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Cascade Bakery
Gotten some pastries as breakfast the day before instead of instant noodles. These where bought from Cascade Bakery located at the Hankyu Sanbangai (阪急三番街) which is shopping center directly connected to Hankyu Osaka-umeda Station (left photo below). Total cost for the two pastries was JPY 290 (right photo below).
We left the hotel at about 7.30 am for the Osaka Castle.Transportation Route to Morinomiya
| Action | Route | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Depart | Higashi-Umeda Station 「東梅田駅」 (T20) | - |
| ⇣ | 🚇 Osaka City Subway Tanimachi Line (bound for Yaominami) | 6-mins |
| Transfer | Tanimachi Yonchome Station 「谷町四丁目駅」 (T23 / C18) | - |
| ⇣ | 🚇Osaka City Subway Chuo Line (bound for Gakken Nara-Tomigaoka) | 1-min |
| Arrive | Morinomiya Station 「森ノ宮駅」 (C19) | - |
Took us about 20-mins walk from Morinomiya Station before reaching the castle entrance.
Osaka Castle Museum (大阪城天守阁)
The Osaka Castle is one of the most famous Japanese landmarks and together with Nagoya Castle and Himeji Castle, it ranks among the top three castles in Japan (photo below). Historically the castle played a major role in the unification of Japan during 16th century of the Azuchi–Momoyama period.
- The construction of Osaka Castle started in 1583 on the former site of the Ishiyama Honganji Temple, which had been destroyed by Oda Nobunaga thirteen years earlier. Hideyoshi Toyotomi (豊臣秀吉) intended the castle to become the center of a new, unified Japan under Toyotomi rule. It was the largest castle at the time.
However, a few years after Hideyoshi's death, Tokugawa troops attacked and destroyed the castle and terminated the Toyotomi lineage in 1615. Osaka Castle was rebuilt by Tokugawa Hidetada (徳川秀忠) in the 1620s, but its main castle tower was struck by lightning in 1665 and burnt down.
It was not until 1931 that the present ferro-concrete reconstruction of the castle tower was built. During the war it miraculously survived the city-wide air raids. Major repair works gave the castle a new glamor in 1997.
Castle Layout
- The main keep or castle tower is situated on a plot of land roughly one square kilometers. It is built on two raised platforms surrounded by a two series of moats, inner and outer, and strong defensive fortifications. The inner ring has both the wet moat at its northern-easterly and dry moat at its south-westerly. The outer moat that surrounds the entire castle premise consists of four individual water-filled sections where each representing a cardinal direction (photo below).
- The castle tower is built with five-tier on its exterior but has eight-storey internally that stands 55-meters above the ground. Although the castle was built during modern times, its façade still follows the traditional architectural style in the Hideyoshi era (photos below).
One striking feature on the castle roof ridge is the sculpture of a 188-cm tall golden Shachihoko (photos below). The Shachihoko (鯱) is a mythological Japanese sea creature that has the body of a carp and the head of a tiger. These were cast in bronze and glued with a total of 360 pieces of gold leaf applications in three layers. Legends describe this creature can swallow huge amounts of water and hold it in its belly for long periods of time.
- This museum is dedicated to the story of Osaka Castle and life of Hideyoshi Toyotomi. Full-scale replicas of the golden shachihoko (tiger-headed carp) and the golden fusetora (tiger watching its prey) are on display on the 2nd floor of the castle (left photo below). On its 5th floor, there is a diorama created from a folding screen that illustrated the Summer War of Osaka between the Tokugawa and the Toyotomi clan on 7 May 1615 (right photo below). These 307 miniatures had a scale of 1/20.
Admission of JPY 600 is required but we used the Osaka Amazing Pass to enter. Opening hours from 0900 hours till 1700 hours daily but hours may extend seasonally.Osaka International Peace Center
The Osaka International Peace Center is located within the Osaka Castle Park and opened in Aug 1991. This is a peace museum that dedicates to the destruction of the Osaka during World War II and the border themes of the tragedy of war and importance of peace (left photo below).
