October Break Series: Exploring Osaka

• Expo ’70 Commemorative Park & National Museum of Ethnology – Taking up much of my morning, the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park and the National Museum of Ethnology located in its center were without a doubt my favorite places not only in Osaka, but on my whole trip. The park was originally built to house the 1970 World’s Fair but continues to be used as a recreation space today. The Tower of the Sun sculpture, pictured below, was really stunning to me, and I spent a while photographing it with my film camera before walking over to the museum. This museum was very unique in that it displays collections of artifacts from cultures all across the world, and from ancient times up until present day, allowing visitors to get a truly deep understanding of various ways of living. The artifacts themselves were incredible, and many of the things I saw I had never seen before, even as someone who visits museums rather frequently. I absolutely plan on returning to the park one day and exploring it further because I really didn't get to see as much of it as I would have liked to on this trip.

• The Silver Ball Planet Pinball Arcade – Even if you’re not into pinball, I recommend checking out the Silver Ball Planet, Japan’s best pinball arcade. From old to new, you’ll find a machine you’ll want to try out among the arcade’s 100+ options. Plus, Silver Ball Planet is located in the whimsically-designed Shinsaibashi Big Step shopping mall, which is also home to a great gashapon (capsule toy) store, various dining options, and thrift shops—a truly excellent place to hang out, at the caliber of American malls in the ‘80s.

• Shinsekai District – If you’ve been dreaming of an enjoyable Japanese nightlife experience that isn’t a bar, you’ll find it in Shinsekai. Boasting decades-old eateries with elaborate and vivid signs, the district is full to the brim with carnival games and vintage arcade games (everything other than pinball, don’t worry). Pro tip: Skip the Tsutenkaku Tower. The view isn’t that great and it’s for sure not worth the long wait in line—you’re better off using your time walking around the area and seeing all the pretty storefronts up close rather than from a distance.

Honorable mention to the Glion Museum, devoted to the exhibition of vintage cars. It was pretty small, but it had some awesome vehicles in there that I’ve always wanted to see in real life.

You’re probably thinking: “But wait, you missed the Glico Man, ubiquitous on social media!” Dear Reader, I did brave the crowds to see the running man, and it was not worth it—between the billboards and tourists, the area felt exactly like New York’s Times Square. So unless you are specifically interested in exploring Osaka’s nightlife beyond what the Shinsekai area has to offer, maybe briefly pop into Namba to see the running man, but otherwise stay away. With day three over, we have Kobe for our next stop on day four!