Spring Vacation Trip Osaka, Japan: Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan (海遊館)

Osaka is home to quite a large aquarium called Kaiyukan. It is easily accessible from the subway via Osakako station. The layout of the aquarium has you start from the top and work your way down the levels. The permanent exhibit is quite large and hosts a variety of sea creatures. There are themed areas as you work your way through the exhibit and at the end there is a hands-on area where you can touch some fish. Below are some photos from my visit. I won't spoil the whole thing for you :)

The exterior of the aquarium

This is how thick the glass is in the main aquarium

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan (海遊館)

Website: http://www.kaiyukan.com/language/eng/

Hours: 10:00AM-8:00PM *Last admission one hour before closing, admission hours can vary depending on seasons/holidays
Admission: Adults are 2300 Yen each (Discounts can be found for tourists usually)
Getting there: Subway Osakako Station
What to bring/wear: Good walking shoes, a camera/camcorder if you want to take pictures.
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/p2z7A

Spring Vacation Trip Osaka, Japan: Shitennoji (四天王寺) and the Osaka Museum of History (大阪歴史博物館)

Below are a few snapshots from my visit to Shitennoji (oldest officially administered temple in Japan). The interior of most of the buildings did not allow photography (that or I didn't deem it respectful to be taking pictures inside) so these are of the grounds and exterior. The weather was still amazing so as you can see the cherry blossoms were in full bloom and the sky was blue with just a few clouds. There was also this pond with a ton of turtles in it.

Shitennoji (四天王寺)

Website: http://www.shitennoji.or.jp/

Hours: 8:30AM - 4:30PM

Admission: Small fee for entering the center grounds (300 Yen)

Getting thereAccessible via the subway system (Shitennojimae Yuhigaoka Station or tennoji station are the closest I think)

What to bring/wear: Good walking shoes, a camera/camcorder if you want to take pictures.

Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/m6V5k

I also went to the Osaka Museum of History on the same day. I must say I was quite impressed with this museum. The detail in the models of the city and exhibits was done very well. There were also plenty of volunteers and staff around to man the hands-on exhibits. My friend and I played a traditional game and also put together some puzzles. A lot of the exhibits had text translated to English and Korean though not every exhibit has translations.

Osaka Museum of History (大阪歴史博物館)

Website: http://www.mus-his.city.osaka.jp/index.html

Hours: 9:30AM-5:00PM *Please Enter 30 Minutes Prior To Closing
Admission: Adults are 600 Yen each
Getting there: Subway Tanimachi Line and Chuo Line, “Tanimachi 4-Chome” Station, Close To Exit “9” or “2”
What to bring/wear: Good walking shoes, a camera/camcorder if you want to take pictures.
Layout of Exhibitions: http://www.mus-his.city.osaka.jp/eng/exhibitions/permanent.html

Spring Vacation Trip Osaka, Japan: Osaka Castle (大坂城) and Dotonbori (道頓堀)

The below photos are from Osaka Castle (大坂城) during one of the peak times for the blooming cherry blossoms. I got lucky with the time I chose to go to Osaka as most if not all the cherry blossoms were in full bloom. The weather was (as you can see) pretty much perfect. Barely a cloud in the sky and the temperature was neither hot or cold. A ton of Japanese and tourists alike were out that day. The actual building you see has been converted into a museum with an observation level and small gift shop at the top. There is a small charge to go up into the actual 'castle'. 

Osaka Castle (大坂城)

Website: http://www.osakacastle.net/english/
Hours: Entrance to the Museum is from 9AM - 5PM (extended seasonally) with the last admission at 4:30PM.
Admission: 600 Yen to enter the Museum (Grounds are free)
Getting there: http://www.osakacastle.net/english/access/index.html
What to bring/wear: Good walking shoes, a camera/camcorder if you want to take pictures. There are some food options/vending machines available onsite.
Maps: http://www.osakacastle.net/english/park/index.html

After spending the day at Osaka Castle, I visited Dotonbori, a large tourist area that straddles a canal that runs through Osaka. Here you can find a ton of restaurants and shopping as well as a sea of people when night time hits. The iconic Glico Running Man is also located here (picture below). My dinner here consisted of a visit to Kamukura Ramen. To order food, you use the vending machine outside of the restaurant for a meal ticket and then just go in a find an open seat. I chose a set meal that include gyoza and rice formed into a triangle. Everything was delicious!

Dotonbori (道頓堀)

Website (Japan National Tourism Organization): http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/regional/osaka/dotonbori.html

Hours: Restaurant and shop hours vary. Place comes alive at night.
Admission: None
Getting there: Accessible via the subway system (Namba and Nipponbashi Stations) and various other methods
What to bring/wear: Good walking shoes, a camera/camcorder if you want to take pictures. An appetite.
Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/FPaJf