Osaka...

Katie and I coupled our Nara trip with 2 days in Osaka.  It was a really good time minus the fact it poured the whole time we walked around the city.  Good thing I brought my umbrella.  And plus, the umbrellas kind of look cool in a lot of the pictures!
In the 16th century, Toyotomi Hideyoshi chose Osaka as the location for his castle.  The castle is surrounded by impressive stone walls, moats, and gates.  Not to mention the large park with fall colors!

View from the top of the castle.  The gold plated fish was thought to protect the castle somehow. 

View of the park across the moat. 

Having fun as a traditional Japanese women in front of the castle.

Love the umbrellas and the rain!

Umeda Sky Building.  Too bad we weren't able to go to the floating observatory on the top because of the rain.  Guess I'll just have to go back!

Okonomiyakai Osaka style and Takomiyaki (squid balls).  Osaka is known for it's exotic food.  Dontonbouri is an area of Osaka full of street vendors and amazing restaurants and nightlife.

This hole in the wall restaurant was DELICIOUS!!!!  The takomiyaki was actually pretty tasty... it's a must if you ever visit!

Nama (Minambi) area has Dontombouri Street which is the famous for it's nightlife and food stands.  Dontonbouri was actually featured on the Travel Channel's Bizarre Foods episode with Andrew Zimmern.

Dontombouri 

The famous Galico Runner sign in Namba.