Day 10 - Travelogue Osaka - Seeing Osaka Castle, Legendary Birds Pokemon Center, and Dotonbori

Back to Day 9 - First Visit to Nara for Deer, Pikachu Donut, Daibutsu Temple, Kasuga-Taisha, Kohfukuji Temple 

I was ready to head to Osaka today.  You could spend a week in Kyoto with all the temples and shrines, but I wanted to see a new city in Japan.

Temple near the hotel.  There are quite a few local shrines and temples.  It's a Pokestop too.

I was up early and had an early breakfast at a chain restaurant, Taishoku Yayoi.  I have to say that ordering food has become much easier in casual / chain eateries in the 15 years between my first visit and now.  On my very first visit, I went to a restaurant at the ramen street at Shinagawa Station (which I'm not sure still exists) and a server came outside to help me figure out how to use the ordering machine.  The electronic ordering machines in front of many restaurants are now multi-lingual touch screens which makes life so much easier if you don't read Japanese!

Ordering machine just inside the restaurant.  It in English mode.  Breakfast was cheap at $5.

 At Taishoku Yayoi I ordered a salmon breakfast set and it came out really quickly.  There were a few other diners in the restaurant, but it wasn't too busy.  It was a small, tasty breakfast and I got seconds of rice too.

After breakfast I had a bit of time to kill so I walked around the neighbourhood.  I was actually checking out Pokestops in the Pokemon Go game.  Real world locations are marked and they are usually places of interest such as artwork, shrines, temples, statues, buildings, etc.  In my travels around I found a vending machine that sold the Godzilla Energy Drink.  I didn't really need it, but it was lucky to run into something I had heard about, but didn't expect to find.

I found yet another vending machine on a side street, but it has Godzilla drinks!

Closeup of the Godzilla energy drinks.  They are quite purple from what I understand, but no radiation, just pure fruit punchy energy boost.

The trip to Osaka is less than an hour by bullet train, but you end up at Shin-Osaka Station which is further out from the older parts of Osaka. You then have to ride the subway a fair distance to the Dotonbori area where my hotel was.  Instead, I took a local train down to Osaka from Kyoto because it was as fast as the bullet train by the time I got to the hotel. I had to transfer trains once and then it was an easy walk to the hotel that would have happened with either method of travel.  The station where I had to do the transfer wasn't a huge one, but the platform directions were not well marked and I had make the correct educated guess to find the right one!

I dropped my suitcase off at the hotel and would come back later when regular check-in was open.  The sky was clear which boded well for my first bit of Osaka tourism, a visit to Osaka Castle.  I took the subway over to Tanimachi Station and walked by the NHK building and the Osaka History Museum on the way to the castle.  I would come back to check out the history museum later.  Coming from the SW direction, you enter through the main gate in the west side.  There is a huge moat around the castle and big stone fortification walls all the way around.  They are as impressive as the ones at the Tokyo Imperial Palace, if not more so.

View of the outer moat and SW / South wall.

SW Rokuban Yagura Turret.

Here is a wide angle view of the moat and the outer wall from SW.  It is pretty big.

Map of the castle grounds and I started in the bottom left corner and eventually exited on the top left corner and walked back along the park on the outside of the moat back to my starting point.

Osaka Castle, is one of Japan's iconic landmarks that has a history spanning over 400 years. Originally constructed in the late 16th century, the castle has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, serving as a symbol of power and resilience.

The castle's most notable feature is its towering keep, which rises over 50 meters into the sky. The keep is adorned with intricate detailing and is surrounded by massive stone walls, creating a formidable defense against any would-be attackers. The interior of the castle is equally impressive, with spacious rooms and elegant decorations reflecting the opulence of the feudal lords who once called it home.

In the early days of its existence, Osaka Castle served as the seat of power for Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a powerful feudal lord who played a key role in Japan's unification. Hideyoshi spared no expense in constructing the castle, using the finest materials and craftsmen available to create a structure that would impress both his allies and enemies.

