TRAVEL DIARY: OSAKA CASTLE, SHINSEKAI MARKET
There’s a charming little tourist train, often called the Osaka Castle Park Train, which loops around the castle grounds. It is an easy way to see the sights and save on walking.
Here are some images from around the castle, with the added bonus of autumn colours.
Food stalls were waiting for us when we finished our walk.
Osaka Castle Illuminage in Nishinomaru Garden was open from November 1, 2025 to February 1, 2026, lighting up the winter nights with stunning displays around the castle.
This was in 14 November 2025.
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Day 15 was our last full day in Osaka, and it was a slow one. Some last-minute shopping at Don Quijote and Daiso, lunch at Shinsekai Market, and a wander around the area near Tsutenkaku Tower.
These alleyways have a quiet magic of their own.
I am linking this to Jo’s Monday Walk and also to Natalie’s Photographing Public Art Challenge
This was in 15 November 2025.
We left in the afternoon, heading back to Melbourne.
I’d love to return to Japan someday, but next time I think I’d choose somewhere a little quieter and less overwhelming … away from the crowds, where things move just a bit more slowly.
I don’t think that train existed when we were there in 2012 – I wish it had as I remember being rather weary that day! But I did enjoy a mango ice cream from one of those food stalls and a lovely chat with a passing local man keen to practice his English. We also didn’t see anything like that Illuminage which looks stunning!
Glad that there are train now, it would have been hard for me if there wasn’t. The Illuminage is only there during winter time. We went a bit early as the sun was just setting so it was still a bit quiet. And as we were leaving people were already starting to arrive. Thanks for commenting Sarah.
You have such a lovely sense of fun and it’s always a delight coming here. I especially love those geisha in the illumination park. Our Internet has been off all day so perhaps that’s why you couldn’t comment, Teresa, but I would have found you anyway xx
I am not hard to please. So maybe by now you already know what makes me happy. Thanks for baring with me and my Japan walks.
Sounds like a good trip, Teresa.
It was good and very memorable. Thanks Coral.
What a beautiful castle and awesome light displays. Thank you for your public art contribution.
And to think I almost didn’t go there. But lucky I did.
Osaka is interesting but so frenetic. I needed a rest after a few days there!
That’s so true and so is Tokyo. That’s why when I go back, I need to go to a much quieter area. Thanks for commenting.
I stayed in Shinagawa in Tokyo. The station was busy but the hotel set back on gardens on a hill was like an oasis.
Oh that is further away. We stayed in the 3 most popular cities for first timers in Japan, Osaka, Tokyo and Kyoto. Will have to go further away next time.
It is on the Yamanote loop line between Shinjuku and Shibuya
Oh not too far.