Saturday, January 24, 2015

KANSAI TRIP Day 4 in Osaka - Osaka Castle, Umeda & Namba Area

Reluctantly we have to leave Kyoto. 3 days in Kyoto is never enough, so if you are planning to Kansai, spare at least 4 to 5 days to explore this ancient capital!

We took Limited Express straight from Omiya station just outside our hotel all the way to Umeda station, and then we changed to subway for our hotel in Shinsaibashi area. It wasn't very difficult to find and it was within walking distant, about 3 mins. We took the wrong way and we hurdled 1 big round about 10 mins, hungry and cold with 3 big luggages and 2 rascals on tow.

Osaka Castle is the icon of Osaka




After checking in, we head Osaka-Jo. We visited the external park and walk along the East Outer Moat, (Osaka Castle Park) without entering the castle not the inner moat. It was enough for us as the lake and seagulls caught much attention of the 2 then entering the castle itself, and also because of my knee problem :(



Walking towards the castle area from Morinomiya station


This is the East Outer Moat
Mandarin duck
Osaka Castle seen from afar
 





Many Seagulls fly around because an auntie was giving bread to them. It was quite an experience.











A cute bird seen on twigs

Bearly few red leaves left

Auntie feeding Kamome



Seagull, cute?
Seagull overlooking Osaka Castle

Seagulls with OBP on background

From Osaka-Jo, we walked to Osaka Business Park (OBP) station. It was not very far, most of the business building were there. Along the way, we pass by McD, and again we ate McCrispy (Chicken burger).



Daini Neyagawa River (The Aquabus Pier is on the right side)

After that we change several subway to reach Umeda.

Subway could be recognised by their outer strip colour correspond to their subway LINE

We wanted to see Hanshin Departmental store,  Hankyu Departmental store, E-MA, WHIITY, Daimaru, HEP Five and Osaka Umeda station itself. Need to recee the area for the next few days. I think Umeda shopping area is a place worth visiting!


Daimaru building showing 7 degree C.

Hanshin Departmental Store

Bought rice balls for the boy

Onigiri

Images form by falling-down water fountain

Merry Christmas

Hankyu Departmental store and Hankyu Railway station

Hanshin Departmental

JR station - Osaka Umeda

From Umeda station, we took subway to Namba. Namba is the place where all the good food and fancy shops were located. 法善寺 (Hozenji) is not a temple. It's actually a street lane (Hozenji Yokocho Alley) where good food and shops can be found.




We walk along the Dotonbori area enjoying good food, looking at the Big Crab, Big Octopus, Big Puffer Fish, Big Sushi, Big Dragon & Daruma (no dip twice sticks) etc... and seeing Gilco-man too!

Daruma, best in yakitori sticks

Puffer fish meat

I didn't try

Feeling excited with the neonlight

The famous Takoyaki stall, it can move and sing. The eyes of this octopus comes with sparkling light


Tried this Yaki soba, (Actually too ex with the portion we had on 1 plate)





The famous "Golden Dragon" Ramen


Sushi







 




It is said that if you come to Osaka, you must try the Gyoza at Osaka Osho. Shh... I did not eat here because I tried them in SG before. :-P



Yaki-ing the tako balls

In the end, they still grab the red octopus home



This is another shopping street - Sennichimae Doguyasuji. Check out the banner hanging up there! It's SINGAPORE. I am so proud of it hanging up there!

Waiting for the noodle. I guess Mee pok in Singapore is better.

Here is the famous Glico man running in the day

Glico man running in the evening

The famous Glico man running day and night. The background change and change.
Check out all the nice places and food. Horai 551 Buta man is in Osaka too! The takoyaki is a MUST TRY! Don't worry if you cannot speak Japanese, speak in Mandarin with the sellers, most of them came from mainlanders and they are Chinese.

Takoyaki - I think it's the best I ate so far!


Bought 1 piece for my girl, she loves Bak Bao. (The boy likes sushi and onigiri, so no conflict)

We walked all the way from Ebisubashi-Suji all the way to Daimaru Dept store Shinsaibashi and back to our hotel, It took us about 20 mins (without shopping much). Along the way Christmas Lighting were beautifully lited along the street.



We went to the Aquarium the next day. Coming?

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