After the lovely day in Himeji, it was high time to explore Osaka itself.
Osaka Castle
Although not quite as spectacular as in Himeji, Osaka Castle is still a must if you are there. Here you can learn a lot about the last phase of the empire’s unification, and the exhibition is also quite interesting. Perfect for a day with somewhat uncertain weather:
Day 13: Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is one of Japan’s most famous castles. Although nothing remains of the original castle after several destructions, it is one of the most important historical sites in the world, due to its importance for the unification of Japan under the Tokugawa Shogunate. On the way to the castle, you pass the Osaka Museum of History. I would have loved to visit it, but (like almost all museums in Japan) it is unfortunately closed on Tuesdays — something for another city trip. History lesson at Osaka Castle After the Battle of Sekigahara, all power was in the hands of…
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Shitennō-ji
Since you can never see enough temples and shrines, I then went to Shitennō-ji, an old Buddhist temple complex, similar to the one in Asakusa. The flea market around the complex was particularly funny:
Day 13: Shitennō-ji
The Shitennō-ji is, like the Sensō-ji in Asakusa, an ancient Buddhist temple. It is actually one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan. The complex dates back to the 6th century. Of course, I had to go there! Flea market around the Shitennō-ji You can get there easily by subway and then walk for about five minutes. I passed a cemetery and a school and it was quite funny to see the children in real life and not just in the anime. Spannender als die Tempelanlage fand ich jedoch den Flohmarkt, der um die gesamte Anlage herum wuselte. Ich brauchte…
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Kaiyukan and Ferris Wheel in Minato
Enough of culture! The next stop was the Tempozan area in Minato. There we first went to the large aquarium, the Kaiyukan, and then to the Ferris wheel:
Day 13: Kaiyukan and Ferris Wheel in Tempozan
The Tempozan area is named after the lowest mountain in Japan, which is located on the island. There are many shopping centers, restaurants, a Ferris wheel, and a large aquarium. I wanted to visit the Kaiyukan aquarium and the Ferris wheel in Tempozan, one of the largest Ferris wheels in the world. I got there quickly by subway from Shitennō-ji. In addition to these attractions, visitors can also sail through the harbor area on a „replica“ of Columbus’s Santa Maria or be lured into the small Legoland by the large Lego giraffe. Kaiyukan For the aquarium, which is a little…
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Party hard in Amemura
Now it was time to party! First, off to Shinsekai, to try the great street food, and then to Amemura, where I got slaughtered in a bar 😉
Day 13: Nightlife in Osaka
After flying high on the Ferris wheel, I finally wanted to treat myself to the legendary nightlife in Osaka that evening. That had been the main reason to move into the hotel, after all. A short nap later, I set off. First, I wanted to try the street food in the famous Shinsekai district. I didn’t let the warning in the article put me off. It wouldn’t be that dangerous. Dinner in Shinsekai It was just after 8 p.m. and there was still a lot going on. I briefly considered climbing the Tsutenkaku Tower. It is modeled after the Eiffel…
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