Up and About in Osaka!

Every time I sit down to write about my Japanese adventure, I can’t help but feel a surge of joy. As I pen this piece about Osaka, I’m approaching the first anniversary of my unforgettable journey to this enchanting nation.

It was in November 2023 when I first set foot in what I’d always called “the best place I’ve never been to,” what followed was 16 incredible days of exploring diverse cities. Japan didn’t just meet my expectations – it exceeded them! It’s now one of the best places I’ve ever been to.

After soaking in the sights of Kyoto for a few days, I hopped on the regular train to Osaka. Now, if you’re in a hurry, the bullet train is probably the way to go as it’ll zip you between these cities in a mere 15 minutes! Many people, especially those with a JR pass, choose to set up camp in Osaka where hotels tend to be generally cheaper, and then commute to Kyoto.

If you ask me, it’s worth spending nights in both Kyoto and Osaka, provided you’ve got the time and the budget for it. Each city has its unique characteristics that are worth exploring for longer than a day trip.

Getting to Osaka from Kyoto

My train journey took about an hour, with stops at several other stations. When I finally pulled into Umeda Osaka Station, I was pleasantly surprised to find my hotel was just a stroll away.

Where I Stayed in Osaka

Hotel Hokke Club Osaka was the perfect base for my 4-night stay in the city. The hotel was conveniently located, the room had sufficient space for me and did not feel cramped, and the service was excellent.

I appreciated the surrounding neighbourhood, which offered charming alleyways, convenience stores, interesting vending machines, and a shrine within walking distance.

The most significant advantages for me were the public bath facilities and the proximity to the train station. This made my excursions to Hiroshima, Miyajima, and other destinations particularly convenient.

During my stay in Osaka, I embraced a leisurely pace, allowing myself to become immersed in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. My days were filled with exploring the neighbourhoods surrounding my hotel, indulging in some retail therapy, and savouring the culinary delights of Dotonbori’s bustling food stalls as night fell.

While a few planned excursions fell by the wayside, there was one destination that remained non-negotiable on my itinerary – a place I was determined to experience no matter what.

Osaka Castle

After my failed attempt to visit Odawara Castle near Hakone, I was especially looking forward to visiting Osaka Castle.

I decided to forgo touring the castle’s interior, opting instead to spend my time exploring the expansive castle grounds and park. On the morning of my visit, I was greeted by exceptionally pleasant weather. The train ride and subsequent walk to the park were equally delightful.

When I arrived, the place was sparsely populated. By the time I was heading out, a long queue had formed at the castle entrance. Once again, I was reminded that when visiting popular tourist attractions in Japan, it is worth being an early bird.

My visit was punctuated by an unexpected and charming encounter. I met a man carrying a photo album filled with pictures of people from various countries. He requested to take my photo, to which I obliged. In return, he presented me with a postcard depicting Osaka Castle surrounded by cherry blossoms. Though brief and unplanned, this interaction added a delightful touch of spontaneity to my day.

After wrapping up my tour of the castle grounds, I returned to Dotonbori for some additional shopping before making my way back to the hotel. On the way, I made a brief detour to grab breakfast at a nearby convenience store.

Japanese Konbinis, as they are called, are excellent marts that sell a variety of fresh and prepared foods. My meals for that morning and the next were from Lawson, but eventually, I decided to try the breakfast spread at the hotel which proved to be equally satisfying.

Shinsekai

The following morning, I kicked off my day with a stroll through Shinsekai, an old district adjacent to the Minami area. Once again, I found the early morning tranquillity invigorating, and I took pleasure in observing the locals as they went about their daily routines in this unique neighbourhood.

Continuing on, I headed in the direction of Dotonbori and unexpectedly came across Namba Yasaka Shrine. This particular shrine stood out as one of the most distinctive I encountered throughout my journey.

Namba Yasaka Jinja

The shrine’s most striking feature was its enormous lion-shaped stage, with a gaping mouth. This imposing structure, known as the Ema-den, is said to swallow evil spirits and bring good fortune.

After spending some time exploring the shrine grounds and taking a few photos, I resumed my walk towards Dotonbori.

Dotonbori

The streets gradually became more lively as I approached this famous entertainment district. While it was pleasant to see it during the day, I found the nighttime experience to be more electrifying and enjoyable.

I dedicated my final day in Osaka to a day trip, exploring both Hiroshima and Miyajima Island. I’ll be sharing my experiences of these places in the upcoming instalment of this series.

Looking back on my experiences in Osaka and Japan as a whole, I find myself already feeling nostalgic. The memories are so vivid that I’ve already begun planning my return trip!

Is Osaka a destination on your wishlist or have you visited before? How was your experience? Please let me know in the comment section below!