Osaka Experience

One of the most visited places in Japan is Osaka, a port city which is roughly 400 kilometers away from the capital, Tokyo and will take around an hour if you travel with an airplane and 4 hours via Shinkansen (Japanese Bullet Train). Osaka is found on the Japanese island Honshu, and is very famous for its wide variety of street food, energetic night life and booming metropolis. 

 

Upon arriving at the airport at noontime, we went directly to Osaka Castle before heading to our hotel. This castle is one of the main attractions in Osaka. It is approximately 10 to 15 minutes walk from the train station. Click here for train routes and stations. 

As a major landmark, it gets really crowded with tourists but the place is worth visiting. The castle's majestic structure tells that it played a major role in Japan's history. You can take a stop, along the path to read the history of the castle which is written in English. 

Wedding photo shoot at Osaka Castle

After spending more than an hour inside Osaka Castle's vast landscaped park, we went to Hotel Universal Port. I can say this hotel is wonderfully located in Osaka after we realized it is just a few walks going to Universal City Walk and Universal Studios Japan. We are surprised by the size of the rooms of this hotel, including the large bathrooms, which is important as most tourists will be traveling with children. At the back of the hotel you will also locate a port going to Osaka Aquarium.

 

Electronic toilet switches, only in Japan!

The next day, we booked for a 10 minute Captain Line ferry ride to visit Osaka Aquarium (KAIYUKAN) which is located near Osaka Bay. Tickets are available at Hotel Universal Port and the ferry can be found outside the hotel.

 

"Kaiyukan"

The aquarium is marvelous and great for all ages! It's an ocean of Zen. Hundreds of types of fishes, penguins, sharks, you name it! Kids will love it. You may buy some souvenirs from the aquarium at the exit. Below are some photos inside Osaka Aquarium.

 

We decided to look for a spot to experience what Osaka has to offer at night. So we proceeded to the famous Dotonbori district. This area is considered as the "heart and symbol of Osaka". The large scale area is lively and packed with neon lights, shops, foreign and local tourists and of course, streetfood! No doubt, this is the "nightlife" of Osaka. It's the best place to shop and dine. You may also want to visit the north side of Dotonbori and look for Shinsaibashi district if  you want to shop more.

Takoyaki! An iconic food in Osaka which is cooked in a special Takoyaki pan. Shaped like a ball made of flour and filled with minced octopus and other ingredients.

 
Osaka is a taste of the old and new Japan and will definitely come back if given the chance. If you have 4 to 5 days vacation, I suggest adding nearby Kyoto and Nara on your itinerary for a more interesting  traditional Japan experience.

Domo arigato, Mata aimashou Osaka!


Please check my 10 Travel Tips.

10 Tips Before Traveling To Other Countries

 1. Set an appointment with your doctor at least a month prior to your international travel. This allows you time to complete any vaccine series and gives your body time to build up immunity. Vaccines are highly recommended to protect you against a number of serious diseases, including typhoid and fever, which are found in some developing countries.  

Photo Credit: www.orlandohealthblog.com

2. Make two or more copies of your valid passport and travel documents. Leave one with a friend or relative. Bring some  copies with you and keep it safe and separated from your passport. This is essential when proving your identity if you lose your passport. Consider making an electronic copy of your passport on your email.
 

3. Go to your embassy or visit their website for travel advisories before traveling. Register your contact details. This is very useful for people traveling to remote destinations or locations. Just to make sure it is safe to travel in the country of your choice.

4. Familiarize yourself with the currency conversion. Prepare a small amount of the country's local currency because not every place can accept foreign currencies or credit cards. And some airports require travelers to pay for terminal fees. Make sure your credit card will work in the country your visiting. It is also recommended to call your bank and tell them you have plans of using your credit card outside your country. Some banks have security measures to prevent fraud when suddenly used abroad.

 

Photo Credit: andalucia.com

5. Bring a map or download a travel app to your phone. Use the app to check out some local restaurant in a particular area. Research for places of interest or activities that requires entrance tickets so you can buy in advance to save some time queuing on long lines.

6. For your electronic devices, don't forget to bring your chargers. Also, it is important to know the type of plugs the country uses. I recommend international travel plug adapters and converters which are available online and local electronic stores.

Photo: http://stuff.co.nz

7. Bring medicines like antacids, antiseptic and pain relievers. Carrying medications on airports is allowed but qualifiers must be observed. You may visit TSA Blog - Traveling with medication for more information.

8. It is advisable to pack extra clothes and essential items in your carry-on bag. Sometimes there are baggage delay problems from the airport and possibilities of lost luggage. 

9. Review your airlines check-in and carry-on baggage guidelines. This is to prevent additional fees for extra baggage and check-in delays for over-sized luggage. 

Photo Credit: www.jal.co.jp

10. Bring snacks. Keep your tummy happy by bringing some of your favorite healthy snacks and drinks when taking a long trip. Since you are in a foreign country, sometimes it is hard to find a preferred restaurant specially when traveling with kids. 


I hope these simple tips will help make your next journey abroad more delightful and full of good memories. Enjoy your vacation!