Osaka – neighborhoods, gastronomy and must-see

Osaka is Japan’s second largest city after Tokyo. It has been the economic engine of the Kansai region for centuries. Osaka was formerly known as Naniwa and was the first capital ever known. In the 16th century, Toyotomi Hideyoshi chose Osaka as a location for its castle, and the city might have become Japan’s political capital if Tokugawa Ieyasu had not ended the Toyotomi lineage after the death of Hideyoshi and moved its government to the far Edo (Tokyo).

Dotonbori

In 1612 a merchant named Yasui Doton invested all his personal capital in an ambitious local development project. Doton’s plan was to divert and extend the Umezu River into a new waterway linking the local canal system to the Kizugawa River. Unfortunately, Doton’s project was interrupted by the war and he himself was killed during the siege of Osaka in 1615. Later that year, Doton’s cousins completed his work and it was in his memory that the new canal was named Dotonbori or “Doton Canal”.

This area of restaurants and shops is probably the most famous of Osaka thanks to the many bright signs and the gigantic crabs, octopus, dragons, kuidaore, not to mention the iconic Glico runner overlooking the Ebisubashi bridge. The big wheel of the Donquijote store (Donqui) ends up giving the attractive park look to this street that will allow you to taste the modernity of Japan and the many typical dishes. To learn more about the specialties of Osaka cHere.

The area is accessible from the Midosuji Line at Namba stop.

Castle of Osaka

The construction of the Osaka Castle in 1583 began on the former site of Ishiyama Honganji Temple, which had been destroyed by Oda Nobunaga thirteen years earlier. Toyotomi Hideyoshi wanted the castle to become the center of a new unified Japan under the rule of Toyotomi. It was the largest castle of the time.

During the war, he miraculously survived air raids. The castle was completely renovated in 1997. The modernized interior houses a museum on the history of the castle (ticket of 600 yen) and has an elevator. The most remarkable piece is the reproduction of the tea bowl entirely covered with gold.

The nearest station is the Tanimachi Yonchome station on the Tanimachi and Chuo metro lines.

The ticket for the tour costs 600 yen.

Shitennoji

Shitennoji is one of the oldest temples in Japan and the first to have been built by the state. It was founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku, who supported the introduction of Buddhism in Japan. Although the temple buildings have burned several times over the centuries, they have always been carefully rebuilt on original plans.

The outside grounds of the temple are free of access, but the entrance to the inner enclosure, the Gokuraku-jodo garden and the treasure house is paid(500 yen). In the courtyard covered with pebbles of the inner enclosure stand a five-storey pagoda in which one can enter and ascend and the main hall (Kondo) in which Prince Shotoku is consecrated in the form of a statue of Kannon.

A few steps away, the Gokuraku-jodo Garden was designed from the image of Buddha Amida’s paradise.

The temple is accessible from Tennoji stop on the Midosuji Line.

Shinsekai

Shinsekai (“New World”) is a district of Osaka that was developed before the war and then neglected in the decades that followed. In the centre of the district stands the Tsutenkaku Tower, the nostalgic symbol of Shinsekai.

The area was developed in its current development following the success of the 1903 National Industrial Exhibition, which brought more than five million people to the neighbourhood in just five months. Shortly after the exhibition closed, work began to improve and modernize Shinsekai.

Shinsekai also houses Spa World, a huge bath complex with a large number of European and Asian theme basins It is supplied with natural hot spring water.

The area is close to Dobutsuenmae station, accessible via the Midosuji line.

Abeno Harukas

Abeno Harukas in Osaka is the tallest skyscraper in Japan. The building stands at the top of the Kintetsu Osaka Abenobashi railway station and is ideally located opposite the JR Tennoji railway station. It houses a department store, art museum, hotel and observation terrace.

The observation platform is called “Harukas 300” and occupies the last three floors of the building (floors 58-60). The observation terrace is accessible by lifts from the 16th floor. With large glass panels from floor to ceiling all around, the 60th floor offers 360-degree views of Osaka, while the 58th floor features an attractively designed interior courtyard with a wooden terrace and coffee. A souvenir shop and toilet with views are also available. The top floor is accessible for a 1500 Yens ticket.

The skyscraper is accessible from the Tennoji station of the Midosuji Line.

Aquarium

The Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan) is located in the port village of Tempozan (Osaka Bay) and is one of the most spectacular aquariums in Japan.

Marine life is presented in 15 reservoirs, each representing a specific Pacific region. The central basin is nine metres deep and houses a whale shark, the main attraction of the aquarium.

Visitors start their visit from the aquarium on the 8th floor and slowly descend floor by floor around the central reservoir. Some basins extend over several floors, allowing to observe animals in different depths and perspectives. Entry costs 2400 yen.

Accessible thanks to the Chuo Line, get off at Osakako stop.

Universal Studio Japan

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) was the first Universal Studios theme park to be built in Asia. Opened in March 2001 in Osaka Bay, the theme park occupies an area of 39 hectares and is the most visited amusement park in Japan after Tokyo Disney Resort.

Universal Studios Japan currently has ten sections: Hollywood, New York, San Francisco, Jurassic Park, Waterworld, Amity Village, Universal Wonderland, Minion Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World. Visitors can enjoy many rides, ranging from child-friendly carousels to roller coasters, simulators and shows inspired by films or shows from Universal studios.

The price of the ticket varies according to the dates and options, as an indication, the basic ticket for a day costs just over 8,000 yen per adult.

It is possible to buy tickets on the site in advance on the park website.

The park is accessible by the JR Yumesaki line (also known as JR Sakurajima) with frequent departures.

Osaka is a world in itself within Japan with its characteristic places, its cultureculinaryHis dialect, his inhabitants… Original and joyful, the city is the perfect place to have fun. It is a city that recalls Japan’s progress and future. Ideally located next to Kyoto, Japan’s link to its history, Osaka is a nice contrast. Warm people, a rich culture and opportunities for growth and change give the city all its appeal.

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