Train Spotting in Osaka - Panning Handheld @ 1/15th-1/30th. (Motion Blur Filter added in PS)
Osaka is a city full of energy with a zest for humour. Daily jokes at work are compulsory. Once you get off the train anywhere in the city a spark of charisma is apparent around every street corner. It’s a city that shows itself off better at night. It’s a city of merchants and hagglers always enjoying their day at work with a laugh and good sales banter. After several years of visiting Osaka as a photographer, I have found you the best spots to visit at the perfect time of day. Once you get into the rhythm of this city’s pace, it can actually become infectious.
Osaka Locations Overview
Two or Three days in Osaka should be enough to cover these suggested locations. For sunset and night time locations I would start with Abino Harukas or Umeda Sky Building followed by Tsutenkaku and finishing with Namba for the night. During the day I would visit the Aquarium and the Castle. Aside from these iconic locations, street photography can also be a fun genre to delve into. You can allocate 2-3 hours in each location depending on the weather.
Abino Harukas 60th Floor
Umeda Sky Building & Abino Harukas
The best way to see any city is to start with a view from above. This gives you more scope to explore and discover areas you would like to visit. I have two observatory choices for the best views of Osaka. Both cost 1,500 yen and are at least 60 floors up. Both will give you different angles of view and have some pros and cons. Umeda’s outside area can be quite cold and windy but there will be no glass reflections. Abino Harukas has glass but can keep you warmer in the cooler months. If you are getting some glass reflections a dark jacket behind the camera and the lens almost touching the glass, will minimise reflections.
Umeda Sky Building Views with Highway through building.
A 24-70mm lens range should cover most areas. Umeda will give you a clean shot towards the infamous highway through building. If you are pressed for time, I would opt for Abino Harukas over Umeda Sky Building. It’s quicker to walk to from a train station. Umeda as a piece of modern and unique architecture (exterior) is a major draw card. Hiroshi Hara the architect is also known for other great structures such as Kyoto Station & Sapporo Stadium. Even though it was built in 1993 it still looks unique. A point of difference has to be the the escalator up 173 m that joins the twin buildings.
Osaka Views from Abino Harukas 60th floor.
2. Shinsekai Or Tsutenkaku
The best time to visit this area would have to be at dusk when the lights come on followed by dinner in the area. Osaka is known for 3 main dishes: Takoyaki, (Octopus Balls) Kushikatsu, (Deep Fried Assorted Skewers) and Okonomiyaki (Savoury Pancake). My favourite is Okonomiyaki made from eggs, flour, grated yam and shredded cabbage. You can add pork, squid, shrimp or meat. It’s delicious, try it! The area is quite small which only really cover 2 blocks with about 100 restaurants.
This is not a ritzy suburb, its the old downtown area. Be prepared for some local characters known to belt out a few loud screams after a few too many sakes. Street portrait opportunities with or without permission may be found easily.
Tsutenkaku (ISO 100, F11 @ 30 secs) using a tripod and 6 stop filter.
Namba Neon (ISO 400, F11 @ 2-4 seconds) Tripod essential. (Lights change quick)
3. Namba or Dotonbori
You know you have arrived in the heart of the city when you are here after dusk. Just like Tsutenkaku it comes alive when Neon Nippon turns on. If you only have a short stay in Osaka, then you might be able to see both areas in one night. It’s only a 12 minute train ride away from Tsutenkaku. Namba however covers a much larger area to look around. Be prepared to be shoulder to shoulder with endless crowds. The most famous of spots would have to be in front of Glico Neon sign. You can also take a 900 yen boat ride along the canal to see Osaka from a different perspective.
Wolf playing Melodian in Dotonbori
4. Osaka Castle
In my opinion the exterior is far more impressive than the interior. Save yourself the entrance fee for a delicious Ramen instead. The interior is newly renovated, crowded and underwhelming. However, for no fee at all, you can stroll around the outside and find many interesting angles. Many Trip Advisor reviews rave about the views but I would hazard a guess at choosing Umeda or Abino. Going in spring or autumn might allow you to juxtaposition a tree or two in front of the castle.
Osaka Castle
Osaka Aquarium
Osaka Aquarium
On an overcast or rainy day a great escape in doors can be spent in the aquarium. 3 hours before or after lunch should cover most key shots.
The main fish tank is huge 34 spiral tank four floors containing 5,400 tons of water, serving as the home of whale sharks, the largest fish species in the world. The most beautiful way to show off these beautiful sea creatures is a silouehette.
Other highlights in this tank are Manta Rays and hammerhead sharks. Another highlight are the jellyfish. The whole experience despite the crowds can be very relaxing if you find a quiet corner to sit and watch.
My Travel Photography Kit
Camera: Fujifilm XT3 | Lenses: 35mm (F1.4) & 14mm (F2.8) | Tripod: Sirui T024SX | Macbook Pro 13 inch | Total Weight: 5 Kg.
Join me in Osaka in March