[Walking to the End of the Water · Japan] A Complete Guide to Kansai Free Travel in Osaka

1. Where? Kansai - the first choice for visiting Japan

Japan's Kinki region, also known as the Kansai region, consists of 7 prefectures and has been the political and cultural center of Japan for many centuries. Cities such as Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Himeji, and Uji are all located in this region. For those who are traveling to Japan for the first time, Kansai is definitely the best choice because it has both beautiful natural scenery, cherry blossoms in spring and maples in autumn, and numerous cultural and historical relics. Whether you want to experience authentic Japanese culture or just want to soak in hot springs, taste delicious food, and shop, Kansai is an ideal place to go.


Full map of Kansai region

As shown in the picture, Osaka can be said to be the center and transportation hub of the entire Kansai region. In addition, Kansai International Airport is also located near Osaka, and flights from China to Kansai region basically enter from here. Therefore, whether you are traveling in Kansai region or going from Kansai to other places in Japan, Osaka is a must-go place for traveling to Japan.

2. Osaka - The Tragedy of Toyotomi

In the entire Japanese history with written records, the most well-known is probably the "Japanese Warring States Period" from 1467 to 1615. (The third year of Chenghua in the reign of Emperor Xianzong of the Ming Dynasty to the forty-third year of Wanli in the reign of Emperor Shenzong of the Ming Dynasty) Thanks to the popularity of Japanese electronic games, many Chinese players are familiar with the famous "Three Heroes of the Japanese Warring States Period" - Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu.

This period of heroes and turbulent times is definitely a highlight in the not-so-rich history of Japan. Therefore, to this day, the historical relics of the Warring States Period, along with the hegemony and legends of the Three Heroes of the Warring States Period, still occupy the most important part of the journey through Japan.

As the first daimyo to unify Japan in modern times, Toyotomi Hideyoshi is destined to be a name that will be recorded in the history of Japan forever. Compared with Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu, who were born into aristocrats, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who went from the lower class who did not even have the right to have a surname to the "Kanpaku" who unified Japan, is a unique legend in Japanese history. Whether it is the controversial "Great Return to China" by historians, or his lifelong obsession with Aichi, the most beautiful woman in the Warring States Period, every anecdote of Toyotomi Hideyoshi has become a legend, and is talked about by future generations.

For me, or anyone who has been obsessed with the "Taiko Risshiden" and "Nobunaga's Ambition" series of video games, just the name of Toyotomi Hideyoshi is the only reason to make a pilgrimage to Osaka. Because this is the best witness of the entire process of the hegemony of a generation of heroes from prosperity to decline.

3. Popular attractions

Osaka Castle Park/Tenshukaku


Castle Tower: the symbol of Osaka, a symbol of prosperity in the Toyotomi era

In 1583, Toyotomi Hideyoshi built a castle tower on the site of Ishiyama Honganji Temple and used it as a base to unify the world, marking the end of the Warring States Period that lasted for more than 100 years. After Hideyoshi's death, Tokugawa Ieyasu captured Osaka Castle in 1615. Hideyoshi's concubine Asai Chacha (the eldest daughter of Aichi, the most beautiful woman in the Warring States Period) and his only son Toyotomi Hideyori jumped from the castle tower, and the Toyotomi family was destroyed.

Climbing the castle tower not only allows you to have a comprehensive view of Osaka, but also allows you to learn everything about Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the museum inside. "Japanese Warring States fans" must not miss it. The Osaka Castle Park built around the castle tower is large in scale, with the cherry blossom viewing spot "Nishinomaru Garden" and the moat and stone wall built in the Tokugawa era. Despite experiencing countless wars, these ancient buildings from the Edo period still shock the viewer.



Opening hours: The castle tower is open from 9:00 to 17:00, and entry is stopped half an hour before closing.
Tickets: 600 yen for the castle tower, and free for Osaka Castle Park.
Transportation: Subway Tanimachi Line to Tenmabashi or Tanimachi 4-chome Station; Subway Chuo Line to Mori-nomiya Station or Tanimachi 4-chome Station; JR Loop Line to Mori-nomiya or Osaka Castle Park Station.

