17th
Well we arrived into Osaka at 5pm. Did not get to our apartment till 8pm. 3 hours to do 35ks. The bonus is that the apartment is really nice and spacious. We even get a seperate bedroom for Shauna while i sleep on the floor in a ready made mattress. Was quite comfortable.

18th
Today we visit Osaka Castle. It is a beautiful warm sunny day. We are so lucky to be here at this time as the cherry trees are all starting to blossom. Such a pretty sight, and there are a lot of people enjoying the blossoms as well. The Castle offers some impressive views of Osaka. After the csatle we take in some of the cities shopping areas before calling it a day.

19th
Today we take the train to Nara. Nara is home to Todaiji Temple. One of the biggest and oldest in Japan. The temple is surround by a pristine park inhabited by hundreds of wild but very friendly deer. They are so use to people that even if you dont have any food for them, you can pat them as long as you want. Even saw some little kids giving them a big hug.
As we make our way back to the train station it begins to rain. By the time we get back to Osaka it is pouring. We get a little wet before buying an umbrella for $4.

20th
We awake to a rainy day. It has rained all of last night and looks like it will rain all day. So its off to the underground shops where we stay warm and dry. From memory this is our fist day of the trip that rain has decided what we will do.

21st
Today we take the Shinkansen to Tokyo. No cheap, but beats flying. It is a 4 hour trip as we managed to get some discount tickets, but the downside is the train stops at every station. The trip would normally take 2.5 hours to cover the 530ks. This trains top speed is 280kph. Most people that board the train are asleep in a few minutes, and stay that way till Tokyo. When we arrive in Tokyo it is onto the subway to reach our apartment.