Ben Roberts
@burrplays.bsky.social
They/him.
Working through Oklahoma, hopeful future academic.
Working through Oklahoma, hopeful future academic.
We ate lunch at a bakery, were blessed with a sighting of the Kerokerokeroppi bus, and got a taxi to the airport.
We are now safely awaiting our second of 3 flights, the big one from Taipei to Seattle.
We'll be closing updates here until we are home safe. Y'all don't need to see airport McDonald's
We are now safely awaiting our second of 3 flights, the big one from Taipei to Seattle.
We'll be closing updates here until we are home safe. Y'all don't need to see airport McDonald's
May 10, 2025 at 1:29 PM
We ate lunch at a bakery, were blessed with a sighting of the Kerokerokeroppi bus, and got a taxi to the airport.
We are now safely awaiting our second of 3 flights, the big one from Taipei to Seattle.
We'll be closing updates here until we are home safe. Y'all don't need to see airport McDonald's
We are now safely awaiting our second of 3 flights, the big one from Taipei to Seattle.
We'll be closing updates here until we are home safe. Y'all don't need to see airport McDonald's
I wanted to finish our time before the flight by going to Sukunahikona Shrine.
We offered our prayers and purchased some Omamuri (talismans for luck and health) for us and the girls.
It really helped us step out of the travel stress and remember what a joyous and blessed journey we've had in Japan
We offered our prayers and purchased some Omamuri (talismans for luck and health) for us and the girls.
It really helped us step out of the travel stress and remember what a joyous and blessed journey we've had in Japan
May 10, 2025 at 1:24 PM
I wanted to finish our time before the flight by going to Sukunahikona Shrine.
We offered our prayers and purchased some Omamuri (talismans for luck and health) for us and the girls.
It really helped us step out of the travel stress and remember what a joyous and blessed journey we've had in Japan
We offered our prayers and purchased some Omamuri (talismans for luck and health) for us and the girls.
It really helped us step out of the travel stress and remember what a joyous and blessed journey we've had in Japan
Next was a stationary store, where Callie loaded up on high-quality school supplies. I also grabbed a few notebooks, as well as a very nice mechanical pencil and pen.
Good news! We were able to get them tax-free due a pro-tourist policy.
Bad news, that means the loot is sealed, no pictures!
Good news! We were able to get them tax-free due a pro-tourist policy.
Bad news, that means the loot is sealed, no pictures!
May 10, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Next was a stationary store, where Callie loaded up on high-quality school supplies. I also grabbed a few notebooks, as well as a very nice mechanical pencil and pen.
Good news! We were able to get them tax-free due a pro-tourist policy.
Bad news, that means the loot is sealed, no pictures!
Good news! We were able to get them tax-free due a pro-tourist policy.
Bad news, that means the loot is sealed, no pictures!
Callie decided we should do some gift shopping at Osaka Castle in a movie I think was meant to kill me.
We were able to grab some gifts, but I was definitely feeling the trek! The castle stands on a series of moats and elevated positions and towers over the landscape. We could even see our hotel
We were able to grab some gifts, but I was definitely feeling the trek! The castle stands on a series of moats and elevated positions and towers over the landscape. We could even see our hotel
May 10, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Callie decided we should do some gift shopping at Osaka Castle in a movie I think was meant to kill me.
We were able to grab some gifts, but I was definitely feeling the trek! The castle stands on a series of moats and elevated positions and towers over the landscape. We could even see our hotel
We were able to grab some gifts, but I was definitely feeling the trek! The castle stands on a series of moats and elevated positions and towers over the landscape. We could even see our hotel
Since then, we've returned to the hotel, packed our bags, and are getting ready for tomorrow.
We'll probably be a bit sporadic with airport wifi, but try to keep everyone updated as our trip wraps up.
Also, Callie wants everyone to see the Pepsi she had. (C: It's exclusive to the Osaka 2025 Expo!)
We'll probably be a bit sporadic with airport wifi, but try to keep everyone updated as our trip wraps up.
Also, Callie wants everyone to see the Pepsi she had. (C: It's exclusive to the Osaka 2025 Expo!)
May 9, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Since then, we've returned to the hotel, packed our bags, and are getting ready for tomorrow.
We'll probably be a bit sporadic with airport wifi, but try to keep everyone updated as our trip wraps up.
