We woke up a little later than planned this morning, which meant we missed breakfast. But after a busy day of exploring and discovering in Dōtonburi, we were ready for a rest. Sometimes you've got to slow down to recharge your batteries and take full advantage of what lies ahead.
To kick off the day, we decided to treat ourselves to a matcha latte. This iconic drink is both comforting and energising, giving us a real boost of energy. The rich, slightly sweet taste of the matcha, combined with the sweetness of the milk, was a real treat that got us in the mood for the day ahead.
Once we'd had our well-deserved break, we headed for Osaka Castle, which was on our itinerary. It's only 30 minutes away by metro, so the journey was quick and pleasant, and we got to admire the cityscape as we went. We couldn't wait to discover the beauty of this historic monument, its impressive architecture and the gardens that surrounded it, promising a new adventure full of culture and history.
You had to pay to get into Osaka Castle and we quickly realised that the queue was very long. To avoid this wait, I strongly advise you to buy your tickets online at Klook. That way you get priority access and don't have to wait too long.
When we arrived at the entrance, we could choose between two queues: one for the lift and the other for the stairs. If you have the chance, I'd recommend taking the stairs. Indeed, although the ascent may seem a little tiring, the queue for the lift was particularly long, and the lift is only available for the ascent. Taking the stairs will not only allow you to enjoy the interior architecture of the castle, but will also allow you to stretch your legs after our leisurely morning.
At the entrance we were given a small booklet. This booklet is very practical as it acts as a stamp for a machine on the second floor. This fun system adds an interactive dimension to the visit and means we can keep a souvenir of our time at the castle. It's a small detail that makes the experience even more memorable and adds to the friendly atmosphere of the place.
When we got outside, we saw a great street show right in front of the castle. The atmosphere was lively and festive, with talented artists putting on colourful and catchy performances.
One of the best bits was when they picked someone from the crowd to join in. It was really interesting to see how the person chosen was incorporated into the show, adding a bit of the unexpected and humour to the whole thing. The laughter and applause from the audience made it feel really warm and friendly, and even those not directly involved in the show seemed to enjoy it.
This interaction makes the street performances even more memorable and contributes to the positive energy around the castle. It was a great way to enjoy local art and culture while getting caught up in the excitement.
We were getting hungry, so we decided to look for a nearby restaurant to grab a bite to eat. Our search was successful! We found a lovely little restaurant serving typical Japanese dishes on the 12th floor of the KKR hotel.
When we arrived, we were blown away by the incredible view of Osaka Castle. The sight of the magnificent fortress nestled among lush green gardens was simply breathtaking. It made the meal even more special, and each bite was even more delicious.
The menu had lots of different Japanese specialities on offer. We took our time, enjoying the delicious local food while taking in the amazing views. It was the perfect opportunity to unwind and take in the sights while enjoying a delicious meal.
We enjoyed some delicious tempura, which came with rice, miso soup and a refreshing plum and soda drink. Every dish was made with care and tasted amazing. On top of that, they provided tea and water, which added a nice touch to the whole experience.
The lunch was really enjoyable, not just because of the quality of the food, but also because we had a great view of Osaka Castle away from the crowds. It was a chance to relax and enjoy the view while we savoured every mouthful.
We were really happy with the great value for money we got from this restaurant. I'd highly recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic culinary experience in the city. Just a heads-up: the restaurant is closed on Mondays, unless it's a public holiday. It's best to check the opening times before you go.
We decided to head to a lovely café close to our hotel for dessert. I was lucky enough to find it by chance on Google Maps, and I'm really glad I did! The place was lovely and welcoming, with a friendly atmosphere that made you want to stay a while.
When we arrived, we saw that there was a bit of a wait. The waitress took our names and told us to come back in half an hour, which gave us time to do a bit of shopping in the area. This gave us a chance to check out a few local shops before heading back to the café.
When we got back, we just had to place our order and then we could sit down. Once we'd got settled, our order was ready in no time. As soon as we got a table, we were invited to sit down. The café has both an English and Japanese menu, which makes ordering much easier for those who don't speak the language. On top of that, the staff spoke excellent English, which made the experience even better.
We had a lovely time at this café and it was the perfect way to end our day of exploring. I'd highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a great dessert in a cosy atmosphere!
Translated with DeepL.com (free version).
Japon, 〒542-0081 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Minamisenba, 4 Chome−9−3 東新ビル 2F
Just a heads-up: we only accept cash payments.
What could be a better way to spend an evening than at an izakaya? The restaurant chain has two locations: one on the second floor is non-smoking and the other on the third floor is for smokers only. As we don't like the smell of tobacco, we decided to go to the restaurant on the second floor. I went for a yuzu sour, a tasty drink made with Japanese lemon liqueur and soda, to go with my meal. We also got some snacks to share, like edamame, crispy chips and karaage, which is a tasty fried chicken.
The yuzu sour was a great deal at just 320 yen, or around 2 euros!
We finished off our evening in style with a trip to the Umeda Sky Building, one of Osaka's most iconic landmarks. Once we got there, we were treated to a fantastic view of the city at night. It was the perfect chance to get some height and admire the twinkling lights dancing across the cityscape. It was incredible to be up high and see the city stretching as far as the eye could see.
We took our time to enjoy the moment, taking photos and marvelling at the spectacular views from this unique location. It was the perfect way to end a day full of discoveries!
You can get to the top of the Umeda Sky Building from the ticket office on the 39th floor, which is accessible by lift. The entrance fee is 2,000 yen, which is about €12. Once you have your tickets, you can take the escalator to the top of this impressive building. This lovely experience will get you ready for the amazing view that awaits you!
Once at the top, we were amazed by the 360-degree panoramic view. Osaka is at its most beautiful at night, when the twinkling lights create a truly magical tableau. To make the moment even more special, we enjoyed a delicious dessert while taking in the magnificent view. It was the perfect opportunity to savour this sweet moment while taking in the breathtaking panorama. This memorable experience marked the end of our long day and left us with an unforgettable memory of this beautiful evening.
Tomorrow, discoveryTomorrow we embark on a new adventure as we discover South Korea! We'll spend four days in Seoul, a dynamic and culturally rich city. We'll explore historical sites, sample delicious Korean cuisine and stroll through its lively neighbourhoods.
We can't wait to discover the excitement of this modern metropolis while immersing ourselves in its unique traditions. We can't wait for this unforgettable experience, full of discoveries and surprises! We'll be visiting a new country: South Korea and spend 4 days in Seoul!
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