Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Japan - Osaka Places of Interest

Places of interest that I visit in Osaka is limited due to time constrain. First on the list is Osaka Castle which is located at Subway station Morinomiya, where we have to walk across a nice big park to reach the castle.







Its a relative cool and long walk from the train station to osaka castle. Took me about 15 - 20mins of slow walking. Like all castle, there is a outer perimeter and like most shrine I have visited in Japan, there always a well for 'cleansing' at its entrance. (Not recommended for drinking thought pointed out by a friendly local)









The castle is quite prominent from far and the entrance fee is 600 yen per adult.

There’s a total of 4 or 5 level with the highest being able to have a view around the castle. In the lower floors are videos and arts works playing out the epic history of Osaka Castle. No camera are allow on the higher floors inside the building thus picture of samurai areas are lacking. Its take about 2 – 4h depending on how much you like to learn about the castle to finish a tour.



At the top of the roof and the 4 corners are a mystical creature with the head of the tiger and the body of a fish which is say to ward off evil and bring luck. I wasn’t paying attention then to remember more.


Another place of interest which we visiting is the Umeda Tower ( Floating Garden Observatory ) which is 700 yen per adult open from 10am to 10pm. We were late for the night view and thus ending up going back in the day. The view would have been much wonderful at night I believe. It give a 360 degree view of Osaka and its freezing up there at 11 in the morning. Even Osaka castle can be view from the Umeda Tower.







The Tower is like a spaceship saucer-like dome located at the top of 2 standing building. Access is via entrance on the 4 floor and up a lift follow by a long flight of escalator.







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