Osaka Photo Gallery

If you don't stay at the Marriott at the top part of the city's new tallest building, you can go up to the observation deck for a 360-degree view of the city.


Kuromon Market has a huge variety of cheap sashimi, while Dotombori seems overrun by tourists nowadays.

Sinsekai was an entertainment and dining destination that saw its peak in the early 20th century. But the main street still has many dining options and the Tsutenkaku Tower's views are quite decent.

Shitenno-ji is a short walk from Sinsekai but is a world different from the hustle and bustle.

Umeda Sky Building is a long walk from Umeda and seems to sit in the middle of nowhere. But its outdoor rooftop observation deck is a great place to watch the sunset.

Today's Osaka Castle is a reconstruction following damage during World War II. The original structure was completed in the 16th century.

This museum re-creates an Edo market street where visitors can roam around in traditional dress and do some shopping.

...

Day Trips in the Kansai Region

If you love green tea, be sure to stop by Uji. Somewhat overshadowed by nearby Kyoto and Nara, Uji actually hosts 2 UNESCO World Heritage sites and its short pedestrian street offers many green tea-infused specialties.

This hilly area behind the city centre was home to the Western community during the Meiji era. Many homes are well-preserved but the separate admission fees add up quite quickly.

20 minutes west of the city, the Maiko waterfront is a great place to see the Akashi Kaikyo bridge.

Nankin-machi became the city's Chinatown after the port opened to foreign trade.

Koyasan is a sacred pilgrimage mountain retreat for Buddhists. At 800m above sea level, it has many temples, pagodas, and even a unique cemetery set amidst a cedar forest.

Himeji's famous castle was recently restored in a multi-year project. Originally a 14th century fortress, a warlord expanded it into a castle in 1581 and subsequently grew larger over the years.