Day 8- Osaka, Japan explorations
Day 8:
大阪では、歴史が石畳の間をささやき、通りを歌っている
Osaka! Japans second city, the center of the 10th largest urban area in the world with just over 19 million people. Osaka is a major financial center and is one of the most multicultural and cosmopolitan cities in Japan. It’s home to the Osaka Exchange, and the headquarters for Panasonic and Sharp. Similar to every other region and city in this country, it has an extensive mass transit system.
One of our favorite features of Japan is they have 1 card that can be used across the country regardless of transit line. It’s the Suica card, and the have a 30 day one for tourists. You can even use it at 7/11s or Lawsons. Game changer!
Our hotel was next to the Osaka Castle, located on an island and has a total area of over 15 acres. It was first constructed back in the late 1500s by one of the shogunate’s of this region. It’s been the site of many battles over Japan’s history, and over 90% was destroyed by American bombing in World War Two. The Japanese rebuilt it and finished the work in 1997.
We walked around the complex, and made our way up to the observation deck on floor 8.
Next up, a hop on the train south to Shitennō-ji, a Buddhist temple. The temple is the first Buddhist temple in Japan.
Torii gates signal its entrances, and, just outside was a cemetery which is interesting as many Japanese are cremated.
It was also a perfect timing as the “gongs” were off, signaling the start of a ceremony.
After walking around, we started our final sightseeing jaunt of the day, through Tennoji Park over to the Shinsekai district.
The park was packed with people due to the perfect weather and it’s the home of the zoo. Yes, we got more gelato and were able to see some Sakura still in bloom.
The Shinsekai district is a large neighborhood that comes alive at night. It has bars, restaurants, clubs, and shops. It also has so many game spots. People come and sit and play for hours. There a famous incident a few years ago where they found someone who had died while playing games. Crazy!It’s also the home to Tsūtenkaku tower, 338 feet tall.
On the fifth floor observation deck is enshrined Billiken, the God of Happiness. It’s the beacon for the neighborhood, and an Osaka landmark. And yes, more ice cream.
One place to note, they had a 4 story Pringles store where they had every flavor imaginable (or not imaginable) available.
Treats are coming back to America y’all! There was also a gold Billikin on the street, and the saying goes if you rub his feet your wish will come true.
It was now time to rest after being in the sun all day. We hopped on the subway and made our way back to the hotel to rest. After a 2 hour siesta, we woke up hungry! Back on the subway we went. To Universal Citywalk. Universal Studios is located here, with its famous Super Mario world. No, we didn’t go, but I was tempted. This was the next best thing. It was full of people (unlike the one in LA) and was buzzing with life.
We of course ate at the Hard Rock Cafe, Dan getting his Bangkok Shrimp and me with my Tupelo chicken strips. And….unlimited refills on ice tea! Long first day in Osaka.
We saw landmarks, temples, shopped, and ate. And so much walking.
Today’s step count was 19,587 and 8.92 miles. #osakacastle#shitennojitemple#tsutenkakutower#universalcitywalk#hardrockcafe#osaka#japan #Asia2025
