🐠 Japan Day 18: Hotel Change, Aquarium, Ferris Wheel & Shopping

📍 Location: Osaka

🧳 Hotel Change and Morning Challenges

Today I had to change hotels, so I started with breakfast, packed my things, and checked out before 10:00 AM. I needed to take both a train and the subway, but I struggled to buy a subway ticket since my JR Pass didn't work there. Eventually, I figured out I just had to enter the end station on the ticket machine.

💡 Tips & Tricks:

• The JR Pass doesn't work on all subways, be prepared to buy extra tickets.

• Check maps or station guides ahead of time if you're changing hotels, it saves stress.

🎡 Killing Time on the Ferris Wheel

I arrived at Atarayo Osaka Capsule Hotel, but check-in wasn't until 4:00 PM. I left my luggage and took the subway to the Osaka Aquarium. When I got there, I discovered it didn't open until 3:00 PM, and it was only 11:00 AM.

To pass the time, I browsed the nearby shopping mall. Then I spotted a Ferris wheel and thought, why not? Even though I'm not a fan of Ferris wheels, I decided to challenge myself.

I rode alone, which felt a little lonely. There were two types of cabins: one with a glass floor and one with a closed floor, I chose the closed floor because, honestly, sitting there already freaked me out enough. As the wheel started moving, I questioned why I'd gotten on, it's one of only two amusement rides I dislike (the other being log flumes). But I faced my irrational fear, survived, and got back down safely.

💡 Tips & Tricks:

• If you're afraid of heights but want to challenge yourself, choose a cabin with a closed floor.

• Ferris wheels can be a great way to kill time and see the city from a new angle.

🛍 Shopping and Pancakes

After the Ferris wheel, I walked through the mall again and then stopped at a café. I ordered a pancake with cream, banana, and chocolate, it was amazing but very rich. Totally worth it!

🐟 Osaka Aquarium

Finally, the aquarium opened. It was huge, with everything from tiger sharks to crocodiles, snakes, and penguins. They even had themed stamps you could collect, shaped like sea creatures. It was mostly kids collecting them… and me. It felt a little embarrassing, but I wanted the memories!

The only downside was the massive crowd, it was sometimes hard to get a good view, and I had to wait for gaps or squeeze in. That spoiled the experience a bit, but overall it was fantastic.

When I left the aquarium, I saw fire breathers performing a show outside, it looked incredible!

💡 Tips & Tricks:

• Visit earlier or later in the day to avoid the busiest crowds.

• Don't skip the stamps or small details, they make great souvenirs or journal additions.

• Be patient when it's crowded, waiting for a better spot is worth it.

🛏 Checking into the Capsule Hotel

I headed back to Atarayo Osaka Capsule Hotel to check in. The hotel provided slippers, towels, and pajamas that you could swap daily at reception. My capsule was in a shared dorm area, a top bunk with a sliding door and thin walls. It was basic but cozy.

There were showers and toilets down the hall, a shared dining area, and lounges with TVs where you could eat or relax. Since food wasn't allowed inside the sleeping area, I had a sandwich and hot dog from 7/11 in the shared space. I had planned to do laundry but didn't have enough cash, so I postponed it.

💡 Tips & Tricks:

• Bring enough cash for laundry, some capsule hotels don't accept cards for small machines.

• Capsule hotels are great for solo travelers, they're affordable and provide just what you need.

• Don't expect total privacy, bring headphones or earplugs.

🌟 Summary

All in all, a fun and slightly chaotic day, switching hotels, facing my fear of Ferris wheels, exploring a crowded but incredible aquarium, enjoying pancakes, and seeing fire performers. Even though it was hot and busy, it was worth it. It's the kind of day that reminds you travel is about unexpected moments and challenging yourself.