Kansai Central last Part; Umeda Sky Building and other Osaka Spots

4 Days Revisiting Japan in Winter with my Mother

February 10 to February 14, 2015

Kansai Central 1st Part; Walking inside Osaka Aquarium

How to go to Umeda Sky Building Floating Observatory;
400 meters walk from Osaka station. Entrance fee of 700JPY. Photography and video taking is permitted, tripod not allowed.

Commanding 360-degree vista of Osaka City, Kuchu Teien Tenbodai (Floating Garden Observatory) in Shin Umeda City is a landmark of Osaka's Kita area. As you feel the wind 173 meters above ground, enjoya magnificent panorama of high rise buildings reflecting the sunshine, the sun setting in the twilight, and t he gorgeous night view of the city as the day turns into night.

On our last day in Japan, My mother concentrated our itinerary in the Kansai Central area of Osaka. From Umeda Floating Garden Observatory, we shortly visited the Universal Studios which I first did last June 2013, Dotonbori night before and finally the Osaka Tower ground where we spent our last meal and bought some nice Japan products.

Kansai Central last Part; Umeda Sky Building Floating Observatory

Kansai Central 1st Part; Walking inside the Osaka Aquarium

4 Days Revisiting Japan in Winter with my Mother

February 10 to February 14, 2015

Kansai East last Part; Walking inside Kodai-Ji

How to go to Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan);
600 meters walk from Osakako station of Chuo Subway line (not covered by JR Pass). Entrance fee of 2,200JPY. Photography and video taking is permitted, tripod not allowed.

What Kaiyukan treasures is Ring of Fire, Ring of Life.

The guiding principle of Kaiyukan is based on theory, "The Gala hypothesis" advocated by British Scientist James Lovelock, which proposes that "all organisms and their inorganic surroundings on Earth are closely integrated to form a single and self-regulating complex system". The "Ring of Fire" is the circum-Pacific volcano belt which surrounds the Pacific Ocean. It overlaps "The Ringof Life" with its high-desity biodiversity. With the concepts suggested  by these two "Rings", Kaiyukan recreates natural environment around Pacific Ocean as faithfully as possible. 

Marine Animals of Kaiyukan starts at Aqua Gate, Japan Forest, Aleutian Islands, Monterey Bay, Panama Gulf, Ecuador Rainforest, Antartica, Tasman Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Pacific Ocean, Seto Inland Sea, Coast of Chile and Japan deep.

Kansai Central 1st Part; Walking inside Osaka Aquarium

Osaka Day Trip last part: Universal Studios (USJ)

7-days wandering solo in summer Japan
May 28 - June 04, 2013 Tuesday to Tuesday

Osaka day trip 1st part: the Castle

Universal Studios Singapore, USS (Jan. 2011)

2nd part of my Osaka tour, last day-trip in Japan. I initially intended to visit Disneysea Resort because this themepark is the best rated (and much more cheaper, 6,200yen only compared to 6,600 of USJ) among all in Japan. But due to weather discomfort and budget doubt, I decided to spend the remaining money if ever I had to this place. In my honest opinion, the following are my comparative observations regarding personal experience in Universal Studios Japan (Osaka) against researched data of Disneysea Resort (Tokyo).

Universal Studios Osaka (Kansai) versus Disneysea Resort Tokyo (Kanto);

1. Disneysea Resort is the best rated thempark in Japan.
2. Disneysea Resort has cheaper entrance fee.
3. Disneysea Resort is unique and can be found only in Japan.
4. I think Disneysea is much wider.
5. Space Mountain (DSR) has almost the same concept with Space Fantasy (USJ). 
6. Disneysea Resort is mainly for children while USJ is somewhat more for adolescence.

Then, why did I visit USJ knowing that Disneysea wins almost every aspects? Nothing, its the only option I had as my Osaka was my last destination for this trip. If ever I was in Tokyo, I would do the same. Besides, curious to know the difference between USS and USJ just for the sake I visited them both.

Universal Studios Japan (Universal City JR station)

Osaka Day Trip 1st part: the Castle

7-days wandering solo in summer Japan
May 28 - June 04, 2013 Tuesday to Tuesday

Nara afternoon solo tour 

1st part of my Osaka tour, last day-trip in Japan. I navigated first the Universal Studios themepark in Universal Studios City JR station to leave my backpack on nearest locker area then proceed to Osakajokuen (osaka city hall) JR station for the castle.

With 1,250 Japanese plum trees and 4,500 cherry trees, Osaka Castle Park is famous spot for spring flower viewing festivities. The Osaka Castle Chrysanthemum Festival is held in the autumn. The illuminated castle tower, shining golden at night, is a must see sight.

How to go to Osaka Castle:

Using Osaka JR loop line, alight to Osakajokuen JR station. Then, walk around 1km away to the entrance. Operating hours is from 0900H to 1700H with entrance fee of 600yen and free for 15yrs old and below. Group discount available for minimum 15 visitors.
 

Osaka Castle