JAPAN: Electric Osaka

Osaka is Japan's second-largest metropolitan area after Tokyo. 

It has been the economic powerhouse of the Kansai Region for many centuries.

Osaka was formerly known as Naniwa and at one time was Japan's capital city, the first one ever known.

Present-day Osaka has its history but it is also an electric, vibrant city with neon signs, shops and restaurants catering to all kinds of people.

 

But first, before I get to shopping and eating, because I do like history, I’ll talk about Osaka Castle. 

In the 16th century, Toyotomi Hideyoshi chose Osaka as the location for his castle.

Construction started in 1583 and it was the largest castle at the time.

Time marches on and I’ll spare you the minutia details to give you the highlights…. lineages ended, troops attacked and destroyed the castle. It was rebuilt in the 1620s, then it was struck by lightning in 1665 and burnt down.

Then in 1931 the present concrete reconstruction of the castle tower was built. During WWII it miraculously survived the city-wide air raids. Major repair works were done in 1997.

The castle tower is surrounded by secondary citadels, gates, turrets, impressive stone walls and moats.

The entire Osaka Castle Park covers about two square kilometres with lots of green space, sports facilities, a multi-purpose arena (Osakajo Hall) and a shrine dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

Back to shopping and eating.... Kuromon Market is a covered public market that stretches around 600 meters (almost half a mile). 

The market has shops that predominantly sell fish, meat and produce. These photos are for the foodies out there. 

Shinsekai is a district in Osaka. At the district's center stands Tsutenkaku Tower which was constructed in 1912 after Paris' Eiffel Tower. Although it was "scrapped" during WWII, the tower was reconstructed in 1956. (I think "scrapped" is code for "destroyed".)

The area was developed with a mix of styles. Paris was chosen as the model for Shinsekai's northern half, and the southern portion was built to imitate Coney Island in New York. 

John was never mistaken for a local.

Another popular shopping district is Shinsaibashi, home to a variety of shopping options, from high-end department stores to small, independent boutiques. The area is known for its covered shopping arcade, which stretches for 600 meters. It's great if you are interested in shopping, however, that is not on John’s and my agenda. 

But it is good for people watching.

There is also an outdoor area that is a food lover’s paradise, with a wide range of restaurants and street food stalls serving everything from traditional Japanese cuisine to international flavours.

I found this note googling for info: 

“When eating street food, make sure not to walk while eating, not to obstruct the flow of traffic, to properly dispose of your garbage and to handle your food carefully so not to soil the clothes of bypassers. The inconsiderate behaviour of some tourists has been a cause of displeasure among some locals.”

Well, that says it all! You do not see people walking around eating or drinking. Oddly, you also don’t see garbage cans. People are expected to take their garbage home.

 We had our group’s last night dinner there – all you can eat AND drink in 2 hours for about US$39! 

An incredible bargain! Especially if you like to eat and drink a lot. 

There was a drink that I quite liked, but, darned if I can remember what it was.