This museum was pressed by the Japanese conservative groups since its opening especially on the exhibition of Japanese war crimes. As such after the renovation in 2015, items related to Japan's action in Asia were removed. Currently the museum has six exhibit areas, including the story on the air raids over Osaka in 1945 (photos below).
The life of common people during the war was also shown where a model depicted they had to hide in shelters during air raids (left photo below). I was astonished by the display of a common meal during war (right photo below), which was considered as a luxury meal compared to the Asians who suffered during the Japanese occupation.
The original spirit of this museum was radically altered and it now focuses on being a victim as a country rather than an initiator of war. It had become a conservative museum since 2015. Admission of JPY 250 is required but we used the Osaka Amazing Pass to enter. This museum opens from 0930 hours to 1700 hours and closed on every Monday.
Osaka Museum of History (大阪歴史博物館)
The Osaka Museum of History is a museum that showcases the nearly 1,400-year-old history and culture of Osaka. The museum is recognizable by its spindle-shaped building (left photo below) where the permanent exhibition occupies its upper four floors while its lower floors are occupied by a restaurant, museum shop and an atrium. It is adjoined by a spacious atrium to the NHK Osaka Broadcasting Center (right photo below).
Visitors will be guided to an elevator where the permanent exhibition starts from its 10th floor.
The Ancient Period (10th Floor)
- A partial reconstructed of the Daigokuden Hall of Naniwa Palace during the Nara Period can be seen on this floor (left photo below). These life-size replicas of the vermillion-painted pillars are 70-cm in diameters each and are surrounded by mannequins in period court dress (right photo below).
The Naniwa Palace (難波宮), whose location in present-day Osaka, was built by Emperor Shomu as his residence in 726. This palace was then designated as a temporary capital of the country in 734. The Daigokuden Hall (大極殿), built in Chinese style, was used by the emperor for important rituals. Soon after the Naniwa Palace was forgotten for more than a thousand years. Only recently in 1953 that its ruins are discovered near the vicinity of this museum.A model of the Naniwa Palace in the 8th century (left photo below) together with the excavated roof tiles with circular and floral patterns (right photo below) are on exhibition.
- The 9th floor tells the story of Osaka city's development as a busy port and center of trade during the Middle Ages and the early modern period (photos below).
There are many excellent 1/25th scale miniature models and dioramas depicting city life in the mid-19th century. I was impressed by their attention to details (photos below).
- This is a hands-on archaeological experience workshop guided by museum staff where visitors can use the actual tools and reference materials to uncover the past.
- The 7th floor holds life-size reproductions of Osaka city streets and households in the early 20th century. The crowded, bustling atmosphere of the street corners of Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori in the late Taisho and early Showa periods are realistically reproduced in this exhibition (photos below).
- Besides the exhibition, this museum also provided an excellent view at different angle of the Osaka Castle. Following were the photos taken on the 10th floor (left photo below) and 7th floor (right photo below) of the museum.
Transportation Route to Ebisucho
| Action | Route | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Depart | Morinomiya Station 「森ノ宮駅」 (C19) | - |
| ⇣ | 🚇 Osaka City Subway Chuo Line (bound for Cosmosquare) | 4-mins |
| Transfer | Sakaisuji-Hommachi Station 「堺筋本町駅」 (C17 / K15) | - |
| ⇣ | 🚇Osaka City Subway Sakaisuji Line (bound for Tengachaya) | 4-mins |
| Arrive | Ebisuchō Station 「恵美須町駅」 (K18) | - |
Shinsekai Market
Located next to the Tsūtenkaku Tower, the Shinsekai Market is an old-school covered shopping street lined with food, clothing & souvenir vendors (photos below).
We just decided to have our late lunch there. Saw a small restaurant "Shirokiya" (白木屋) (left photo below) thus walked in and ordered a "Stone Friddle Taco Rice Omelete" at JPY 689 (right photo below). Taste was acceptable but the restaurant owner was unfriendly and took a long time to take orders.
Tsūtenkaku Tower (通天閣)Tsūtenkaku Tower is a 103-meters tall landmark in Osaka and registered as a national tangible cultural property (left photo below). It can be reached by 3-mins walk from Ebisucho Station Exit No. 3 (right photo below).
