Japan > Osaka Castle

I’m going sightseeing in Osaka today. I decide to walk to Osaka Castle and enjoy the city along the way—a distance of six kilometers. At the station, I order a cappuccino at Starbucks. Passing the Okaa River and Nakanoshima Park, I arrive at the castle. The tower rises high above the surrounding walls. What a beautiful sight. Upon entering the castle, I have two choices: take the elevator to the fifth floor or climb the stairs. The line for the elevator is so long that the choice to take the stairs is quickly made.

Japan - The pagoda of Shitennoji Temple

The interior of the castle is somewhat disappointing. The original building from 1620 was destroyed by fire. In 1931, the castle was restored to its original exterior appearance. Inside, however, it is made of concrete. Elevators and a stairwell were added, so the authentic wooden atmosphere has been lost, unlike in Himeji Castle. The various floors are set up as a museum. The view from the eighth floor is magnificent. I can see all around Osaka. In the distance, I spot the Tenoji district, my next destination. I reach it in about fifteen minutes by metro. I wander through the streets and stroll through the park until I arrive at Shitennoji Temple. I visit the temple and the adjacent pagoda. Although the pagoda is relatively new, it’s fun to climb all the way to the top.

Japan - The entertainment district in Osaka

In the pond in front of the temple, hundreds of turtles swim. They jostle for a spot on a sunlit rock. In the Dengen district, electronics stores and game arcades sit side by side, filling the streets. All the halls are busy as well. At Dotonbori Street, Osaka’s entertainment area, a narrow alley is packed with authentic little restaurants—a stark contrast to the parallel shopping street. Everywhere there are neon signs and billboards. Along the canal, a karaoke performance is underway. A girl sings at the top of her lungs, while people on the opposite side enjoy and dance. This is also where the shopping arcade begins, a covered street over two kilometers long. Thanks to the roof and the air conditioning from the shops, the temperature is very pleasant. By late afternoon, I meet up with Allert and Carla again. Together, we return to Dotonbori. In the evening, the district is even busier, and the neon lights are more intense. In the little restaurant, we struggle to make sense of the menu—many unfamiliar dishes. We point to something on the menu for three people. It tastes excellent, even though we don’t know exactly what everything is.