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Whether you’re working from home, sheltering in place or just staying home, if you’re like us, you’re probably dreaming of open skies, sandy beaches, tall mountains, or perfect powdery slopes. Our travel plans may be on hold, but that doesn’t mean we can’t dream up where we’ll go next.
Welcome to virtual vacation video series where we can explore destinations from the comfort of our homes.
Join us as we take a short virtual journey to Osaka, Japan.
The great thing about this destination is that it is easily accessible from Tokyo via the 200 mph Shinkansen bullet train, which will get you there within a few hours.
Osaka has plenty of culture, shopping, activities and food, which make it a great place for a quick getaway.
Some of the must-see spots in Osaka include:
Dotonbori— This shopping district is known for its huge electric billboards including one with a running athlete and an animatronic crab. A 20-minute boat ride through Dotonbori River will allow you to take a good look at this district’s colorful streets.
Shinsekai— This district is another must-see spot in Osaka’s downtown. Here you’ll find many food joints and bars lining its streets. At the center of the district stands Tsutenkaku, a 338-foot tower, which is considered a symbol of Osaka.
Osaka Castle— A trip to Osaka isn’t complete without a visit to Osaka Castle. First built in the late 16th century, this castle has experienced multiple fires and reconstructions along the way. Today, the reconstructed castle and the surrounding grounds serve as a nice break from the busy city for both locals and tourists. Head inside the castle tower for a look at the museum which displays many authentic samurai swords and armor.
On my last trip there, I also visited the Umeda Sky building. This building was ranked in the British paper The Times as one of the Top 20 Buildings in the World. Check out the building’s observatory “Kuchu-Teien,” with a superb view of the city from a height of 568 feet.
While touring Osaka, make sure you try some takoyaki. This popular street food consists of batter, seasonings and octopus shaped into balls, which are fried and served hot with a savory brown sauce and mayo drizzled. Osaka has many varieties to choose from so don’t miss out on this snack!
I hope you enjoyed a look at Osaka through travel photos and that it's inspired your next trip. Stay safe and get ready to travel with us in our next video. Thanks for watching!
