259535bd69_o.jpg)
![A very beautiful jellyfish A very beautiful jellyfish](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3650/3538173800_5a7a8d4880_o.jpg)
![View of the same jellyfish from atop View of the same jellyfish from atop](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3343/3537356807_d680ab17b9_o.jpg)
![Elegant white dancing jellyfish Elegant white dancing jellyfish](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2149/3537366529_90faf8e21b_o.jpg)
![Stringy jellyfish Stringy jellyfish](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2140/3537361119_ee43470c4f_o.jpg)
![Another white jellyfish, propelling itself forward Another white jellyfish, propelling itself forward](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2021/3537365435_76c93d2d7d_o.jpg)
![Electric bolt-like jellyfish Electric bolt-like jellyfish](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3356/3538174354_14bbe7b309_o.jpg)
![Translucent ghostly looking jellyfish Translucent ghostly looking jellyfish](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2193/3538181736_a057472234_o.jpg)
![Lightbulbs jellyfish Lightbulbs ljellyfish](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2021/3537358501_6791a99ddf_o.jpg)
![Glowing orange jellyfish Glowing orange jellyfish](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2084/3537354027_d7ca98d30e_o.jpg)
![Assorted mini jellyfish Assorted mini jellyfish](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3311/3538166804_7ac517f583_o.jpg)
![Cotton-like jellyfish Cotton-like jellyfish](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2448/3537353349_ceb61ba1ec_o.jpg)
![This is not a pistachio nut - its a strange-looking sea creature This is not a pistachio nut - its a strange-looking sea creature](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3603/3537362963_99d95ca983_o.jpg)
![Rachel collecting the Kaiyukan chop in her notebook Rachel collecting the Kaiyukan chop in her notebook](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2173/3537356909_63fc5cf64c_o.jpg)
![We went shopping at the Kaiyukan gift shop - Rachel bought a spoon and a handphone strap We went shopping at the Kaiyukan gift shop - Rachel bought a spoon and a handphone strap](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2071/3541238628_a46a7584f3_o.jpg)
![Rachel likes otters very much Rachel likes otters very much](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/3541245872_75a3176610_o.jpg)
![Sea otter handphone strap Sea otter handphone strap](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2112/3538172516_3fb3fccb7f_o.jpg)
![Street performer outside the Kaiyukan Street performer outside the Kaiyukan](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2174/3537367639_fb0fa9be39_o.jpg)
We had a quick lunch at a Japanese fast food outlet called First Kitchen, located in a shopping mall food court near the aquarium. It was surprisingly good! There were a large variety of sauces for the french fries and the burgers were a nice fusion of Japanese and western flavours.
![We bought our lunch from this fast food stall We bought our lunch from this fast food store](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3316/3541236260_d327a468bd_o.jpg)
![Our lunch from First Kitchen Our lunch from First Kitchen](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3544/3537365879_3157967364_o.jpg)
![My delicious bacon egg burger My delicious burger](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2070/3537365371_ea99143f68_o.jpg)
![Rachels burger Rachels burger](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2325/3537368607_ceedc4d15d_o.jpg)
Thereafter, we headed to Hei Men Fish Market as Mark had a severe craving for fresh seafood after the aquarium visit. The fish market seems to specialise in selling fugu (puffer fish), with a fugu specialty store located practically every alternate store. We spotted a fish store specialising in whale meat. This upset Rachel and I who do not support whale fishing.
