Vikingess Voyages: Daytrip to Osaka! Umeda, Osaka Castle and Shinsaibashi

Today me, Silke and Chase went by train to Osaka (大阪). We went by a so-called hankyuu (阪急) train, which took us about an hour and only costed 390 yen. The place we arrived at was called Umeda, which among others has a lot of shopping centers and, if you prefer, connecting trains to other parts of the city. We decided to stay in the area though, and on the top of one of the shopping centers there they have a big ferris wheel which we had to try out. The view over Osaka is quite nice from there, and we had a lot of fun taking pictures.

Silke and Chase taking pictures of the view from Umeda's ferris wheel

We didn´t stay at Umeda too long though. After walking around for a while in the area checking out different shops and a ramen-restaurant we decided to go to Osaka Castle.

We asked a couple of old japanese ladies if they knew the way to get there, and though they said it was best to go there by train we decided to just go by foot. We had Silke´s Lonely Planet guide with us so it really went smooth anyway. It took a while to get there, but it is still nice to walk around since it gives you the opportunity to take a closer look at the city. And the locals were really helpful when we asked them to show us which direction to go.

Me in front of Osaka Castle (大阪城)

Osaka Castle was really nice (even though I might have expected it to be a little bigger). The weather was perfect, and there weren´t that many people there either so we enjoyed the peacefulness there. We decided not to go into the castle itself though, so I guess we might have to go back there another time for the chance to check it out.

After half an hour or so Kengo and Erica met up with us at the Osaka Castle, and we decided to continue or trip to the downtown area of Osaka; Shinsaibashi (心斎橋).

We walked around for a couple of hours, checking out some of the stores and so on. Then we went to a local restaurant where I had some Takoyaki for dinner.

There was a lot to see in the downtown area, but I kinda like Teramachi in Kyoto better. They have many of the same stores as in Kyoto there, and the prices was more or less the same too. I do find Kyoto a lot cozier than Osaka, i guess it´s ok to go to Osaka for a day trip or so but still I´m really glad that Kyoto is the place I´m living in :)

Anyway, it has been a long and interesting day. I can´t help feeling that I´ve studied too little today though; we got up early in the morning and got back home late, so.. The only study I got the chance to do was in the train. Better read a bit before I go to bed then. Good night! :)

The famous neon man in Osaka

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Sunday, October 17, 2010

Daytrip to Osaka! Umeda, Osaka Castle and Shinsaibashi

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