Day 2 - Osaka

Foreign visitor to Osaka is eligible to purchase Osaka Day pass which enable you to visit 28 sight seeing facilities for free, including the popular Umeda Sky Building and Osaka Castle. It is also comes with free unlimited usage of subways and buses. 1 day pass cost JPY 2,300 while 2 days pass cost JPY 3,000. It is highly recommended for tourist who plan to visit 3 or more of the tourist attraction covered by the pass.

Since my priority at Osaka is the Castle and shopping, I ignored it.

I missed the infamous Glico Man neon signboard on the previous night. First thing to do on Day 2 after breakfast was to find it. 

Located near Ebisu bridge along the Dotonbori canal, here it is:

Unfortunately,  it is not as spectacular as night but morning is the best timing to get a clear picture without the crowd. Morning stroll along the canal was a rewarding experience as well. 

My next stop is Osaka Castle. It is around 5 minute walk from the subway to Tannimachi 4-chome station. This massive castle was constructed in the 16th century, destroyed and reconstructed several times. It is now erected in the centre of a massive park famous for its cherry park and surrounded by an outer and inner moat. The castle building is now converted into a museum telling the rise and fall of the castle as well as its founder and subsequent occupants. Its top floor is the observatory deck. Entrance fees costs JPY 600. 

Osaka Castle Park walk way towards its main entrance.

Outer moat of the castle park

Otemon gate - entrance to the inner moat

Sakuramon gate - entrance to the main castle complex

Self-explanatory - the massive castle building

Small field of flower nearby the castle complex.

Unfortunately, it started to rain after lunch. I have no choice but to spend the afternoon in Namba Walk. It is a long underground shopping arcade spanning two subway station i,e. Namba station and Nihhonbashi Station.