Backpacking in Osaka – What To Do On A Budget
Choosing Where To Start Your Journey
Few can make the trip to Japan hitting all of the major cities. Due to lack of time, so many things to do, and the astronomical prices in the country, many tourists find themselves having to choose only one city to explore while traveling to this island nation. Many travelers would elect to go to Tokyo, arguably Japan’s most famous city. Although the capital of Japan has more than enough to keep you entertained for no longer how long your trip may be, Tokyo is a massive city that covering everything is a daunting task.
Rather than following the crowds, why not forget about traveling to Tokyo if you have limited time in Japan and choose Osaka instead. While Osaka is also a sprawling metropolis like Tokyo, you will find that the borders are clearly defined, making it easy to escape the concrete jungle and head out to the countryside. In Tokyo you will also find that this fast-paced modern city is always looking for what’s new and fresh. In Osaka, however, you will still find the cutting edge style that makes Japan special, but you will also discover that many of the age-old traditions and quirks are integrated right into the fabric of the city. From hole-in-the-wall bars to maze-like markets, you will truly step into another world while in Osaka.
Want to get off the beaten path in Tokyo? Read more about what to do in Tokyo here!
The Osaka Castle
Much like when you are in Beijing you must visit the Forbidden City or Cairo you have to visit the Pyramids of Giza, backpackers and tourists alike must check off the Osaka Castle before doing anything else in the city. Unlike many of the other fortresses throughout the city that has given way to the urban sprawl, it is easy to visualize how the ruling shogunate of Osaka would fend off invaders from the ramparts. With steep walls reflected off of the water in the surrounding moat, the second you cross the bridge from the city into the Osaka Castle, it is easy to feel as if you are stepping back into time.
Many of the tourists will head straight to the main tower of the Osaka Castle and pay 600 Yen (5.60 USD) to reach the top. But with nearly every city in Japan boasting a castle, you may want to hold off on buying a ticket if you plan on visiting other cities in Japan. After awhile the fortresses may begin to look very similar. What makes the Osaka Castle different, however, is the massive park found within the lower walls. With ponds, forests and light hiking trails, you can escape the crowds of the main stronghold and the madness of the city, and enjoy an urban oasis in the heart of Osaka.
Wanting to head to one of the best castles in Japan? Be sure to take a day trip from Osaka to Himeji!
Temples and Fortresses
If you are wanting to continue your journey exploring old-world Japan, it does not have to stop at the gates of the Osaka Castle. It is easy to look over many of the shrines and temples of Osaka with the modern city and glistening lights always distracting you. It is not like Kyoto where nearly every corner of the city echos the stories and culture of the past. But even still, you can find all of the best temples in Osaka within walking distance of each other and begin to explore some of the most remarkable sites that Japan has to offer. With modern obscurities such as the lion had at the Namba Yasaka Shrine and more traditional takes on local religion at the Shitennoji Temple, you can begin to explore a more spiritual side of Japan.
Tucked between the skyscrapers and mega highways that make up Osaka, you will find that the legacy of Japan’s bygone emperors lives on. The Mozu Tombs are noted as being the largest of its kind on the entire country. Thought to be the final resting place of Emperor Nintoku and many others in the royal family, only 50% of the original funeral mounds have survived to this day. These tombs are not usually open to the public, but you can get a bird’s eye view of the keyhole-shaped island from the observation deck at the nearby Sakai City Hall. If you are wanting an example of the tombs in person, you can view them at Daisen Park.
If you are really wanting to get in touch with religion in Japan, you will want to travel to the Island of the Gods: Miyajima!
Old Japan In Shinsekai
Long before the center of Osaka shifted to Dontonbori along the river, the heart of the city was in Shinsekai. From as early as the turn of the century, amusement parks and the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower attracted tourists from around the country with its character and whimsical charm. Despite all of the lights and entertainment, the district of Shinsekai has been written off as one of the more seedy neighborhoods in Japan. But even the most dangerous neighborhood in Osaka is still considered safer than 90% of the rest of the world.
It is a shame that may of the crowds of tourists who visit Osaka largely ignore the cartoonish and colorful imagery found along the streets of Shinsekai. The visitors in this district are a mere fraction of what you would find in some of the nearby food streets and markets of Osaka. On the plus side, you will have all of the animated backdrops for yourself as you take pictures, eat kushikatsu as well as other local delicacies, and play the popular Japanese game of Pachinko.
After staying in the city you may want to escape to the Japanese Alps. Read more about Shirakawa-go Village here!
Best Markets in Osaka
Although Shensekai is one of the more colorful areas of Osaka, its crowds can’t compare with the likes of Dotonbori. Along the riverside, Dotonbori is where you will find hoards of tourists packed shoulder to shoulder. For centuries, Dotonbori has been attracting travelers with its famous kabuki and bunraku theatres. Although these theatres have declined in popularity, this district still brings in the tour groups with its culinary specialties. With its comical signs and bright lights, nearly all of the best restaurants in Osaka can be found up and down Dotonbori.
If you thought Dotonbori and Shinsekai made your head spin, these markets are just the tip of the iceberg. Nearly every corner of downtown Osaka has a market waiting to be explored. Shinsaibashisuji offers high-end shopping and Sennichimae Doguyasuji will suit you up with everything you need to open your own Japanese restaurant back in your hometown, but the real attraction is Kuromon Ichiba. Here you will find many shops selling various meats, fish, and vegetables, making it the perfect place to catch a glimpse at daily Japanese life. Here along with Nakanoshima Market, you are sure to find enough street food to have your mouth drooling. If you are lucky you might even be able to explore one of the flea markets such as the one held in Oizumi Ryokuchi Park, the Ohatsu Tenjin Market, and the Shitennoji Market. If anime and video games are more your style, you will want to head straight to Osaka’s answer to Tokyo’s Akihabara: Den Den Town.
If you are a hardcore fan of video games you will want to read about how to get to the Nintendo Headquarters in Kyoto!
Covering All Of Osaka
No matter how much time you find that you have in Japan, you could never spend too much time in Osaka. The castles, temples, markets, museums, and street food is just the beginning of the adventure. As you begin to hit the streets going from shrine to restaurant, you will easily be distracted by all of the beauty and wonders off of the beaten path. Curiosity is sure to drive your feet, don’t be surprised if you never end up reaching your end destination while you are too busy wandering and blazing your own path.
On top of everything found within downtown Osaka, you will find that there are countless day trips that can be taken from the city. From the massive castle of Himeji to more natural destinations like Hoshida Park, Osaka makes for the perfect place to base yourself out of while visiting the rest of Japan. Tokyo has its very own charm and is worth exploring, but rather than spending most of your time trying to wrestle this beast of a city, Osaka is far more manageable. Words can’t even describe the mystical feeling of exploring Osaka, especially after the sun goes down and lights turn on. But one thing is for sure, you will be captivated to the point where you will find images of Osaka whipping you away in your dreams.
