Minoo Park
Momofuko Instant Ramen Cup Noodles Museum
Umeda Sky Building (Floating Garden Observatory)
The first thing we did when we got out of bed was to draw the curtains and check the weather. After many days of gloomy weather, we finally saw clear blue sky with plenty of sunshine. Yeah~~~ Time to put on those sunnies!
Before heading out to bask in the sun, we had our simple breakfast in the room - the cheesecake that we bought the night before.
I simply can't wait to dig into this famous cheesecake. And in case anyone of you wondered, yes, I did the "jiggly" test on the wrinkled-looking cheesecake. But don't be fooled by it's look - take one bite and it will have you crave for more. The smooth and soft texture of the cream cheese combined with the raisins found at the bottom of the cake is such a delightful combination, you won't even feel sick from eating too much of it. In fact, you will require some steel willpower to stop eating after the first slice.
The only downside is the expiry date - only 3 days from purchase date. So it makes bringing this cake back home a little challenging.
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| Check out the texture of the cake! |
Blessed with such beautiful weather, we decided to leave Osaka City for some fresh air. Thus, we made our way to Minoo Park.
The following was the route we took
- Namba Station (Midosuji Line) to Umeda Station
- Walk to Hankyu Umeda Station (5mins)
- Hankyu Umeda Station (Hankyu Takarazuka Line) to Ishibashi Station
- Ishibashi Station (Hankyu Minoo Line) to Minoo Station
From our previous experience, we managed to manoeuvre ourselves pretty smoothly at Umeda Station. The entire journey took us less than an hour and the train was very clean and punctual.
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| The moody princess preoccupied with her thoughts |
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| Finally can put on our sunglasses |
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| Not so crowded considering it was a Saturday |
Located in the northern outskirt from Osaka, Minoo Park is a perfect place to escape from the concrete city jungle for a day trip.
The main attraction of the park is the Minoo Waterfall and the hike up to the waterfall is paved with gently inclined slopes. We saw many elderly couples trekking on this route, so if they can do it, I'm sure we have no excuse not to be able to conquer it.
Once you step out of the train station, there will be clearly marked signs leading you to the waterfall. If unsure, just follow the crowd or ask the locals.
Along the trail to the waterfall, there are many local shops selling souvenirs and Minoo's very own speciality, momiji tempura which is maple leaves deep fried in a sweet batter. We didn't try it though as we couldn't imagine ourselves swallowing leaves.
As we exited the train station, the princess complained of being hungry (what's new?). So we stopped at a cosy bakery for a quick bite and toilet break.
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Bought this bite-sized trio bread as our hiking snack
even though I have no idea what flavour it was.
My guess was custard, red bean and sakura? |
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| Enjoying our bread in the cosy bakery |
Then off we go for our adventure!
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| This was what we attempted to do |
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Perfect weather - Clear blue sky
and cool temperature |
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Just follow the river trail or water gushing sound
and you should be on the right track |
Along the trail, there are a few temples and even an insect park. We didn't visit any of these as we were very focused on reaching the waterfall.
The climb up to the waterfall was relatively gentle and we enjoyed the fresh air and tranquil surroundings. It was even good fun to encourage each other to push our limits further.
We also noticed that the park was kept extremely clean - no trash on the trail, in the stream or anywhere else. What was even more amazing was there was not a single trash bin in sight along the trail. If you are visiting, do bring a disposable bag and throw your trash in the bag until you spot a bin (we finally found one at the foot of the trail). Let's all do our part to keep this park clean and green.
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| Super cute car eh? |
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| The well-paved route |
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| Jumping for joy? |
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Super clear water
Notice there is not a single piece of trash
in the water |
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| Minoo Falls being used as manhole cover |
However, we were dealt a huge blow when we found out that the trail to the waterfall was closed off to the public as it was damaged by a recent typhoon. Major setback! We asked some kind Japanese who were in the same situation as us on any other alternative route and was informed that the other route would involve a steeper climb and treacherous terrain. Thus, they advised that it was not suitable for children (and my weak knees).
We were definitely disappointed at this unfortunate turn of events as we wanted to show the princess how a real waterfall look like. However, we understand that the safety of the public was of the utmost importance and only hope for a chance to visit in the near future.
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| What an anti-climax! |
After taking a snack break, we made our descent and chanced upon a foot bath facility. Puzzled and curious, we observed that many visitors entered a small hut and soaked their feet into a communal wooden tub. As there was no English description on the signboard, we asked a staff in the office and his reply was "FREE, Go Go". So, without hesitation, we took off our socks and shoes for a soak. Ahhhhhh ~~~~~ The warm temperature of the water did soothe our tired legs and we were feeling quite relaxed. However, our peace was interrupted promptly by a big group of visitors. So, we left this hut after soaking for a few minutes.
