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.