Solo Backpacking in Japan: Osaka – Last day
Back to Osaka
After 8 hours of travel in bus, I’m finally in Umeda Sky Building.
While I’m walking, I remember I need to put my netbook to my luggage.
Wait, I can’t find it! ?
I just realized that I left my handbag in the bus, OMG. I hope the bus didn’t left yet.
All of my valuable items are there. Passport, phone, wallet…my gosh!!!!
I ran really fast, hauling my luggage with me.
I’m out of breath. I really hope that the bus has not departed yet. ?
Thank God! And the bus is still there.
I informed the staff that I left my handbag, and she let me in.
After that, the bus left. (Can you imagine, I almost missed it. And this happened in my birthday?)
Ok…inhale, exhale..Need to relax now.
Umeda Sky building was not yet open, so I just took a photo of it.
I need to find the train station to Osaka station.Hmm…where should I go?
I asked for the direction, got lost, and followed a girl going to the subway too.
There are stairs again, and I need to carry my luggage ?. So tired.Then walk again, I asked again, and a man told me that the train station is in the mall.
When I got in the mall, I look for a locker to leave my luggage…but the available lockers are too small. So I went to the luggage storage room instead. It cost ¥500 for 6 hours.
Breakfast time
Time to go to Osaka Castle, and because the subway line is not included in Kansai thru pass, I bought a separate one way ticket to Osaka Castle.
The closest JR station to Osaka Castle is Osakajokoen Station on the JR Loop Line, a 10 minute, ¥160 ride from JR Osaka Station.
From the station, I didn’t bother to look at my map, and just follow the people. It seems they are all going to the Osaka Castle.
While walking…
It’s a long walk….but I can see it…
I didn’t go inside, I might not be able to appreciate it. They have audio for English, but it has a schedule. When I got there it’s in Japanese language. And I’m not into history, just for photo ops.?
I went back to Namba
Just to buy some snacks?
I found an ice cream vending machine. It’s so cute! so I tried even though it’s really cold(brain freeze)?
After buying some stuff, I need to go back to Osaka station, to get my luggage then to airport.
I forgot the place where I left my luggage. I got off to a different exit, and don’t know which way to go ?
So I went back, to Umeda station, since that’s the only landmark I can remember. But it’s too far (my legs really gave up, haha)
Well, at least I was able to see the storage place.?
I went early to the airport. I have a lot of time to spare.
I don’t want to be late too, ’cause the travel time to Kansai airport from Osaka station is 70 minutes.
Time to go Home…See you again Japan ?
Have you ever been to the Kaiyuukan? I think it’s the aquarium, I don’t know what they call it in English though.
oh I think I heard that one, but no, I didn’t. I went to a different aquarium in Tokyo, When I visit Japan again 🙂
Wow! That’s an eventful day! Aren’t you glad you found ice cream vending machine at the end?
oh yeah, well I need to endure the coldness while devouring the ice cream. Thanks!
I see that this article had been posted some five years ago. Has there been any recent update on it? I’ve been to Osaka in spring this year and wrote about it on my blog (http://www.allacrossasia.com/osaka-japans-number-two/). However, I came to a rather mixed conclusion and would say there are more interesting destinations for travelers in the Kansas region than the city of Osaka itself…
Yeah, this was 5 years ago. And I’m sure there’s a lot of new attractions for travelers. Thanks!
I love how everything in Japan looks so manicured and polished. Their attention to detail makes everything so beautiful.
I read a blog the other day about a person who tries McDonalds in every place they travel.. I’m not sure I could do that. But that ice cream vending machine tickles my fancy.
Thanks for sharing. Keep traveling blogging. Adventure is better when shared with friends!
Thank you too!
Oh wow, this looks like such a fun adventure! I’ve still yet to visit Japan, but I’m definitely coming to Osaka! A really nice post.
Thank you!
I can imagine the panic of leaving your valuables on the bus!!! It can happen to anyone, especially when you are not in a routine, and find yourself hustling on and off various forms of transportation. We love how different regions of the world have various types of vending machines for what is popular. We’ve even experienced fresh milk vending machines on the side of the road where you can get a bottle of milk, fresh from the farmer’s cow that morrning. Would love to experience the ice cream vending machine! 😉
wow, I haven’t tried that milk from farmer’s cow, interesting. Thank you!