My half-eaten Okonamiyaki, the Japanese savoury pancake that Osaka is famous for. Can’t leave Osaka without saying you’ve eaten it here.

A cute Wi-Fi sign at a cafe

Takoyaki balls, another ubiquitous street snack that Osaka is known for. Once cooked, these perfect golden brown balls are topped with Japanese mayonnaise and bonito flakes and served piping hot.

However, I tried another version. My Takoyaki balls were served with a whole lot of spring onion, Japanese mayonnaise and a runny egg yolk. There was so much spring onion that you can’t even see the takoyaki balls in this picture. It was delicious!

This Spider Man spotted near Dotonbori needs to go on a diet else he can’t go flying and jumping across buildings. Maybe he’s had one too many takoyaki balls.

The tourist-filled Dotonbori, an area full of restaurants and bars.

There are heaps of these 無料案內所 around Dotonbori. According to a friend who had lived in Japan for many years, these are places where men can go to ask for information about, ahem, girly services, if you get the drift. The words ‘無料’ mean ‘free’ in English and the people there act as your pimp.

I guess this 無料案內所 says it more explicitly. My female friend and I wanted to play dumb and walk into one to see the reaction of the pimps for a laugh. But we didn’t have the guts to do so in the end.

One of three ferris wheels found in Osaka. This one is located in Rinku Town, which is where the outlet stores are found. Get there by JR train (Rinku Town stop) or take a 15-minute bus ride (¥100) there from Kansai International Airport.

The airline companies and airport were having a fun fair at Kansai Airport. Many families were there to partake in the fun.

Many airlines had miniature uniforms made for kids to dress up in. This little girl has been transformed into a mini Peach flight attendant.

The fire fighting squad stationed at the airport also had their share of aspiring fire fighters.

The Peach Deli stayed grounded this time.

Based on a friend’s recommendation and because it was so hot, I bought myself a Peach Sherbet (¥300) from the Peach Deli. The sherbet was refreshing and had bits of peach in it – a good pick-me-up for the afternoon!