Also, Callie wants everyone to see the Pepsi she had. (C: It's exclusive to the Osaka 2025 Expo!)
We'll probably be a bit sporadic with airport wifi, but try to keep everyone updated as our trip wraps up.
Also, Callie wants everyone to see the Pepsi she had. (C: It's exclusive to the Osaka 2025 Expo!)
Off my soap box.
Our final dinner was special, and we went to a multi-course "Omakase" restaurant.
While I'm tempted to break down everything we ate, I'll stick to the courses:
Make your own hand rolls
Sushi
Grilled Steak
Sukiyaki Steak
Grilled Eel over rice
Ramen
Matcha and chocolate
Our final dinner was special, and we went to a multi-course "Omakase" restaurant.
While I'm tempted to break down everything we ate, I'll stick to the courses:
Make your own hand rolls
Sushi
Grilled Steak
Sukiyaki Steak
Grilled Eel over rice
Ramen
Matcha and chocolate
May 9, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Off my soap box.
Our final dinner was special, and we went to a multi-course "Omakase" restaurant.
While I'm tempted to break down everything we ate, I'll stick to the courses:
Make your own hand rolls
Sushi
Grilled Steak
Sukiyaki Steak
Grilled Eel over rice
Ramen
Matcha and chocolate
Our final dinner was special, and we went to a multi-course "Omakase" restaurant.
While I'm tempted to break down everything we ate, I'll stick to the courses:
Make your own hand rolls
Sushi
Grilled Steak
Sukiyaki Steak
Grilled Eel over rice
Ramen
Matcha and chocolate
Next, we visited the Save Cat Café.
While Cat Cafés are popular in Japan, both Callie and I felt uncomfortable with how most are run.
Save Cat Cafe is somewhat unique, as it takes in rescue cats and tries to get them adopted, where most cafes purchase and hoard cats that help their business.
While Cat Cafés are popular in Japan, both Callie and I felt uncomfortable with how most are run.
Save Cat Cafe is somewhat unique, as it takes in rescue cats and tries to get them adopted, where most cafes purchase and hoard cats that help their business.
May 9, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Next, we visited the Save Cat Café.
While Cat Cafés are popular in Japan, both Callie and I felt uncomfortable with how most are run.
Save Cat Cafe is somewhat unique, as it takes in rescue cats and tries to get them adopted, where most cafes purchase and hoard cats that help their business.
While Cat Cafés are popular in Japan, both Callie and I felt uncomfortable with how most are run.
Save Cat Cafe is somewhat unique, as it takes in rescue cats and tries to get them adopted, where most cafes purchase and hoard cats that help their business.
Next, Callie wanted to take me to the Hareyruya Tournament center, where we picked up a few gifts and a couple of goodies.
It was in a nice department store, where we also grabbed lunch at a local Indian spot. Callie got butter and tandoori chicken, while I got sag chicken and prawn curry.
It was in a nice department store, where we also grabbed lunch at a local Indian spot. Callie got butter and tandoori chicken, while I got sag chicken and prawn curry.
May 9, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Next, Callie wanted to take me to the Hareyruya Tournament center, where we picked up a few gifts and a couple of goodies.
It was in a nice department store, where we also grabbed lunch at a local Indian spot. Callie got butter and tandoori chicken, while I got sag chicken and prawn curry.
It was in a nice department store, where we also grabbed lunch at a local Indian spot. Callie got butter and tandoori chicken, while I got sag chicken and prawn curry.
Today was our last full day, and it's theme was something of: 1 for you, 1 for me, 1 for us.
We started the day by sleeping in, and enjoying the view from the top-floor lounge of the hotel.
We started the day by sleeping in, and enjoying the view from the top-floor lounge of the hotel.
May 9, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Today was our last full day, and it's theme was something of: 1 for you, 1 for me, 1 for us.
We started the day by sleeping in, and enjoying the view from the top-floor lounge of the hotel.
We started the day by sleeping in, and enjoying the view from the top-floor lounge of the hotel.
After a trip to the gift shop that was, to be frank, less wallet damaging than expected. We grabbed a late train and late dinner.
Callie's KFC Review: Japan's spin on the OG fried chicken was exceptional. Sesame fried chicken left something to be desired. Surprise winner, the crispy chicken strip.
