Visiting Osaka

The beautiful city of Osaka is located on the south shore of Honshu. And though it is one of Japan's largest cities, it is a hidden gem of Japan. Osaka is very modern, even futuristic but there are still natural sites to visit as well as traditional cultural sites.  There are two main city centres in Osaka - the south community called Minami, and the north district called Kita. These two areas offer different kinds of attractions. 

Minami

Kita

Here are some of the highlights that you will want to see during your visit to Osaka. 

Osaka Castle 

This castle was completed in the 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and was the largest castle in Japan at the time. The main castle contains a great museum where you can learn about the castle and about the local history of Osaka. Osaka Castle is both a cultural and a natural site because the grounds of Osaka castles also contain a beautiful and natural park land where you can see many of the indigenous trees of Japan.  This site give you a wonderful experience of  comparison of the natural world in a what is actually a large city.  And it's cultural importance offers you a real understanding of traditional Japan. The site also contains a wonderful shrine dedicated to the memory of the builder of the castle, and there is a great Rock garden in this shrine. You can buy tickets online. Visit the official site here.  Tickets are 600 Yen for individual visits. 

Kaiyukan Aquarium

A great cultural site to see in Osaka is the Kaiyukan Aquarium. This incredible, walk-through aquarium, is built in a remarkable building which looks as though it is made out of giant Lego blocks.  Here you can learn about marine life from all over the world as well as the important steps that Japan is taking to protect marine life. There are 27 large tanks in the aquarium and you can even see live Rays and Sharks! This site is excellent because it give you a picture of how the Japanese think about the natural world and what steps they are taking to protect it. You can purchase tickets here. Though it is not cheap - adult tickets cost 2400 Yen - it is worth seeing. 

Osaka Tennōji park and zoo

The largest green space in Osaka is the Tennōji Park and Zoo and it is a must see for any visitor. The park contains beautiful forests and botanical gardens for you to explore, with ponds and flowerbeds. When you are enjoying the natural wonder of Tennōji park, you will find it hard to believe you are in one of the world's most modern cities. Unfortunately, the park is currently only open on weekdays from 9:00-5:30, so plan your trip accordingly. The park costs about 13 dollars to visit and most people spend at least two hours there. And if you have some extra time, why not visit the zoo? It only costs a few dollars more and there are over 280 species to be seen. 

National Art Gallery

The National Art Gallery is an important cultural site for any visitor to Osaka. It contains hundreds of works of important art, by both Japanese and international artists. It is located near the city centre on a small island between the Tosabori and the Dōjima rivers. Outside the museum you will be greeted by a massive steal sculpture that is intended to look like river reeds blowing in the wind. Inside you can see art by some of Japan's most revered artists like Hokusai and Hiroshige. Like many important cultural locations, the museum is relatively inexpensive to visit - only about 5 dollars for adults, 1,50 for university students, and free for everyone under 18. 

Tenmangu Shrine

Another important cultural site to see in Osaka is the Tenmangu Shrine. This is a remarkable work of architecture and if you visit it you can get a better understanding of Shintoism, the traditional religion of Japan. Osaka is a very modern city with largely modern architecture, so seeing traditional work of architecture is a welcome change in this city. The Tenmangu shrine is dedicated to the shinto god of scholarship, so be ready to be imbued with the spirit of learning! The shrine is nestled in a quiet, residential neighbourhood and it fits in well to its surroundings in as much as it is a peaceful and quiet place to visit. The temple is free to visit (though donations are welcome) and is open on most days. 

Osaka Science Museum

The science museum is a fitting place to visit when you are in one of the most modern cities in the world. The science museum has lots of interactive exhibits that are great for kids, and hourly shows where you can learn and be entertained. You can really get a picture of the future and Japan's role in bringing it about. It's a great cultural experience for kids and adults alike. It only costs about 4 dollars to visit and for that small fee you can open up the whole universe. The building is right by the water and even looks as though its structure is patterned on the bridge of a ship, so it really fits in with the mood of the surroundings. While you are there, you can also take in a show at Japan's first planetarium. 

These highlights are just some of the things that you will want to visit in Osaka. There are great natural and cultural things for a visitor to see. Its location on the ocean makes for some beautiful vistas, and you can also access the countryside easily with public transportation from the inner city. The best thing about Osaka is that even in the heart of one of the world's most modern cities, there are plenty of places that are green and quiet for you to enjoy. If you are planning a trip, remember to book accommodation as much in advance as possible because you can get better deals.  And since the transportation and accommodation are relatively inexpensive, and the visitors' sites are actually cheaper to visit than at home in Canada, you can save your money for all the great Japanese food that you can eat!