Osaka, here I come!
(Monday, June 30, 2008/11:51 PM)
Alright, let's shift the focus back to my trip to Japan. After our stay in Kyoto, we moved back to city life once more, right in the heart of Osaka. My friend commented that Osaka seemed a little more run-down compared to Tokyo, and I'd have to agree with that. But Osaka has its own unique charm as well! Besides, we would be meeting our first Japanese sensei for a meal and I was really excited for it. But, the dinner appointment was at 7 PM, so we went to do some sight-seeing first!
Osaka Castle is an incredible sight to behold. Majestic and has a commandeering presence. The ascent to the main castle building brought us thru the parks at the foot of the castle, and it's interesting to note that the residents there treat it as if it's East Coast Park to us Singaporeans. Rock bands are showcasing their stuff, avid fitness enthusiasts are jogging and cycling, families are taking a nice little stroll. It felt lively and homely for some weird reason. Perhaps, it's due to the mental image of East Coast Park which I had of the place. =P
The picture is slightly dark cos' the sky was consistently overcast. In Singapore, it'd mean that a heavy downpour is expected in 30 mins time. In Japan, the skies can be overcast for hours and there'll be no rain. I'd prefer it better if it rained soon, cos' I was constantly on my toes, anticipating the rain to come. Juz a reiteration, try to avoid the rainy season!
Osaka has sparse tourist sight-seeing attractions and even my sensei admitted that Osaka is a true blue concrete jungle, other than the fact that Osaka Castle still stands. I found another nice place to go to, when I did my online research while still in Singapore. That's Kaiyukan, otherwise known as Osaka Aquarium. It's an immensely popular place among the locals, but it isn't exactly a tourist attraction, so naturally, my friend and I felt out of place in the sea of local residents.
Couples and families usually go to Kaiyukan for a time of bonding. I wonder how does looking at fishes in tanks help with that agenda in mind, but oh well... =D My friend said that the girls will be distracted by the nice-looking fishes while the guys would use their hands to be touchy. Rofl, that is probably true. As for families, kids will forever be fascinated with marine life. Great way to keep a kid entertained, instead of throwing tantrums at home. =)
Ooo, I've got a pic of the manta-ray's mouth. Looks like it's trying to say hi to me *lol*! It's hard to fully appreciate the beauty of the marine life presented in Kaiyukan cos' ppl would hog the viewing panels shamelessly. My friend and I had a tough time spotting the attractions. Most of the time, we would be staring at a sea of bobbing human heads.
We headed back to our hotel to await our sensei to lead us to the restaurant for dinner. Gosh, it's super high-class, and she even booked a private room for us! I've got an inkling it'll be expensive but I didn't expect SGD$400 for the 3 of us! *gasp* My friend and I felt a little embarrassed cos' we only got her a SGD$20 souvenir *lol*.
Although I didn't manage to go to the popular shopping district of Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori until 2 nights later from the day I had dinner with my sensei, I shall lump it under this post as a collective effort to introduce Osaka proper.
Here's the famous crab sign from Dotonbori. Initially, I was rather disoriented in Namba, the main area encompassing Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi. Then, when I saw the crab from afar, I knew I was in the right place. =D To sum up the place in simple terms, go to Dotonbori for food and night-lights, head to Shinsaibashi for crazy shopping sprees. =) Shinsaibashi stretches on for a longgg longgg way. So, do stretch and warm up ur legs before u attempt to conquer the place. Lots of female boutiques, but luckily I found a large male boutique and got myself 2 shirts at only 1995 Yen. What a deal!
Summing up Osaka in simple terms? Great for city life, bad for sight-seeing. Rofl! Youngsters will love it, the older generation would probably not. My journey in memory lane is almost coming to an end now. Stay tuned for the finale soon! :)
Osaka Castle is an incredible sight to behold. Majestic and has a commandeering presence. The ascent to the main castle building brought us thru the parks at the foot of the castle, and it's interesting to note that the residents there treat it as if it's East Coast Park to us Singaporeans. Rock bands are showcasing their stuff, avid fitness enthusiasts are jogging and cycling, families are taking a nice little stroll. It felt lively and homely for some weird reason. Perhaps, it's due to the mental image of East Coast Park which I had of the place. =P
The picture is slightly dark cos' the sky was consistently overcast. In Singapore, it'd mean that a heavy downpour is expected in 30 mins time. In Japan, the skies can be overcast for hours and there'll be no rain. I'd prefer it better if it rained soon, cos' I was constantly on my toes, anticipating the rain to come. Juz a reiteration, try to avoid the rainy season!Osaka has sparse tourist sight-seeing attractions and even my sensei admitted that Osaka is a true blue concrete jungle, other than the fact that Osaka Castle still stands. I found another nice place to go to, when I did my online research while still in Singapore. That's Kaiyukan, otherwise known as Osaka Aquarium. It's an immensely popular place among the locals, but it isn't exactly a tourist attraction, so naturally, my friend and I felt out of place in the sea of local residents.
Couples and families usually go to Kaiyukan for a time of bonding. I wonder how does looking at fishes in tanks help with that agenda in mind, but oh well... =D My friend said that the girls will be distracted by the nice-looking fishes while the guys would use their hands to be touchy. Rofl, that is probably true. As for families, kids will forever be fascinated with marine life. Great way to keep a kid entertained, instead of throwing tantrums at home. =)
Ooo, I've got a pic of the manta-ray's mouth. Looks like it's trying to say hi to me *lol*! It's hard to fully appreciate the beauty of the marine life presented in Kaiyukan cos' ppl would hog the viewing panels shamelessly. My friend and I had a tough time spotting the attractions. Most of the time, we would be staring at a sea of bobbing human heads.We headed back to our hotel to await our sensei to lead us to the restaurant for dinner. Gosh, it's super high-class, and she even booked a private room for us! I've got an inkling it'll be expensive but I didn't expect SGD$400 for the 3 of us! *gasp* My friend and I felt a little embarrassed cos' we only got her a SGD$20 souvenir *lol*.
Although I didn't manage to go to the popular shopping district of Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori until 2 nights later from the day I had dinner with my sensei, I shall lump it under this post as a collective effort to introduce Osaka proper.
Here's the famous crab sign from Dotonbori. Initially, I was rather disoriented in Namba, the main area encompassing Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi. Then, when I saw the crab from afar, I knew I was in the right place. =D To sum up the place in simple terms, go to Dotonbori for food and night-lights, head to Shinsaibashi for crazy shopping sprees. =) Shinsaibashi stretches on for a longgg longgg way. So, do stretch and warm up ur legs before u attempt to conquer the place. Lots of female boutiques, but luckily I found a large male boutique and got myself 2 shirts at only 1995 Yen. What a deal!Summing up Osaka in simple terms? Great for city life, bad for sight-seeing. Rofl! Youngsters will love it, the older generation would probably not. My journey in memory lane is almost coming to an end now. Stay tuned for the finale soon! :)
posted by MightyFlameboy. shoot me? | 0 shot me.