Osaka, the jewel of the Kansai region is well known for their culinary delights, famous Osaka Castle and the capital of laughter and comedy.
Osaka is the second largest city in Japan with around 2.6 million people and is the 12th largest urban area in the world. Osaka's long history of trade and food culture has led them to being nicknamed Japan's kitchen with their famous foods kushikatsu and takoyaki lining the streets of the famous Dotonbori district and Shinsekai. Osaka has a unique, colourful and warm hearted feeling something you cannot feel anywhere else in Japan and we hope you have an excellent experience that you will never forget.
Osaka is full of life, food, people and awesome attractions that will never leave you bored.
Read below for the:
Top 3 attractions you can visit in the heart of Osaka!
1. Dotonbori, Osaka
[Pictured: Dotonbori, Osaka]
In the south area of Osaka, Dotonbori is the most famous tourist destination and spot to visit! Dotonbori's world famous takoyaki and okonomiyaki shops will leave your mouth watering! Grab your family, friends and head down here to experience the real Osaka culture and people!
Neon lights light up the area, loud noises, people bussling around looking for sales or delicious cheap food and drinking up the local beer.
Dotonbori's history...
Dotonbori's history dates back to 1612 and is related to the local canal networks connecting Umezu River and Kizugawa River. Yasui Doton began this project but unfortunately could not complete it as he was killed during a seige in Osaka. His cousins completed the project and in his memory the canal is called Dotonbori.
Within the area the canal brought trade and supplied food to the local restaurants and shops. As well as transporting locals from theatres to their houses.
Today theatre culture in Dotonbori is decreasing and now it is a phenomenal hub for food, entertainment and bars.
3 of the best restaurants to visit in Dotonbori:
- Kukuru - a famous takoyaki (octopus ball) shop
- Zubora-yu - a famous pufferfish specialty restaurant
- Ganso Kushikatsu Daruma - famous for kushikatsu or fried vegetable and meat on skewers
But of course there are many more to choose from!
[Pictured: Lady eating takoyaki]
3 of the best dessert or sweet shops to choose from:
- Rikuro Ojiisan no mise - famous for their soft freshly baked cheese cake
- Mattari-Purin Dotonbori - famous for delicious custardy egg pudding.
- 吉本人形焼カステラ - famous for small funny shaped Osaka characters filled with custard.
[Pictured: Rikuro Ojiisan's famous cheesecake]
Another spot that is incredibly famous and you cannot miss is the Gurico Sign! Pose and take a photo here during your time in Dotonbori! The most Instagrammable spot in Osaka!
[Pictured: Gurico sign, Dotonbori, Osaka]
Dotonbori has a lot to offer you as a visitor and this blog only shows a few things you can do. So please take your time to explore the area further during your stay in Osaka!
2. Osaka Castle, Chuo-ku, Osaka
[Pictured: Osaka Castle]
Osaka Castle is an outstanding castle located in the centre of Osaka just a 25 min train ride from JR Osaka Station and a 28 minute train ride from Namba Station. Open from 9-5 everyday you can visit this historically and culturally important castle.
It will cost you a small fee of $8 AUD for Adults and children from the age of 15 and under are free (ID required).
[Pictured: Map of Osaka Castle and Transport]
History of Osaka Castle
In 1583 Osaka Castle was built in the former site of Honganji Temple by the feudal lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi to establish the centre of a new unified Japan and it was the largest temple at its time.
Just a few years later after Hideyoshi's death the Tokugawa clan troops attacked and destroyed the castle. After this Osaka Castle has been rebuilt and survived various air raids over the years.
Today you can enter the castle and it features many modern features such as an elevator and an informative museum about the castle's history and the background of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Features of this castle and why you should go inside?
