Japan: Osaka

Second city stop was Osaka. Took the bullet train and basically only had one afternoon and then did Universal Japan! It was cold, and Aaron and Graham got flu-like symptoms but we powered through. Two main highlights:

Tried the onsen at the hotel: a public bathhouse…the catch is you can’t have any clothes on! We all changed into the PJs the hotels provided and the kids were nervous to go at first, but ended up liking the “pools” (typically a few options of hot, warm, cool) and sauna and the girls liked the amenities – felt like a spa!
Universal Studios Japan!
- Got to check out the new Super Nintendo World! Donkey Kong coaster and VR Mario Kart rides were super cool, and all of the details of things going on around the world were so fun
- Hollywood Dream roller coaster was the highlight for the 3 older kids and mom; Flying dinosaur was Dad’s favorite, and Brooks was too short but got a Mario Bros. bomb stuffy so he was happy!
- Harry Potter world was super cool too – we all loved the Forbidden Journey ride
- Despicable Me and Minions was a fun area and the ride had us all laughing