Ever wanted to visit a Japanese garden and do a bit of farming at the top of a skyscraper above a huge train station? Ok, maybe not, but I’m sure you can admit the idea of Tenku No Noen (Sky Farm) and Yawaragi no Niwa (Healing Garden) are pretty cool. They offer good views over theContinue reading “Osaka Station Sky Farm and Japanese Garden”
Category Archives: Osaka
Sumiyoshi Taisha
Sumiyoshi-taisha (住吉大社), or the Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine, is Osaka’s most famous shrine. It is the headquarters of over 2000 Shinto shrines across Japan and believed to enshrine 3 gods, for protecting the nation, sea voyages and waka (31-syllable) poetry. Registered as a national treasure, it also has a few unique aspects to it. The most interestingContinue reading “Sumiyoshi Taisha”
Minoo Park
Minoo Park (箕面公園) is a popular day trip from Osaka, a great place to go hiking or enjoy some local food and buy some souvenirs. It is what Mount Takao is to Tokyo, a very accessible and inexpensive to access hiking area, with all sorts of hiking routes for all sorts of difficulty. Most people takeContinue reading “Minoo Park”
Shitennoji Temple
If all the lights of downtown Osaka get too much, head to Shitennoji Temple, the oldest temple in Japan. It’s very well known Buddhist temple with a nice little garden, treasure house and plenty of temple buildings to have a look around in. Budget travel tips For a wider selection of shrines and temples, go toContinue reading “Shitennoji Temple”
Shin Saibashi Shopping Arcade
Shin Saibashi Shopping Arcade is the main shopping area in central Osaka. It’s always busy, and is full of all kinds of shops and restaurants. Expect to spend a while window shopping and finding some good bargains. Budget travel tips Come here for cheaper and more family friendly restaurants than Dotonbori Street. For a full days shopping, combineContinue reading “Shin Saibashi Shopping Arcade”
Dotonbori Canal
If you have seen a picture of Osaka before, it was probably of Dotonbori Canal. The remodeled canal is an amazing area, and so much better now that you can walk along it’s banks. Countless photo opportunities and lots of lights. Budget travel tips Best in the evening. Make sure you also check out Dotonbori Street whenContinue reading “Dotonbori Canal”
Dotonbori Street
Dotonbori Street is the place to go for drinks or food in the evening in Osaka. It’s full of reasonably priced restaurants and bars, and has a lively character that will force you to get out your camera and take a few pics! Budget travel tips It’s a nice place any time of the day,Continue reading “Dotonbori Street”
Amemura (America Town)
Amemura (アメリカ村) is a lively, youthful area in Osaka. It’s full of Japan’s take on American culture and therefore makes for great people watching and window shopping. Budget travel tips Save money and walk to Shin Saibashi Shopping Arcade or Dotonbori Street after Amemura. Come with an empty stomach, as there is some cheap and tasty JapanesyContinue reading “Amemura (America Town)”
Den Den Electric Town
Den Den Electric Town is Osaka’s answer to Akihabara. Huge electronic shops selling anything you can imagine, maid cafes, game arcades and lots of other exciting 21st century attractions. Budget travel tips The game arcade machines are often only 100 yen, so probably much cheaper than you would pay at home. Enjoy! Use the mapContinue reading “Den Den Electric Town”
Tempozan Marketplace and Ferris Wheel
Tampozan Marketplace (天保山マーケットプレイス) and the Ferris wheel next to it make for a nice morning or afternoon. Great if you need a rest from all the shrines and temples in Kyoto! Walk around the area for a nice view of Osaka’s coast. Budget travel tips The Naniwa Food Theme Park is a little expensive, butContinue reading “Tempozan Marketplace and Ferris Wheel”
Super Cheap Japan 