Ninja, anyone?
by milliturtle
About 2.5 to 3 hours by train outside of Osaka is a town called Iga Ueno. Its claim to fame is that it used to be the base of one of the powerful and mysterious Ninja clans.
The main attraction is the Ninja House, where you can visit a ninja house (with trap doors and everything), ninja show, and a small museum showing the various tools used by the Ninjas. I got there way too early, so I was the only one in the audience for the ninja house tour and the tour guide even let me go through one of the trap doors!
There is also a castle and some temples in this small town. However, every April, the town comes to life with its annual Ninja Festival, where enthusiasts will gather for tournaments. You even have the opportunity to dress up as a ninja! I missed the tournaments day when I went 3 years ago, but the whole town was decked out with ninja paraphernalia! The tourist board employees also walk around the town in Ninja theme uniforms greeting tourists and handing out freebies. I got a "ninja biscuit", which is what the real ninja used to snack on. It was hard as rock but once you let it melt a bit :) it was actually quite tasty.
If you're a bit tired of temples, didn't mind a long train ride, and ninjas fascinate you, you should check this place out! Oh, the train between Iga-Kambe and Ueno Shi is painted in ninja style. I'll let the pictures do the telling.
Which one is cheaper?
by wathy
There are many kinds of train in Osaka such as JR train, Hankyu, Subway (chikatetsu), Hanshin, Nankai etc.
For around Osaka, I always take JR or Hankyu.
Subway is too expensive.
For only 1 station distance, it will cost you 200 yen. Walk is better.
Check before start your journey.
Curry Rice!
by OsakaHatter about Sukiya
Curry Rice is to Japan what Fish and Chips is to Britain, cheap, fast and filling with little nutritional value!
Japanese curry should not be confused with the Indian or Thai versions, as it is a very basic spicy gravy to flovour rice. There is usually only a few pieces of meat and vegetables to liven it up.
Around Japan there are now many fast food shops specializing in both curry and gudon, the most noticible of which are Matsuya (Yellow with 3 dots on the sign) and Yoshinoya.
Sukiya however is the pick of the bunch. The quality of the curry is much higher than their other fast food rivals, and is worth the extra 100 or so yen.
They offer a fairly wide variety of curries and gudon and your meal is ready in a couple of minutes, making it a feasible lunchtime spot when time is tight. I generally prefer curry but the gudon is pretty good as well. Each dish can be ordered in 3 sizes. I like the mini's as they make for a light afternoon meal and don't leave me too sleepy for an afternoons work.
Shinsaibashi
by walterwu
Where Dotonbori covered street arcade ends, Shinsaibashi starts. Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi is separated by a man-made canal with a road bridge across.
You can planned to cover both these within the same day. Best time to visit the place would be between 10:00am to 8:00pm for shopping and dinning after 8:00pm would be fine.
Tennoji Park, with its...
by o00o
Tennoji Park, with its spacious green areas, is situated near Tennoji Station. A zoo and an art museum are located within the park. The Shinsekai District in Tennoji is famous for its Tsutenkaku Tower. The district, home also to Festivalgate (an amusement park of urban design) and Spa World (featuring bathing facilities of ethnic designs), attracts many people. Tennoji is known not only for its modern attractions, but also for its historic features including ***ennoji Temple, said to be Japan's oldest official temple; and Imamiya Ebisu Shrine, commonly called 'Ebessan.' Sumiyoshi Grand Shinto Shrine, famous for its vermilion Taikobashi (Arched Bridge), is also located nearby.
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Shinko-in Temple in Osaka
Preparation of Okonomiyaki, Osaka
the entrance
Osaka castle in spring
