Must Visit of Osaka

1:53 AM

There are many places to visit in Osaka City. Among my must see are: 


DOTONBORI 


No trip to Osaka would be complete without a visit to Dotonbori - a perfect spot to fill your senses and your tummy.  It’s a great place to taste Osaka’s flavors.

The Dotonbori Canal divde the north and south side. The northern side has restaurants and bars including M Dotonbori and Ichiran Ramen. There is also a 24hour Don Quijote.

On the south side, you can see the iconic Glico Man of Osaka. There are usually numerous people taking photos on the Ebisu bridge. A good place to take a photo is on the walkway on the sides of the Dotonbori Canal.

Here Dotonbori street is lined with restaurants and stalls serving seafood, street foods and other Japanese favorites. The street is adorned with colorful signages including a mechanized crab in front of Kani Doraku.

Among the must eat foods in Osaka are the takoyaki (Octopus Balls), and Okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes). Creo –ku is popular for its takoyaki and will usually have a line. Watch as they make takoyaki balls in front. There are also other takoyaki flavors to choose from but it is traditionally made with octopus. As you bite into its gooey oozy center, you can spot pieces of octopus.

One of my favorites is Osaka Osho’s gyozas. On the street level is a take out counter and you can watch as they form the yummy dumplings. You can order gyoza and their other menu items on the 2nd floor where there are a few tables available.

If you’re in the mood for Matsusaka beef, M has several restaurants in the Dotonbori area. You can enjoy Matsusaka beef teppanyaki style, shabu shabu, and many more. Matsusaka beef is grown in Matsusaka between the Kumozu and Miyagawa rivers. It is said that it has a beefier taste compared to the widely popular Kobe beef.

While in Dotonbori, you can also go shopping with Shinsaibashi Shopping Street and Midosuji Boulevard is just across the Dotonbori Canal.

Website: http://www.dotonbori.or.jp/en/ 
Nearest Train Station: Namba


SHINSAIBASHI SHOPPING STREET & MIDOSUJI BOULEVARD

Shinsaibashi Shopping Street in Minami is about 8-block long covered shopping haven. On one end you can find Tokyu Hands (7 floors of lifestyle items) and clothing giants Zara, H&M, and Uniqlo. Take Exit 10 of the Shinsaibashi Station to reach this end. On the Namba end is the Dotonbori Canal and Dotonbori Street, which also flanks two H&M stores beside the water. There are many stores along the street including a Sanrio and Disney Store, ABC Mart (rubber shoes), 2nd hand designer stores like Brand Off, and many clothes and shoes stores. There are 2 Pablo cheesecake stores on Shinsaibashi – one in the middle of the street by Suomachi Dori and near Dotonbori on Soemoncho Dori.

There are also two Kansai Tourist Information Centers on Shinsaibashi. One is in Daimaru and the other is on the 2nd floor of Tommy Hillfiger.

The shopping street is parallel to Midosuji Boulevard, which is sometimes considered as the Champs de Elysee of Asia. It is a high-end shopping street with designer stores like Louis Vuitton and big brands such as Apple & Puma. On Midosuji Boulevard also stands the Daimaru department store a high-end department store. Try visiting the supermarket in the basement for many food items available. Take Exit 5 or 6 of the Shinsaibashi Station to exit nearest to Daimaru. This gingko tree lined street is beautiful in autumn when the leaves turn yellow.

Don Quijote on the riverwalk is a 24-hour department store with many affordable items including pharmacy, electronics, clothes, luggages, groceries, and other souvenir items. Tax-free shopping is available here.

Website: http://www.shinsaibashi.or.jp/lang/e 
Nearest train station: Shinsaibashi Stn.

KUROMON MARKET 

Similar to Kyoto’s Nishiki Market, Kuromon Market is also called “Osaka’s Kitchen”. Opened in 1822, Kuromon Ichiba started as a fish market in Nippombashi. As the years passed, more items were sold and now is packed with about 150 shops selling raw fish, fruits, clothes, shoes , Japanese goodies, etc. 

This 580 m long is a good place to sample Japanese produce and snacks. Frequented by tourists, it is a nice market to get a glimpse of fresh produce and Japanese goodies. Prices here aren’t as cheap as before.

