Weekend Snapshot #1: Artistic Finds at Midosuji Avenue
>> Monday, January 28, 2008
I'm not an art enthusiast but these interesting sculptures make my walks along the Midosuji Avenue more enjoyable:
Quoted from Brand-New Osaka:
"Midosuji Avenue is 4 km long and 44 m wide, and connects Umeda and Namba, the two major entertainment centers of Osaka. Along the avenue lie a variety of business, shopping, restaurant and amusement facilities, which together contribute to the popularity of the Midosuji area." Read more...
Photo Hunt: Old-fashioned
>> Saturday, January 26, 2008
Osaka Castle
>> Monday, January 14, 2008
Osaka Castle is one of the top tourist destinations in Osaka. It's only a few minutes away from the Osaka station (3-4 train stations away) so it'd be such a pity if you don't drop by there. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit the Castle.
How to get there?
The only route I know is through the JR "Outer" Loop Line. Take the train from Platform 2 in Osaka station, then get off at Kyobashi (京橋） or Osakajo Koen （大阪城公園） station. The train ride would only cost you 160 yen for both destinations. I recommend getting off at Osakajo Koen station because finding your way to the castle is easier.
If you prefer to get off at Kyobashi station, be sure to find the exit to the Osaka Business Park. Before reaching the castle grounds, you have to cross 2 rivers/bridges. Don't worry, two rivers are less than a kilometer apart, and only spans less than a hundred meter each.
Here are some photos I took from the Osaka Castle during Autumn 2007. This is the "trail" you'll take if you get off at the Kyobashi station:
Seishin Chuo
>> Thursday, January 10, 2008
Huh? Seishin Chuo (西神中央）? Never heard of that. Some people who've been living or working in Kobe area, don't know where it is.
Why am I including it here when it's not even on the list of hot tourist spots? Well, I happen to have worked there for more than a year. The place may not have some cool attractions, but if you're looking for a quiet place to hang out, you can definitely find it there.
It's not as laid back as you think. The station is connected to a huge shopping mall. In there, You could find one of the best sales here in Kansai! Plus, you don't have to elbow your way to the best stuffs. Plenty Mall, the only shopping mall in Seishin Chuo, is almost always deserted. You can do your shopping at a leisurely pace.
Food is also not a problem. The mall houses McDonald's, Häagen-Dazs, my favorite Rice Omelette restaurant, and everyone's favorite - a Saizeriya Family Restaurant! If you've got more money to burn, you could go to a restaurant inside the Seishin Oriental Hotel.
What else can you do there?
You could also just walk around the vicinity. The place is most enchanting during Autumn.
How to get there?
Seishin Chuo is in Kobe. From Osaka or Umeda, you could take JR, Hankyu or Hanshin line to Sannomiya. Then from Sannomiya, take the subway, Seishin Yamate Line and don't get off the train until the last stop.
Here are the suggested routes and rates:
(a) By JR Kobe Line
1. Osaka（大阪） -> Sannomiya（三宮） - 390 yen and takes about 20 minutes by JR Special Rapid Service, from Platforms 5 & 6
2. Sannomiya -> Seishin Chuo - 390 yen and takes about 34 minutes by Seishin Yamate Line
(b) By Hankyu Kobe Line
1. Umeda（梅田） -> Sannomiya（三宮） - 310 yen and takes about 27 minutes by Hankyu Limited Express
2. Sannomiya -> Seishin Chuo - 390 yen and takes about 34 minutes by Seishin Yamate Line
(c) By Hanshin Line
1. Umeda（梅田） -> Sannomiya（三宮） - 310 yen and takes about 29 minutes by Hanshin Sanyo Limited Express
2. Sannomiya -> Seishin Chuo - 390 yen and takes about 34 minutes by Seishin Yamate Line
Finding the Subway station could be a little confusing. But you'll be fine if you'll just follow the arrows.
Here are some photos I took from Seishin Chuo:
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