Only half an hour by train from Kyoto is the city of Osaka. As I mentioned in a previous post, the contrasts that can occur between one place and another at a relatively short distance between two points can be impressive. Here we again find a similar case. If Kyoto is associated to the refinement, tradition and the preservation of the history of Japan, Osaka is associated with modernity, buzzing trends and a great nightlife.
Osaka and Kyoto
Osaka station
Among the essential visits to be carried out on them undoubtedly the main one is the famous Osaka Castle, one of the finest in the country with a pretty eventful life as it has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. The last major reform took place in 1997 giving it a museum. Moreover, this castle offers the possibility to climb to the top floor where we find panoramic viewpoint and see the whole city, always trying to give the cities parkland for recreation and enjoyment of its citizens.
Osaka Castle
Osaka Canal Arch Bridge
When in Japan visiting the shopping areas is inevitable. The main areas are in the southern part of the city, in the neighborhood of Minabi and there we can find Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade, Amerikamura, Nipponbashi Den Den Town. Then when night falls, the interesting thing is closer to where Dotombori Street dazzles by the large amount of ads with neon lights. In addition, for gourmets Osaka can be called the Basque Country for its culinary culture, its exquisite products etc.. In fact, the Kansai area in which are located the mentioned cities like Kyoto and Osaka with Kobe, has become a world leader in the kitchen.
Osaka Kita ku
Osaka photos: Rekishi no Tabi, Apricot Cafe, Paco Alcantara, Yaya, Thaddeus Roan.
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