Tower History
- The original tower was built in July 1912 as a symbol of an entertainment facility called Luna Park, and was made to look like the Eiffel Tower on top of the Arc de Triomphe. It was the tallest building in the East at that time. Due to a fire in January 1943, the original Tsūtenkaku was dismantled. Later in 1956, a second Tsūtenkaku was rebuilt with the backing of the local residents. The second tower is 108-meters tall including the lightning rod.
Observatory Deck (5th floor)
- The elevator took us to the fifth floor which is the observatory deck. The entire floor is sparkling in gold, thus earning its reputation as "Golden Observation Platform".
The golden "Billiken" sits in the center of this floor (photo below). This charming and whimsical statue is believed to bring good luck and happiness to those who encounter it, be for business success, passing a test, or good relationships. Each year thousands of visitors place a coin in his donation box and rub the soles of his feet to make their wishes come true.
The highest skyscraper in Japan, Abeno Harukas, stands out from the surrounding buildings at a 300-meters height. (left photo below). Not far from the tower was the Tennoji Zoo (right photo below).
- There was a small exhibition at the third floor on "Pocky" (left photo below) together with the history on Tsūtenkaku tower. The diorama depicted the bustling Luna Park where the tower used to be the centerpiece in this lively area hundred years ago (right photo below).
- There was a mini-exhibition at the second floor of the tower on the popular manga and anime character "Kinnikuman" who is a clumsy, foolish and comical superhero (photos below).
- At the basement floor, there were shops filled with delicious, cute and some exclusive souvenirs (photos below).
Shinsekai (新世界)
This is an old neighborhood used to be part of the Luna Park amusement park from 1912 to 1923. Now it is a funky and somewhat touristy area with some colorful, eye-catching eateries and boutiques dotted around its alley. This area is very much like Dotonbori where there are interesting displays outside the shops or restaurants (photos below).
Saw a Takoyaki shop that seemed to be popular (left photo below), therefore bought a tray of eight Takoyaki, or Grilled Octopus Balls, at JPY 350 (right photo below). It was sizzling hot but the Octopus chunk was tender and flavorful from its topping sauce.
Transportation Route to Nippombashi
| Action | Route | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Depart | Ebisuchō Station 「恵美須町駅」 (K18) | - |
| ⇣ | 🚇 Osaka City Subway Sakaisuji Line (bound for Takatsukishi) | 2-mins |
| Arrive | Nippombashi Station 「日本橋」 (K17) | - |
Went to Dotonbori Street for final shopping before our trip back. Managed to get more food souvenirs from the Don Quijote store. Thereafter took subway back to Umeda.
Transportation Route to Umeda
| Action | Route | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Depart | Nippombashi Station 「日本橋」 (S17) | - |
| ⇣ | 🚇 Osaka City Subway Sennichimae Line (bound for Nodahanshin) | 1-min |
| Transfer | Namba (Subway) Station 「難波駅」 (S16 / M20) | - |
| ⇣ | 🚇Osaka City Subway Midosuji Line (bound for Minoh-kayano) | 8-mins |
| Arrive | Umeda (Subway) Station 「梅田駅」 (M16) | - |
Bento Dinner
Bought our dinner from one of the stalls in the Food Hall (left photo below) on 1st Basement floor of Hanshin Department Store (阪神百貨店). This bento set at JPY 820 was simple yet filling and delicious (right photo below).
Had our late dinner in the hotel. Thereafter packed our luggage and had a good rest.Day Seven
City Convenience Restaurant - First Kitchen
Walked pass this "First Kitchen" restaurant several times on way back to hotel and often wanted to try (left photo below). Finally had this opportunity to dine in this restaurant for breakfast on my last day in Osaka. Ordered a "Cheese Bacon Egg" set that came with a Burger, French Fries and hot coffee at JPY 740 (right photo below). Taste was simple for this fast-food meal.
