Oskaka

5 things I’m glad I did in Osaka, Japan? Well, being a city which is filled with ancient Temples, an old Castle with it’s own moat and an incredible food/nightlife culture, Osaka has some great things going for it.

Whilst travelling through Japan I had a countless amount of amazing options to choose from.  Whether I wanted to go to a large, bustling city, or a small, traditional village with hardly any tourists, I could do it.

Now, Osaka isn’t exactly a small, isolated village situated in the mountain regions of Japan; it’s actually a good-sized city.  And going there was amazing! There were particular things that I’m glad I did in Osaka and I’ve compiled them all here in this travel bog.

5 things I’m glad I did in Osaka, Japan

1. Going to Osaka Castle

One of the most magical things about Osaka is Osaka Castle.  Located in the middle of the city, Osaka Castle is comparable with stepping into a fairytale.  It’s completely unexpected. There’s not too many cities I’ve been to which have a 500 year old Castle with it’s own moat in the middle of it!

(Such a beautiful spot to visit)

Although Osaka Castle is over 500 years old, it has suffered a lot of attacks and destruction.  It’s been rebuilt since then but still holds it style and energy like those you could expect from a much earlier time.  To enter the Castle’s Grounds, you simply have to pass over bridge which sits on top of a massive moat.  Once you’re inside the Castle’s walls, you’ll be free to either roam around or enter Osaka Castle.  To enter the Castle you’ll have to pay 600 Yen, but the view from the top of it is indescribable .

 

2. Going to Shitennoji Temple

It’s possible to do in the same day, so after your visit to Osaka Castle you should go to Shitennoji Temple.  The Temple is located only a short subway ride from Osaka Castle.  It’s free to enter the grounds, but if you want to get up close to Shitennoji Temple it’ll cost only 300 Yen (a couple of dollars).  It’s definitely worth paying for.

Just before entering Shitennoji Temple, you’ll notice a large pond of turtles.  This used to be a turtle sanctuary for abandoned turtles.  Now it’s turned in to a massive attraction, which is filled with many different types of turtles that continue to live and breed there.  The monks even look after them!

(Can you spot the turtles??)

3. Going to Shinsekai

If you’re after some yummy traditional Japanese food, then Shinsekai is your place to go to!  It’s one of Osaka’s most famous night districts.  Located just next to Tsutenkaku Tower, Shinsekai is great for walking around and trying all the local foods.

(That’s Tsutenkaku Tower in the background 🙂 )

Two foods you should be on the lookout for are Takoyaki, which is essentially these small flour-based batter balls with Octopus inside AND Okonomiyaki, which is like a large Japanese savoury pancake (it’s literally filled with meats, vegetables and sauces which are all tossed around in a flour mixture and is then grilled).

4. Going to Minami (Namba)

This is also another night district part of Osaka, and again it’s absolutely amazing.  In Minami you’re going to find lots of bright lights, lots of places to dine at and also lots of people.  When you think of a stereotypical Japanese city at night time, Minami fits the description.  It’s almost like a smaller, less busier Tokyo AND it has a river which flows through the middle of it which looks stunning at night time with all the city lights reflecting off it.

(The bridge in Minami – amazing!!)

After having a stroll through Minami, you could even go to Tenjinbashi-suji, which is apparently Japan’s longest Shopping Street.  It’s incredibly massive, so make sure you enjoy shopping before going there or you might find yourself being a little overwhelmed.

5. Going to Nara Park

What is Nara Park?  It’s a large park which is full of tame deer and is only 30 minutes away from the centre of Osaka.  It’s truly amazing.  Upon arriving to the park, you’ll notice deer sleeping in the streets, in garden parks and crossing the roads however they please.  All you need to do is arm yourself with some deer food that they sell at the park and a lot of energy.

(Getting up close and personal with the locals)

Caution – you WILL be hustled for your food.  They love eating and they know how to get their food.  If they detect you have even a crumb on your jacket you’ll be hustled into feeding them.  With that being said, it’s obviously a lot of fun going there and I highly recommend it.  It’s the only place in the world I’ve seen something like it.

TIP: If you do plan on going to Nara Park, then definitely don’t go on the weekend and also make sure you go early in the morning.  If you go when it’s busy, like on the weekend or towards the end of the day, you’ll likely find that the deer don’t really want to interact with you.  You’re allowed to purchase food to feed the deer and because of this, the deer will generally be full by the time you get to them.

Still interested in meeting deer?  I wrote a blog about an island that Japan has (Miyajima / Deer Island) which is literally full of tame deer. You can read it all about “What is Japan’s Miyajima (Deer) Island” HERE

BONUS

Another thing which I’m extremely glad I did was stay at Hostel 64 in Osaka.  The hostel has standard dorm rooms, but if you have the opportunity I recommend to stay in the Japanese Style Room.  This is what it looks like.

Hostel 64 is also really well located.  It’s minutes away from two subway stations and also it’s located close to a couple of the night-life districts in Osaka.  When going to the hostel though, don’t expect a party scene.  The hostel is a comfortable size with a beautiful, relaxing energy. They even have a Nintendo 64 there .. Enough said really …

And there you have it! These are 5 things I’m glad I did in Osaka, Japan.  I’m sure that if you go there, you’re going to absolutely love it and you may even find 5 other amazing things to do.  If that happens, please let me know as I’d love to return 🙂

 

Happy Exploring!