There is also the Osaka Museum of History near the castle tower, where you can fully understand the 1,400-year history of Osaka.
Opening hours: 9:30-17:00, and entry is stopped half an hour before closing. Closed on Tuesdays, and on holidays, it will be postponed to Wednesdays. Closed from December 28 to January 4.
Tickets: 600 yen
Transportation: Subway Tanimachi Line or Chuo Line to Tanimachi 4-chome Station

Umeda Sky Building



A new landmark in Osaka, built in 1993, designed by the famous architect Hiroshi Hara. The Umeda Sky Building is 173 meters high and covered with translucent glass. As the angle of sunlight changes throughout the day, the sky garden on the top will seem to be suspended in the air. There are observation decks on the 40th floor and the rooftop platform at the top of the sky garden, which is the best place to get a bird's eye view of the entire city of Osaka.

Opening hours: 10:00-22:30, no entry half an hour before closing.
Tickets: 800 yen
Transportation: JR line to Osaka Station; subway Midosuji Line and Hankyu Railway to Umeda Station.

Shitennoji Temple



Founded by Prince Shotoku in 593 AD, it is the oldest official temple in Japan. Shitennoji Temple is the earliest Buddhist temple in Japan. Although it has been damaged and rebuilt many times, it has always maintained its original architectural style and layout. It is a representative building of Japan's Asuka period. The 21st and 22nd of each month are the temple fairs of Shitennoji Temple, which are very lively.

Opening hours: 8:30-16:30 from April to September; 8:30-16:00 from October to March, and admission is stopped 30 minutes before closing
Tickets: 300 yen for the temple and the courtyard, 500 yen for the treasure house
Transportation: Subway Tanimachi Line "Shitennoji-mae Sunset Hill Station"

Tempozan



Located in Minato-ku, Osaka, it is the lowest mountain in Japan. Tempozan has two main attractions - the Ferris Wheel and Osaka Aquarium KAIYUKAN. The two are built next to each other. After visiting the Aquarium KAIYUKAN during the day, you can ride the Ferris Wheel at dusk.

Osaka Aquarium KAIYUKAN:
Opening hours: 10:00-20:00, stop admission one hour before closing
Tickets: 2,300 yen, Osaka Aquarium Package can be purchased

Ferris Wheel:
Opening hours: 10:00-22:00, stop admission half an hour before closing
Tickets: 800 yen

Tempozan Transportation: Subway Chuo Line to Osaka Port Station

Tsutenkaku



Do you remember the scene in Conan's movie "The Magician of the Century's End" where Kaito Kid stood on the top of Tsutenkaku and looked down at the whole of Osaka? This is a must-visit for anime fans, and it is also an ideal place to overlook the night view of Osaka.

Opening hours: 9:00-21:00, stop entering half an hour before closing
Tickets: 700 yen
Transportation: Take the subway Sakaisuji Line to Exit 3 of Ebisucho Station


View of Tsutenkaku Tower Taiwan enshrines the God of Fortune "Billikon", and many people come here to pray for passing the exam and getting married.
  


The north-south passage behind Tsutenkaku is also the famous "Kushi Street" in Osaka. It is crowded every night, which gives foodies another reason to visit Tsutenkaku.

Dotonbori · Shinsaibashi


The Hozenji alley near Dotonbori has both delicious food and traditional Japanese style

The alley of Hozenji Temple near Dotonbori has both delicious food and traditional Japanese style. Shinsaibashi is the most famous shopping street in Osaka, with department stores, drugstores and small shops of various grades. Dotonbori Food Street, located near Shinsaibashi, has all the Japanese food you can think of. Eat when you are tired of shopping, and buy again when you are full. How can life be so beautiful?

Opening hours: Open all year round
Transportation: Subway Midosuji Line, Sennichimae Line to Exit 14 of Namba Station

Universal Studios Osaka



Universal Studios includes several areas including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Hollywood, New York, San Francisco, Jurassic Park, Goodwill Village, and Universal Wonderland. There is a float parade one hour before closing every day. Universal Studios has several projects suspended every day, and the fast pass projects that can be purchased each day are also different, so you need to check the official website carefully before planning your trip.

Opening hours: varies according to the date, please check the official website for details
Tickets: 7,400 yen, fast passes need to be purchased separately
Transportation: JR Sakurajima Line to Universal City Station