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The City in the Japanese Imaginary: Osaka, Japan

The Osaka Castle
This is the last post for Japan Tour which covers the Metropolitan Osaka. Osaka is the capital city of Osaka Prefecture and the largest component of the Keihanshin Metropolitan Area, the second largest metropolitan area in Japan with over 19 million population. This historical merchant city located at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay. Osaka has also been known as the "nation's kitchen" and during the Edo period served as a center for the rice trade.

A view of Osaka from the highest building in Japan, the Abeno Harukas

A bird eyes view of Osaka at night

To save some budgets, I bought the Osaka Amazing Pass (Y2500 for 1-day; Y3300 for 2-day) which comes with a complete guide and map. This pass covers all metro and bus connectivities within the city and fees for major attractions such as Dotonbori River Cruise, HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel, Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, Osaka Science Museum, Tsutenkaku Tower, Osaka Tennoji Zoo, Osaka Castle Museum, Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel, Santa Maria Ship Day Cruise and any more.

The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living


The very red.....HEP FIVE ferris wheel


Central of the city is divided into downtown and uptown areas known as Kita and Minami. Kita is home to the Umeda district and its immediate surrounding neighborhoods, a major business and retail hub that plays host to Osaka Station City and a large subterranean network of shopping arcades. Minami on the other hand include well known districts such as Namba and Shinsaibashi shopping areas, the Dotonbori canal entertainment area.

The busy Shinsaibashisuji Shopping Street located between Shinsaibashi and Namba stations




The 3D facade of a restaurant in Osaka


The Dotonbori River with the most popular landmark of Osaka the Glico Guy



The cruise of Dotonburi River



Further south of Minami are neighborhoods such as Shinsekai (with its Tsutenkaku tower), Tennoji and Abeno (with Tennoji Zoo, Shitenno-ji and Abeno Harukas).

The south of Minami, Osaka

The Tennoji Zoo with Tsutenkaku Tower

The alley to Tsutenkaku Tower

A few of Osaka from the Tsutenkaku Tower

A takoyaki (octopus Japanese ball) restaurant with huge decorative red octopus


The city's west side is covered by the bay area which serves as Osaka port as well as a tourist destination with attractions such as Kyocera Dome, Universal Studios Japan and the Tempozan Harbour Village. 

The Osaka bay

The Tempozan ferris wheel



The Santa Maria Ship berth



East Osaka is zoned as a separate city, covering numerous residential neighborhoods including Tsuruhashi Korea Town, the Osaka Castle Park, Osaka Business Park and the hub Kyobashi Station.


The moat surrounding the Osaka Castle.



The Osaka Castle

This shachihoko (golden fish with a dragon like-head) placed on the roofs of castle which believed to help prevent fires.




After walking for hours, the tummy need some fuel for more energy. For heavy meal, I went to Ali's Kitchen Osaka Halal Restaurant, Chome-10-12 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 542-0085, Japan, Opening hours: 11am–3pm, 5–11pm. the food was very good with big portion. Other choices are vegetable or seafood tempura, yummy and delicious!


The biryani from Ali's Kitchen


Vegetable and prawn tempura with rice


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  1. IndrianishviJanuary 11, 2020 at 3:33 PM

    Amazing An incredible holiday experience for 10 days in Turkey. Thank you for sharing your vacation experiences and knowledge. theapartmentsubud.com

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