Enjoyable Osaka city and suburbs tour by car - Plan 3

Osaka Castle's predecessor was Osaka Hongan-ji Temple (Ishiyama Hongan-ji Temple) during the Sengoku period, and the castle tower was built during the Battle of Ishiyama fought against Oda Nobunaga, was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, fell during the Osaka Shogunate, was rebuilt by the Tokugawa shogunate, and was destroyed by fire during the Meiji Restoration. It is the third generation building following the Toyotomi and Tokugawa eras, and was rebuilt in 1931 with donations from citizens. Since its reconstruction, the museum has been renamed Osaka Castle Castle Tower and has housed a wealth of cultural assets related to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the Sengoku period, and the history of Osaka Castle, which are displayed in exhibition rooms that are changed from time to time.

It came to be called ``Kuromon Market'' because the main gate of Enmyoji Temple, which was near the market, was black. Conger conger in the summer and blowfish in the winter are famous, and about 10% of fresh fish stores have signs dedicated to blowfish. Approximately 150 stores are lined up under the arcade, which is approximately 580 meters long, and shops of various genres are lined up here and there, and everywhere you look, it is filled with the liveliness of a market. If you come here, be prepared to be full.

It is the headquarters of the 2,300 Sumiyoshi Shrines nationwide, and is revered as the Ichinomiya of Settsu Province, with over 2 million pilgrims visiting at the beginning of the year. At Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, rabbits are considered messengers of the gods. There are many cute rabbit-themed items, including the Sumiyoshi Rabbit, a stone statue of a rabbit that can be stroked to pray for good health, as well as amulets, fortune slips, and stamp books.

The two buildings, connected by a hanging garden, have a unique form that stands out even from a distance. The observation deck on the 40th floor rooftop offers a 360-degree view, and from the rooftop you can enjoy a panoramic view of Osaka while enjoying the breeze from 173 meters above the ground. At night, the rooftop ``Rumi Sky Walk'' has glowing phosphorescent stones scattered under your feet, creating a perfect atmosphere. The observation deck is located on the roof of a skyscraper, which is unusual for a skyscraper, and it is a popular tourist spot because it offers a 360-degree view and allows you to feel the breeze.
Opening hours: Observation deck 9:30-22:30 (last entry 10:00 p.m., special business hours available), Closed: Observation deck open all year round, other prices vary depending on store Price: Observation deck 1500 yen for adults; Children (4 years old to elementary school student) 700 yen