Today was the surprise for the kids. Our last day in Japan at Universal Studios Osaka. We arrived from Nara at about 9.30, dropped the bags at the hotel and headed for Universal Studios.

During the day we managed to do every ride and every show on offer, with light rain all day keeping the crowds down. The Waterworld show was stopped half way through due to …. umm, something. It was pouring at the time so maybe something blew up?

Favourites were the Spiderman ride and the Space rollercoaster. Although there were fewer rides, the quality of the rides was probably better than Disneyland. The quality of every ride and every show was outstanding. Thirty something years on and there is still a Jaws ride. Corny, but still good fun.

We finally left after the light parade and after closing time and then had a great dinner at Salzeriya, the same chain as lunch in Nara. Good food at great prices. 4 entrees, 4 pizzas, 4 desserts, 2 carafes of wine and unlimited drinks for the kids for $52.

 Finally back to the room at Hotel Universal Port at about 10pm. Great room in a great location, overlooking the bay. Much better and cheaper than the hotel in Shin-Osaka and just as convenient to Osaka’s sights.