Among the modern buildings in Osaka, Japan, there is a magnificent palace favorite with tourists called Osaka Castle. This historic building from the Edo period looks ancient, just like the original. Touring Osaka, of course don't forget to visit Osaka Castle. This historic castle stands prominently right in the middle of Osaka city.

Granite walls stand firmly around Osaka Castle which is surrounded by large water channels. Its function as a defensive wall built by the Tokugawa shoguns is still visible, even though its function is no longer to ward off enemies like before. Now, Osaka Castle, which was once a symbol of Hideyoshi Toyotomi, has become a symbol of Osaka City. Osaka Castle is a popular tourist spot among foreign tourists and Japanese tourists.

After opening to the public, Osaka Castle was busy with visitors. First, visitors will pass through granite walls and 13 structures spread across Osaka Castle. Each part is also recognized as an important cultural part by the Japanese Government. Passing the stone wall, the journey continues to Osaka Castle Park, an area of ​​106.7 hectares covered with various types of plants. This oasis-like garden has 600 cherry trees, 95 apricot blossoms and 1250 other trees.

Entering the castle area, there is a museum with various dioramas and artifacts about the history of Osaka Castle. Meanwhile, on the top floor there is an observation deck with a height of more than 50 meters. The view of Osaka from the top looks beautiful and majestic.

The recommended approach to Osaka Castle is through Otemon Gate at the park's southwestern corner. The closest station is Tanimachi Yonchome Station along the Tanimachi and Chuo subway lines.

The closest JR station to Osaka Castle is Osakajokoen Station on the JR Loop Line, a 10 minute, 170 yen ride from JR Osaka Station.

The Dotonbori area is an icon of Osaka City. Coming alive at sunset, Dotonburi is a favorite night time tourist spot in Japan. Mr. Glico Man is a famous landmark on Osaka's Dotonbori street.

For travelers on holiday in Osaka, Dotonbori is one of the places that must be visited. Dotonbori is a gastronomic, shopping and entertainment center on the south side of the Dotonbori Canal, Osaka, Japan. There is the Nipponbashi Bridge which offers a variety of restaurants and entertainment facilities. The best time to explore Dotonbori is in the late afternoon. Apart from being able to enjoy a variety of culinary delights at cheap prices, we can also enjoy the evening atmosphere with cool air.

 Here are 4 things you can do in Dotonbori:

The Dotonbori area has many shops selling cheap and varied souvenirs. Some shops that sell cheap souvenirs are Daiso, Shinsaibashi. For those looking for drug stores, don't miss stopping by Matsumoto Kiyoshi. Apart from make up, beauty equipment and health equipment at Matsumoto Kiyoshi Dotonbori also provides snacks for souvenirs at cheaper prices.

Enjoying food in Dotonbori is something you must do. We can try various kinds of typical Japanese food at prices that don't break the bank and taste delicious. Apart from that, there are several restaurants that show various attractions while cooking. For visitors who are Muslim, don't worry, there are many restaurants that serve halal food and even some of the workers can speak Indonesian.

Apart from the many restaurants, Dotonbori has an interesting river to explore. There are motorboats that will invite travelers to enjoy the beauty of Dotonbori by sailing like in Venice. This cruise runs for 20 minutes starting near Namba Station, taking visitors along the Dtonbori Canal. On a cruise ship, tourists can experience the atmosphere of Osaka as the cruise passes some of the most famous tourist attractions, such as the Glico running man sign. It's an ideal setting for relaxing, people watching, and waving at passersby on the balcony.

Taking photos is mandatory when visiting Dotonbori. Apart from the very famous Mr Glico Man, there are still many iconic restaurants and beautiful river scenes to immortalize. So, don't forget to include Dotonbori as one of the must-visit places in Japan.

From Shin-Osaka station, using the Osaka’s Subway Midosuji line to Namba Station.

Tsutenkaku is a symbol of Osaka which was built in 1912 as a symbol of an entertainment area in the southern part of Osaka called Shin-Sekai, which means new world.

At that time, the concept of this tower was in the form of a tower similar to the Eiffel Tower, which was built on top of a building shaped like the Arc of Triumph.

In 1943, the tower was destroyed by fire, and the remaining steel from the tower was used to support Japan's war effort at that time. After the war ended, the people of Osaka, who felt they needed this tower again, asked the government to rebuild the tower.

In 1955, the wishes of the people of Osaka were granted by the city government, and the rebuilding of the tower was started by Tsutenkaku Kanko Co., Ltd., a company specifically created to take care of the rebuilding of the tower. The new Tsutenkaku was designed by Tachu Naito, and is 103 meters high. The new tower opened on 28 October 1956.

On the 5th floor observation deck, visitors to the tower can enjoy views of Osaka city, and see Biliken, a statue of a god who is believed to bring good luck to those who rub the soles of their feet. The round neon sign at the top of the tower displays colors that indicate the weather forecast, namely blue for sunny weather, yellow for cloudy weather, and blue for rainy weather. To enter this tower, adults are charged 600 yen. This tower is able to attract up to 700 thousand visitors per year.

To get to Tsutenkaku Tower from Umeda Station, board the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line and get off at Dobutsuen-Mae Station. Go out Exit 5 and head north along Sakai-suji Road. Take a right at the first light and walk about two blocks east. Look left, and you'll see Tsutenkaku Tower ahead of you.