Osaka and Kyoto are a mere 15-minute Japanese bullet train apart.

Osaka is a wild and wonderful metropolis of skyscrapers and bars. We enjoyed the views across the urban jungle from the Umeda Sky Tree building and sampled the delights of local nightlife by getting our portraits painted by an artist in a local bar.

On a day-trip to Kyoto, we experienced the tourist version of a traditional tea ceremony. The tea was good but the tradition was missing, so we hope to experience a real one soon! Sadly it was a wet day in Kyoto, so instead of temple viewing, we embarked on the next traditional activity in historic Japan; visiting the train museum (blame Dan).

Two big Japanese cities in one week makes a very tired returning-from-holiday Lorrie, but it was well worth it! Enjoy the photos…