After winning first place in a costume contest for Halloween (more on that another time), my boyfriend and I decided to spend our winnings on a costume-centric trip to a Japanese mascot competition, the

We set off early on a Saturday morning to catch a flight to Osaka.

I was nervous at first, unsure how big of an event it was and how difficult it would be to get in/find the location.

Turns out -- pretty easy!

For a short subway trip and a mere 600 yen, my mascot dreams came true!

We entered a large field near the Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Higashiosaka and feasted our eyes on mascots for as far as the eye can see.

Needless to say, I lost my mind.

There was a...

Sausage in a skirt

A party alpaca that blew bubbles out of its hat

A T-Rex with a lei on its tail

A superhero version of a very famous probiotic yogurt drink

A sleepy looking Noh mask dog who just stood still and stared at you

A cyber cat with a super soaker

A character that I only recently found out is a

SNAKE IN A COALMINER'S UNIFORM.

The cutest little lucky cat promoting social welfare...

and all these other cuties!

I had a great time at the Yuru-chara Grand Prix and HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who happens to be in Japan at the same time. It is a photo op DREAM and you'll get lots of free stickers. :)

Who doesn't like free stickers?