I arrived in Fukushima, the next stop along from Osaka, where my hostel is based. I dragged my bag behind me and wandered up the road next to the train station, following my hand written directions, when a Japanese man of a similar age to me jumps out and asks if I am going to J-Hoppers. I was. But I didn't want to tell him that. So I asked why. He didn't understand, so said J-Hoppers again and tried to show me the way. My suspicious side immediately felt uncomfortable, being in an unfamiliar place with a random person trying to lead me off somewhere. After more classic lost in translation dialogue, I decided I would walk the same way he was suggesting, but a few steps behind and that if I didn't see the Seven Eleven shop that the directions said I would then I would start running in the opposite direction back to the safety of the train station. We soon arrived at J-Hoppers and it turns out he works for them, and is employed purely to pick up folk like me! Only I wish he had worn a t-shirt or name badge or something…

I checked in and had to lug my bag up two flights of the narrowest stairs imaginable as they do not have a lift and moved in to my new room for the next couple of nights. For those of you who were concerned I am now in a bunk bed as opposed to a 'cupboard'. It was already getting quite dark and late, so I stayed in the hostel, caught up on some BBC News and planned my next day. But not before I met my roommate. She was about my age and from Melbourne. So far, so good, you might think. You would be wrong, she was the most miserable human being I have ever come across. And despite my attempts at a friendly conversation, she was having none of it. She was with friends, but for some reason (her words, not mine) they were all staying in a room on the floor above her. I think you have all worked out by now why that was, seems only she is in the dark about it!

Waking up bright and early the next morning, I found a new roommate had joined us during the night. Turns out she arrived late at night and was worried about disturbing me. For anyone that has ever shared a room with me, or knows me at all, this was obviously a silly concern for her to have and I quickly put her straight that she could practically jump on my head before I woke, but that that isn't recommended as I am almost as friendly as the Melbourne girl once woken! The new girl, from Hong Kong was also up bright and early and off to Kobe for a day trip. I meanwhile, donned my running gear and pounded the streets of Fukushima and along the path of the river. I also stumbled upon the Sky Umeda building with floating observatory, so stopped off for a quick spot of touristing.

Then it was back to the hostel for a shower and some breakfast before setting off for the Shinsaibashi area of Osaka, full of shops, restaurants and pachinko and slot amusement arcades. I have to be honest, having spent three and half full-on days in the intense city that is Tokyo, I feel a little bored of busy shopping districts. The area was also plentiful with beauty salons and I wrestled with the idea of stopping for a facial or massage, but being unable to read Japanese and being unable to distinguish from the amibigious pictures displayed outside whether some of the establishments were salons or brothels, I decided to head for the tourist hot spot Spa World instead. Based in Dobutsen-Mae Spa World is an 8 storey spa park featuring men's and women's single sex spa pools along with additional salon treatment rooms and restaurants. Usually costing 2700 yen for a one day ticket, Spa World had a special 1000 yen (about £7) entry fee for today. I purchased a ticket, put my shoes in the locker and headed for the women's only bathing pool. I undressed, leaving my inhibitions in the locker with my clothes before joining the other butt naked patrons in the Europe Zone spa.

After a relaxing soak in the various pools, and a sauna and salt steam I slipped on what can only be described as a 'prison style nightie' and headed for the relaxation room, where I took a little nap! (well relaxing can be hard work you know) before getting dressed and heading for the beauty salon. As I approached the salon I saw a little foot spa with lots of fish inside and knew exactly what it was. So I slipped off my socks, rolled up my jeans and paid for a ten minute session in the foot spa where the tiny doctor fish or Garra Rufa nibble away at dead skin to reveal smooth, pedicured feet. My feet and lower limbs are as soft as they have ever been, and the sensation, which I was slightly wary of to begin with is very relaxing and feels just like a massage. It did freak me out a little, however, to look down and see fish gnawing at my limbs!

When all was said and done I headed back to the hostel, and lo and behold grumpy grots had left and a new roommate had arrived. Her name is Juliana and she is from Vancouver. We started chatting and headed out to dinner together to sample the local Osakan delicacy okonomiyaki which is a cross between a pancake and an omelette with vegetables and meat or fish - I went for a Calamari one. It was delicious. Tomorrow I want to see Osaka Castle, and Juliana mentioned Nara - which is apparently a highly recommended side trip from Osaka. So we may even head off touristing together tomorrow.