Cherry Blossom in the Middle

Cherry Blossom in the Middle - Osaka, Japan

June 01, 2017

Cherry Blossom in the Middle

Osaka, Japan

Osaka is Japan's second largest metropolitan area after Tokyo. It has been the economic powerhouse of the Kansai region for many centuries. Osaka was formerly known as Naniwa. Before the Nara Period, when the capital used to be moved with the reign of each new emperor, Naniwa was once Japan's capital city, the first one ever known.

In the 16th century, Toyotomi Hideyoshi chose Osaka as the location for his castle, and the city may have become Japan's political capital if Tokugawa leyasu had not terminated the Toyotomi lineage after Hideyoshi's death and moved his government to distant Edo (Tokyo).

Osaka is one of Japan's beset cities for cherry blossom viewing (hanami). Below is a list of the city's most popular hanami spots, including the typical timing for best viewing in the average year. Here are the list of famous cherry blossom spots.

1. Kema Sakuranomiya Park

2. Osaka Castle

3. Expo 70 Commemorative Park

4. Osaka Mint Bureau

5. Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park

After look at the pink blossom, visiting Dotonbori would be a good option. Dotonbori is a canal that crosses the south part of Osaka. Since ancient times, rivers played a vital role in the city's life, which acted as gateway port for the rest of Kansai. The final stages of a long river promenade, that connects the Sakaisuji street to the east and Minato River Plae to the west, will cover a distance of about 1 kilometer on either side of the rier. While it can be visited in the daytime, the colorful array of neon signs at night enlivens the area. Located in the center of an entertainment district, it is busy 7 days a week, 365 days a year, both with locals and visitors. It is a great chance to see Osakans in their natural environment. The most popular spot is the Ebisu Bridge along the Shinsaibashi shopping arcade, where the neon signs compete for attention, the leader being the Glico 'Running Man'.

Ipponmatsu Shipping Co. Offers several boat tours, incuding some in the evening, which gives passengers a unique perspective of the area and of Osaka. Starting east of Ebisu Bridge, there are 20 minute tours, which go along the river, and a 90 minute tour, which goes around Osaka and departs from the Minato River Place.

Most famous in Osaka are takoyaki (dough balls filled with octopus) and okonomiyaki (flour, cabbage, yams, pickled giner and other ingredients cooked in a pan, topped with a Worcestershire-like sauce), and are available at many stalls and restaurants in the area.