Watashi-no Tanjobi!!

Well today is my Birthday in Japan!
Not much of an eventfull day so far. Went to Osaka castle and wandered the park there for a while. Some new pics mostly of the surrounding gardens and park. The castle looked real impressive from outside but as it was a reconstruction after the air raids the inside is modern and designed as a Museum. The museum was a bit of let down again. A number of Japanese only interesting looking displays and an entire floor was closed. Couldn't come back with my original 600 yen ticket either but I'm only here for another full day anyhow.
I will be going back to the park tonight though as it's supposed to be quite a sight lit up.
After wandering the castle gardens and the park I wandered around a zoological park in the area but fortunately didn't pay to go inside. From what I saw from outside, which was most of it there wasn't much worth the 500 yen anyhow.
After that I went to a chain called Mos Burger, which do Japanese style burgers. They all looked like the standard beef patty in a bun to me but mabye the patty is different. Anyhow I couldn't go past their Takoyaki burger which appeared to be a tempured takoyaki ball on a bun with maybe teriyaki sauce tartar. That's about all I have to say about that.
After that wandered a while longer and found the area I am having dinner. Is somewhat seedier than the underground mall but the prices are better and there is plenty of food around. The seedy bit probably comes from there being a few strip clubs down a side street. I think there might have been a few Kabuki places too as there were guys out on the street in Kimono and the pale make-up etc on.
Haven't met anyone at this place yet either so it may be a solo birthday party but there will be good food and thats the main thing. :>
Oh, doesn't look like I will be trying fugu either as its damned expensive, you can get a small serve for 1000 yen but that is around about how much I wan't to be spending on the entire meal tonight, pity too as that is another classic Japanese food I am going to miss but it does mean I can try a few of the cheaper alternatives, will try and get names for you all and let you know what its like next post.
Bye