Hello! It’s me again, continuing with our Japanese Posts, I came to write about Osaka.
If you are taking a route through Japan, I think that Osaka is an almost essential destination for your first visit, but that’s just a personal opinion.
This city impressed me, compared to Nara or Kyoto, which seemed to me to be more traditional and historical cities (beware, I’m not saying that it isn’t worth visiting) Osaka seemed more cosmopolitan to me, because of its lights, the atmosphere and the buildings. But let’s get into it, so you can get an idea.
These are the Attractions/Activities that you can see/do if you go to Osaka
1. Osaka Castle (Opening. hours 09:00-17:00, entry to the museum, 600 Y)
This castle was rebuilt in 1931 with donations from citizens.
It has a main tower, several walls, moats, gates and defense towers. Around the castle there is a large public park, where you can walk and enjoy nature in the heart of the city. It is especially beautiful in spring, to see the cherry blossoms, which is the time that I went.
2. Gate Tower
This is a building, famous for being crossed by a highway. The best way to see it, is from the Umeda Sky Building, so you can see it in all its greatness.
3. Umeda Sky Building (Opening hours 10:00-22:00, 1000 Y)
It’s a building completed in 1993 where you can have impressive views of the city from “The Floating Garden Observatory”.
You can also cross from one building to another, using escalators. Which in my opinion, gives a slightly futuristic feeling.
3. Umeda neighborhood
It’s a commercial neighborhood, with different attractions and where you can find many restaurants. In addition, it’s a district that is very well connected to the others, which is why it’s one of the most popular places for tourists to stay at.
4. Kuromon Ichiba Market
A long shopping street, where you will find around 600 of all kind of shops.
5. Shinsekai
A busy neighborhood for shopping and food. What we liked the most, is the retro-futuristic aspect of the area, where you will find all kinds of Neon signs.
6. Tsutenkaku Tower
This tower was built in 1912 as part of an amusement park, and is currently a symbol of the city. You can access it, it has an observatory inside.
7. Den Den Town
In this neighborhood you will find many electronics, manga, anime and video game stores. Perfect for those who are interested in this kind of things. It is an eclectic neighborhood that reflects modern Japanese culture.
8. Namba Parks (Opening. hours 11:00-21:00)
A nine-story shopping center. If you have time, it’s a good place to shop for Japanese brands.
9. Hozenji Yokocho Alley
A pedestrian street where you can find many street food places, bars and restaurants. Also in this area you will find a small Buddhist temple, Hozenji Temple.
10. Amerikamura
An important shopping and entertainment area, located in the Chūō-ku district. Amerikamura is an area that runs from Nagahori Street to Dotonbori.
It is also known for having a replica of the Statue of Liberty, smaller in size.
11. Dōtombori
One of the liveliest areas of the city, where you will find bars, izakayas, restaurants and karaokes. It’s a good area to try Osaka’s specialty, takoyaki, which is a ball-shaped dough filled with octopus.
So, like I said, Osaka really impressed me, Its just a vibrant. city. I hope you enjoy your trip to Osaka, as much as I did.
Until next time!