But where Osaka lacks in aesthetics, it makes up for it with it's people and its food. Osaka is a damn fun place. Where your stereotype of someone in Sydney compares to someone from a small country town differs in friendliness and approach-ability Somehow Osakans have managed this even though their city is the 2nd largest in the country.
Just a public park garden looked kinda nice.
Entrance to a temple. Not a nice one really but still the first one I've seen.
I'm guessing they're prayer cards
Shopping district. Neon lights everywhere.
The middle of Osaka has got a park for the castle. This is one of the former 'moats' that used to help defend it.
There's the castle. The main attraction in Osaka
Pretty cool building
Back in Japanese history they used to have lots of civil fighting and people claiming rights over different prefectures. I think it was Toyotomi Hideyoshi who built the castle as the era began when they had a few power plays which unified the whole of Japan. The poor castle kinda stood as a symbol of whoever was in rule so it got destoyed lots of times but now its restored & used as a meuseum.
Shinsaibashi shopping district. As far as the eye can see, then times that by 3. This street was 100% shopping and 100% people. Was kinda a cool atmosphere. Normally big crowds get annoying or irksome or frustrating but somehow it just added to the atmosphere of the place and wasn't an inconvenience.
I also went to Spa World. Our hostel sold a hugely discounted ticket. Basically it was two floors of Onsen/hot spas. They change theme each month. This month was a Europe theme. Different countries were represented with their own types of hot baths. There were milk baths. Tea baths. herb baths. hot baths. scalding baths. soap baths. cold baths. salt baths. sleeping baths.. and lots of naked men. Very cool, relaxing experience and not for the shy.
