Tokyo has Mickey Mouse's Disneyland. But Osaka has the movieworld of Universal Studios too. The red and white Tokyo Tower is certainly iconic, even in the shadow of the Skytree, but Osaka has it's own one too in the heart of it's creatively clutered Tsūtenkaku territory. The Hitachi tower telling us to, "inspire the next" as it lights up at night in a neon purple reign that Prince would be proud of. Well here we go...
Once you drop your bags and lay your hat at one of the many affordable and appealing hotels (may we recommend the welcoming, all over the city and country APA Hotel? That's not only cost effective, but distinctly Japan, international and homely, all at the same time. No matter the size. There's just something about this chain that links all these trips together), right in the plugged in heart of this city it's time to get to stepping.
Walk around this culturally crowded city, between maddening market streets that will have you shopping and dropping and countless menus worth of places to eat, you may bump into more people than you care to meet. But once you find your feet there are hidden gems in this city that will be diamonds for your memories. Parts of this place will remind you of Tokyo, or the neighbouring Kyoto, only a one hour Bullet shot away by train. Take a turn though to the financial or fashion districts and this town won't just remind you of the United States Of America's New York, but Los Angeles' Rodeo Drive too.
The Abeno Harukas building planted in the middle of all of this perhaps offers the best panoramic view (see above) of this vivid concrete jungle, day or night for your pictures and pockets this side of Tsūtenkaku. As this 360 look of all Osaka has to offer in this multi purpose building, hotel and shopping centre is free to see as you escalator your way up all the floors to see something that is worth every step if you had to take the stairs like Cary Grant. Of all the points of interest and tourist traps in town this actually may well be the sight to see. And it won't require any yen to get this high and close to something so zen.
But from there you can see that there really is so much more to this capital city of the Osaka Prefecture and the second largest metropolitan area in Japan after you know who. This designated city of the Kansai region calls home to 19 million inhabitants...and you and yours too. So as you get yourself out there, hand in hand for a romantic walk down the Osaka Bay at the mouth of the Yodo River yours will be left open. As like that stream you will snake through this city and all the culture and collective memories it can offer you. From the grand Osaka Castle by day, to all the tastes and treats of the dubbed "nations kitchen" by its neon night.
But between all the stirring shrines and drawn lines through your itinerary, as you run through the classic canal district of Dōtonbori like the iconic Glico man athlete everyone raises their arms up for a photo with, you'll see something bold and beautiful by nightfall once the foot traffic disperses. As the trademark Japanese neon from all those Times Square at New Year shutting down, illuminated billboards bring a beauty in reflection on the river that runs through it below. And like Glico as you give the outstanding Osaka a hand, it makes for the perfect finishing line for your trip. TIM DAVID HARVEY.
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