We planned to stay a night in Osaka just for the purpose of experiencing a capsule hotel. So, here how it goes: you arrive to a capsule hotel (having missed the last train home after a wild party or a busy day in the office), you check in and receive a key for a locker, you put all your stuff into the locker and change into a provided robe, then you head upstairs into your capsule. The capsules in our hotel were fairly spacious and I could easily sit up in mine. There was a TV inside (fixed to the ceiling), some shelves, light, air duct and a built-in alarm clock. Washroom facilities had everything from soap to self-foaming toothbrushes! The hotel also included a spa and massage services, but we didn't have the time to try those. Basically, a capsule hotel is a perfect place to spend a night away from home, when you don't have anything with you. It even sells fresh shirts, socks and ties for business people, who need to go to work in the morning.
Male and female floors were separate, so after settling into our respective capsules, Maran and I met up in the main hall and headed out to experience Osaka's vibrant night life . We walked to Dotonbori, the street known for its food and entertainment in Minami, Osaka's southern downtown. After being thoroughly dazzled by bright lights and pulsing crowds of the district, we headed to a restaurant with a giant crab, as per Maran's coworker's recommendation :) We found the restaurant without any problems, since it really did have a giant crab waving its legs and eyes at gawking crowds, the place was called Kani Doraku and it later turned out to be the most famous crab restaurant in Osaka %) The prices were fairly steep, but not unthinkable :) We shared a platter of snow crab and king crab prepared in a wide array of ways: broiled, boiled, raw (sashimi), sushi and in a soup. All versions were wonderfully delicious and I'd definitely try it again :) Maran's report on culinary adventures should have more info on that experience, so look forward to it :)