Japan Series: Osaka (4/4)

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Osaka

Osaka is known as Japan's kitchen. People are obsessed with eating here. Others have spirit animals. This would be my spirit city. Besides food, Osaka also has beautiful shrines, temples, castles and parks.

Osaka Castle is a beautiful castle with a moat and water all the way around. The museum inside is small but well done. The views on top are splendid.

Cup Noodle Museum is a must visit if you love cup ramen. It's really small but very cute. And the best part is you can make your own cup ramen to go. I made three! 

Kuromon Ichiba Market is a HUGE market with food stalls. You can also buy produce and meat for the home cooks. There was a ton of snacks too.

Harukas 300 is the observation deck on top of the Abeno Harukas building. It was the tallest building in Japan until recently. The views are spectacular. (We stayed in the Marriott in Abeno Harukas and we got free tickets.)

Minoh Park is located in the city of Minoh which is about an hour away from Osaka. The park is really a forest and there is a waterfall at the end. It has incredible fall foliage. There are multiple temples and an insect museum and food stalls. This is also where you can buy deep fried maple leaves to eat. 

Ichijunisai Ueno is a Michelin star restaurant located in Minoh Park. It serves traditional Kaiseki which is a multi-course meal that changes with the seasons. The food was exquisite and each plate was gorgeous. 

Dotonbori is probably the most popular food area in Osaka. The food options are limitless and overwhelming. But be prepared for long lines. And embrace the gluttony. 

So that is Japan in a nutshell. I hope everyone is booking their tickets now!

 

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