Day 12 – Travelogue – Osaka Aquarium (Whale Sharks!), Den Den City, Shinsekai, and MOS Burger

The very first thing I wished to see this morning was Namba Yasaka Shrine and its well-known lion head stage.  I I had seen footage of this shrine stage on-line for years so I needed to see it after I was in Osaka.  It was truly a bit anti-climatic as it’s actually is only a stage for ceremonies and dances with a really cool lion’s head pores and skin.  It might have been extra dramatic if one thing was taking place.  The shrine itself just isn’t enormous, however there are some attention-grabbing charms and such that you may buy on the important shrine constructing.

Namba Yasaka Shrine Lion Head Stage

Within the space, not too shut, is Namba Stroll.  That is one other underground shopping center with 240 shops.  This mall stretches from Namba Station on the west finish to Nipponbashi
Station on the east finish.  There are additionally 5 little indoor parks exhibiting monuments.  After seeing the shrine I used to be off to Osaka Aquarium to see whale sharks.  I’ve at all times wished to see whale sharks!  It was a comparatively lengthy journey to the seaside aquarium with a switch.  For some motive, I misinterpret the course of journey on the Osaka Metro a couple of instances and this was one of many instances I ended touring within the improper course for a cease earlier than realizing I used to be going the improper manner.

There’s one other big Ferris wheel close to the aquarium and a large lego giraffe indicating a Legoland within the space.

Osaka’s metro runs by many of the metropolis, but it surely does not at all times take you very near lots of the sights. There’s a little bit of a stroll from the closest practice station to the aquarium.  Not too grueling, however not a block away both.

Osaka Aquarium.

Moray eel.

Pacific white-sided dolphin

Penguins

Seals

Hammerhead shark

Whale sharks

The spotlight of the go to for me was trying on the Whale sharks.  They have been fairly massive and have been usually got here up shut to varied viewing home windows.  It was actually enjoyable to take a seat again and simply watch the fish go by.

Whale shark up shut.

Whale sharkand fish

Manta ray

Jellyfish exhibit. Appears all aquariums like these.

Jellies!

Very cute plushies – however you catch octopus in jars so additionally somewhat unhappy.

Whale shark plushies.

There was a Starbucks there. You’ll be able to see the scrumptious trying pastries they carry in Japan.

Oyakodon for lunch.

I went for lunch at a mall that was proper throughout from the aquarium.  There was one other retro meals corridor right here too and a reasonably full of life common meals courtroom on the principle flooring.  Very handy.

Very cool manhole covers with Osaka Fort on them.

Shinsekai avenue with the Tsutenkaku Tower.

From the aquarium to headed again throughout city to Shinsekai.  That is an older buying and leisure district that has fallen on laborious instances and there may be an space revitalization below manner.  The world is a neighborhood situated within the southern a part of Osaka, Japan. It is identify interprets as “New World,” and it was initially in-built 1912 with the intention of replicating the environment of Paris and New York.  This space is somewhat run down in components, so do train some warning, particularly at evening.

One of many distinguished options of Shinsekai is Tsutenkaku Tower, an iconic landmark that stands on the coronary heart of the neighborhood. Standing at roughly 103 meters tall, the tower presents panoramic views of Osaka from its commentary deck. Tsutenkaku Tower is adorned with colourful lights that create a full of life ambiance through the night hours.  Shinsekai additionally has a nostalgic environment with retro structure
harking back to the early twentieth century. The streets are stuffed with small
outlets promoting souvenirs, retro toys, and trinkets. Some institutions
have maintained their unique allure, giving guests a glimpse into the
previous.

The streets of Shinsekai are lined with quite a few eating places, avenue meals stalls, and izakayas (Japanese-style pubs). The world is legendary for its culinary delights, and guests can savor widespread native dishes comparable to kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), takoyaki (octopus-filled balls), and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).  I used to be right here to take a look at a specific avenue lined with eating places which have fabulously creative exteriors.

Kura Sushi

Okonomiaki restaurant.

Vibrant placards.

This could be fairly lit up at evening.  Too far to go again for me.

One other view of the restaurant avenue.  This is among the busier streets too.

Jumbo Fishing Boat Tsurikichi.

There may be one fish restaurant right here that’s each totally different and interesting.  The Jumbo Fishing Boat Tsurikichi restaurant has you catch your personal fish from its tanks after which they prepare dinner them up for you!  The inside is stuffed with large fish tanks, nets, and diners. You’re charged by the kind of fish you catch.