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 |
.jpg) |
| 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?
