The Botchan Karakuri Clock is one of the classic must-see spots when visiting Dogo Onsen. Its exterior has a charming retro Japanese feel, making it perfect for photos.
At the top of each hour, the clock plays music to mark the time, along with a delicate puppet performance that draws plenty of visitors to stop and watch. It has a different charm during the day and at night, and it’s a delightful little surprise you won’t want to miss while soaking in the atmosphere of the hot spring town.
Botchan Karakuri Clock | Review by 王小鈞
Other Reviews by 王小鈞
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Nagai Botanical Garden, Osaka City
An urban botanical garden located in a corner of Nagai Park, one of Osaka’s leading comprehensive parks. Opened in 1974, this lush urban oasis spans Approx. 24.2 hectares, where visitors can enjoy seasonal plants throughout the year.
Nagai Botanical Garden is much bigger than I expected. As soon as you walk in, it feels like you've temporarily left central Osaka, and all the greenery is very relaxing. The grounds have different gardens with roses, tree peonies, peonies, and more, offering different scenery in every season. It's great for taking a walk, taking photos, or simply unwinding.
I was most interested in the "Historical Forest," which recreates how Osaka's forests looked from tens of millions of years ago to the present. Walking around and looking at everything feels a bit like an adventure. If you're visiting Osaka and want somewhere you can relax for an hour or two without rushing, I highly recommend adding Nagai Botanical Garden to your itinerary. It's really peaceful! -
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Osaka Duck Tour
Osaka was once called the city of water, latticed by rivers like the lines of a net. While many have been filled today, waterways still all but hug the city center, setting the stage for picturesque illuminations along the bridges and neighboring buildings. With the Osaka Duck Tour you can enjoy all the sights and more of the former city of water, by riding a bus across land and water.
I originally thought it would just be a sightseeing bus ride, but the moment I looked forward to most turned out to be when it plunged straight into the river! Watching the bus go from land right onto the water really makes you want to gasp along with everyone else.
Along the way, you pass famous sights like Osaka Castle and Osaka City Hall. Seeing Osaka's streets and riverfront from a different perspective feels very refreshing. Especially once you reach the Okawa River, the scenery on both sides and the bridges slowly glide past, really giving you a sense of Osaka as a "city of water."
If it's your first time in Osaka, I highly recommend this experience. You don't have to walk constantly, and you get to discover Osaka from both land and water. It's fun and a little thrilling, and definitely a tour you'll remember. -
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Nakanoshima
Nakanoshima is a lush, green and iconic city area known for Aqua Metropolis Osaka that’s tucked between the Dojima and Tosabori Rivers. Home to one of Osaka’s known business districts, the area is lined with a mixture of skyscrapers, modern architecture and office buildings.
If your feet are sore from shopping, escape to Nakanoshima and unwind for a while! Surrounded by two rivers, it can make you forget you're still in central Osaka. There are historic buildings on one side and skyscrapers on the other, and the two styles go surprisingly well together. Strolling along the river and enjoying the breeze, you'll see people jogging and walking their dogs, as well as sightseeing boats slowly passing by. Everything feels more relaxed. There's no particular attraction you have to visit—just wander around and take pictures wherever you like. Every corner feels pleasant, and it unexpectedly became the most relaxing stop of the trip.
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