Osaka for us was a ‘fill-in’ destination, plans were to stop off at Hakone to enjoy a traditional Onson, but after investigating the logistics of getting there, plus the astronomical cost of actually staying in one for a couple of nights, we opted instead on Osaka.
Research on Osaka indicated that it probably wasn’t worth stopping there and there appeared to be absolutely nothing to see or enjoy there so we decided that as we might be afflicted by jet-lag we would use this forced stop-over as a couple of rest days to get our body clocks adjusted.
What a surprise it was then to find that Osaka was totally and wonderfully charming and will forever be held in our hearts as a truly special place.
Our hotel The New Otani Osaka, plucked at random from hundreds of internet reviews, plus the fact it was walking distance from the station, and by joining their free members club you got discounted room rates, was an absolute gem. For us, a couple that enjoy hotels and all that they offer, even we found the service just a little too attentive. Entering the foyer two girls approached us whisking away our suitcases and guiding us to the check-in desk. Once checked in, and after enjoying the cold drink and warm towel offered, the two girls escorted us to the lifts, pushed all the lift buttons for us and proceeded to steer us to our room where demonstrations of light switch operation were performed. For us this was just a little too much ‘service’ we much preferred to negotiate the intricacies of lift operation and room finding ourselves. Checking in at the New Otani we were upgraded to a room on a higher floor than we originally booked giving us a larger room and a loftier view across the park to Osaka Castle, which was simply breathtaking. Exiting from the station concourse we could see the hotel and during our walk across the corner of the park, we couldn’t see the delights in store until getting up to our room.
A room with a view.
The massive room-wide window which pretty much filled the wall gave us unparalleled panoramic views of Osaka Castle and the Osaka city skyline which subsequently proceeded to waste a lot of our day just watching the world drift by our window.
Unpacking we headed across the river and in to the park, finding several street food stalls where we paused by the castle moat to indulge in some freshly cooked noodles and veggies which not only was very cheap, it was very tasty too and an ice cream dessert was enjoyed too. This was our first taste of how the Japanese enjoy their parks, meeting up with friends and family to sit, eat and just enjoy the cherry blossom and the trees.
Veggie Noodle time
Bellies full we walked across the bridge in to the castle grounds and up the hill to the castle where we paid Y600 each to access the museum and get up to the top of the castle to enjoy the view which was simply stunning.
Taking the long way back to the hotel via the castle gardens, we paused briefly to sample the local delicacy of Takoyaki, octopus filled balls of pancake covered in a sticky coating of fried onions and sauce, which the locals eat by the bucket full, but was to be honest, quite disgusting, but something that had to be tried. As the say, “When in Rome!”.
After taking a tea-break in the room and pausing to enjoy the view and catch our breath, we headed to station and made our way in to the centre of Osaka city, Dotonbori, mainly to see the famous Glyco Running Man, a huge neon sign by the canal. Wandering around the area, slightly less chaotic than Tokyo’s Akihabara and packed full of stores and restaurants. Very bustling and a nice place to just walk around. Great to wander along the canal and enjoy the host of shops and restaurants.
Strolling back to the station we noticed that some parts of town were very affluent with Mclaren, Lombourghini, Ferrari and Bentley showrooms nestled amidst top branded stores like Prada and Louis Vuitton.
HOTEL: New Otani http://www.hotelnewotaniosaka.jp/
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