Now for the second part of my Japan series. I’ll be sharing our day two trip by visiting the capitol that attracts millions of tourist annually and recognized as the second largest metropolitan city in Japan…..
Osaka.
Our trip to Japan started in Kyoto (which we toured for one day) and returned to the food capitol.
We started our second day trip by going to The Osaka Museum of House and Living.
If you want to experience how it felt like living in Osaka way back in Edo period, This place will give you the feels.
It’s not your ordinary museum since it lets you roam around the old towns, houses as a normal person living in that period.
The lighting changes every few minutes to show how it looks like during different parts of the day.
Another great way to feel the experience is by renting a yukata for only 200 yen!
Kawaii from Head to Toe…
How to get there?
Ride the Tanimachi or Sakisuji Subway Line and stop at Tenjunbashi 6-chrome Station (Exit no.3). The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living is located on the 8th floor of the Housing Information Center. Entrance Fee is 600 yen.
(spotted: Jun Matsumoto)
2. Osaka Castle
One of Japan most famous landmarks as it played a major role in History of Osaka.
Dozens of tourist came here to visit the glorious site and experience the beauty of it, especially during the cherry blossom season.
The castle tower is now entirely modern on the inside with each floors describing the history of Azuchi-Momoyama Period. it also features an elevator inside the castle museum to go directly to the tower. (I suggest you to take the elevator first (even if the line is super long) before you tour the whole floors… because it’s freaking tiring if you take the stairs.. trust me on this… haha
How to get there?
The closest station is Tanimachi 4-chrome Station along the Tanimachi Subway Line and Chuo Subway Line. Entrance to the park is FREE but if you want to enter the castle museum the entrance fee is 600 yen.
3. Abeno Harukas
The tallest skyscraper in Japan. The building stands on top of the Kintetsu Osaka Abenobashi Station and is conveniently located across from the JR station. It houses a department store, an art museum, and an observation deck.
The observation deck is called the “Haruka 300” that is accessed by elevators from the 16th floor. The Harukas is located on the 60th floor with large floor-to-ceiling panels a great 360-degree view of the whole Osaka. other facilities provided that you can tour is the designed inner court and a cafe located on the 58th floor. it also features a rooftop plaza that can be found on the wing building of the Abeno Harukas Kintetsu Department Store.
How to get there?
From Namba Station, ride the Midosuji Subway Line and get off at Tennoji Station. The rooftop plaza entrance is FREE except for the observation deck.
(Other tourist sites that you can visit nearby the Harukas is the Tennoji Park, Tennoji Temple, and Shinsekai).
4. Shinsaibashi
The city’s main shopping area. This is like the holy mecca of shopaholics since it’s filled with trendy boutiques, retail chains, and luxury department stores like Uniqlo, GU, H&M, Zara and much more.
You can find many bargains here and lots of shops to visit. It gets really crowded here at noon so it’s better to start shopping early. When we visit the street it was jam packed and you could be literally carried away by shoppers if you don’t move fast.
5. Dotonburi
One of Osaka’s most popular tourist destination. This street runs parallel to the Dotonbori canal where the most famous Glico Running man sign can be seen.
Considered as the nightlife center for locals and tourists alike since streets is lit by hundreds of neon lights and mechanized signs with food restaurants and souvenir shops.
If Shinsaibashi is for shopping, then Dotonburi is more on food and entertainment. You can spend hours and hours in numerous eatery, cafe, sushi, ramen, octopus balls, and crabs in Kani Doraku (the famous crab).
This place is a must visit for everyone and you will never get bored since a lot of establishments are nearby in Minami Namba such as Amerikamura (the counterpart of Harajuku) and Den Den Town which is the anime /manga paradise! (located in Nipponbashi).
If you’re going to Osaka and need a place to stay near Shinsaibashi and Dotonburi, then I recommend you to come and visit my cousin’s fb page. We extended our stay in Osaka so instead of changing our Airbnb accommodation from 5 to 6 nights, she invited us to stay on our last day in her rental apartment for FREE (with wifi guys..)
She’s super friendly and you can message her anytime or questions to ask about anything related to Japan or your upcoming Osaka/Kyoto trip. You can rent the whole place and she’s also available if you need a tour guide.
That’s it for the Part 1 Japan Adventures, tune in for the next part of the series and the Muggles Guide in Wizarding World of Harry Potter Japan!
