hideya's welcome-back party (June 9, 2007)

Going to Osaka by overnight express train "Ginga"
The first-class berth ticket of the overnight express train "Ginga" The electric sign of departure times
The overnight express train "Ginga" at Yokohama The overnight express train "Ginga" at Osaka
I went to Osaka for my friend's welcome-back party. My friend, hideya had stayed in Laos for about two years. The fastest, most frequent, and convenient service from Yokohama to Osaka is Shinkansen bullet trains, but I took overnight express train "Ginga" on the Tokaido Line. Without Japan Rail Pass, passengers must pay 13,730 Yen (approximately US$115) for the second class seat of the Shinkansen "Nozomi" trains. Meanwhile, the Ginga cost us 18,990 Yen (approximately US$160) for the first class berth, 15,750 Yen (approximately US$130) for the second class berth. So I thought the difference to be accommodation charge. Unfortunately, this train doesn't have a shower room and a dining car.

exploring in Osaka in spite of the rain
Osaka Castle Osaka Castle Osaka Castle Osaka Castle Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle
The One-Day Pass holders can get a discount the admission ticket for 100 Yen. Many Chinese group tourists came here this morning.
Sumiyoshitaisha Grand Shrine Sumiyoshitaisha Grand Shrine Sumiyoshitaisha Grand Shrine Sumiyoshitaisha Grand Shrine Sumiyoshitaisha Grand Shrine
Sumiyoshitaisha Grand Shrine
This shrine can be reached easily from Sumiyoshitaisha station of the Nankai Electric Railway. There are normally lots of worshiper here, but not this time because of downpour of rain. One couple celebrated a marriage in the temple. In such situation, Japanese sometimes speak in proverbs "After a storm comes a calm."

hideya's welcome-back party
Dobutsuen-mae subway station member of hideya's welcome-back party
member of hideya's welcome-back party member of hideya's welcome-back party
We gathered in front of Dobutsuen-mae (zoological garden) subway station, and then went to our friend, hideya's recommended dining bar. The bar serves nice taste beers and light meals, we enjoyed them and had fun! Finally, we went to hideya's new residence and had a second party. Unfortunately, we didn't have famous pieces of pork fried on a skewer. Why don't we have them one day?

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