![Fish market entrance Fish market entrance](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2029/3538182004_aa33e10fe6_o.jpg)
![Lots of people at the fish market Lots of people at the fish market](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3397/3538178668_ef954b99b8_o.jpg)
![Rachel at the fish market Rachel at the fish market](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2458/3541245696_813d7e6d36_o.jpg)
![Vegetable and fruits stall Vegetable and fruits stall](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2439/3540435315_edaff231c5_o.jpg)
![Obasan selling fried seafood Obasan selling fried seafood](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2094/3538172864_228a0011a6_o.jpg)
![We bought squid and sweet potato We bought squid and sweet potato](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2281/3538173336_28c5fc5f1c_o.jpg)
![A pharmacy where Rachel bought some ulcer medicine A pharmacy where Rachel bought some ulcer medicine](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2304/3538182064_6f92e46b72_o.jpg)
![Japanese beancurd Japanese beancurd](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3196/3537359449_395b825cb9_o.jpg)
![Atrocious whale meat specialty store! Atrocious whale meat specialty store!](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2004/3538176268_e2b30f309f_o.jpg)
![We bought a cup of concentrated liquid beancurd to share - it was very thick and filling and we were glad we didn't order a cup each We bought a cup of concentrated liquid beancurd to share - it was very thick and filling](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3545/3537359255_9eb8ec7b4f_o.jpg)
![This is what a wasabi plant looks like This is what a wasabi plant looks like](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3307/3538167066_26de730dfb_o.jpg)
![Freshly slaughtered fugu Freshly slaughtered fugu](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3308/3538172338_c1152a0e90_o.jpg)
![You need to be highly trained to prepare fugu meat, removing the poison You need to be highly trained to prepare fugu meat, removing the poison](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3356/3541242720_927eab1b16_o.jpg)
![Live as well as sliced up fugu Live as well as sliced up fugu](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2229/3538167128_55a6f63598_o.jpg)
![Fugu are priced differently according to grade and size Fugu are priced differently according to grade and size](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2482/3537366197_b461db5409_o.jpg)
![Fish tails for feeding cats Fish tails for feeding cats](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2434/3541234136_3ab9e6d7fd_o.jpg)
After leaving the fish market, we made a short stop at the “Akihabara of Osaka”, Nipponbashi (日本橋
Anyway, we did not stay long here as all of us were very irritated with Mark who is constantly hunting for Transformers toys everywhere he goes. If we were to linger there longer, we jolly well might get stuck there for the whole day waiting for him.
![An entire Taito arcade building An entire Taito arcade building](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2130/3540436543_04c9bd15e4_o.jpg)
![Super sick porn video shop - its called SLUM Super sick porn video shop - its called SLUM](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2254/3540429355_f083fe171e_o.jpg)
![Cute little green van Cute little green van](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3324/3537362631_e9c3047eb8_o.jpg)
We headed to the shopping belt of Dōtonbori (道頓堀) in the evening where we spent the rest of the day shopping. Rachel and I bought quite a bit of clothing from a large Uniqlo store.
Dōtonbori is a single street, running alongside the Dōtonbori canal between the Dōtonboribashi Bridge and the Nipponbashi Bridge in the Namba ward of Osaka. A former pleasure district, Dōtonbori is famous for its historic theaters (all now gone), its shops and restaurants, and its many neon and mechanized signs, including snack/candy manufacturer Glico‘s giant electronic display of a runner crossing the finish line.
We had okonomiyaki (お好み焼き)for dinner; some expensive yakitori(焼き鳥 やきとり) as well as some takoyaki (たこ焼き or 蛸焼)for supper. These are all famous local food in Osaka.
As per our previous nights, we did a quick supermarket sweep and bought some discounted food back to our hotel to eat. That concluded our twelfth day in Japan – a really jam-packed schedule. 🙂
![Dotonburi entrance Dotonburi entrance](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2289/3540427499_f94fa2b233_o.jpg)
![Rachel and I in Dotonburi Rachel and I in Dontonburi](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2140/3538176368_cbbea296b1_o.jpg)
![Street view Street view](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2423/3538167736_448192f53c_o.jpg)
![Agnes b. - one of Rachels favourite brand Agnes b. - one of Rachels favourite brand](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2092/3540424323_3a3a5b53cc_o.jpg)
![Lots of giant billboards everywhere Lots of giant billboards everywhere](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3575/3537365075_9310381b67_o.jpg)
![Part of the famous Dontoburi canal Part of the famous Dontoburi canal](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2443/3537369445_fc668a331c_o.jpg)
![A shopping mall besides the canal A shopping mall besides the canal](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2455/3541240862_5fb9321472_o.jpg)
![Asahi neon signboard Asahi neon signboard](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2328/3541234856_802c3bec5d_o.jpg)
![Neon signboards everywhere Neon signboards everywhere](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2432/3537355165_499bbdf75a_o.jpg)
