Day 10: Osaka

We were very pessimistic about Osaka. After going to Tokyo, what can possibly be as exciting and interesting?

We took a Rapid Train from Kyoto to Osaka (less than half an hour). It is so funny how all the big and busy train stations like Kyoto and Osaka, which had wowed us before, now seem so small after experiencing Shinjuku station in Tokyo.

What I like about travelling is that every city has a tourist information center, where you can get city maps for free and where English\speaking people can help you. Especially if one has no clue which sights to go to, the tourist information center can always tell you the most important places.

First we went to the Osaka Sky Building near the station. And we were pretty disappointed. The city seems ugly and boring.

After that we went to Osaka's main sight, the Osaka Castle. At first, I did not want to go there, because the Nagoya Castle had been such a bore. But as we had so much on our hands, we went. And we were not disappointed! It is not the most exciting castle I have been to, but the Main Tower looks very impressive. It has been erected so high, that it is visible over the castle walls. When it was built it must have been a clear intention of gaining the respect of (unwanted) visitors.

Gloomy

 

 Impressive height

And then it fot even better. One of the highlights of the day was the American District (Amerika Mura), where mostly young people hang out and where one crazy and colourful shop is crammed next to the other. It is flashy, loud, colourful, lively. It was similar to being in Shibuya!

The next highlight was Shinsaibashi and Dotombori, huge shopping arcades with masses of stores and restaurants. It was full of people, very lively. The mere number and diversity of design, style, food, price ranges of the places to eat is aamazing! In Japan I often find that the selection of restaurants, bars, izakazas, small booths, etc. is really impressive. Many have beautiful and interesting designs, walking past them and looking from outside already catches my attention and I wonder how it might look inside.

I think that Kyoyo lacks places to go in the evenings, but Dotombori and Shinsaibashi in Osaka nearby burst of a busy nightlife!

On the way to Osaka's shopping district

  

In Amerika Mura

  

Who wears that? People in Japan do.

  

 So many people in Shinsaibashi!

Osaka style Osonomiyaki!

Selling Okonommiyaki:

Having Okonomiyaki for dinner at the river. Beautiful view! 

Shinsaibashi

 So many interesting looking restaurants! I would like to eat my way through this city!

 Haha.

  

Dotonbori

 Ramen Shop

Especially after Tokyo it is a huge compliment to Osaka from my side when I say that I would go there again!