Over the centuries, Osaka Castle has faced numerous challenges, including invasions, fires, and natural disasters. Despite these setbacks, the castle has always been rebuilt, each time with the goal of surpassing the previous incarnation in terms of grandeur and durability. The castle was rebuilt with a steel and concrete replica during the 1930s.  During WWII it was damaged again and repaired afterwards.  The most recent restoration was completed in 1997, and the castle remains one of Japan's most popular tourist attractions. The interior of the castle has been modernized to include a museum showcasing the castle's history and artifacts, and visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of Osaka from the castle's observation deck.  The castle keep might be a replica, but it is a beautiful replica that is worth seeing as it shows the keep in its full glory.

Castle grounds.  Walking along the causeway that runs to the main gate in the SW.

Main gate in the outer wall, once you get past this, you are in a little courtyard where you can be shot at from multiple sides!

A bigger, impressive gatehouse on the exit from the courtyard at the main gate.

It is a pretty big and impressive gate.

The iron plated doors and big wood beams supporting the upper level of the gatehouse.

The inner wall of the castle with a dry moat at this time.

Inner wall and dry moat.

Causeway leading to the inner gate.

You can see the castle's keep through the inner gateway.  The stone wall behind the gate has one of these massive stone blocks that were used in the construction of the castle.

There is a red brick building in the inner grounds of the castle that has a Kaiyoko figure museum.  Kaiyodo is based out of Osaka - something I didn't know.  It'll be a nice tourist attraction that opened a few days after my visit so I couldn't see it :(

Inner grounds of the castle with the keep.

The keep has been beautifully restored to show what it would have looked like in the past.

The foundation stones are original!

Another view of the keep.  Tokyo really should restore the keep at the imperial palace as only the foundation stones remain.

A warring states diorama inside the museum.

Closeup of one of the golden shachihoko, a lion-headed carp decorating the keep.

View of the castle grounds from the keep.

After walking through the keep I headed back down and went to see more angles of the keep from behind.  There weren't very many people here at all.  I then circled back to where I started in the park on the outside of the outer moat.

Back of the keep.

Back of the keep.  The stone blocks are fitted together so well.

Crossing the outer moat on this bridge at the back of the keep.

The keep is quite close to the outer wall from the back side.

I then went to the Osaka history museum on the way back to the train.  They had a replica of a storehouse on stilts from the Naniway Period (I think - I'm not sure now).  The Osaka History Museum is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in learning about the rich history and culture of the Osaka region in Japan. The museum is divided into several sections, each featuring unique displays and exhibits that showcase different aspects of Osaka's past.

One of the most impressive displays in the museum is the life-sized replica of Naniwa Palace, which was the imperial palace of Japan during the 7th and 8th centuries. The replica is incredibly detailed and offers visitors a glimpse into what life was like for Japan's royal family during this time period.

Another noteworthy display is the "History of Osaka" exhibit, which takes visitors on a chronological journey through the city's history. The exhibit features interactive displays, dioramas, and artifacts that showcase Osaka's cultural and economic development throughout the centuries.

The museum also houses several collections of ancient artifacts, including pottery, armor, and weapons. One particularly impressive display is the collection of 12th-century Japanese swords, which are considered some of the finest examples of Japanese sword-making.  Other displays in the museum focus on specific aspects of Osaka's culture and history, such as the city's famous food scene and the role of Osaka in the development of Japanese theater. One exhibit even features a working model of an ancient water clock, which was used to measure time during the Nara period (710-794).

Overall, the displays in the Osaka History Museum are well-curated and offer visitors a comprehensive look at the city's rich and diverse cultural heritage.  The museum offers great views of Osaka Castle from up high.

Life-size replica of the Naniwa Palace.  This was really cool!

Osaka Castle Keep from up high.

Osaka Castle from the the museum.

Cool bridge replica.

A theatre marquee.

A portable shrine.

