2010.07.16.

Osaka is one of the largest cities in Japan. Walking through Osaka, there are many unique characteristics, such as bright signs using primary colors and you will find a city filled with laughter, warm- hearted people and food. Let me introduce the tourist spot of this unique city that has a different atmosphere than Tokyo and Kyoto.

First is the Nakanoshima area!
Osaka is known for its business. Since Edo era, Osaka has prospered mainly with trade and as the time switched to Meiji era, it has flourished as the center of culture and information. Many modern architectures still stands around here.

Lately, Nakanoshima has been redeveloping and changing its looks with many new buildings. In Osaka Science Museum, there is the 5th largest planetarium in the world.

And the building right next to it is The National Museum of Art, Osaka. There are many work or modern art being displayed.

As you walk toward the east of Tosabori River, you will see the landmark of Nakanoshima, “Nakanoshima Daibiru”. It is a skyscraper with 35 stories. This area is right in the middle of the redevelopment.

The building along the Yotsuhashi is Osaka Asahi building, which has been standing for more than 80 years. The unique form was designed with a passenger boat in mind. This is a place you want to visit before being taken down since the reconstruction will start in couple years.

As you cross the Nishiki Bridge, Mitsui Sumitomo Ginkou Osaka Head Office building will attract your eyes. The dignified and elegant building has the feel the old days when the city flourished with business. It is still being used.

Nishiki Bridge

Entrance with dignified look as expected from a bank.

Walking even further to the east, you will find Osaka Nakanoshima Library. This library has survived through the war having a history of more than 100 years.

Osaka Central Public Hall will light up for 2 hours from sunset. This is a place you want to visit at night.

As the sunset, we are going to look at the typical tourist spot in Osaka. The next destination is Doutonbori.This place is famous for its glittering signs, being the place that symbolizes Osaka.

The sign of Glico is the symbol of Doutonbori.

The yellow building on the left is Don Quijote, a huge discount store.

The sign with big red crab can be said to be the most recognized sign in Japan. It is the sign for Kanidouraku.

Osaka is famous for takoyaki and this sign symbolizes the octopus inside the takoyaki. This one has the length of 2.7m but there are ones that is over 4m too.

Since is was Friday night, here were many people at Doutonbori.

The ladies wearing yukata were taking picture with the tourists.

Today’s last tourist spot is Tsutenkaku. Tsutenkaku is another typical place to visit and is called the Eiffel Tower of Osaka. You can see the Osaka-jo from the observation deck.

There are many restaurants around Tsutenkaku. And of course there are glittering flashy signs everywhere.

Surrounded by the neon sign, the first day is over.

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*How to Walk the Largest City in West Japan, Osaka Part2