Callie's KFC Review: Japan's spin on the OG fried chicken was exceptional. Sesame fried chicken left something to be desired. Surprise winner, the crispy chicken strip.
May 8, 2025 at 1:38 PM
After a trip to the gift shop that was, to be frank, less wallet damaging than expected. We grabbed a late train and late dinner.
Callie's KFC Review: Japan's spin on the OG fried chicken was exceptional. Sesame fried chicken left something to be desired. Surprise winner, the crispy chicken strip.
Callie's KFC Review: Japan's spin on the OG fried chicken was exceptional. Sesame fried chicken left something to be desired. Surprise winner, the crispy chicken strip.
The final section was full of interactive games that took from Nintendo's past and present.
We played a love-tester, a super-scope shooting gallery, and even won a Mario kart race using a super sized controller.
Callie kicked ass. 1st of 8 at the shooting gallery, 2nd of 4 at a ball grabbing game.
We played a love-tester, a super-scope shooting gallery, and even won a Mario kart race using a super sized controller.
Callie kicked ass. 1st of 8 at the shooting gallery, 2nd of 4 at a ball grabbing game.
May 8, 2025 at 1:33 PM
The final section was full of interactive games that took from Nintendo's past and present.
We played a love-tester, a super-scope shooting gallery, and even won a Mario kart race using a super sized controller.
Callie kicked ass. 1st of 8 at the shooting gallery, 2nd of 4 at a ball grabbing game.
We played a love-tester, a super-scope shooting gallery, and even won a Mario kart race using a super sized controller.
Callie kicked ass. 1st of 8 at the shooting gallery, 2nd of 4 at a ball grabbing game.
We couldn't take photos of the first part of the museum. It provided a pretty comprehensive history of Nintendo's products.
A truly absurd amount of games and consoles were on display.
My favorite section was a series of screens that would show the history of Nintendo franchises simultaneously
A truly absurd amount of games and consoles were on display.
My favorite section was a series of screens that would show the history of Nintendo franchises simultaneously
May 8, 2025 at 1:22 PM
We couldn't take photos of the first part of the museum. It provided a pretty comprehensive history of Nintendo's products.
A truly absurd amount of games and consoles were on display.
My favorite section was a series of screens that would show the history of Nintendo franchises simultaneously
A truly absurd amount of games and consoles were on display.
My favorite section was a series of screens that would show the history of Nintendo franchises simultaneously
For those unaware, Nintendo originally started operations by making Hanafuda cards, a type of Japanese playing card.
Likewise, we were able to book a workshop making Hanafuda cards for ourselves. I found it stressful, but Callie found it relaxing, and we got to take home our few homemade cards!
Likewise, we were able to book a workshop making Hanafuda cards for ourselves. I found it stressful, but Callie found it relaxing, and we got to take home our few homemade cards!
May 8, 2025 at 1:16 PM
For those unaware, Nintendo originally started operations by making Hanafuda cards, a type of Japanese playing card.
Likewise, we were able to book a workshop making Hanafuda cards for ourselves. I found it stressful, but Callie found it relaxing, and we got to take home our few homemade cards!
Likewise, we were able to book a workshop making Hanafuda cards for ourselves. I found it stressful, but Callie found it relaxing, and we got to take home our few homemade cards!
The Nintendo Museum.
It just opened in October, and has a ton of small, careful touches scattered throughout the museum. Some things that we couldn't get good pictures of include the courtyard brickwork making Mario pixel art, the vending machines being Kirby, and Pikmin throughout the property.
It just opened in October, and has a ton of small, careful touches scattered throughout the museum. Some things that we couldn't get good pictures of include the courtyard brickwork making Mario pixel art, the vending machines being Kirby, and Pikmin throughout the property.
May 8, 2025 at 1:10 PM
The Nintendo Museum.
It just opened in October, and has a ton of small, careful touches scattered throughout the museum. Some things that we couldn't get good pictures of include the courtyard brickwork making Mario pixel art, the vending machines being Kirby, and Pikmin throughout the property.
It just opened in October, and has a ton of small, careful touches scattered throughout the museum. Some things that we couldn't get good pictures of include the courtyard brickwork making Mario pixel art, the vending machines being Kirby, and Pikmin throughout the property.
We then went by a local shopping street, picking up some souvenirs, and a couple of crepes (Strawberry Nutella for Callie, Strawberry Banana for me).
