Osaka

Thursday, April 13, 2017
Ōsaka-shi, Ōsaka-fu, Japan
We deserved a sleep-in today for our last day in Japan! So we had a slow start before heading off on the subway to the main part of Osaka (the business district) to see the Umeda Sky Building.

The 173m tall building consists of two towers that are connected with each other by the "Floating Garden Observatory" on the 39th floor . To get to the 39th floor, you have to take a lift to the 35th floor and then an escalator that has glass walls so you can see to the ground and the surrounds. It was pretty cool! I didn't get any photos on my phone unfortunately. Once we got to the 39th floor you had the option of paying to see the garden and to go up to the 40th floor which is an outdoor observation deck. I could see plenty from the 39th floor so we didn't worry about going up one more floor! And the true experience was the escalators anyway.

Then we headed to Osaka Castle Park. From all reviews, the park is actually more impressive than the actual castle as the castle has been completely renovated and modernised. Reviews mention that the original character has been lost so viewing it from the outside is the most authentic you can get.

Walking through the park was beautiful as the cherry blossoms are now in full bloom in Osaka. The walk along the canal where groups of friends and families were celebrating "hanami" style was fantastic . The rules seemed to be a little more relaxed in Osaka compared to Tokyo as they were allowed fold-up tables and little BBQs.

We walked up lots of hills to see the castle and then to Dylan's dismay, had to walk the same way back down! But the castle itself was pretty impressive and was definitely worth the walk.

Back in Dotonbori, we found a bar (!!!) alongside the canal and had a drink. We met a lovely Cathay Pacific pilot from Rotterdam and enjoyed the sunshine. There hasn't been a lot of sunshine on this trip but there also hasn't been a lot of rain so we can't complain!!

We wanted to try yakasobi for dinner (like okonomiyaki but with noodles) so we headed out and found another place for our last dinner in Japan. It was amazing! I could live here just for the food!!!

Earlier in the day we had been to the basement markets of Takashiyama shopping centre and bought some dessert . The food in this shopping centre was unbelievable and we could have eaten here every day!

I've included some photos of the fake food that I mentioned the other day - it really is extraordinary how real it looks!

We are looking forward to getting home. Japan has been different, exhausting, challenging, interesting as well as lots of fun. But we are looking forward to some space and a break from the craziness and people! We have a 10am flight to Hong Kong (4 hours) then a 5 hour wait in Hong Kong before a 9 hour flight home. It will be a long 24 hours!

Thanks for taking the time to read the blogs and comment and make us feel like you're along with us for the journey!

Love Dylan and Lisa x

Comments

Kirst
2017-04-14

Have a safe trip home xx

barb
2017-04-14

Thanks for sharing your adventures. You have experienced an amazing holiday and how you have pronounced all those names much less spelt them I will never know. I have enjoyed reading about your holiday. Have a safe trip home.

Sam
2017-04-15

Have a safe trip home. Hope you get some rest. Look forward to catching up soon xx

Sue Milligan
2017-04-16

Thanks for the well written and interesting blog!! You did very well and I so looked forward to each episode..
Hope your flight home was not too stressful!!

2025-02-17

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