Walk and See Series - Let's Talk About Osaka
Osaka, as the second largest city in Japan, has become one of the most popular Japanese cities among foreigners. It offers a complete range of shopping, cuisine, and attractions, with a wide variety of options for sightseeing. In addition to shopping venues and modern attractions everywhere, Osaka also has a historical side, the most prominent of which is Osaka Castle. This castle is an ideal place to further explore Japanese history, and also a great spot for a stroll in a scenic neighborhood, especially during cherry blossom season in April, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and the weather is pleasant. Let's take a look at what Osaka has to offer.
Japan has traditional festivals usually held at shrines and temples, where participants wear colorful costumes. Osaka also has many traditional festivals, among which this one is truly worth attending. If interested, you can join in.
The Tenjin Matsuri is one of Japan's three major festivals, held around July every year. The highlight of Tenjin Matsuri is placing the deity on brightly lit boats and holding a night parade on the river; some boats are illuminated by bonfires. Locals usually wear yukata or jinbei to participate in the festival. There are thousands of food stalls along the riverbank to fill the hungry festival-goers. Meanwhile, at several main locations, you can watch traditional Noh theater and Bunraku performed on event stages. In the evening, a stunning fireworks display takes place over the Old Yodo River, marking the end of the parade. However, crowds are huge at that time, so it is advisable to head back a bit earlier.
Observing Marine Life Up Close - Kaiyukan
Kaiyukan is one of the largest and most content-rich aquariums in the world. Inside, multi-story tanks house whale sharks, penguins, and various creatures from the Pacific Ocean, meticulously recreating marine habitats. Near Kaiyukan, the Tempozan Marketplace has a giant Ferris wheel, and you can also enjoy a variety of cuisines. For a nostalgic experience, you can visit the Naniwa Food Lane, where you can enjoy Osaka's most famous takoyaki, ramen, and many other delicacies.
A Building from Japan's Bubble Economy - Umeda Sky Building
The Umeda Sky Building was completed near the end of Japan's economic boom. The initial idea was to build this complex as four towers connected at the top. Designed by renowned architect Hiroshi Hara, two of the towers were completed in 1993 and are connected by an "Air Garden" observatory, which has become the main attraction drawing visitors. In my opinion, this building represents Osaka's iconic landscape more than Tsutenkaku or Osaka Castle. Additionally, it has a sky restaurant that enhances the atmosphere. I recommend spending the money to see it.
Walking from Dotonbori through covered arcade streets to Namba Station, it's hard to imagine what the city looked like centuries ago. However, Hozenji Temple quietly hides in the heart of this bustling area. Built in 1637, the temple is dedicated to Fudo Myoo, one of the Five Wisdom Kings of Buddhism. In the 17th century, the area around Namba and Dotonbori was a thriving entertainment center, with kabuki and Bunraku puppet theater flourishing throughout the region. Even the temple began to cater to the performing arts, offering traditional rakugo storytelling and stage plays. Today, you can not only visit Hozenji Temple but also explore Hozenji Yokocho to catch a glimpse of Osaka's history while searching for food. The shops here are all quite famous. If needed, I can make a detailed guide for your reference.
Alright, next time I'll take you to talk about the changes and attractions of Kyoto.
