Osaka Amazing Pass continued.....
In my previous post, I discussed two amazing places I went to using the Osaka Amazing Pass. Reminder that I went to five different attractions in Osaka all on one rainy cloudy day. I finally decided to check out the famous Osaka Castle. The Osaka castle is a popular landmark that has been used in many historic films that depict war. Inside the castle, each floor is filled with Japanese relics and a museum exhibition. You can choose to wait in line for the elevator to the top floor or as I did, I walked up each floor and stopped to read about Japanese history. I stopped mostly because I needed breaks from hiking all those steps. If you asked me to choose between the Osaka Castle versus the Kyoto Castle, I would choose both because they are architecturally similar. Other than that, I didn't find to many differences between the both.
My first stop in the Osaka pass madness, was the Tennoji Zoo. It was located walking distance from my hostel , making it a convenient starting point. According to their English website, the zoo opened up in January 1915 as the third zoo in Japan. A trip to any country is not complete with out visiting a zoo. However, the Ten Zoo was not my favorite zoo . I didn't feel much energy or movement from anything in the zoo, people, animals or children. Though, I can imagine animals who are forced to live in a small enclosed park wouldn't be to excited to be there.
I walked through the park aimlessly looking for something cool. I made my way to the unfortunately labeled safari section devoted to "Africa". To my surprise, not really- the whole section streamed the theme song to the Lion King movie. I'm not sure why many of the zoos I've been to feel the need to play this sort of music as if it represents the whole continent of Africa, but I couldn't help but laugh a bit.
This was not my final destination, but I also paid a visit to the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living. The museum was my favorite of the Osaka Amazing Pass freebies. I have a bit of a fascination with architecture, history and buildings. The facility allows you to tour a giant replica of Osaka's housing during the Edo period. If you arrive early enough, people can sign up to dress up in traditional garments of that era and snap photos in their attire. I missed my opportunity because they sold out of the women's attire, but that wasn't the only thing I missed that day.
The final attraction was a night time cruise ride along the Dotombori Gawa River or canal. When I arrived, I read a sign that said "all tickets were sold out for the day." It was my last night in Osaka and I was left with the above photo of the voat sailing off. I stared at the last cruise boat of the night and watched as all the passengers cheerfully waved goodbye. If only I lived in Osaka.
Tips- Don't forget to check out the Glico running man, located in the Namba area near the Tombori river boat cruises.
Check out my Instagram for more photos of my adventures!
My first stop in the Osaka pass madness, was the Tennoji Zoo. It was located walking distance from my hostel , making it a convenient starting point. According to their English website, the zoo opened up in January 1915 as the third zoo in Japan. A trip to any country is not complete with out visiting a zoo. However, the Ten Zoo was not my favorite zoo . I didn't feel much energy or movement from anything in the zoo, people, animals or children. Though, I can imagine animals who are forced to live in a small enclosed park wouldn't be to excited to be there.
I walked through the park aimlessly looking for something cool. I made my way to the unfortunately labeled safari section devoted to "Africa". To my surprise, not really- the whole section streamed the theme song to the Lion King movie. I'm not sure why many of the zoos I've been to feel the need to play this sort of music as if it represents the whole continent of Africa, but I couldn't help but laugh a bit.
This was not my final destination, but I also paid a visit to the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living. The museum was my favorite of the Osaka Amazing Pass freebies. I have a bit of a fascination with architecture, history and buildings. The facility allows you to tour a giant replica of Osaka's housing during the Edo period. If you arrive early enough, people can sign up to dress up in traditional garments of that era and snap photos in their attire. I missed my opportunity because they sold out of the women's attire, but that wasn't the only thing I missed that day.
The final attraction was a night time cruise ride along the Dotombori Gawa River or canal. When I arrived, I read a sign that said "all tickets were sold out for the day." It was my last night in Osaka and I was left with the above photo of the voat sailing off. I stared at the last cruise boat of the night and watched as all the passengers cheerfully waved goodbye. If only I lived in Osaka.
Tips- Don't forget to check out the Glico running man, located in the Namba area near the Tombori river boat cruises.
Check out my Instagram for more photos of my adventures!