Next Stop: Shin-Osaka
We had the opportunity to go around to different cities in Japan using our Japan Rail Pass. We went to different cities including Kuwana City, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and then finally Kobe. The shinkansen, or bullet train, of Japan is the fastest, but yet one of the smoothest trains I have ever been on. The leg room is amazing, and it makes getting across Japan so much easier!
From inside the Shinkansen!
We took the shinkansen from Kyoto to Osaka, and when we finally arrived in Osaka, we bought an unlimited subway pass for the day. We were in for a very adventurous day!
The first place we went was to catch the aqua liner boat, where we toured the city of Osaka via sea!
Riding the Aqua-Liner through the waters of Osaka!
Next, we got off of the boat and walked through a park to the famous Osaka Castle and garden. The view from the Castle was amazing and we took some great looking pictures. Inside the castle was a museum, with information about the history and relevance of the castle to Osaka and Japan. We saw things like real samurai swords and ancient Japanese tearooms.
Standing outside the majestic Osaka Castle!
Next, we went to the Osaka Maritime Museum, which is a museum focused on the history of naval ships in the area. The most interesting part of the museum is that the actual museum is in a circular dome with no doors, but with an underwater passageway for an entrance and exit. We entered the museum and had a great time exploring the different interactive exhibits they had inside.
Having a bit of fun inside the Maritime Museum!
Next, at sunset, we rode a Ferris Wheel that was coming out of a building. This experience was great as tourists because it allowed us to take some really great pictures with the beautiful Osaka skyline.
The Osaka Ferris Wheel lit up at nighttime!
Riding the Ferris Wheel in Osaka!
After the Ferris Wheel ride, we had dinner at a classic Japanese restaurant, and then went to the floating garden observatory in Osaka. By this time, it was nighttime, which translates to picture time! Taking pictures from this outdoor observatory was great! I was able to get a beautiful panorama shot of the Osaka skyline at night, seen below.
The Osaka skyline, as seen from the floating observatory at night.
Our trip to Osaka was great, and we were able to do many different things. We’re glad we went to Osaka, as it’s a very tourist friendly city in Japan with a lot to do. To all tourists of Japan, make sure to leave out a day extra to visit the fun-filled city of Osaka! Sayonara!
