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!
Nagai Botanical Garden, Osaka City | Review by 王小鈞
Other Reviews by 王小鈞
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Kyoto Station Building
Kyoto station is attached to an enormous building which provides shops and restaurants, as well as a hotel and cultural center. The Cube Shopping Mall occupies the ground floor and two basement floors. In its spacious confines are shops offering a wide variety of unique souvenirs and specialty desserts from Kyoto, trendy fashion items, and interesting knickknacks.
If you come to Kyoto and don't know where to go, Kyoto Station is definitely a great choice.
I originally thought it was just a place to catch a train, but it turns out it's basically a huge department store and food court! You can buy souvenirs, shop, and eat all in one place. It's super convenient not having to keep going from place to place. I especially recommend checking out Kyoto Ramen Koji. It brings together all kinds of popular ramen shops, so you'll really have a hard time choosing. But lines are the norm during mealtimes, so come early if you want to eat there.
When you're tired from shopping, there are places to sit and rest, and you can start sightseeing as soon as you leave the station. No wonder so many people say, “Kyoto Station is an attraction in itself.” I completely agree! -
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Osaka Tenmangu Shrine
This shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, known as the god of learning. The shrine has been known as "Tenjin-san of Tenma" by the people of Osaka since ancient times, and since its establishment in 949, people have entrusted it with all kinds of wishes, including those for plague, learning, and entertainment. During the exam season, the shrine is crowded with students preparing for exams.
Osaka Tenmangu is a famous shrine in Osaka and a place many students visit before taking exams. It enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, the “god of learning,” so throughout the year, many people come to pray for success on exams and progress in their studies.
The shrine’s famous Daishogun Shrine is said to be a power spot, adding to the solemn and peaceful atmosphere of the grounds. Unfortunately, some areas were under renovation during this visit, so I couldn’t fully appreciate the shrine’s appearance, which was a little disappointing. Still, walking around, I could feel its rich history. I hope to visit again and see all of Osaka Tenmangu next time. -
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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. -
