Exploring the Enigmatic City of Osaka

Taking the Shinkansen to Osaka, via Mount Fuji, I visited another enigmatic Japanese city - Osaka. Not only is it a little more relaxed than Tokyo, it also feels more grubby and authentic in a good way. From the nightlife in Dotonbori to Osaka Castle, it has a few tourist traps, which I liked at lot.

As a photographer, I try to capture the essence of the places I visit. One of the highlights (using 35mm f2 Sigma, if interested) was exploring the bustling streets of Dotonbori. Known for its neon lights and food culture, this area is packed at any time of day and I went there most evenings to take in the atmosphere, and also quite a lot of Birru. Getting back to the hotel was thankfully a very straight line.

For me , another must-visit attraction was Osaka Castle. This iconic landmark not only offers a glimpse into Japan's rich history but also provides a stunning backdrop for photography especially as this was one of the few times on my trip I actually managed to wake up for a sunrise!

I met a talented local photographer here - his work is pretty inspiring , please take a look - https://artspaces.kunstmatrix.com/en/exhibition/9770247/colors-of-the-countryside

For those interested in history and culture, I'd also recommend a visit to the Osaka Museum. With its extensive collection of artefacts and exhibits, the museum offers a comprehensive overview of Osaka's past. What surprised me was how far back the exhibits go, all the way from 5C AD to the 1970's. It's very well done.

As a surprise, I came across a Japanese car meeting in the streets near Amerika-kusa which was a nice surprise and everyone was very friendly, if a little obsessed. Thanks guys for chatting and for your enthusiasm :)

This was also the only city in which it rained during my entire trip!