Osaka, Japan

Osaka is one hell of a good place and the people are freaking awesome. I mean in general in Japan. the people are nice but this guy i met in Osaka brings it to the next level. I'm not exaggerating!!!! 

As i was sight seeing alone in Osaka for a 1 day trip, somewhere in the middle i got lost somewhere near Tennoji. As i looked lost n frustrated, this uncle with his bicycle came to me and asked in Japanese if i needed help. I told him wanted to go to Tennoji station, he told me the direction, i was like ok ok...he wasn't convinced that i understand him so he decided to bring me there himself. I know i know never to trust stranger but i was desperate and he looked harmless plus there are many people around so i followed him. Though we don't understand each other he was polite enough to whipped up some conversation so that we won't be awkward silent. we finally reached Ebisucho station after 5 minutes walked. He even teach me how to buy the ticket to take the subway to Tennoji station and make sure that i enter the right platform and finally waved goodbye and wished me pleasant trip. I was like WTF this uncle is freaking AWESOME nice. To be honest I've never ever met someone like him when i travel. No offence but always in Spain or Italy, people tent to act like they know the way but always end up pointing us the wrong way and we had to walked round and round for hours. I mean if you don't know the was just say u don't know....damn it!!!

ok back to Osaka. Oh yes, from Kyoto i took the Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka and it only took 15 minutes...i know...it's freaking fast. 

with my JR pass i received a seat

only 1 stop i'm in OSAKA baby!!! in every main train station there is always a tourist information. I didn't do much research on Osaka but no worries, i can always asked the tourist information for tips and of course a map

they have alot of map,s even a very detail 1

itinerary of the day is the just travel around the Osaka loop line, with JR pass i practically don't have to spend anything on transport. By only using the Osaka loop line i can see alot in 1 day

 Osaka train station

1st stop the Shin-Umeda City

Shin-Umeda building with it's floating garden observatory

the admission fee to go up the floating garden is 700yen/ adult. It's quite pricey i decided to skipped it

but does look amazing from bottom. Speaking of Amazing i think this place was showed in Amazing race not sure which season though

there is also a nice small Japanese style garden

next back to the loop line and to Osakajokoen Station

i'm going here! Osaka Castle

the moat around the castle

panorama view of the Osaka castle and Gokurakubashi Bridge

me and the bridge :D

i got to say, sometimes it's quite hard to find person to help me take a picture..

360 degrees of the castle

not sure what is it...maybe stones with ancient symbols ?

main entrance

the ticket machine. Entrance fee 600yen/ adult open from 9am - 5pm

this castle was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi

inside the castle is actually a museum. Informative museum about the castle's history and Toyotomi Hideyoshi  

there are 8 floors in total. don't worry there is a lift :)

observation deck

me @ Osaka Castle

going down

just infront of the castle is the Treasure House, Kinzo. Also known as a nice spot for wedding pictures....hehehe

short lunch break....too much to see and so little time

from the castle to Tennoji Station

to Shitennoji Temple

Shitennoji Temple was built in 574-622 AD by Prince Shotoku, who at the age of 16 successfully triumphed over the opposition and brought about the adoption of Buddhism in Japan

Shitennoji Temple is also one of the oldest temples in Japan

this place is huge

the outer temple grounds are free to roam around

well except if you want to go in the inner precinct which stand a 5 storied pagoda and can entered the Main Hall in which the Prince Shotoku is enshrined as a statue of Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) Entrance fee 300yen/ adult

and also the Gokuraku-jodo Garden and the treasure house. Entrance Fee another 300yen/ adult

i didn't went in just spy around outside :D

the rest are FREE to walk around

panorama view of the other small temples around Shitennoji 

did i mention this place is huge?

to tennoji park

Tennoji park

not sure where i was at this point

Tsutenkaku tower, i just know i wanted to go to the tower

made few wrong turns to a grave yard

some temple

alot of walking

at last 30 minutes of walking, getting near to the tower

around that area there also a street of yakitori(sticks of grilled meat) shops

alot of choices

Jan Jan yokocho street

more yakitori shops 

and also the place to hangout for older Japanese guys

and play Shogi, Japanese chess

or just have a nice chat at a small cafe or sing karaoke

Shinsekai Market, here is where i met that nice uncle :)

Namba walk

as i was waiting for the subway to come to Tennoji Station i decided to change my plan and headed to Nippombashi Station and check out Dotombori. Just inside of Nippombashi Station there is also a nice shopping arcade, Namba walk 

it was already 5pm when i reached Dotombori, damn! time flies when i'm having good time

everyone has a different definition of sex machine..hehe

welcome to Dotombori, it's practically a long street of shops and restaurants. Here is where to be if you wish  to know about food culture of Osaka

Takoyaki (ball shaped Japanese snacks with diced octopus filling), was 1st popularize in Osaka

these bad boys are damn good!!!

and they are everywhere

alot of interesting signage, each one trying the top the others

cute Osaka girls :)

Dotomborigawa River, from here i took the JR Namba station and complete the loop and back to Shin-Osaka Station reserved my ticket back to Kyoto in 15 minutes :)
tip: best if you reserved your shinkansen ticket from Osaka back to Kyoto once u arrive Osaka to avoid the rush hour line back.

There is too much to see and do in Osaka, too bad i only have 1 day there but nonetheless it was a good 1st impression of Osaka. Hope i can come back here with more time next time



~ ja ne ~