The Umeda Sky Building is one of Osaka's most iconic landmarks, and I was most excited to visit the Kuchu Teien Observatory for the city views. As the elevator climbed higher, the Osaka cityscape became more and more spectacular. From the observatory, you can look out over the densely packed buildings and roads, with a very expansive view. It's especially beautiful in the evening, from daylight to sunset and then the city lights coming on at night. Each time of day has its own charm.
Umeda Sky Building / Kuchu Teien Observatory | Review by BobbyJenny
Other Reviews by BobbyJenny
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Kuromon Market
Kuromon Market in Minami, the heart of Osaka, is said to have started around 1822 and was approved as an official market by Osaka Prefecture in 1902. The market got the name “Kuromon Market (Black gate market)” because the gate to Enmyoji Temple near the market was black. Since then, it has been loved as Osaka’s favorite kitchen, and it has become a popular tourist attraction these days.
Kuromon Market is a bustling food market in Osaka. As soon as you walk in, you'll see a dazzling array of seafood, meat, fruit, and snacks. The air is filled with the aroma of food, making it hard to resist eating as you explore. On this visit to Kuromon Market, I tried fresh seafood and Osaka specialties, and everything looked so tempting. The market has a lively, energetic atmosphere, and eating while strolling and taking in the street views really made it feel like a trip. By the end, not only were my taste buds satisfied, but I also got a sense of daily life at a local Osaka market. It's well worth adding to an Osaka itinerary.
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Himeji City Zoo
Located within the grounds of the World Heritage Site, Himeji Castle, next to the Sannomaru Plaza, is the "Zoo Inside the Castle." Upon entering the zoo and walking straight ahead, you'll come across the red "Shiromi Bashi Bridge," which offers a picturesque view of Himeji Castle over the moat. From the west side of the old elephant house, you can see the castle's main keep reflected upside down on the moat's surface-a unique viewing spot that draws many visitors.
Himeji City Zoo is next to Himeji Castle and is a great place for a leisurely stroll. On this visit to the zoo, I saw many adorable animals, including elephants, giraffes, and lions. It was really interesting to observe them up close. The zoo doesn't feel rushed, so you can watch the animals while enjoying views of Himeji Castle, which feels very special.
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Kanmon Straits
Located at the westernmost end of Honshu, separating Yamaguchi Prefecture's Shimonoseki City and Fukuoka Prefecture's Kitakyushu City, it's said to have formed about 6,000 years ago. The name "Kanmon Straits" is derived from the initials of Shimonoseki, historically known as Makan, and Moji, a district in Kitakyushu City.
The Kanmon Straits are an important waterway connecting Honshu and Kyushu. From near the straits, you can see the cities on both shores and ships passing by, with wide-open views. Being here in person, feeling the sea breeze and admiring the deep blue water was especially pleasant. Watching the ships slowly pass through the straits also gave me a sense of the area's importance in transportation and history. What was most special was being able to take in the scenery of both Yamaguchi and Fukuoka prefectures at the same time, which felt very refreshing.
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