Japan - Osaka - Things to see?

Old May 26th, 2013, 09:11 AM
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Japan - Osaka - Things to see?

Hi,

I am spending some time in Kyoto in Oct, and I am figuring taking a day trip to Osaka. A couple of things I've been told to see are the aquarium & the sky building. I also wanted to check out Korea town and Osaka castle.

Manageable in a day? Also, anyone know the easiest way to see these sights are via the subway/train? I've traveled Japan before so I am familiar with parts of it, just never been to Osaka.

Thanks,
Mike
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Old May 27th, 2013, 10:18 AM
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http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4000.html
The recommended approach to Osaka Castle is through Otemon Gate at the park's southwestern corner. The closest station is Tanimachi 4-chrome Station along the Tanimachi Subway Line and Chuo Subway Line.

Maybe there is something special about the aquarium in Osaka, but I generally think that aquariums are generic. They are there for the local population to see sea life from elsewhere and so have the usual suspects like the aquarium near you. Or maybe I am ignorant and missing out.

What is somewhat unique in Osaka is Spa World.

There is the National Bunraku Theater in Osaka. There are tickets for a short program, a couple of hours. You don't have to see the whole program. There are headsets with translation. For me, it was interesting to experience that facet of Japanese culture but I did not become an afficianado. You might.
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Old Jun 6th, 2013, 11:55 AM
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The things your friends advised are in all four corners of Osaka, literally. Not doable with any comfort in a day trip. I would stick to Osaka Castle, Korean town and a walk along the Dotombori(Namba) should round out a full day trip to Osaka.

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4001.html

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4000.html

mrw, the Osaka Aquarium reminded me of the one in Monterrey CA so you are correct in your assumption in that case. The whale shark exhibit at the Osaka Aquarium is impressive and worth the price of admission though(for us at least).

Aloha!
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Old Jun 21st, 2013, 09:40 AM
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Thanks. I think Osaka Castle, and Korea Town are two of my priorities. And then the Namba. I know I can't see it all. And I have alot of other cities to see.

Thanks,

Mike
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Old Jun 21st, 2013, 01:35 PM
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I am not sure about how much time you are spending in Kyoto; if you are spending many days there, then I'd say, yes go to Osaka; but if your time in Kyoto is limited, say 3 or 4 days, I would consider skipping Osaka unless there was something specific in which you are interested.

For me, Osaka Castle was a bit of a disappointment; it was completely reconstructed within the last century, and it has a certain feeling of being a reproduction and not an original. The park grounds are nice, and it certainly would make sense to see it if you were visiting Osaka, but I would not want to miss a day in Kyoto just to go the Castle. As for the aquarium, I agree with what others have said; an aquarium has zero appeal for me when I am traveling (unless, you are already in that city, and traveling with children).

This is not to put down Osaka; just research specifically what it is in Osaka that you are interested in seeing so you don't end up feeling like you missed a day in Kyoto. It is a quick and easy train ride from Kyoto to Osaka, as I'm sure you know.
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Old Jun 26th, 2013, 02:30 PM
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This will be my third trip to Japan, and I have spent time in Kyoto in the pass. I have about 5 days in Kyoto before departing for Shikoku (Sp?!) island.

I am very fortunate that timing in Kyoto works for Jidai Matsuri festival. I've never been to Osaka, and last time I went to Japan (March, 2011), I had tickets to see the Sumo championships, but it was canceled due to corruption. And then, a short time later, the quake struck. I was there for the month of March, but, alas, Osaka didn't happen. Sooo.. Almost just have to get there so I've been there.

Any suggestions on what is a must in Osaka??
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Old Jul 11th, 2013, 09:30 PM
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http://www.osaka-info.jp/en/
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Old Jul 20th, 2013, 08:19 AM
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Thanks, looking at that. But, the plan may have changed. I may spend the day instead checking out Ohara and Uji/Nara instead. Smaller locations for sure, but, that might be a nice change.. Anyone been there?