There are also affordable fresh sushi places or you can also buy from the stalls and enjoy oysters, urchin, and other fresh seafood. Try the Tako Tamago or quail egg wrapped around an octopus and seasonal fruits and food available.

Website: http://kuromon.com/
Entrance Fee: Free
Nearest Train Station: Nippombashi Station, Exit 10 

OSAKA CASTLE 

Enjoy fall foliage in the castle grounds. One of Osaka's iconic sights, the Osaka Castle is among the must-see spots. The grounds are beautiful and it;s great to walk around the park (Osaka -Koen). Even beautiful in the Spring when cherry blossoms are at it's peak and in the fall to enjoy the Koyo or autumn foliage. 

The Castle itself is a replica which houses a museum and an observatory on its top deck. 
I wouldn't advise going inside the castle itself. There is usually a long line to go inside even before it opens. You aren't allowed to take photos in the museum part. The view on the observation area is beautiful but is a little blocked with the wire fencing around. There is just a few elevators going up and you'll have to take the stairs going down. Stairs is quite narrow and is usually packed with numerous visitors. 

I'd suggest visiting early in the day to avoid the crowds and would work your way down. Start with the observatory then go down to the museum and displays. If availing of the Osaka Amazing Pass, entrance is free. You'll just present your Osaka Amazing Pass ticket to enter. 
There are souvenir shops inside the castle and around the park. There is a machine that sells medals you can personalize with your name and dates your visit in the park. You have the option to purchase a keychain holder or necklace to hold the pendant. 

There is also a time capsule that is buried in front of the castle. Look for the marker.  Enjoy some soft ice cream and some souvenir shopping around the park. 

The Castle is about 15 minute walk from either Morinomiya, Osakajo koen, or Tanimachiyonchome Stations. 

I use the Morinomiya station and have a pleasant walk up. It's close to where buses park, so there won't be a problem getting lost since all you need to do is follow the tourists going in. 
From Morinomiya exit 1 or 3B, walk up to the grounds passing the Southern outer moat on your left, then continue up the driveway towards the Sakuramon Gate then enter. You'll approach the castle's main tower from the front. There are souvenir stands in the left side and the time capsule is in the middle part of the area. 

Website: http://www.osakacastle.net/english/museum/index.html
 Entrance Fee: Y600 Museum, Castle Grounds:  Free
Nearest Train Station: Morinomiya (Chuo Exit # 1 , 3-B or Nagahori Tsurumiryokchi Line Exit # 3-B) ; Tanimachi 4 Chome Station (Chuo Line Exit # 9) / tanimachi line)  or Osakajo Koen (JR Osaka Loop 
Hours of Operation: 9:00 - 5:00 PM (Museum)

TSUTENTAKU TOWER & SHINSEKAI

The Tsutentaku Tower in Shinsekai stands at a height of 103 m. The observation deck on the 4th & 5th floor is at about 91m. The ticket booth is on the B1F Observation deck.
 
This observation tower has the biggest clock in Japan and displays the next day’s weather forecast in the color of the round sign on top of the tower. The lights of the tower change throughout the year to depict the seasons.

Around and inside the tower you’ll find Billiken a charm doll popularly found here in Shinsekai. The Billiken however is not Japanese but was created by an American. Many still though leave a donation and rub its feet for the “god of things as they ought to be”.

Website: http://www.tsutenkaku.co.jp/Guide-pdf/mishiran-guide-english.pdf
http://www.tsutenkaku.co.jp (Japanese)


Entrance Fee: Y600 *free with Osaka Amazing Pass
Train Station: Ebisucho (3 min walk); Dobutsuen –Mae (10 min walk)
Operation Hours: 9:00 AM -8:30 PM


UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN
The Universal Studios is one of the most popular destinations in Osaka. This year they are celebrating their 15th anniversary and are usually packed even on weekdays. With the celebration of their anniversary, there are additional shows and the Universal RE-BOOOOOORN parade is a must watch.

An exhilarating ride they opened early this year is the Flying Dinosaur, which is so far the longest flying coaster and farthest initial drop. Lines are usually 2 hours long but worth the 3-minute ride. There are 4 seats per row and your body is held up with the locking mechanism on your body and ankles.
 
