Osaka was wonderful, I could see spending a two weeks there alone. I found folks on the street to be approachable and friendly, mostly just curious why I would want to take their picture. "Photography class!" is a line that sometimes works.

On Sunday I took a break from the grind, did some shopping, got some lunch and visited the Osaka Leica Store. Bought a pair of Hokas to replace my uncomfortable New Balance shoes.

Visited Tenjinbashi Suji to visit a knife maker and view a calligraphy demonstration. The knives were beautiful and reasonably priced (about $150) with Japanese lettering on the handle.

Random pictures, a mix of rangefinder and iPhone images, some remixes from the other day:

remixing some of the images from earlier

Our fixer told me – via Pocketalk – that the town has a problem with demons and they have wards above/around their homes to protect them.

Maybe by "demons" they meant "tourists", not sure

We also walked around the Shinsekai district which is said to be modeled after Coney Island.

I spent 50¥ to play Space Invaders and sit for a while

We have these at home too but they are a joy

I am writing this update on the bullet train from Osaka to Tokyo where I'll pick up a cab to my next (and final) hotel for the trip. I predict today will involve soaking my poor feet and hunting for sushi.