Osaka, Japan is in the heart of Kansai, a Japanese region in the south and our 5th and final city to visit in Japan.
Our walking tour, again utilizing trains, but much easier this time, began with a soaring ascent to the top of the Umeda Sky Building. The elevator ride was a crazy experience in itself, with the speed of a bullet we climbed 459 feet to the top! Stepping onto the observation deck, we were greeted by a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the city below. My favorite was the architecture of the building itself. We watched a quick video on how this magnificent skyscraper was erected.
Dropping down a few floors we were entertained with a shopping area that included beautifully made and a colorful display of cakes and personalized locks to hang on a fence to show your love to your significant other. They were very colorful as well.
Back on the ground we walked through some fish kites that were being placed in the courtyard of the building for a children’s festival that was coming up.
Feeling a pang of hunger after our aerial adventure, we made a beeline for a local okonomiyaki restaurant, our last chance for an authentic Japanese meal. This Osaka specialty, a savory pancake layered with cabbage, meat, and a delicious sauce, was very tasty. The fluffy texture and mixture of flavors were unlike anything I’d ever tasted. Not like our traditional pancakes. More like an oversized round omelet full of savory goodies! Not going to lose any weight this way! 🤦🏻♀️
Next on the agenda was a historical trip to Osaka Castle. This oversized structure is a symbol of Osaka’s resilience as it stood tall in the middle of the city. The castle’s story itself is a fascinating one.
Built in the late 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a powerful warlord instrumental in unifying Japan, Osaka Castle was a marvel of its time. The imposing stone walls and strategically placed moats were evidence to its defensive skill.
The castle museum housed fascinating exhibits that brought the city’s history to life. I learned about the infamous Siege of Osaka, a series of battles that ultimately led to the castle’s destruction in the early 17th century. However, the Tokugawa Shogunate, the new rulers of Japan, saw the symbolic importance of the castle and rebuilt it on a grander scale just a few years later, much of the external stone walls still in place.
As the day wore on, we took a stroll through the busy streets of Dotonbori, a neon-lit wonderland. As the darkness has yet to set in, we were able to enjoy a little of the infamous neon lights. The energy was similar to Tokyo but on a smaller scale, with towering signs competing for attention and the aroma of street food drifting through the air. Unable to resist a sweet treat, I indulged in a scoop of creamy Japanese ice cream – the perfect way to cool down and people-watch. It was delish, as Chuck says. I personally hate that word! 😂
No trip to Dotonbori would be complete without a ride on the iconic Ebisu-maru Ferris wheel. By now it was evening and almost time for all aboard but the Ferris wheel is next to the ship so we have plenty of time! Gently gliding upwards, we savored the spectacular nighttime views. The city shimmered like a million scattered diamonds below and our ship was lit up as well.
Most radio towers did not run constantly, but were equipped with a button that turned on the AM radio for 10 minutes. Broadcasts of baseball games and sumo matches were apparently popular. Open-air radio was also ideal for group exercise. The program is still played every day throughout the country at 6:30 a.m., and at 5:50 a.m. in Osaka Castle Central Square.
As the Ferris wheel came to a stop, a sense of contentment filled the air as our friends and us reminisced about our time in Japan.
Japan had treated us to a number of experiences, from breathtaking panoramas to delicious food and a vibrant slice of local life. The energy and undeniable charm have left us wanting to explore more. We hope to return again someday!
May God bless you always!
Chuck and Lea Ann
WorldTravelReynolds 