Japan is not only Tokyo, but much more. The archipelago in the far east has a lot to offer. Bubbling metropolises on one side and small, quiet cities where the big world seems to be far away on the other side. Both have their charm and I like the variety Japan has to offer. But I think I am most attracted to the big cities where you can feel the pulse of the country. And that includes not only Tokyo, but of course Osaka, the big metropolis a little further south in the Kansai region.

Osaka is also a multi-million city, so it can quickly seem a bit overwhelming at first. But during my visits here, I always quickly got used to this nevertheless very charming city and learned to appreciate it.

For the Japan traveler, Osaka is strategically located, as youcan quickly get to the other popular destinations in this part of the country. Kyoto, Nara, Himeiji and even Hiroshima are easily reached by train, and the southern main island of Kyushu can also be accessed by Shinkansen in a short time. Osaka is therefore the perfect place to stay. Kyoto for example, can be reached in less than an hour and can be scheduled as a convenient day trip. And in the evening, you can enjoy all the amenities of a major Japanese city. But each one as he likes it! For some, Osaka may be just a very short stop on their way somewhere else, but for me this great city will always be a destination om its own.

And to arouse a little interest in this inviting city, today I want to show you a colorful collection of pictures, which I hope will bring across the vibrante but also charming atmosphere, which I could enjoy there several times.

So just sit back for a moment and let's have a look together.

Osaka is and has been a "Castle-Town", and one of the most important and popular destinations in the city is of course Osaka-jo. The castle in the heart of the city has had a turbulent history, and has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. The last reconstruction was completed only in 1997, after Osaka-jo fell victim to bombing in World War 2.

Even though it is not the original Osaka Castle, I can highly recommend a visit here. Osaka-jo is one of Japan's "special historical sites", and you can learn and experience quite a bit about the history of the country and of course, the samurai, especially about the times before the great unification by the Tokugawa shogunate.

And from the very top you have a wonderful view, not only of this amazing gilded fish statue, but also of modern Osaka, which directly adjoins the castle complex. The whole park around the castle is very generously designed, and large parts of the former castle walls have been preserved and still bear witness to former greatness and power.

But Osaka can also be colorful and busy.This covered shopping arcade stretches several kilometers long and is home to countless stores offering almost everything that people in the city need or don't need. Walking through these arcades is quite imposing, as the stores seem to stretch endlessly. All this is interrupted by some crossing streets, but on the other side it goes on as colorful as before, and one store is lined up to the next.

But also in the evening it never stops humming in Osaka, a city that never seems to sleep. Particularly in the nightlife areas, there is an abundance of restaurants and bars, and the out-of-town visitor is once again spoiled for choice. On the far right you can see a restaurant serving blowfish, the decorations on the outside quickly give you a clue of what the house specialty is. Blowfish may only be prepared by specially licensed chefs, an experience that nevertheless offers a little thrilling touch of danger.

If you like it less exciting, just treat yourself to some takoyaki, one of Osaka's culinary specialties. The small fried balls with a piece of octopus in the middle are offered everywhere in the city, and are a really tasty snack for in between.

Many stores are partly directly on the street and they cook right in front of the eyes of the customer and the stuff turns and flips the many small octopus balls without a break.

I myself like takoyako very much, although I was a bit suspicious at first. When I was a kid, octopus wasn't necessarily on my diet, but I quickly got over that suspicion and can really recommend this delicious snack.

They are usually served in a small boat-liked paper plate, with a sweet sauce, mayonnaise, some seaweed and bonito flakes. It's a wonderful combination that I'm really craving for right now. A little advice on the side, make sure to let the balls cool down a bit, inside they are usually hot as hell and it's very easy to burn your mouth.

Osaka doesn't sleep at night either, on the contrary the city really buzzes up. Especially in Dotonbori, a neighborhood that seems to attract people all day long. The many large iconic neon signs are among the most photographed motifs in the city.

The "Glico Man" in particular seems to have been running and advertising here for ages, and this landmark is just part of Osaka today. In the late evening hours, the crowds still push along here and you can quickly understand that this city just can't and won't sleep.

But luckily, there are also a few quiet places in the city where you can catch your breath and rest a bit. Like at the top of the Umeda Sky Building, near the main train station. Up here, the sounds of the big city are far away, but you can still hear Osaka talking to you all the time. The many city lights which are shining and twinkling down there speak a language of their own, but one which is universally understood by all.

This late view of the metropolis is a perfect end to a day in Osaka. You can comfortably reflect on what you've experienced and seen today, while still dreaming a little bit of tomorrow. Before it then goes back down again, into the streets of the city, which welcome you like a good friend and often do not want to let you go.

And I also feel drawn back, by the magic of Osaka and hope that one day I will make it there again. A fascinating city where I still have so much to discover. But until then, I'll have my photos and memories to enjoy.

I wish you all a wonderful day. Catch you soon, when I will show you some more impressions from this great city.

またね matane

[//]:# (!pinmapple 34.698092 lat 135.496756 long Osaka - A random look at an inviting city d3scr)