When I arrived at Himeji Castle, I was genuinely blown away by its beauty at first sight! The bright white exterior and impressive main keep make it easy to see why it’s called the “White Heron Castle.” From a distance, it looks like a castle straight out of a fairy tale, so beautiful that you can’t help but keep taking photos.
I had planned to visit on a weekday, thinking I could stroll around at a relaxed pace, but there were still quite a few visitors. Everyone was busy finding the best angles to capture this centuries-old castle.
Even with the crowds, the moment I saw Himeji Castle in person, I felt it was absolutely worth it! It’s not only beautiful on the outside, but once you step inside, you can really feel the rich history. It’s a classic must-visit spot for any trip to Kansai.
Himeji Castle | Review by 王小鈞
Other Reviews by 王小鈞
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Tsutenkaku Tower
A steel tower which looks like the Eiffel Tower and 75 meters high was built In 1912, on top of a building which was the motif of the Arc de Triomphe, and named “Tsutenkaku” meaning “A building reaching the heaven'' by Nangaku Fujisawa, a Confucian in the early Meiji period. After being broken down due to a fire, citizens lobbied for rebuilding and the current 2nd Tsutenkaku was built in 1956.
I visited Osaka’s landmark, Tsutenkaku Tower. During the day, you can look out over the city, and at night, it becomes even more romantic once it’s lit up. Going up to the rooftop to enjoy the night view is totally worth it!
Besides the observation deck, there’s now the super thrilling TOWER SLIDER. You slide all the way down from high up, and even though it only lasts a few seconds, the speed is such a rush. It made me want to do it again!
If you like taking photos, enjoying night views, and trying exciting attractions, Tsutenkaku is definitely one of Osaka’s must-visit spots. -
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Shinsekai Hon-dori Shopping Street
Tsutenkaku Tower, Jan Jan Yokocho Street, Spa World are in Ebisu-Higashi, Naniwa District. People started calling this area Shinsekai (New World) in 1912, when Tsutenkaku and Japan’s second amusement park, Luna Park, opened. It meant a new-born tourist spot in Osaka. Since then, this amusement street has grown, used as a location for movies and TV dramas, and became a famous site in Osaka.
When I arrived at Osaka’s Shinsekai Hon-dori Shopping Street, I was immediately blown away by the over-the-top 3D signs! Giant pufferfish, octopus, and kushikatsu signs—every shop looks like it’s competing to be the most eye-catching. Every quick photo feels so Osaka.
Even on a weekday, it was packed with tourists from all over the world and incredibly lively! The area is full of all kinds of restaurants and street food. The smell of kushikatsu, takoyaki, and grilled meat drifts through the street, making it hard to stop eating as you walk.
If you want to experience authentic, down-to-earth Osaka culture, Shinsekai is definitely a must-visit! -
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Tennoji Zoo
Tennoji Zoo opened on January 1st, 1915 and had its 100th anniversary in 2015. Almost 170 species and 1000 animals are kept in about 11 hectares of the zoo. In the reptile house, "Ifar," and in “African Savanna Zone” where hippopotamus, giraffes, and lions live, the ecological exhibition introduces reproduced scenery of animals’ habitats as closely as possible.
If you're staying in Tennoji while visiting Osaka, I really recommend spending half a day at Tennoji Zoo!
I thought it would just be a small city zoo, but it was much bigger than expected. There’s a great variety of animals, from giraffes and lions to penguins and polar bears.
The layout is easy to follow, so you don’t have to keep backtracking, and it makes for a really comfortable visit. The grounds are also kept clean and tidy.
It’s great for families with kids, and also perfect for anyone who enjoys taking a slow walk while looking at animals. If you have enough time, I’d recommend setting aside 2–3 hours to explore at a relaxed pace. You definitely won’t get bored! -