After looking through the museum, I was hungry so I tried McDonald's Shaka Shaka Chicken, and their beef stew pie.  The chicken was tasty, but the pie was a little disappointing as I was hoping for something more like a steak and kidney pie.

Rail company employees face harassment as this sign shows.

I finally checked into the hotel after all this and my room was small, but clean and very much like a room you would get in a business hotel for a single traveler.  Nothing to complain about really as this is Japan!

Bathroom.

Main room.

That evening I walked from my hotel to Dotonbori which wasn't more than 10 - 15 minutes away.  I went down the main shopping arcade that leads to the famous Glico Man sign.  Dotonbori is a vibrant district in Osaka, Japan, known for its lively nightlife, delicious food, and iconic animated signs. One of the most famous signs is the Glico Man, a towering neon figure running triumphantly with his arms outstretched, representing the Glico confectionery company. As you stroll down the busy streets of Dotonbori, you'll be greeted by a dazzling array of neon signs and billboards, each one competing for your attention with its bold colors and catchy slogans.

Dotonbori signage with the famous Glico Man.

Shin Sai Bashi Shopping Street / Arcade as it is all roofed over.  This is a very busy shopping street.

I walked by the Daimaru Department Store and realized they have a Pokemon Center Inside from the display!

The Pokemon Center here has the three legendary birds as statues!  Awesome!

The starter pokemon from the latest Pokemon game when I was there.

Christmas Pikachu and more!

Big Snorlax plushies.

The Daimaru Department Store on Shin Sai Bashi Shopping Street is a large store and sells everything you would expect to find, including luxury goods, a Pokemon merchandise, and even other anime merchandise too!  There is a decent sized Jump Shop here too along with some other stores.  I took a detour here for the Pokemon Center and was impressed.  It is one of the nicer stores!

Jump Shop, Shonen Jump series merchandise, but many of the most popular manga and anime will be represented here.

Yet another Luffy Statue.  He is found in different poses in the various Jump Shops.

Juijutsu Kaisen display at the Jump Shop

After the Daimaru I finally entered Dotonbori proper along the canal.  I'd never been here before and was anticipating all of the colourful signage along with the Glico Running Man sign.  It is kind of like Shibuya Crossing with all the screens and a bit of Ginza thrown in.  It is loud, often crowded, and has a very lively atmosphere.

The end of Shin Sai Bashi Shopping Street shows the main signage of Dotonbori.

The main displays of Dotonbori big signage, with some giant TV displays too.

Glico Man sign.  It used to be Neon, now it is a giant LED TV.

The Glico Man sign has been a symbol of Osaka for over 80 years and has undergone several updates and renovations. Today, it stands at 33 meters tall and features over 1,700 light bulbs, illuminating the night sky and drawing crowds of tourists and locals alike. The sign is not only a testament to Glico's success but also a cultural icon that represents the energy and excitement of Osaka.

Alongside the Glico Man, Dotonbori is home to many other colorful and animated signs that light up the bustling streets. From giant crabs and octopuses to rotating sushi and steaming bowls of ramen, the signs reflect the district's lively and eccentric personality. Walking down the streets of Dotonbori is like entering a fantastical world of flashing lights and vibrant colors, transporting visitors to a different time and place.

The canal and there are tour boats that run along its length.

As you walk through the crowded streets of Dotonbori, you'll notice that many of the restaurants have their menus displayed outside, showcasing their specialties and signature dishes. Some of the most famous restaurants in the area have large, eye-catching signs featuring iconic symbols like giant crabs, puffer fish, and animatronic characters.  The plentiful street food and signage in Dotonbori offer a truly unique dining experience that is not to be missed. Whether you're a foodie looking to sample some of the best dishes in Japan or just looking for a lively and memorable night out, Dotonbori has something to offer everyone.

Dragon sign.

Beef sign.

Crab sign.

Sushi and the angry chef.

The restaurants in Dotonbori cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences, from traditional Japanese cuisine to international dishes from around the world. One of the most popular local specialties is takoyaki, a savory snack made with small balls of batter filled with chunks of octopus, and topped with mayonnaise and savory sauces.