![The famous Glicos running man billboard The famous Glicos running man billboard](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2052/3537363625_da188cc586_o.jpg)
![Running man signboard Running man signboard](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2434/3540433711_4fcdc4eb51_o.jpg)
![Rachel and I copying the running mans pose Rachel and I copying the running mans pose](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3603/3541234630_fb90d4c5b0_o.jpg)
![Giant octopus signboard Giant octopus signboard](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2147/3540426009_0308302a7b_o.jpg)
![Kabuki theatre building Kabuki theatre building](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2113/3537361469_715764bef2_o.jpg)
![Kabuki posters Kabuki posters](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2221/3537368659_7b672340fc_o.jpg)
![A Sanrio specialty shop A Sanrio specialty shop](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2139/3540430015_1264e764a2_o.jpg)
![Busy street Busy street](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2338/3537369059_f91a420189_o.jpg)
![I suppose this restaurant specialises in fugu dishes I suppose this restaurant specialises in fugu dishes](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2483/3540430807_665fc07491_o.jpg)
![Rachels favourite place - cosmetic store Rachels favourite place - cosmetic store](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3568/3538176660_c7f5faf478_o.jpg)
![As usual, Mark headed straight to Mandarake to hunt for Transformers toy As usual, Mark headed straight to Mandarake to hunt for Transformers toy](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3321/3537366477_c13850f92e_o.jpg)
![Mandarake - Marks favourite shop in Japan Mandarake - Marks favourite shop in Japan](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2424/3541244980_1f2779b1ee_o.jpg)
![Rows and rows of comics in Mandarake Rows and rows of comics in Mandarake](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2323/3537357519_a8cd26a29b_o.jpg)
![I like this manga title I like this manga title](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3558/3537358013_31816df8cb_o.jpg)
![Rachel and I went to check out cult brands and vintage stores Rachel and I went to check out cult brands and vintage stores](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2391/3538168210_77642ec465_o.jpg)
![I like these, but they were too expensive at around S$400 for a pair of jeans I like these, but they were too expensive at around S$400 for a pair of jeans](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2384/3540433001_f0c8203904_o.jpg)
![Mascot of another Japanese snack brand post.php.html](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3043/3538175066_ee5d178ac3_o.jpg)
![We had dinner at this giant food court We had dinner at this giant food court](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2437/3541242930_e516f58d55_o.jpg)
![The entrance The entrance](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3324/3537359153_3bb73ab6c8_o.jpg)
![Me posing with the cute obasan who guided us in Me posing with the cute obasan who guided us in](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2228/3541237650_e130ecae0d_o.jpg)
![The obasan posing alone The obasan posing alone](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2301/3540434711_4cef494c2e_o.jpg)
![This fat moustache guy is all over the place This fat moustache guy is all over the place](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2045/3538171986_f74c848441_o.jpg)
![Hes all over the walls too Hes all over the walls too](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2277/3537358467_9bd448fc1e_o.jpg)
![Cashcards are used to make purchases in the food court Cashcards are used to make purchases in the food court](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2064/3537355753_722439e774_o.jpg)
![The cashcards issued to us The cashcards issued to us](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3546/3537353957_6cd6f953ab_o.jpg)
![Gold moustache man statue Gold moustache man statue](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2472/3541241576_7ce12ce1a6_o.jpg)
![Inside the foodcourt which is decorated like olden Japan Inside the foodcourt which is decorated like olden Japan](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3042/3538177952_37a67f3924_o.jpg)
![Rachel was delighted to spot an old Shiseido poster Rachel was delighted to spot an old Shiseido poster](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2391/3537368727_5124df5c1a_o.jpg)
![Retro tin robot Retro tin robot](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3319/3541246058_c396c29391_o.jpg)
![Caricature/potrait artists works Caricature/potrait artists works](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3568/3540427825_c13c0572ba_o.jpg)
![Fortune-telling posters Fortune-telling posters](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2219/3537368185_b1e92bd6b8_o.jpg)
![Fake retro photo studio Fake retro photo studio](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3408/3540431381_648ff4a034_o.jpg)
![Painted fake old buildings Painted fake old buildings](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3590/3541240078_2a8a128cdf_o.jpg)
![Red lanterns Red lanterns](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2174/3537365303_785f6b4da5_o.jpg)
![The icon of the Osaka World Expo The icon of the Osaka World Expo](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2454/3538173016_9cc83ca764_o.jpg)
![An interesting car An interesting car](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2196/3538179128_8d63a56126_o.jpg)
![Colourful flags Colourful flags](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2432/3537364085_de09d79092_o.jpg)
![Fooling around with some Japanese traditional toys Fooling around with some Japanese traditional toys](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2455/3537364781_4b59f95cb8_o.jpg)
