During my winter break I went to Osaka-shi with my friends from Tokyo.
Where did I go in Osaka? I and my friends bought an "Amazing Pass" card to go around Osaka with free entrance fee for every subway line and sight attractions. We went to almost all of the places in http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2157.html in ONE DAY!
Umeda Sky Building is 173 meters high. It has an innovative form whereby the two skyscrapers are connected at their top floors and a huge atrium that extends about 150 meters connecting the sky and the ground. Together they suggest a solemn atmosphere to visitors not unlike a cathedral dome. When going out onto Sky Walk at the very top of the skyscrapers, visitors can feel the fresh air and enjoy 360-degree panoramic views. In addition, in the basement, there is the "Takimi Lane of Restaurants" that reproduces the gourmet town of Osaka, a famous location where gourmets spare no expense on food. This famous new place in Osaka attracts throngs of people every day.
The temple was built not far from Osaka Bay, which played a vital role in trade and traffic. It was a strategic location which enabled a show of Japan's power and prosperity to the world. Despite repeated reconstructions, the layout of the temple compound has remained largely unchanged from the beginning. Shitennoji is the favorite shrine of many Japanese people and is fondly regarded as the Buddhist altar of Osaka. Indicative of the temple's long history are the many annual events held here, including the Doya-Doya, the Shoryoe, and the Shitennoji Wasso.
Tsutenkaku Tower is patterned after the Eiffel Tower, the original Tsutenkaku Tower with a height of 64 meters, was built in 1912 which was the tallest structure in the Orient at the time. The current Tsutenkaku Tower was built in 1956 with a height of 103 meters and has an observation deck on its 5th floor, where you can meet a charming God of Happiness, Billiken statue.
The magnificent moats and the stone walls
Old buildings and structures from the Edo period, including stone walls of outer moats and inner moats, have escaped the ravages of numerous wars and casualties. The 13 structures, including the gate, gun powder storehouse, and turrets, are recognized as Important Cultural Properties by the national government.
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| stone walls |
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| peace again |
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| samurai cosplay |
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| bridge before castle |
all photos without credit's tag belong to admin, taken by Xiaomi MI3
5. Aqua Liner
"Aqua-Liner", a water bus, cruises around the Okawa River (former Yodo River). The bus goes around popular landmarks such as the red-brick Japan Mint in Osaka, a retro building of Osaka City, the Central Public Hall, and the symbol of Osaka, the Osaka Castle. The tour is full of new discoveries when viewed from the water from a different perspective. The bus departs hourly from four piers. It is crowded with people in spring, when cherry blossoms adorn the riversides.
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| ticket |
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| aqua liner |
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| view from outside the window |
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| across the river |
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| beauty of osaka |
6. Santa Maria Cruise
One of the most exciting trips you can take in Osaka is on the Bay Cruise Osaka Santa Maria, which is a replica of the sailing ship in which Columbus discovered America (although the replica is twice the size of the original). The Santa Maria departs for a complete tour of Osaka Bay from Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan at Tempozan Harbor Village. From its deck you can see the bay in its entirety. The day cruise lasts 50 minutes, the night cruise 105 minutes.
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| on amazing cruise! |
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| it is santa maria cruise |
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| so glad be able to see this while sailing on the cruise |
7. Tempozan Ferris Wheel
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| tempozan ferris wheel |
Sitting at the mouth of the Osaka Bay is the enormous Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel, formerly the biggest, tallest and most technologically advanced observation wheel in the world (now surpassed by the even more massive British Airways London Eye). From high up in the air you can enjoy a panoramic view of the sea, the mountains, and the entire city of Osaka. On the seaward side is the Akashi Straits Bridge in the distance; on the landward side downtown Osaka and Mt. Rokko. The night view with illumination is so romantic that this Ferris wheel is famous as a date spot. It is 112.5 meters in height, has 60 eight-passenger cars (for a maximum capacity of 480 people), plus the world?'s first "skyrocket fireworks" lighting pattern with illuminations of 100 meters in diameter. It also boasts the world?'s first transmission of weather information by 100-meter-diameter illumination.
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| trying to take a pict in front of ferris wheel, but the wind from the bay is just too hard to deal with |
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| selfie inside the ferris wheel's passenger car |
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| night view from outside the window of the car |
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| color illumination of the Ferris wheel |
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| finally, the proper selfie with Mr. Ferris Wheel |
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| one of the biggest ferris wheel in the world |
8. Dontonburi
So tired, we went to all of those place in one day! Finally we decided to eat something Osaka-ish in Dontonburi.
Dotonbori is a popular tourist destination in Namba Osaka. Dotonbori is famous for its giant crab and other restaurants.
The Dotonbori Canal, which runs through Namba (Minami), is the Namba's symbol. The Dotonbori Canal has often been used as a movie location for films such as 'Black Rain'. The area around the canal is referred to as Dotonbori. Both sides of the canal are always busy day and night. The north side of the canal is called Soemon-cho, where there are many restaurants and bars. The south side of the canal, Dotonbori Street, is a home of 'Kuidaore' with various eateries where you will be amazed with the famous Osaka giant signs such as moving crab, puffer fish, dragon, etc. Try famous Osaka food 'Takoyaki (octopus balls)'.
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| glico man |
Glico Man
Originally installed in 1935, the giant neon athlete on a blue track is a symbol of Glico candy. The sign has been altered on several occasions to celebrate events such as the World Cup and to show support for the Osaka baseball team, the Hanshin Tigers.
And this is my meal in dontonburi..
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| Very delicious TAKOYAKI |
Ok, that's all I can share during my winter break trip to osaka. Hopefully you enjoy it! I wish someday I can go to those places with my family and my special one.
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