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NIFREL – Interactive Aqua Zoo

A new type of museum produced by the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, blending an aquarium, zoo, and art museum. With the concept of "engaging the senses," the space is divided into eight themed zones, such as “Colors” and “Movements,” each showcasing unique creatures and immersive installations to highlight the theme of “diversity.” The massive art space "WONDER MOMENTS" captures nature’s breathtaking moments through powerful music and visuals, offering an experience that envelops visitors in a sense of wonder.

• Osaka
• Zoos & Aquariums

I finally visited NIFREL, a place I’d wanted to check out for ages!

The themed exhibits are really creative, and I was blown away by how close you can get to the animals. I never realized how cute fish could be until now! I totally fell for the adorable archerfish.

At the "Hide" zone, I was so focused on trying to spot the animals that I ended up wandering around in front of the displays forever.

Watching crocodiles up close, seeing the majestic white tiger, and being surprised by how "mini" the pygmy hippo actually is—you could honestly watch them all day! Highly recommend this spot for a full day of fun!

Festival of the Lights in OSAKA: Osaka Hikari-Renaissance

The "Festival of the Lights in OSAKA," which beautifully and fantastically illuminates the night of Osaka.

• Osaka
• Winter festivals & Events

The "Osaka Hikari-Renaissance" is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2022. It officially starts on December 14, but I got to see the projection mapping at Nakanoshima Public Hall a bit early! I just happened to pass by and was lucky enough to experience this magical world of lights.

It's one of the core programs of the "Festival of the Lights in OSAKA," which makes the whole city sparkle, including the Midosuji illuminations.

It's running until the 25th, so definitely check it out!

Kyo-train GARAKU

The "Kyo-Train Garaku" is a special sightseeing train on the Hankyu Kyoto Line between Osaka-umeda Station and Kyoto-kawaramachi Station, inspired by Kyoto's nature and traditional architecture. The train operates on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and special operated days during the tourist season. The passengers pay only a standard fare.

• Kyoto
• Osaka
• Trains & Subway

I happened to get on the Kyo-Train Garaku from Hankyu Umeda Station to Kawaramachi without knowing anything about it. The moment I boarded, I looked around thinking, 'Is it really okay for me to be on this train?' Apparently, I was in car No. 2, and right next to me was a Japanese garden. The seats had cushions, making them super comfortable! Plus, the seats were spacious, so the ride to Kyoto was really pleasant. It was also funny to see other people getting on at each stop, looking just as confused as I was. I felt really lucky to ride this special train without any extra charge!

Shika Saru Kitsune Building

It is the first commercial complex of its kind to open in April 2021, produced by Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten, a long-established store founded in 1716 that offers lifestyle goods based on Japanese craftsmanship.

• Nara
• Commercial Buildings

Shika Saru Kitsune Building is tucked away just a bit from Sarusawa Pond.
I stopped by on October 22, 2022, when I visited 'Nara Okashi Seizojo ocasi,' a newly opened sweets shop in a renovated machiya right next door!
On the second floor, Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten has a great selection of tableware and lifestyle goods—just browsing was exciting! (I picked up a dishcloth with a design exclusive to this location.)
At the recently opened 'Nara Okashi Seizojo ocasi,' I tried their signature 'ocasi plate.'
The concept is 'Nara sweets' that combine Japanese, Western, and fruit-based treats, and you get to try all three on one plate. The dorayaki had a lightly sweetened bean paste that was super refreshing and tasty! The creamy cheesecake was also fantastic. You can add some jam (made from Yamato tachibana, kiwi, and plum) for a fun flavor twist.
You can buy the dorayaki and cheesecake as souvenirs or gifts (dorayaki lasts 5 days from the production date, cheesecake keeps for a month if frozen).
There are benches and chairs inside and outside, but you can also take your treats to go and enjoy them by Sarusawa Pond nearby.
Highly recommend as a snack while exploring Naramachi!

Tanize Suspension Bridge

Tanize Suspension Bridge was built by the villagers in 1954 for daily use during the post-war reconstruction period. Surrounded by majestic mountains, it is one of the longest steel suspension bridges in Japan. The bridge connects Ueno and Tanize and is 297 meters long and 54 meters high.

• Nara
• Tourist Attractions

I visited the Tanize Suspension Bridge on a bus tour. I've been here once before and crossed the bridge that time, but I skipped it this time! I'm afraid of heights, so I just enjoyed the view without crossing. I'm sure the scenery from the bridge is amazing, but even just looking at it was enough for me!
By the way, the bridge shakes quite a bit. If you're not scared of heights, definitely give it a try!