roWe did three things in Osaka, which made for a pretty full day. First we visited Osaka Castle. Unlike Himeji Castle, which we visited in 2016, Osaka Castle is a modern museum, reconstructed to look original from the outside. The castle was used as an armory and destroyed in WWII. Reconstruction lasted from 1995-1997.
While Himeji gave us a sense of what life was like 200+ years ago, Osaka provided exhibits detailing the history. The other nice thing about the Osaka experience are the elevators, the entire castle is handicap accessible. For people in need there's an exterior elevator to get form the courtyard to the entrance, and an elevator all the way to the top. For the rest of us, the elevator goes from the lobby to the 6th floor, and then walk up two more flights to the top level for the views (and gift shop).
Outside, much of the stone work is still original. There are multiple moats with boat rides. On the ramparts we ran into a group of men with their birds of prey. Not very talkative, but one gentleman with a falcon let us take pictures. Another had a large owl, but also had a sign "no pictures".
While Himeji gave us a sense of what life was like 200+ years ago, Osaka provided exhibits detailing the history. The other nice thing about the Osaka experience are the elevators, the entire castle is handicap accessible. For people in need there's an exterior elevator to get form the courtyard to the entrance, and an elevator all the way to the top. For the rest of us, the elevator goes from the lobby to the 6th floor, and then walk up two more flights to the top level for the views (and gift shop).
Outside, much of the stone work is still original. There are multiple moats with boat rides. On the ramparts we ran into a group of men with their birds of prey. Not very talkative, but one gentleman with a falcon let us take pictures. Another had a large owl, but also had a sign "no pictures".
Doutonburi (Dōtonbori) is an area running along the Doutonburi canal. Osaka is often referred to as "Japan's Kitchen". Doutonbori is an amazing collection of eateries and street food. My boys went for the takoyaki, a dumpling with octopus. Doutonbori is an experience not to be missed.
That all being said, it is touristy, prices are high and portions are small. Set your expectations and enjoy. I got the grilled crab legs for ¥950 ($10), which included two thick legs about 3 inches long and some chopsticks. I have no idea why I got chop sticks, they split the shell but didn't remove the meat, so no delicate way to eat it. Although they WERE delicious!
That all being said, it is touristy, prices are high and portions are small. Set your expectations and enjoy. I got the grilled crab legs for ¥950 ($10), which included two thick legs about 3 inches long and some chopsticks. I have no idea why I got chop sticks, they split the shell but didn't remove the meat, so no delicate way to eat it. Although they WERE delicious!
Finally we hit Den Den Town, some times referred to as Electric Town, where you can find all manner of consumer electronics. It's also become known for shops selling manga, anime and related merchandise like figurines.
Three years ago my son made a killing on some cheap N64 games, which he brought back and sold on EBay. No bargains this time, prices for older games are as high as in the US.
Finally a stop at McDonald's (マクドナルド). As stated before: Doutonbori was delicious, but portions were small and pricey.
Three years ago my son made a killing on some cheap N64 games, which he brought back and sold on EBay. No bargains this time, prices for older games are as high as in the US.
Finally a stop at McDonald's (マクドナルド). As stated before: Doutonbori was delicious, but portions were small and pricey.