![Retro Japanese kids playing cards Retro Japanese kids playing cards](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2105/3537354263_a2947c68fc_o.jpg)
![Retro games Retro games](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2296/3538169484_6933a7de9b_o.jpg)
![Various food stalls Various food stalls](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2030/3538176002_d90fa3870e_o.jpg)
![Another food stall Another food stall](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3043/3538171028_607700691a_o.jpg)
![Noodle stall Noodle stall](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2100/3540437815_24d9ca3138_o.jpg)
![A ladies club A ladies club](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3577/3541246676_5a91419f58_o.jpg)
![Gyoza specialty stall Gyoza specialty stall](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2006/3540431059_e5a6ca32b9_o.jpg)
![Fake retro Japanese provision shops Fake retro Japanese provision shops](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2264/3538175544_4c4bff4c82_o.jpg)
![A liquor bar A liquor bar](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2281/3541247128_78021de474_o.jpg)
![We chose to eat at this stall We chose to eat at this stall](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2307/3537367109_45295be59a_o.jpg)
![Preparing our food Preparing our food](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3599/3541244782_6e498b1d00_o.jpg)
![The lady who prepared our okonomiyaki The lady who prepared our okonomiyaki](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2183/3537367043_0a9993c0e3_o.jpg)
![Our dinner is almost ready Our dinner is almost ready](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2450/3537359667_3447b3c3a2_o.jpg)
![Dinner is served! Dinner is served!](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3651/3541247340_1edebfa48f_o.jpg)
![At the cashier where we paid for everything At the cashier where we paid for everything](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3658/3540428787_77f58a04f4_o.jpg)
![We had yakitori for supper We had yakitori for supper](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2312/3541246944_ac66ab749a_o.jpg)
![The ad said there were 8 sticks - they cheated by counting the stick of lemon too! The ad said there were 8 sticks - they cheated by counting the stick of lemon too!](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2173/3541240316_5ce8ba55c9_o.jpg)
![Fierce-looking takoyaki chefs Fierce-looking takoyaki chefs](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2468/3537365973_5826a4bf29_o.jpg)
![Yucky takoyaki balls with no sauce Yucky octopachi balls with no sauce](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2480/3537367435_67b0035d5a_o.jpg)
![Rachel bought a Japanese red bean paste pancake to eat Rachel bought a Japanese red bean paste pancake to eat](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2370/3538173268_a3563692f6_o.jpg)
![Rachel with her fish-shaped pancake Rachel with her fish-shaped pancake](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2180/3541246242_63b17ed760_o.jpg)
![Roadside stall selling pork innards Roadside stall selling pork innards](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2132/3540426499_3197c2e2ae_o.jpg)
![Mark tried a plate of it Mark tried this stirr-fried pig innards from a roadside food kiosk](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3654/3538170704_325e0936ca_o.jpg)
![Food we bought back to eat in our hotel Food we bought back to eat in our hotel](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3378/3537361785_f11360ed3f_o.jpg)
![Rachels shopping haul at Uniqlo Rachels shopping haul at Uniqlo](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2481/3537353525_270dbdf7a9_o.jpg)
![My Uniqlo haul My Uniqlo haul](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3313/3540429169_7f350acce3_o.jpg)
Links to my previous blog entries on my Japan trip:
Day 1 – Kansai Airport, Hokkaido
Day 3 – Asahikawa, Asahiyama Zoo
Day 4 – Sledding, Shiroi Koibito, Crab Buffet
Day 5 – The 60th Sapporo Snow Festival
Day 6 – Staying with the Asai, Shōnan
Day 8 – Shibuya and Akihabara, Tokyo
Day 12 – Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan and Dotonbori
Day 13 – Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge and Mt. Rokko
Technorati Tags: alvinology goes to japan, japan travel, hua meiyen, mark tan, rachel chan, tokyo travel, alvinology goes to japan, japan travel, hua meiyen, mark tan, rachel chan, tokyo travel, 海遊館, osaka aquarium kaiyukan, osaka aquarium, kaiyukan, whale shark, sun fish, giant stingray, jellyfish, minato japan, osaka bay, sea otters, coral reef fish, school of sardine, sea octopus, giant amazon fish, white arowana, sea seal, hammer head stingray, dolphin, hokkaido king crab, clown fish, sea cucumber, first kitchen fast food, first kitchen japanese fast food, hei men fish market, whale fishing, whale meat, whale specialty store, wasabi plant, fugu, fugu chef, fish tails, nipponbashi, 日本橋, akihabara of osaka, akihabara, 道頓堀, Dōtonbori, dotonburi, dotonboribashi bridge, nipponbashi bridge, namba osaka, dotonburi canal, glico, glico running man, お好み焼き, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, yakitori, 焼き鳥 やきとり, たこ焼き, 蛸焼, uniqlo
Enjoyed the info and pictures.
I am in Texas and have never been to Japan, but like the culture.
Thanks for the blogs.
You list Marks height as 1.68 meters and say he is a giant among the Japanese. I lived in Japan for eight years and saw many people taller than this. Wikipedia lists the average height of the Japanese male as 1.7 meters and three of my Japanese wife’s brothers are taller than me, I stand a towering 172.72 meters. Mark is actually just a smidgen short of average. 🙂