Osaka大阪 is Japan’s 2nd largest city and is in the Kansai region. It’s the capital city of Osaka prefecture.
I arrived at Osaka train station at nighttime and I was treated at once to so many neon lights, buzzing streets, shopping malls, etc. What an incredible city Osaka is. It is packed with tourist sights and so many things to do, places to go eat, etc… I’ll be back!
The highlight of my trip was doing 3 sunset/night views from the top of Osaka’s best spots! I did 3 of Japan’s 10 tallest skyscrapers in ONE DAY!
Things I did in Osaka:
– Umeda Sky building (梅田スカイビル) is a high rise building with a spectacular observation deck. It’s one of the most applauded architectures in the world for its unique shape and structure.
The observatory called “Kuchu Teien” (The Floating Garden) is situated at 173 m high and 360° panoramic view of the city
– Osaka International Peace Center
Very moving place which depicts life in Osaka during WWII and the infamous great Osaka air raids (where 100+ bombers would shell the city for hours) but also offers a broader insight of Japan’s society and military complex from the 19th to 21st century.
– Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is the shining jewel among the city’s tourist attractions.
One of the most historically significant sites in Japan, the castle was originally constructed in the late 1500s by Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Later the site of one of the famous Battle of Sekigahara, the castle would eventually fall to the Tokugawa clan, who were the last of the shogunates of feudal-era Japan.
– Shinsekai
Shinsekai (新世界) is Osaka’s old downtown district where the nostalgic atmosphere strongly remains, and it’s the best place to feel the real vibe of the city.
The streets are filled with colourful and retro shop displays which makes Shinsekai one of the best photo spots in town.
The symbol of Shinsekai, Tsutenkaku Tower is a great spot to enjoy the overlook view of this charming neighbourhoods and Osaka City. The tower was built in 1912 resembling the Eiffel Tower in Paris
– Dotonbori area
Abeno Harukas (あべのハルカス)
It’s now one of the most popular landmarks in Osaka & the tallest building in the city.
The 300m tall skyscraper has the observatory “Harukas 300” on 58–60 floors, offering the panoramic view of Osaka City from glass-enclosed and open-air spaces
AloJapan.com