foodie friday

Sorry it's been a bit quiet here.

Our laptop went kaput and after having it looked at, it was determined that it wasn't worth fixing, so we got a new one.

Anyway, I wanted to tell you about a foodie adventure Satoshi and I had last Friday.

We went to Shitennoji, in the southern part of Osaka.

This area was the first state-established Buddhist temple in Japan and was created in 593 by Prince Shotoku.

The property is huge! spanning 110,000 square meters (27.18 acres). To see so much land not filled by condos is definitely rare especially in the heart of Osaka.

Unfortunately, most of the buildings on the property have been re-built over the years.

Like this 5 story pagoda, it houses some relics of the Buddha.

There was also a building in the same area called the Kondo that had beautiful hand painted frescoes of the Buddha's life by artist Nakamura Gakuryo.

In this area there are also many slopes, leading to and from temples and shrines, as well as from homes and schools.

It was neat to see these, especially since most cars are not allowed in these areas.

And then it was time for lunch.

I dragged Satoshi many blocks to an area I often walk called Momodani.

There was a tonkatsu place called Tawara that was featured on a local news show that I thought Satoshi would like.

It was crowded, there was a line out the door!

After waiting about 10 minutes, we were seated.

Satoshi had their special ro-su (pork loin)...1300 yen. While I chose their bite-sized tonkatsu...1100 yen.

Besides the main dish, you are also allowed one time through the salad buffet.

Boy, did Satoshi load up his tiny plate!

Lunch also comes with rice and miso soup too. So filling, but the tonkatsu was so tender and moist.

After eating so much, we decided to walk back to Umeda.

It's about 3 miles from where we were, but a good walk.

We also stopped in for coffee and shared this doughnut at Brooklyn Roasting Company.

Satoshi enjoyed the view from their terrace.

It was an overcast day, but I think we saw a lot and definitely ate a lot.

Tawara
1-6-15 Saikudani
Tennoji, Osaka
Phone: 06.6771.3981
Hours: 11:00-14:20, 17:00-19:00
Closed Sundays & Holidays