Transportation Route to Kaigandori
| Action | Route | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Depart | Umeda (Subway) Station 「梅田駅」 (M16) | - |
| ⇣ | 🚇 Osaka City Subway Midosuji Line (bound for Tennōji) | 5-mina |
| Transfer | Hommachi Station 「本町駅」 (M18 / C16) | - |
| ⇣ | 🚇Osaka City Subway Chuo Line (bound for Cosmosquare) | 11-mins |
| Arrive | Ōsakakō Station 「大阪港駅」 (C11) | - |
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan (海遊館)
The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is located in the Kaigandori area. Opened in 1990, the aquarium has about 30,000 animals of more than 400 species occupying over its eight floors (left photo below). It introduces various forms of life inhabiting the Pacific Rim in a well-organized and impressive way.
Admission fee was reduced to JPY 2,200 due to the JPY 100 discount from the Osaka Amazing Pass (right photo below). This aquarium can be reached by a 5-mins walk from Osakako Station. Opening hours from 1000 hours to 2000 hours daily.
Aqua Gate
- The tour started by walking through the aqua gate which is a tunnel-shaped tank (left photo below). After which visitors will have to take a lift to its eight floor.
Japan Forest
- This Japanese forest is recreated on the eight floor exhibiting animals like Asian small-clawed otters and Japanese Giant Salamander (right photo below). During my trip, this exhibit became very lively by chattering voices from the pre-school children.
Aleutian Islands
- This exhibit showcases the sea otters (left photo below).
Monterey Bay
- California sea lions and Harbor seals can be viewed on land and underwater (right photo below).
- The largest species of rodents, Capybara, is exhibited in this enclosure (left photo below).
Antarctica
- Adelie penguin and King penguin can be seen swimming in this exhibit (right photo below).
- This is where the largest fish on earth, Whale Shark, can be seen from the huge tanks in this aquarium (photos below). Scalloped hammerhead shark and humphead wrasse can also be observed in this exhibit.
- A large family of sardines was spotted circulating effortlessly in the large water tank (left photo below). An octopus, on the other hand, stood quietly at a corner (right photo below).
- World's biggest species of crab, Giant Spider Crab, are showcased in this tank (photos below). This was the largest number of spider crabs I had seen within a tank from the many aquariums I had visited.
- This was one of my favorite exhibits during my visit where I had been captivated by the magical beauty from the different species of jellyfish (photos below).
Left the aquarium at about 1.30 pm.
Coco's Restaurant
Had my late lunch in this Coco's Restaurant located at the Tempozan Marketplace (left photo below). Ordered a beef steak burger at JPY 745 (right photo below). Taste was acceptable but the steak burger was somewhat charred.
Tempozan MarketplaceThis is a large-scale commercial complex adjacent to the Kaiyukan aquarium containing roughly 80 tenants such as fashionable restaurants with a view of the sea, a casual food court, unique fashion and jewelry shops, sundries, and imported products (left photo below). There is even a Lego Miniland inside the mall (right photo below).
Took the same transportation route back to Umeda.Yoshinoya (𠮷野家)
Saw this Japanese fast-food chain while walking towards the hotel (left photo below). Paid JPY 380 for a beef bowl (right photo below). Glad that I had this early dinner to last me till the next meal I had in the airport.
Claimed our deposited luggage from the hotel, thereafter we took the airport Limousine Bus from Umeda (New Hankyu Hotel) to Kansai Airport.Kansai International Airport
After custom clearance, we continued to shop inside the transit area. I noticed that it was cheaper and more convenient to purchase those common snacks like Pocky or Kit Kat in the transit area because there is no tax. However if the purchases are in bulk and need to be pre-packed and checked-in, then it makes sense to get them from those duty-free shops.
Was caught by the striking poster at the Starbucks Café regarding its latest promotion on the cantaloupe melon frappuccino (left photo below). Out of curiosity, bought this melon frappuccino and a filone ham and maribo cheese sandwich at a total cost of JPY 1,134 (right photo below). Taste was not too sweet for the frappuccino and the sandwich was heated to the right temperature.
Singapore Airlines
Boarded our SQ 615 flight at 2330 hours. Simple snacks and beverage were distributed to every passenger soon after take-off (left photo below). Breakfast choice of "omelet with sausage, tomato, mushrooms and baked beans" were then served (right photo below).
Our flight landed on Singapore safely and with this ended my seven days trip to Osaka and Kyoto.