We arrived at our adorable apartment in Osaka on Sunday night to find some Christmas cheer. The girls settled in while Steffen and I walked over to the nearby grocery store to pick up some dinner. Then we enjoyed our first Christmas movie of the season.

The next day it was schoolwork in the morning and then a unique experience in the afternoon–a trip to a “Pig Cafe“! Not a cafe serving pig but rather a place where you cuddle pigs. It was so fun! At one point there was a huge pile of pigs on my lap! Afterwards we just wandered. We window shopped, ate some dinner, grabbed some sweets and imitated others in the trend of imitating this billboard. When in Rome…. It was a fun introduction to Osaka.

The next day was a day the kids had been looking forward to since we were in Thailand–a trip to Universal Studios Japan! We met a German family in Koh Lanta that told us that a trip to Universal Studios was well worth it, so we offered it to the girls as an early Christmas present. Unfortunately it was a rainy day (the first rainy day we’ve had since that day in Ninh Binh, Vietnam) but we made the best of it. We went on a few rides, did some window shopping, watched a holiday singing show, ate at the Three Broomsticks and explored Hogsmeade and Hogwarts (Harry Potter fans know). The girls were very patient during the endless lines, keeping themselves occupied with various games. We left at closing, tired, cold, a little wet and very happy!

Wednesday was our final full day in Osaka, and we took it a bit slow. We woke up late, did some schoolwork and then ventured out. I really wanted to go to the top of the Umeda Sky Building, so Hannah, Charlotte and I headed out as the others finished up school. We made it to the top as the sun was setting and stayed to enjoy the beautiful city lights. The building was very cool, especially these escalators that appear to float in the air. A little freaky to ride! But also neat. The views were incredible.

We headed back down and met up with the others at the small Christmas market. From there we walked around, did some shopping at the famous Don Quijote store and grabbed some dinner.

Osaka is chaotic and crowded and overwhelming but also interesting and beautiful and full of life. We barely scratched the surface and would loved to have stayed longer. It is on our “must return to” list!