Osaka 2024 Fall

 

Osaka Castle

Osaka is a much modernized city compared with Kyoto. A shopping paradise I would say. Regardless, there are several sites worth visit. I'll skip theme parks such as Universal Studios and Seaworld.

Osaka Castle in Osaka is a must see. The stone castle is a fortrage built in the 16th century. Nowaday, if one would name 5 castles in Japan, Osaka Castle would be on the list although not necessily the top one. Japan once has over 25 thousands castles. Now there are around 200 left.

In the park, you can stroll around, go onto the high wall to see the city view, meet Sir Toyotomi, and take a boat ride around the castle if you decide not to enter the building（天守閣）to see the exhibition. The fee is 600yen for general admission. Of course you can visit the Osaka Museum of History right next to the park (below).

Osaka Museum of History

Dotonbori 道頓堀 - Lively entertainment district known for its soaring illuminated billboards, restaurants & theaters.

Dotonbori

Shinsaibashisuji 心斎橋筋 - a covered shopping street so long that see no end. It is right next to Dotonbori.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan 海遊館 

The aquarium is famous for the great whale sharks. One can imagine to host that big creatures it must be a hugh tank.

海遊館 

Another castle we visited is Himeji Castle, an World Heritage Site.

Himeji Castle

It's located in Himeji city, about 100km west of Osaka. Perfect for a day trip from Osaka. You can take the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka station to Himeji for 30-40 min. It is the fastest. We took the JR express (rapid line) for about 50 min (station to station, not door to door) and much cheaper.

Once you arrive at the Himeji station, you can see the castle right away. Bus is available, but walking is nice as well.

Bought the combo tickets at 1050 yen that covers the castle and a nearby garden. If you are not interested in Japanese garden, it is 1000 yen. Still worth it since it covers a lot of ground.

The model shows the details of the six stories building and without a single nail. Good to have brought something for the picnic. I did not see much choice of food inside.

The entrance fee to the Japanese Garden is 300 yen. Glad that we bought the combo. Although it is not any season, the atmosphere is fantastic. Very enjoying.