Another popular dish in Dotonbori is okonomiyaki, a savory pancake made with a variety of ingredients such as cabbage, meat, seafood, and noodles, and topped with a sweet and tangy sauce. The restaurants here also serve up delicious sushi, sashimi, and tempura, as well as dishes from other Asian cuisines like Korean barbecue and Chinese hot pot.

Takoyaki sign

I ended up eating takoyaki from a couple of popular places, especially easy to tell from the lineups for them.  It was more takoyaki than I was expecting, but it was tasty, with each shop making it slightly differently.

Takoyaki grill mass production.

An order of takoyaki.

Takoyaki octopus.

Gyoza sign.

Drink sign.

Final shot of Dotonbori as I headed back to the hotel.

I had walked a great deal today and my feet were done by the time I headed back to the hotel.  Nothing like a nice shower and cool down after a long day.  Tomorrow I was heading to Himeji Castle to see the most beautiful, original castle in Japan.

Back to Day 9 - First Visit to Nara for Deer, Pikachu Donut, Daibutsu Temple, Kasuga-Taisha, Kohfukuji Temple 

To Day 11 - Travelogue - Seeing Himeji Castle, the Most Beautiful One in Japan, and the Umeda Sky Building

The Japan Trip 2022 Posts

1. Planning My Tokyo 2022 Trip Highlights and Attractions (for Anime and Regular Tourists)
   
2. Highlights From My December 2022 Trip to Japan (with links to daily pages)
3. Day 1 - The First Night In Tokyo
4. Day 2 in Tokyo - Visiting Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Taking a Taxi 
5. Day 2 in Tokyo - Evening with Godzilla and Christmas Lights
6. Day 3 - Back to Shibuya for New Parco, Nintendo Store, Pokemon Center, Miyashita Park 
7. Day 3 -  Views From Shibuya Sky, Shopping at Tokyu Hands and Don Quijote
8. Day 4 - Nezu Shrine, Ameyoko, Ni No Kashi Candy Store, Yamashiroya Toy Store, and Ichiran Ramen in Ueno
9. Day 4 - Sensoji Shrine in Asakusa, Tokyo Midtown Christmas Illuminations, and Pokemon Store and Cafe Nihonbashi
10. Day 5 - Yokohama, Giant Gundam at Gundam Factory, Landmark Tower Shopping, Harry Potter Christmas Trees
11. Day 6 - Yokohama , Nissin Cup Noodle Museum, World Porters Mall, Landmark Tower Shopping Area
12. Day 7 - Kyoto Part 1, Kiyomizudera and Yasaka Shrine
13. Day 7 - Kyoto Part 2, Kodaiji Temple Night Illuminations and Yasaka Shrine at Night  
14. Day 8 - Travelogue - Kyoto Part 1 - To Fushimi Inari Shrine and The Mountain Summit 
15. Day 8 - Travelogue - Kyoto Part 2 - Kennin Ji Temple and Evening at Kyoto Station
16. Day 9 - Travelogue - First Visit to Nara for Deer, Pikachu Donut, Daibutsu Temple, Kasuga-Taisha, Kohfukuji Temple 
17. Day 10 - Osaka - Seeing Osaka Castle, Pokemon Center, and Dotonbori 
18. Day 11 - Seeing Himeji Castle, the Most Beautiful One in Japan, and the Umeda Sky Building
19. Day 12 - Osaka Aquarium (Whale Sharks!), Den Den Town, Shinsekai, and MOS Burger
20. Day 13 - Travelogue - Back to Tokyo - Akihabara - Shinjuku at Night
21. Day 14 - Underground to Ginza, Shopping, Ginza GoldFish Aquarium, and Tokyo Skytree
22. Day 14 - Tokyo's Underground Labyrinth 2 - Walking From Tokyo Station to Ginza
23. Day 15 - Travelogue - Museums Close Monday - Ueno Park - Narita - Flight Home

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