After delays to the flight we arrived in Osaka much later than intended. We caught the train to Namba where our hotel was conveniently situated just above. We checked in and found our room and felt in need of a nap. I think the very boozy lunch on board our flight had something to do with it! We woke up late in the evening but were determined to go out and not miss a Saturday evening on our first day in Osaka.

We wrapped up warm because it was bitterly cold and headed out to see what we could find. Directly outside the station we came across wonderful covered streets full of local atmosphere and full to bursting with tiny bars and restaurants, catering to as few as half a dozen people and mostly no more than a dozen. We wandered around for some time enjoying the sights and eventually went up some stairs to a very small bar called Bar Freedom. Inside it was warm as toast and we soon shed our layers. We were made very welcome by the owners, Tony who was originally from Taiwan, and his Japanese business partner, Os***a. They had a huge array of whiskies on show, both Japanese and Scots but we decided to stay with local beer. We had a lovely time chatting to Tony who has excellent English and gave us lots of ideas about places to visit and food to try.

Much later, on our way back to the hotel, we were feeling peckish. Did we try one of those exciting little restaurants full of interesting local fare? No we did not, a la Warren Buffet, we answered the call of McDonald's Osaka style and were able to pick out from the pictures on show what turned out to be a very creditable Big Mac and some fries which were fresh and hot, delicious for a late night snack! It was amazingly busy for 2.20am, but rather sad to see so many elderly down and outs needing to find sanctuary from the bitter cold in McDonald's where they can sleep in the warm. Happy to see that nobody was throwing them out, so some compassion there.

Convenience stores never close in Japan, so we were able to pick up a couple of beers in local Lawson's by way of a nightcap. A very successful first night in Japan, welcome to Osaka!