Don't get bored yet... It's over. Osaka Castle... that I've been waiting for... has finally arrived.

Day 5 of this trip

Our initial plan was to visit Osaka Castle and Nara, returning in the evening. However, due to time constraints, we were unable to visit Nara. Consequently, we opted to visit Osaka Castle only.

We checked out of our accommodation early in the morning and dragged our luggage to Osaka Station. There are lockers of various sizes available for self-service storage. Simply choose a locker and insert the required amount of money. The price is clearly displayed. After placing your luggage inside, lock it and keep the issued ticket safe. This ticket is essential for retrieving your belongings later. The process is self-service, so there are no staff members to assist you. (Don't worry, it's easy!)

Packed our bags...we're off to the castle! As usual, we didn't buy tickets for our 5th day (we bought JR tickets for the train, there are many options, talk to the salesperson, which one is worth it, which one is easy). We chose to buy JR for only 2 days, the rest we used coins. The first time it didn't work...we did it often...oh...are we good or what?

The vending machine here is different from the ones in Thailand. In Thailand, you press the station button and then insert the money. But here, you insert the money first and then press the station button. At first, I pressed the station button and tried to insert the money, but nothing happened. I was confused, but then I realized that the machine accepts both coins and bills. It also has an English option. When I asked for help, the machine told me to insert the money again. I was still confused, but I decided to forget about it.

After leaving our luggage at the Osaka Station, we purchased tickets to Tenmabashi Station. As suggested by the website we previously recommended, we were able to check the train schedule and wait at the station accordingly. Upon arriving at Tenmabashi Station, the castle was immediately visible due to its towering height. Following the flow of people, we made our way to the castle, which is accessible by both subway and train. Getting lost is nearly impossible, as the castle is visible from afar, guiding our direction.

Upon exiting the train station and crossing the street, you will find the entrance. Inside, there is a rickshaw service available, but we opted to walk instead, continuing our journey on foot.

Looking back at the station

The inscription on the castle map is illegible at this point.

Before entering the castle grounds, which also serve as a public park, there is a sports field inside for people to exercise and participate in activities. In addition to rickshaw services, bicycles are also available for rent. People of all ages, from children to the elderly, come here to jog, ride, and relax.

Upon entering the castle grounds, you will encounter a roundabout. Continue walking straight ahead, and you will find the castle entrance, marked by a staircase. You can either proceed directly to the entrance, which will lead you to the back of the castle, or take a detour through the public garden.

We did not enter the castle itself on this visit… like everywhere else, there was an entrance fee. However, due to time constraints and limitations (and a reluctance to pay), we opted to walk around the castle grounds instead.

There are many beautiful photo spots. Walk around the castle...

After enjoying the view to our satisfaction, we returned the same way and got off at Osaka Station. Looking at the time, we had a little time left, so we decided to grab something to eat before heading back. As usual, we couldn't speak Japanese, and they couldn't speak English. We pointed and managed to communicate.

Shop at Osaka Station

The dish was delicious, and the portion was huge. I thought I wouldn't be able to finish it, but I didn't want to disappoint the chef, so I ate it all. He smiled at me, and I wondered how I managed to eat it all.

We then retrieved our luggage from the lockers and proceeded to wait for the limousine or bus that we had previously purchased tickets for, which would transport us between the airport and Osaka Station.

Osaka-Kyoto 5-day, 4-night trip completed.

This text describes a personal travel experience, offering potential insights to future travelers. The author acknowledges the passage of time since their visit and the possibility of memory lapses, while expressing a desire for readers to enjoy their own travel experiences.

Before concluding... this trip, let me leave you with some trivial tidbits, whether you want to know them or not.

This is a picture of the bus route map in Japan. We received it when we purchased bus tickets at Kyoto Station. Honestly, does anyone understand it? It's a bit confusing, but it does provide some useful information.

Accommodation recommendation: Drop Inn Osaka, near Osaka Station.

The accommodation we chose was the closest one, which was a short walk from the station exit. Exiting from the north gate of Osaka Station, turn left and walk straight ahead. Cross the road and the railway tracks, and you will arrive in 5-10 minutes.

Turn left at the exit. You will find a bus stop where you can catch a bus to other destinations.

This picture shows the opposite side of Osaka Station.

Crossing the railway

The accommodation we stayed in this time had both group rooms and mixed rooms. We chose to stay in a mixed room, separated by gender. The first floor of this accommodation is the lobby floor, and the third floor is for the living room and shower room.

The living room also includes a kitchen with a shared refrigerator. Guests are welcome to store their food in the refrigerator, but it is recommended to label it with their name and the date to avoid confusion. There is a laundry room, a water dispenser, and complimentary breakfast, coffee, and bread available every morning. A small convenience store is also located on-site.

Inside

The Room We Stayed in on the 4th Floor

The room we stayed in was on the 4th floor and was a mixed-gender dormitory room with capsule beds. It was very quiet, and no one seemed to bother anyone else. Our belongings were safe, and it was a good place to relax. There was free Wi-Fi, and the room had a security code for entry. It was quite warm.

The Shared Bathroom on the Third Floor

The shared bathroom on the third floor is divided into separate sections for men and women. It is further divided into individual shower stalls, allowing for privacy during showering. Hairdryers are also available for use. The toilet stalls are separate from the shower stalls, and there seemed to be an adequate number of them, preventing long wait times. Overall, the bathroom facilities appeared to be sufficient to meet the needs of the residents.

Kitchen duty schedule for floor 3

Small shop

Morning view

This is a great option for those seeking accommodation. The station is centrally located, making it easy to travel to other destinations. Prices are affordable and accessible. The staff speaks English and can be contacted through Agoda or other platforms. The station is clean and attracts a diverse international clientele. (Please excuse any inaccuracies in the accommodation information, particularly regarding floors.)

See you on the next trip!