Osaka is the second largest metropolitan city in Japan next to Tokyo. Osaka is located in Kansai region, making it the city in between modern and traditional lifestyle. Osaka offers as a gateway to other cities like Kyoto, Nara and Kobe.

How did I get there?

I pre-booked a Shinkansen or Bullet Train from Tokyo to Osaka via Klook. My ticket cost Php 6,408 and yes it was pricey! Since I want to experience Japan without too much road time, it was the best option to buy my bullet train ticket. If by bus, it will take up to 8 hours to travel.

For Shinkansen, it took me 2 hours and 20 minutes. My train ticket was delivered to my hostel in Tokyo. I arrived in Osaka at around 1PM.

Where did I stayed?

I pre-booked Hotel Pivot via Booking.com for 6 nights. My hotel is nearby Dobutsuen Mae station. It was a breeze searching for my hotel as when you exit the train stations, it was already there. I also love that my hotel is nearby 7/11 and Family Mart convenience stores. I can also cook and do some laundry at the hotel. To know more about my hotel experience and other Japan essentials, click here.

How did I get around the city?

I also pre-booked a JR Kansai Wide Pass in Klook. It covers most of my train rides in Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe. Since it was a 5-day pass, I was able to consume it on the days I was in Kansai. As for the metro trains in Osaka, I found it more expensive than in Tokyo. I cannot see any train passes in Klook or KKDay thus I bought my metro train pass either by station or availed the weekend unlimited or 1 day promo that they have. Yet a bit expensive in Tokyo, the train stations in Osaka is much more easy to understand. There are lesser train stations and crossings making it more convenient to travel.

Where are the place I traveled?

Dotonbori

Entrance Fee: Free

Named as Osaka’s Time Square. Dotonbori is the best place if you want to eat and shop in Osaka. It is best to see it by night as all the neon lights glow brightly. I spent my first night in Osaka here to eat and just to experience how Japanese live their night life.

Dotonbori is the home of the famous Glico man! It was never Dotonbori if you haven’t have shots here. It was crowded yet I manage to ask a couple to take me a photo in exchange in taking them photos, too. 🙂

I actually spent another night in Dotonbori the next days to buy pasalubong or souvenirs. I also experienced to have a dinner near the canal in one of the restaurants after the tiring shopping.

Indeed, Dotonbori is the best place to experience more of the Osaka lifestyle. Always hungry for food, good items and company of good friends.

Universal Studios Japan

Entrance Fee: Php 3,585

If you are a movie fan, you will never missed to visit USJ. Universal Studios Japan in Osaka opened in 2001. Then on, it has been tagged as one of the best amusement parks in Japan and the world.

As for me, I am a Potterhead so it was a must to visit USJ. I pre-booked my ticket in Klook and scheduled it on a Thursday. I do not want to experience that crowd I had in Disneyland on a Friday thus I thought it was the best day then.

To know more about my adventure in USJ, click here.

Nishinomaru Garden

Entrance Fee: Free

Before visiting Osaka Castle, you will be able to walk on this garden. The garden and actual complex of Osaka Castle is huge! So, if you do not want to walk that long, you may ride an electric shuttle for ¥ 300.

There was also a hotel with restaurants and souvenir shops on the castle grounds, perfect to relax and just enjoy the castle view.

Osaka Castle

Entrance Fee: I actually forgot! 😀 But if you have an Osaka Metro Train ticket, you can avail discount, you will pay less than ¥ 100.

The most iconic landmark in Kansai region. Osaka Castle is a concrete reconstruction of the 17th century castle and was completed in 1931. It was unparalleled as the largest and best constructed castle in Japan.

I was actually in doubt to enter the castle due to the long queue but since I was there, I grabbed the chance then. I found that there was a separate queue for those who have train ticket and you can avail discount for the entrance fee. I enjoyed the view first outside. ❤

The castle has eight floors so it will be better to use the elevator first. There were some floors that were inaccessible to the public and some you cannot take photos. I actually enjoyed watching the live panorama of the battles in Osaka and many more. It was very informative.

At the top of the castle, you will see the entire city. The wind blows hard making it more colder. I was happy that I never regretted to get inside the castle. Just make sure to use the elevators, then stairs going down will be good for some exercise. 😀

After some stairs exercise, I was able to take some more photos closer to the castle. ❤

Shitennoji Temple and Complex

Entrance Fee: ¥ 300

Shitennoji is one of Japan’s oldest temple and the first ever to be built by the state. It was founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku, who supported the introduction of Buddhism into Japan.

Shitennoji was about a 15-minute walk for me from Tennoji Station. I did not entered the main gate. Thus, I was able to see some parts of the garden plus another Sakura trees! ❤

Inside the inner shrine, was a tall pagoda. The shrine was not crowded thus I was able to spend some time alone. It was actually my first time to see a pagoda up-close since I skipped this experience when I was in Kyoto and Tokyo.

There were many places to explore in Osaka compared to the ones I visited. But I guess, that is what travelling is all about. You were there but you still want to be surprised! I may had a quite short time in Osaka proper since I will travel some parts of Kansai but at least, it was not Osaka na (some time later) but it was Osaka now! ❤

And that “now” was part of my travel memories in Japan! ❤