We then took another train to south Kyoto for our final major stop of the day.
We then took another train to south Kyoto for our final major stop of the day.
May 8, 2025 at 1:02 PM
We then went by a local shopping street, picking up some souvenirs, and a couple of crepes (Strawberry Nutella for Callie, Strawberry Banana for me).
We then took another train to south Kyoto for our final major stop of the day.
We then took another train to south Kyoto for our final major stop of the day.
The park sells "Deer Crackers" to tourists. These act as the deer's primary source of food, and a vital source of income for the park.
The deer are therefore somewhat domesticated, used to being hand fed by tourists.
Callie and I spent a few great hours just enjoying the park and feeding the deer.
The deer are therefore somewhat domesticated, used to being hand fed by tourists.
Callie and I spent a few great hours just enjoying the park and feeding the deer.
May 8, 2025 at 12:58 PM
The park sells "Deer Crackers" to tourists. These act as the deer's primary source of food, and a vital source of income for the park.
The deer are therefore somewhat domesticated, used to being hand fed by tourists.
Callie and I spent a few great hours just enjoying the park and feeding the deer.
The deer are therefore somewhat domesticated, used to being hand fed by tourists.
Callie and I spent a few great hours just enjoying the park and feeding the deer.
Today, we got up early, had a nice hotel breakfast, then caught a train to Nara.
Nara is by far most famous for Nara Park, a sprawling park with mountains, cafes, temples, and an absurd amount of deer.
Nara is by far most famous for Nara Park, a sprawling park with mountains, cafes, temples, and an absurd amount of deer.
May 8, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Today, we got up early, had a nice hotel breakfast, then caught a train to Nara.
Nara is by far most famous for Nara Park, a sprawling park with mountains, cafes, temples, and an absurd amount of deer.
Nara is by far most famous for Nara Park, a sprawling park with mountains, cafes, temples, and an absurd amount of deer.
Finally, needing a place to sit down to finish the night, we found Kuroneco Cafe. Kuroneco is a maid cafe, where you pay a slight premium on food and drink in return for cutely dressed servers talking and interacting with you.
Callie got their special Omurice, and we both enjoyed a few* drinks.
Callie got their special Omurice, and we both enjoyed a few* drinks.
May 8, 2025 at 1:29 AM
Finally, needing a place to sit down to finish the night, we found Kuroneco Cafe. Kuroneco is a maid cafe, where you pay a slight premium on food and drink in return for cutely dressed servers talking and interacting with you.
Callie got their special Omurice, and we both enjoyed a few* drinks.
Callie got their special Omurice, and we both enjoyed a few* drinks.
We were both able to save enough energy to spend some sunset hours in Dotonbori, a tourist/food/nightlife district in Osaka.
We enjoyed the sights, did some light shopping, and snacked on fresh takoyaki. Callie also got Tanghulu number 3 for the trip!
We enjoyed the sights, did some light shopping, and snacked on fresh takoyaki. Callie also got Tanghulu number 3 for the trip!
May 8, 2025 at 1:23 AM
We were both able to save enough energy to spend some sunset hours in Dotonbori, a tourist/food/nightlife district in Osaka.
We enjoyed the sights, did some light shopping, and snacked on fresh takoyaki. Callie also got Tanghulu number 3 for the trip!
We enjoyed the sights, did some light shopping, and snacked on fresh takoyaki. Callie also got Tanghulu number 3 for the trip!
Yesterday was another slow one.
Callie spent much of the morning trying to find proper medicine for the bug I've been fighting all trip, and getting herself some nice Soba.
I mainly spent the day in bed focusing on medicating and hydrating myself.
Callie spent much of the morning trying to find proper medicine for the bug I've been fighting all trip, and getting herself some nice Soba.
I mainly spent the day in bed focusing on medicating and hydrating myself.
May 8, 2025 at 1:19 AM
Yesterday was another slow one.
Callie spent much of the morning trying to find proper medicine for the bug I've been fighting all trip, and getting herself some nice Soba.
I mainly spent the day in bed focusing on medicating and hydrating myself.
Callie spent much of the morning trying to find proper medicine for the bug I've been fighting all trip, and getting herself some nice Soba.
I mainly spent the day in bed focusing on medicating and hydrating myself.