Osaka
What to See
Osaka Castle
Aqua Bus Aqua-Liner
Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Factory
Osaka Castle, which is a famous landmark, a popular sightseeing spot, and the symbol of Osaka, contains thirteen structures which have been designated as Important Cultural Assets by the Japanese government. Of special note are the grand gates and turrets along the outer moat. The steep walls that rise close to 30 meters high are made of huge blocks of stone that were transported to Osaka from quarries over 100 kilometers away. The sheer height of the walls and the wide moats they rise above make for a grand sight that can be matched by no other castle in Japan. Also of interest are the tower's eight roof dolphins and the ornamental roof tiles and reliefs carved in the shape of tigers, all of which are gilded with gold.
Take the "Aqua-Liner" and tour the "Water Metropolis" from the river. The long, flat boat rises only 1.6m from the surface of the water so that it can pass under bridges. The cruise, which lasts for an hour and runs every day, covers Osaka's major sightseeing spots, including Osaka Castle, Nakanoshima, OBP (Osaka Business Park), and OAP (Osaka Amenity Park). There are also event boats according to the season, such as the "Draft Beer Festival" in summer. And in March 1998, the new aqua-liner "Himawari" started service from OAP Port. This is a restaurant and party boat that can be used for lunch, afternoon and dinner cruises, various charters, and weddings. It has a relaxing inner deck as well as front, back, and upper decks.
The exhibits include those profiling the circumstances and history of the development of chicken ramen, the world's first instant ramen, and those presenting the changes in many products over the years. There are other locations where visitors can enjoy cooking on their own. One is the My Cup Noodle Factory (admission fee required), where visitors can select the broth and ingredients to create their own original instant ramen. Another is the Hands-on Chicken Ramen Kitchen (reservations and admission fee required), where visitors make their own instant ramen from scratch, starting with the flour.
Where to Stay
Rihga Royal Hotel
Kameya Ryokan
Hotel Kinki
Serving for distinguished guests from in and out of the country for 75 years. Known as the guest palace of the West, it offers a superb service with 973 guest rooms and 21 restaurants and bars. More than 60 banquet rooms and about 60 shops are available too. Proud with its Japanese tradition and style. A fully-equipped top grade mega-urban hotel. An alliance hotel of Universal Studios Japan.
Located at the waterfront of Osaka. 3 minutes on foot to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, the largest marine aquarium. Ferry port is 3 minutes on foot and only 10 minutes to Universal Studios Japan by sea. Accessible to Osaka Castle and other tourist spots, and to Kobe, Nara, Kyoto, etc. Offers reasonable price and customer satisfaction.
Newly renovated in April 2009, by a well-known local designer, Hotel Kinki offers affordable, business hotel-style accommodation in the heart of Osaka, a friendly, modern, futuristic city with a rich food culture and many exciting attractions. Whether you are travelling for business or for pleasure, Hotel Kinki provides reasonably priced accommodation with convenient access to central Osaka and major tourist destinations in Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. Hotel Kinki offers a range of quality accommodation from standard to deluxe Western- and Japanese-style rooms. With luxurious new bedding, high-speed internet access, in-room water purifiers, private bathrooms, a range of handy amenities, 24-hour reception, and friendly, knowledgeable staff, Hotel Kinki is the perfect base for business or pleasure in Osaka.
What to Eat
Dotobori Imai
Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho
Tennouden
5 minutes on foot from Ebisu bashi, it stands quietly facing the busy street. It was established in 1946 and is famous for kitsune udon and udon nabe. Wonderful taste of carefully cooked broth of kelp and bonito flake. This is the taste of Osaka.
A food theme park where Osaka's finest gourmet restaurants with a long history are clustered to serve curry, kushi-katsu, takoyaki, and many others. All the food represents the food culture of Kansai. The Kuishinbo yokocho (gastronomy alley) is a re-make of down-town Osaka of the 70's when the Expo 70 World Fair was held. It is a fun place to drop by.
Tennouden offers kaiseki featuring seasonal delicacies as only a true ryotei (traditional Japanese-style restaurant) could. It is also one of only a handful in Osaka that has a garden where seasonal ambience can be savored as well.
