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Did I mention in the last entry that all day it rained like cats and dogs??? Luckily for us there was no shortage of cute, yescute, rain ponchos! The most popular style was the `Elmo’ bright red poncho. Usually you don’t just see one either, the hundreds of couples at Universal are wearing matching ponchos! I decided that the plain/boring clear plastic style from theJurassicPark ride was the one for me

Its amazing how this place just brings out the child in you – rode the carousel for I think the first time ever and it was surprising to see that there were just as many adults as kids! My pink elephant and I tried to chase the tin man infront but just couldn’t catch him!

Even the vending machines at the park are designed around some type of theme. These were the ones located in the Wizard of Oz area. Not cheap though, twice the normal price

I have to say that after a long day running around, shoes full of water and being thrown around on the rides, it was great to know that just outside the entrance gates of Universal Studios is a shopping arcade which boasts the best `Takoyaki’ in Osaka. `Takoyaki’ is a ball of pancake mix with vegetables and a piece of octopus inside. Hmm…it was so good! There were over 10 different restaurants, each with their own special cooking methods and tastes. I do recommend trying a few while you are there as you won’t be disappointed!!

We drove back to Nagoya with a warm belly and lots of fun stories to tell my friends back home.

It is very easy to access Osaka from Kyoto, Nagoya or even Tokyo. Tickets are very reasonably priced so if you are thinking to go whilst in Japan, definitely a fun day out, let Travel Japan know as we are more than happy to organize your tickets for you!

So this brings a close to my adventures at Universal Studios, Osaka.

☺☺Sakura

I had never been to Universal Studios before and as it was my friend’s birthday and she is so in love with the place, we decided that a day trip from Nagoya would be a great present. From Nagoya to Osaka is about a 2.5 – 3 hours car trip

Up nice and early we headed off in the dark, closely following the navigation system!!

We arrive with the rain and which I would have thought would drive the people away but it was still very busy

After getting the cute tickets I turn around to see that as it is my friend’s birthday she has a special sticker and every time we went onto a ride, the staff greet her with the warm and friendly `Otanjyobi omedetou gozaimasu’ (Happy Birthday)

As we went in October it was fully decked out with the `Halloween’ theme. Bright orange pumpkins decorated shop fronts, children (and adults like me!) bought popcorn holders in the shape of pumpkins, dishes based on pumpkin and waitresses with witch-like costumes.

The rides varied from the scary rollercoasters to the 3D shows like `Shrek’. My favourite ride was `Spiderman’. You sit in a car like carriage with stunning 3D glasses on and as the ride goes along you get bumped, spun and jerked around. The 3D glasses make you want to jump out and grab the villians that you are being chased by. I won’t give the end away but it is well worth the line up and a must if you are make it to Universal Syudios!!

Luckily for me it was raining too hard so I can’t tell you what the rollercoaster was like so you will just have to try it out for yourself!

Along the way you are bound to run into the characters like Woody Wood Pecker and Hello Kitty

One of the best places for me was the Pink Panther café – and I mean HOT PINK Café. All is pink! Desserts, chairs, tables, and ….everything! Had an awesome pink icecream as well as a yummy Maron cake, we call chestnuts, as that was also the specialty of the season. Japan is very big on seasonal foods, you travel to different areas to eat a specific food and you eat what is in season as it won’t come around again for another 12 months! The love of food!!

Another example of the super cute concepts in Japan

Have to go but will continue my adventures with you in my next entry!!

Bye for how!

Sakura