MIke
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Old Jul 20th, 2013, 09:23 AM
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http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2165.html

Mike, I spent 2 1/2 days in Nara and still did not see all I wanted to....no way you could see Nara as well as Uji and Ohara.
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Old Aug 27th, 2013, 05:11 PM
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Well, I think Uiji is out now, as one of the big temples is closed for renovations. Nara, well, I would limit on what I would see. Obviously, Todaiji temple would be a must, and for the Fujiwara temple.

I can only see what I can see.. be a little or alot.

Mike
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Old Aug 27th, 2013, 09:10 PM
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THe NHK Program "Journeys in Japan" just had a show about "Art in Osaka".
It featured galleries, an antique district and artists. You can check the archive with links here.
http://www33.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/engl...s20130703.html

Osaka is a huge city with a much different vibe than Tokyo.
If you enjoy cities I wouldn't hesitate to visit for a day and take in some of the sights.
The Aquarium is cool but I agree with previous posts that it is generic.
I'd rather visit Amemura , the Dontonbori and the Castle.
Also try to try some of the culinary specialties.
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Old Aug 30th, 2013, 06:25 AM
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Oh, I thought I'd replied to this one.

Last year, we spent a couple of hours at The Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum, which is in Osaka. It took us about half an hour or 45 minutes, something like that, from Namba station, would be less from Umeda.

A lot of the information is in Japanese only, and it's not a big place but the highlight for me was making my own pot noodle. You pay a couple of hundred yen, get an empty pot and can sit down and draw a design on the outside. Then you go to the filling queue, hand your decorated pot over, the add noodles, then you choose your toppings and flavour of powder, and they add these and seal the pot properly, and give it to you in a blow up protective carry bag.

To my surprise, most of the people doing this were not young children but teens and adults!
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Old Oct 14th, 2013, 12:54 PM
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Hey everyone,

Not sure who checks back on this thread, but, thank you all for your replies. In the end, I am skipping Osaka, and I'm going to either stick around Kyoto (Bamboo forest, etc) and make a day trip to Nara. I am fortunate that I am there for Jidai Matsuri so that'll take a day up.

I leave in one week. One question, Hiroshima, any thought on what to do there? I've been there, so, the peace museum etc isn't really on the radar. Figured I would check out stuff not on the beaten path..
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Old Oct 14th, 2013, 01:56 PM
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Mikey, we're there at the same time, drop me a note if you want to meet for a sake! [email protected]
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Old Oct 16th, 2013, 06:08 PM
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You going to be there for Jidai Matsuri? I've been eyeing the weather reports, making sure it stays nice.. Here's hoping.

Are you on your own? Or doing any sort of tour? I'm on my own for about 5 days, then meet up with a group, and head to Shikoku island..
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Old Oct 17th, 2013, 07:03 AM
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Just me and husband, on our own, trip planned and booked independently, according to my research... Glad we've touched base via email, maybe we'll be able to meet.
Have a good trip!
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Old Jul 29th, 2014, 05:18 PM
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bookmarking
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Old Aug 4th, 2014, 12:21 AM
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Hi themikeyt!

I know this thread is about a year ago but I just want to resurrect it to ask about your Jidai Matsuri festival experience.

I'll be in Kyoto in time for the festival but I'm still undecided on whether it will be worth going. I've arranged my 4 days in Kyoto by cluster and the route of the festival doesn't seem to fit in any of the clusters. As such, if I want to see the festival, I will have to work everything else around it. I know it's an important festival in Kyoto, but reviews, descriptions and photos I've seen so far suggest that it can get boring after about 20 minutes (slow pace, nothing happening much, no music, etc.), especially for those with a short-ish attention span like me. I'm a bit interested but unless it's something I shouldn't miss at all (and frankly, if I am only likely to watch for 30 mins or so), I don't think I want to change around my schedule for it.

Anyway, my question is this: what did you think about the Jidai Matsuri? Is it worth the trouble to go?

Thanks!
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Old Aug 4th, 2014, 06:43 AM
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Nara is wonderful.

Have you been to the Miho museum outside of Kyoto in the mountains? IM Pei designed, magical interplay of art, nature and architecture, one of our best experiences in Japan, well worth hassle to get there,

Something else we loved were the Moss Gardens in Kyoto. You need to get permission BEFORE you go, it costs about $30 to see the gardens. You go first to a Buddhist ceremony where you participate in writing something (not long).
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