One thing we knew we had to try while in Japan? Those famous jiggly, cloud-like pancakes!
So we started our second full day in Osaka at Cafe 512 Cafe and Grill.
These aren’t your typical pancakes. They’re more like a cross between a pancake and a soufflé—tall, airy, and impossibly soft.
We ordered the classic fluffy pancakes and it came with whipped cream and ice cream. It was more like a dessert than breakfast, but it didn't matter to the boys! They devoured it!
We also tried the French toast combo which came with bacon, an egg, and green salad. This was my favorite. The French toast was so buttery and fluffy. And the bacon? It just tastes better in Japan.
After our hearty breakfast, we used our Google Map app to figure out the best route to
Osaka Castle by train. Using
Google Maps in Japan is a game changer. It tells you exactly which trains to take, what platform to go to, and even which station exit to use (which matters more than you’d think—these stations are massive). Pair that with a
Suica Card, and you’re set.
The Suica card is prepaid, so all you have to do is tap in at the gate when you enter, and tap out when you exit. The system automatically calculates your fare and deducts it. No tickets, no confusion—it’s efficient. And if you have an iPhone, you can add a Suica Card to Apple Wallet, check your balance, purchases, and reload.
Once we arrived at the station, it was a short and scenic walk to the castle grounds. The castle itself is stunning—white walls, green roofing, gold accents.
There is an entrance fee for those 15 years and older to enter the main castle (which you want to do if you want to get to the observation deck), but it's well worth it.
On our way back to the train station, we came across a small monkey show happening in the park. A crowd had gathered, so of course we stopped to watch. The monkey was trained to do tricks like walking on its hands up and down the stairs, climbing, and performing playful routines that had everyone laughing.
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