12 days in Japan - Day 5 Osaka
What usually comes to mind when we think of Osaka is the bright neon lights, shops and bustling city. Oh and not forgetting the Glico Running Man sign.
Dotonbori
You will be spoilt for choice at Dotonbori, with its many restaurants and shops, its a great place to grab something to eat including crab at the famous Kani Doraku, moving crab restaurant. Its also a short distance to the canal where you can take some great pictures of the neon signs.
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is one of the most famous landmarks in Japan and was built in 1583 by Hideyoshi Toyotomi, a powerful lord and warrior during the Sengoku period. Inside there is a museum on the history of the Osaka castle and the life of Hideyoshi Toyotomi along artefacts, There is an observation deck at the top where you can see panoramic views of the Castle.
Shitennoji Temple
Founded by Prince Shotoku Taishi in 593, the temple was named after the four heavenly kings of Buddhist tradition; Shitenno. The prince had prayed to these kings during times of war.The outer buildings are free to enter however it is worth paying the entrance to fee to see the inner temple buildings; the main hall in which Prince Shotoku is enshrined as a statue of Kannon, the lecture hall, the five story pagoda, the Treasure House which holds many Buddhist statues and paintings and the Gokuraku-jodo Garden.
Shinsekai
This shopping and dining district is a step back in time. It was first opened in 1912 before the war and was partially modelled on New York and Paris. Today, many of the old restaurants still exist, serving Kushi-katsu - battered and deep fried skewers of meat, veg and fish, Takoyaki and even a restaurant serving Fugu, the blowfish. Tsutenkaku Tower a symbol of Osaka stands at the heart of the district and was the tallest tower in those days at a height of 64 meters. A fire in the tower and the need for steel during the war, meant the tower was scrapped. The tower was reconstructed after 1956 and has an observatory.
The Cup Noodle Museum
This museum is dedicated to...yes you guessed it, the cup noodle! It tells the story of Momofuku Ando and how he invented the first instant noodles. You can also create your very own cup noodles in the factory and make chicken ramen in the workshop.
Some food from Osaka
Pork Cutlet Curry and Rice
We ate at CoCoICHI, a popular, chain restaurant specialising in Japanese-style curry.
Udon
Snow Crab
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