- 7 floors and 19 scenes of this iconic castles history
- Stunning panoramic views of Osaka
- Historical and cultural facts and artefacts
- Interactive videos and shows
- Try on traditional samurai costumes
- Interesting traditional arts and screen displays
- A full scale replica of the Golden Tea Room
[Pictured: Osaka Castle Museum, inside]
[Pictured: Golden fish a unique details of Osaka Castle]
If you have spent time in the castle and took various photos of the castle from the outside another good spot to visit is Osaka Castle Park.
Osaka Castle Park is very stunning in spring with its 600 cherry blossom trees and places to have bbqs it is great for visitors. It was opened in 1931 and is constantly a flowery and leafy haven for visitors to see in season to season. Stop by this park for a rest and relax.
[Pictured: Osaka Castle Park, spring season]
From the park you can visit the magificent moats and stone walls original symbols of the solid defences of the Tokugawa built Osaka Castle. The harmonized beauty of the stone walls and the moats surprises and moves visitors.
Walking around this park you can spot many highlights along the way. Keep your eye out for historically significant spots and important cultural properties.
Enjoy Osaka Castle and Osaka Castle Park in the centre of Osaka!
3. Universal Studios Japan - Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, Japan.
[Pictured: USJ World near Entrance]
Universal Studios Japan is a great place to spend the day during your time in Osaka. This amusement park has a wide range of rides and attractions to suite all ages and sizes. From rollercoasters to show attractions and street shows you, your friends and family can have the time of your life.
Located near Universal City Station, in the Western area of Osaka you can access Universal Studios Japan by train or bullet train depending on your location.
From Osaka Station you can take the JR Osaka Loop line to Nishikujo Station and walk 2 minutes to the Nishikujo Station (Sakurajima Line) and take the blue line towards Universal City Station. From Universal City station walk to Universal Studios Japan.
This will cost you around $2.40 AUD each way for a train ticket.
[Pictured: Map of Universal Studios Location, taken from https://www.usj.co.jp/e/access/]
Once you arrive at Universal Studios Japan make your way to the main gate and purchase your ticket for the day.
[Pictured: USJ Entrance Gate]
You can choose from a 1 day Studio Pass or a 2 day Studio Pass depending on your travel arrangements or plans. We can also help you arrange a 1 day Studio Pass before you leave for Japan.
Adult: 1 day passes will cost you around $110 AUD.
Children: 1 day passes will cost you around $63 AUD.
[Pictured: USJ tickets on entrance]
After purchasing your ticket explore the amazing attractions. Start with exploring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and make sure you grab your timed entry ticket to escape into a new dimesion. Ride the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride, try casting your magic wand around the walls, windows and back alleys of Hogsmeade and walk around the popular Hogwarts Castle. Take a photo infront of the Hogwarts Express, see the Ford Anglia featured in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and taste the sweet favourite butter beer!
[Pictured: Hogwarts Castle]
[Pictured: Flying Dragon Ride]
[Pictured: Ford Anglia]
[Pictured: Butter beer in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter]
Then explore Jurassic Park with the Flying Dinosaur ride, experience a 3D popular attraction on the Amazing Adventures of Spiderman ride and escape from the enormous Jaws. Embark on an adventure through space on the Space Fantasy ride and cut through the wind on the Hollywood Dream ride. Or if you have kids make sure you take them to Universal Wonderland and the Minion attractions as well as the street and stage shows! If you start to get hungry make sure you grab some interesting themed food or drinks!
[Pictured: Hollywood Dream Ride]
[Pictured: Minion Parade at Universal Studios Japan]
Don't miss out on Universal Studios Japan, when you stop by Osaka! Its definitely worth visiting with your friends and family! A great one day or two day trip to fulfill your dreams and themepark fantasies.
We hope you take the time to experience excellent, delicious and warm Osaka on your Japan travels.
Contact us at info@tomatotravel.com.au, through our online chat or 1300-680-057 for further information regarding Osaka and places to visit in Osaka!
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We hope you enjoy your Monday and the rest of the week! We will be back next week.
Tomato Travel Blogger | 2019