11. Umeda Joypolis Sega
Two floors of video games with a Ferris wheel on the roof. Recommended for its carnival atmosphere even if you're not a gamer. In addition to the usual assortment of video games and UFO catchers — Umeda Joypolis Sega features amusement park rides such as virtual skydiving.
12. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Kaiyukan Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world. Its theme is the Pacific Ring of Fire. Large fish are on display including a whale shark.A total of 27 tanks are designed to make the visitor feel they are under the sea with the fish. They are constructed using 346 tons of acrylic glass that hold 10,941 tons of water.
13. Spa World
Spa World is a large Japanese hot spring (onsen) resort that features numerous baths with European and Asian themes. Themes include Atlantis (mythology), Grotta Azzura, Spanish, Greek medicinal bath, Mediterranean Sea, Ancient Rome, Islamic stone bath (hammam), Persian (Persepolis palace), Bali Island (Asian resort), Japanese cypress, Japanese cedar and Japanese river bath.It's open 24 hours a day and has a wide range of services (gym, restaurants, pool, esthetic, etc.)
It's a great place for tourists to be initiated to Japanese onsen. They even have English information posted everywhere. Remember to read up on your onsen manners before going.
14. National Bunraku Theater
Bunraku is traditional Japanese puppet theatre. This is one of the best places to see it.Bunraku puppets are about 1.2 meters (4 feet) tall. Each puppet is controlled by three people — the main puppeteer, right puppeteer and left puppeteer. It can take 30 years of practice to become a main puppeteer.
15. Osaka Clubbing
Osaka's club scene is second only to Tokyo. Osaka has dozens of large clubs and hundreds of smaller clubs. There's a busy club somewhere in Osaka every night of the week. Clubs run late (5AM or later).
16. Hozenji Alley
Hozenji Alley is a old narrow stone path behind Hozenji Temple. The path is lined with friendly traditional restaurants, shops and bars.
17. Osaka Station City
A modern train station and shopping complex that features department stores, shops and restaurants.
18. Nipponbashi Denden Town
Nipponbashi Denden Town is an electronics shopping district that also features anime and otaku-related shops.It's the only place in Japan where electronics prices are negotiable. If you enjoy bargaining this is your place.
19. Nakanoshima
Nakanoshima is a long narrow island on the Kyu-Yodo River. It's a commercial center with historical buildings and green parks. It's a good place for a walk — there's a pedestrian path along the waterfront.
20. National Museum of Art Osaka (NMAO)
An excellent collection of Japanese, Asian, European and American contemporary art.
Read Part 3 »
« Back to Part 1
| Tweet |
|
|
| Follow @japantalkjohn |
