Often known as “Venice of the East”, Osaka is the second largest metropolitan city in Japan after Tokyo. Such a vibrant city is home to many cultural and historical evidences such as Osaka castle, and Shitenno Ji Temple as well as some of the modern bustling sites. Unlike Kyoto, Osaka offers a glimpse of both modernity as well as traditional architectural beauties showcasing the one of the most visited destinations in the world.
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7 Best Places to Visit in Osaka, Japan
1. Osaka Castle
No matter where you are from and which is your favourite destination in Osaka, visiting Osaka Castle is should be always first choice. Start your Osaka trip in order to visit world famous Osaka Castle, often known for impressive Japanese architecture, Scenic Park and historical significance. Established in 1586, by Yoyotomi Hideyoshi, considered as one of the largest castles in Japan. Castle includes the main tower (42 meters tall represents 5 stories) and a museum inside that details the history of the castle and the region.
2. Dotonbori
Dotonbori is a vibrant and charming Oska’s city which showcases the most iconic entertainment and food centres to visitors. Filled by the many numbers of bright neon lights and busting streets that make us spend the night in Osaka. Often known as ‘Entertainment District’, Dotonbori where visitors spot restaurants, bustling streets, shops, bars, nightlife’s and canals. Never miss to visit and enjoy street foods like takoyaki and okonomiyaki and to visit various others shops and restaurants.
3. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Osaka
Heaven for LEGO enthusiasts, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is an indoor theme park that offers a diverse array of themed rides, creative workshops and interactive exhibitions. Where visitors of all age groups come and experience and embark on thrilling adventures like LEGO replicas and LEGO racing cars. Along with this, adventure seekers look for more activities like DUPLO themed attractions, LEGO displays and building zones. Centre hosts major Osaka’s events and parties including birthday events, family gatherings and other special events.
4. Shitenno Ji Temple
Places to Visit in Osaka also include Shitenno Ji Temple. One of the oldest temples in Japan, representing the legacy and cultural glimpse of Japan. Built in 593 AD by the prince Shotoku, Shitenno Ji Temple is purely made by the Japanese architects with serene gardens. Visitors can attend ceremonies or everyday prayers which are held in the hall at 6 pm and museums where several national treasures and cultural properties are exhibited. Never forget to take a leisurely stroll in the midst of the Gokuraku Jodo Garden where you can spot ponds, streams and cherry blossom trees.
5. Universal Studio Japan
Universal Studio Japan is a place exclusively reserved for family vacation and family travel. First theme park in Universal studio in Japan opened in 2001, considered as the most visited amusement park in Japan. Visitors enjoy rides like Harry PotterTM, The Wizarding World, the Forbidden Journey and Mario Kart-Koopa’s challenges. This amusement park exhibits Japanese culture, iconic video games, and Hollywood blockbusters including some of the visuals. Children’s can spend time with Jurassic park, Sharek, Snoopy, Hello Kitty and Minions.
6. Hozenji
Located close to the bustling district of Dontonbori, and amidst the alley of Osaka. Inside of Hozenji we can see a stone deity that is mostly covered in moss, a quiet and tranquil temple covered with lanterns. Renowned place to relax and meditate and those who are looking to move away from hustle and bustle of city life. Majority of tourists coming here to Hozenji temple pray and pay their tributes to Fudomyoo, who is believed to be a Japanese god of protection.
7. Kuromon Ichiba Market
A bustling market is often known as “Food Lover’s Paradise”. KuromonIchiba Market offers a wide variety of fresh seafood, sweet shops, restaurants and local delicacies. Osaka’s public market spans around 600 meters to Sakaisuji Dori Street. Today the market boasts 150 shops including fish, meat and some traditional clothes, home products and sweet stalls. Visitors can taste oysters, yakitori, sea urchin, sushi eel and staple takoyaki.
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