Monday, December 31, 2012

2012 Nov: Osaka: Dotonbori

Shopping!  Start the night by taking an exit from Namba station.  Just look for the covered walk and this is also where most of the people are passing by.

By then you’ll reach a bridge along side the Dotonbori canal.  Here is the photo of the few famous landmarks of the place:

Glico Man: Originally installed in 1935, the giant neon athlete on a blue track is a symbol of Glico candy. The sign has been altered on several occasions to celebrate events such as the World Cup and to show support for the Osaka baseball team, the Hanshin Tigers.



Kani Doraku Crab: This six and a half meter crab is on the front of the crab restaurant Kani Doraku. It is mechanised, being able to move its arms and eyestalks. Built in 1960, this mechanical billboard soon spawned imitations, including a squid that puffs steam and oni (demons) that light up at night.

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C5%8Dtonbori#Landmarks

Continue to shop around the covered market near Daimaru mall in Shinsaibashi.



Summary of 5 days itinerary in 2012 Autumn Osaka, Kyoto Trip:

Day
Places to see
Food and Restaurants
Where to Sleep
Day 1
Il Bar, Kyoto Station
Hearton Hotel in Shinsaibashi
Day 2
[Osaka] Universal Studios
Namba
Dotonbori
Pasta Frolla, City Walk
Dinner in 3rd Planet
Hearton Hotel
Day 3
[Kyoto] Saga-Arashiyama: Sagano Scenic Railway
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Tofuku-ji Temple
Gion-Shijo
Kennin-ji Temple
Snacks (sushi) in Sagano Station
Restaurant in Gion
Dinner in 3rd Planet
Hearton Hotel
Day 4
Lunch in Daimaru
European Market in Umeda Sky
Street Food near Osaka Castle
Dinner in 3rd Planet
Hearton Hotel
Day 5
[Osaka]
Sacra Famiglia (Catholic Church) in Umeda

Hearton Hotel