Into the Heart of Osaka

Daily miles: 34.45 | Total miles: 9728.754

I got up at 5:20 am — coffee, packing, and taking a moment to enjoy the view from my room one last time before heading out. Then down the elevator, a few pictures in the lobby, and off I went into a quiet Sunday morning. Less traffic — always nice.

Early on, I noticed a few people wearing bib numbers and realized there was some sort of walking race happening. I asked one man, and he said it was indeed a walking event, but I couldn’t figure out exactly what it was. Still, seeing others moving with purpose early in the day gave me a small lift.

Running along Lake Biwa in the morning light was beautiful. After a short while, I wanted to get closer to the waterfront and left the buggy for a moment. Just as I arrived, I saw a fisherman to my left pull a fish out of the water. A good omen for the day, I thought.

Not long after leaving the lake, the climb began — up into the cool, damp, dark-green hills of Otsu. Mist still hung in the air between the hills, and the landscape felt calm and timeless. After a few miles, the descent began, and the scenery opened up again.

Later, I met two cyclists who were also heading to Osaka. They were surprised — almost couldn’t believe — that I was running there too. We shared a few smiles before parting ways.

The route led me past a large housing complex — maybe 40 identical buildings — then a billboard with strange Japanese cartoon figures, and later through an area that oddly reminded me of the canals in England. For most of the way, I followed roads beside the highway, crossing bridges and dealing with uneven paths.

At times, finding the right way was tricky. When there’s no clear path, I sometimes just have to create my own — no time to overthink, just go, go, go. My body absorbs all the bumps and jolts so much better now; it’s incredible how it’s adapted to this daily rhythm.

Once I entered Osaka, the city slowly grew around me — taller, denser, more alive with every mile. I navigated toward the Umeda Sky Building, my main stop for the evening. The closer I got, the more energy filled the air.

At the tower, I met Fiona and Paul from London. Fiona’s enthusiasm about my run was so refreshing — I hadn’t felt that kind of warm excitement from someone in a while. I thanked her and told her how much I appreciated the good vibes.

From the 39th floor, the view was magnificent. The sun was setting behind a veil of clouds, coloring the sky a soft pink. People gathered, took photos, and chatted — a lively, floating moment above the city. I already felt my body’s tiredness setting in — the good kind of tired, the one that comes from a full, alert day.

Afterward, I checked into my hotel, ate a little, showered, booked my next place, and now… I’m ready to close my eyes.

That was a good move for a Sunday. It’s great to be in Osaka.

See you tomorrow, Andrea