Staff's Osaka Travelogue

Hello everyone.

This is NAGINOWA staff.

Actually, I recently took a solo trip to Osaka.

For someone raised in eastern Japan, the large sculptures and interesting exhibits in Kansai offered a fresh, never-boring sightseeing experience, even when visiting alone!

I wanted to share this with all of you who love NAGINOWA's bonsai pots, so here are photos of Osaka's symbol, Tsutenkaku Tower, and the surrounding Shinsekai district.

 

First up: Tsutenkaku Tower.

I was thrilled to see the tower I often see on TV!

Since I went early in the morning, there weren't many people, so I could take lots of photos.

 

Then, walking down Tsutenkaku Hondori Street, you'll find a charming arcade.

 

Looking further at the shops along the street, there's a cute coin laundry,

 

and even a specialty store for those “Umai-Bō” snacks.

 

As I walked down the main street, I spotted Kushikatsu Daruma, a famous chain with multiple locations in Osaka.

Surprisingly, this Kushikatsu Daruma has four branches near Tsutenkaku Tower alone.

I wondered if so many shops were really needed in such a small area, but I still made sure to take a photo.

 

Tsutenkaku Tower isn't open yet, so we pass beneath it and continue exploring the streets of Shinsekai.

Suddenly, a giant okonomiyaki appears! Octopus! Who!? Takoyaki!

 

I've never seen such huge sculptures lined up like this anywhere in Tokyo!

Shinsekai—just walking around here gets you excited.

 

A little further ahead is a nostalgic shooting gallery.

It seems to be open from early in the morning.

 

While wandering around, I noticed Tsutenkaku Tower was open.

I promptly bought a same-day ticket and went inside.

 

Then, take the incredibly slow elevator up to the observation deck.

The panoramic view of Osaka is breathtaking!

Now, here's a quiz. Where is Osaka Castle!?

Good luck will surely come to those who get it right.

 

And as I made my way around the observation deck, there stood a golden statue—one I felt I'd seen earlier in Shinsekai.

This is apparently “Mr. Billiken,” a symbol of Osaka.

Beloved as a god of fortune and good luck, legend has it that rubbing his feet makes your wishes come true.

 

Well, I thought it was about time to head back down to the ground floor, but the path still led further.

As I walked on, I learned about Tsutenkaku's history and saw exhibits like Glico's.

Then, as I kept going, I saw ONE PIECE's Chopper turned into gold! So cute!

He was holding a Caplico, one of Glico's signature snacks.

 

Well, well, I thought we were almost at the exit, but when I went down one more floor, there was Kinnikuman!

Snapped a pic of this one too.

 

This is how I thoroughly enjoyed Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku.

There were lots of foreign tourists too, and right after opening, the crowd grew and it got really lively!

After that, I went inside Kushikatsu Daruma and had a hearty lunch of kushikatsu and lemon sour! It was the best trip ever.

 

And don't forget the pork buns from 551 Horai.

Of course, I bought some to wrap up my trip.

 

So, that's a glimpse into my Osaka trip—just a part of it, but I hope you enjoyed it.
I'd be thrilled if you felt like you traveled with me.

 

Well, that's all for today.

NAGINOWA is an e-commerce store offering high-quality Japanese bonsai pots and gardening supplies.  
In our staff blog, the staff who run this e-commerce store in Japan write about their daily lives as they please.  
  
NAGINOWA Staff