If you like roller coasters, the Hollywood Dream ride gives you two options. The Hollywood Dream – the ride moves forward while The Hollywood Dream – The backdrop goes backwards. There are 4 seats per row and there are song options to choose from you for your specific seat as background music during the ride. There are different genres to choose from although mostly Japanese songs there are also English options. 

Narrations on the rides and inside the park are in Japanese. The Minions have their own area and have several shows within the day. In Universal Studios Japan the Sesame Street Characters, Snoopy and Hello Kitty are the characters featured. You can find some of them usually near the entrance and near their attractions.

The most popular attraction is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, being the only one in Asia. You are transported to the pages of the popular book and can enjoy the rides and attractions. You can enjoy the rides Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride (4 seater 4K3D ride) and Flight of the Hippograff. You will have to leave your belongings in designated lockers for the Harry Potter and Forbidden Journey for free. You can also explore Hogwarts Castle Walk on your own.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is on the side of the park that limits the number of visitors inside as a cul de sac. I would suggest heading here first to avoid the crowds. When they are limiting people you’ll need to get at timed entrance ticket. The Express Pass with Harry Potter allows you to choose your timed entry before hand. Your express pass to the Harry Potter and Forbidden Journey ride will also be during your timed entrance. Even the stores can get really packed.

I preferred the frozen butter beer but is usually just available in the Spring and Summer seasons. Butter Beer is available year round with an option for the souvenir mugs. When you send a postcard from the Owl Post & Owlery, there will be a commemorative Harry Potter stamped before it's sent to the post office. 
Small kiosks close earlier than the park but those near the main entrance are open until closing. You can get Tax-free redemption for souvenirs you purchased near the main entrance.
One of the popular Japanese theme park features are the character popcorn buckets. There are also different flavors to choose from and some buckets like the Bob Minion talks.  There are of course character themed snacks throughout the park. The rain ponchos are also really cute in USJ.

Tips to avoid the lines is to arrive early, purchase Express Pass tickets, and strategize your route.

The price of the Universal Express Pass differs depending on the specific date of visit. This is why the price is a price range inside of a definite number. There are also limited quantity of each Express Pass option sold per day so I would suggest buying ahead of time to ensure you get the one you wanted. If in Japan, you can purchase at certain stores like Lawson. You can also buy tickets and print them at home through the Japanese language site of the park. International issued credit cards are accepted but you’ll just need a Japan address (you can use your hotel address) and translate into Kanji your name. I would suggest using google chrome to auto translate the webpage. Some travel agencies also sell them.


Website: http://www.usj.co.jp/e/ 

Entrance Fees:
1 day pass :Y 7400 adults, Y 4980 child
2 day Pass: Y 12450 adult; Y 8420 child
UNIVERSAL EXPRESS PASS: http://www.usj.co.jp/e/ticket/express_pass.html

Express Pass 7 :  (3 kinds: Express Pass 7 – Flying Dinosaur; Standard; Backdrop) Y 6900- Y 13200 Yen 
Express Pass 4: (2 kinds: Expres Pass 4- Flying Dinosaur; Standard) Y 4500- Y 8100
15th special express pass (Flying Dinosaur, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and Universal RE-BOOOOOOORN Parade Y3900- Y 6600

Nearest Train Station: UNIVERSAL CITY
Hours of Operation: 8:30AM to 9:00/10:00 PM For exact schedule you can visit the link for your date of visit:  http://www.usj.co.jp/e/parkguide/calendar.html


HEP 5 FERRIS WHEEL

The Hep 5 Ferris wheel is a 75 meter red ferris wheel on top of the Hep 5 Mall.
At the highest point of 106 meter, you can enjoy city views. An entire lap takes about 15 minutes and gives you a view of the Umeda Station train tracks, downtown Umeda, and Osaka Castle in the distance. The ticket counter is on the 7th floor of the mall. The Hep 5 is a quick walk from Umeda Station, Yodabashi and Don Quijote in Umeda.

Website: /www.hepfive.jp/ferriswheel/
Entrance Fee: Y500
Nearest Train Station: 3 minutes on foot from Umeda Station; 4 minutes on from JR Osaka Station
Hours of Operation: 11:00AM -10:45 PM

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