Now, if you are a big fan of cup noodles like us, I'm pretty sure you will love this museum. Not only are you able to learn more about the history of cup noodles, you will be able to create your very own personalised cup noodles! How cool is that!
There is a café where you can purchase a variety of cup noodles flavours and drinks from vending machines and consume them immediately. Chopsticks and hot water are also provided in the dining area. The seating area is limited though. So when the area is fully occupied, the staff will block the entry until the next seat is available.
Do take note that the last entry to the museum is at 3.30pm. So do drop by earlier and allocate at least 2 hours to enjoy this place.
The route from Minoo Park to Cup Noodles Museum
- Minoo Station (Hankyu Minoo Line ) to Ishibashi
- Ishibashi (Hankyu Takarazuka Line) to Ikeda
- Walk from Ikeda to musuem
Upon exiting the station, there are signs showing you the exit/way to the museum. However, these signs are so small and pathetic. You really need eagle eye power to spot them. So we did what we had to do - ask the locals. Mention the word "ramen museum" and the locals will point you to the right direction.
We were starving when we reached the museum, so we headed straight to the café and were lucky to find seats immediately. We then made a mad dash to the vending machines, bought our respective cup noodles and devoured them down in absolute joy. Nom nom nom.....
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| Kids size cup noodles |
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| Everything looks yummy! |
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| My choice |
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| Peach Coke - taste a bit weird |
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| Let's eat! |
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| A sip of apple juice after the meal |
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| Happy with his super big bowl |
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| Happy after being fed well |
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You are expected to clean up when you are done.
There are instructions to guide you on how to
dispose the trash into respective "holes" |
We were enjoying our late lunch so much until we didn't realise we only had an hour left before the museum closes for the day. So we headed straight to the cup noodles factory.
You cannot fault the Japanese for doing things the super organised, systematic and orderly fashion. There are staff available at each station to guide you on the next step. Do check the above link to their website on how to complete each step.
It was certainly fun doing our own cup noodles together. The princess was totally sold until she asked for a second attempt. However, the museum was closing and we had to leave the premises. We didn't even have the time or chance to visit other zones, so we hope to return soon to take a look.
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| Instant noodles tunnel |
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| The cup noodles exhibit |
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Start of the Cup Noodles Factory tour
First, let's buy a cup |
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Put the cup on the holder and sanitise
your hands before you begin |
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The staff will direct you to the next available work desk
Then you start to design your own cup
Colouring materials and template are provided |
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| The artist at work |
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| Hmmmmm which colour should I use? |
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| Ah-ha! |
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| Done with the colouring |
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| Now it's time to choose your soup base and ingredients |
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First, you pass your cup to the staff who will put it on
top of the noodles machine |
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Then you spin the wheel to lower the cup so that
the noodles is placed inside |
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| Wide range of ingredients |
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| Princess making her choices |
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The staff will show you your selected choices
This is the princess' cup |
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| Daddy's cup |
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| Mummy's cup |
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| The assembly line is organised and efficient |
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| Sealing the cup |
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You can "bubble wrap" your personalised cup
noodles after payment |
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| Umbrella holder |
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| My little chick saw another chick |
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| And a bigger chick came along! |
After concluding the fun workshop at the cup noodles museum, we had to make our way back to Namba and will need to transfer at Umeda station. So we took this opportunity to explore the "Kita" (North) side of Osaka. And what better way than to enjoy the sunset at Umeda Sky Building - Floating Garden Observatory.
Umeda Sky Building is an unique high rise structure in the Umeda area which consists of two towers that are joined at the top by the ring-like observation deck.
The venue consists of offices, restaurants and other facilities but the main attraction is the observation deck dubbed Floating Garden Observatory. Although there is no garden to greet you at the observatory, you will be treated to a 360 degree panoramic views from the decks.
Access to the observatory is via glass elevators that bring you up to the 35th Floor where you transfer to a glass escalator to the 39th Floor to purchase your entrance tickets. After purchasing your tickets, go up one level to 40th Floor where you can find a gift shop, café and plenty of seats to sit to enjoy the view.
There is also a outdoor rooftop deck for people who like some fresh (and cold!) air. Be warned that it can get really windy up here. So do remove caps or scarf before venturing out. As this area is not fenced up with wire railings, it's indeed an ideal place to take some nice photos. But do keep your safety at check.
The route from Cup Noodles Museum to Umeda Sky Building
Walk to Ikeda Station
Ikeda Sation (Hankyu Takarazuka Line) to Hankyu Umeda Station
Walk to Umeda Sky Building
We thought we were on schedule when we reached Hankyu Umeda Station at about 5pm - that should give ample time to walk to Umeda Sky Building, make our way up to the Floating Garden Observatory, "parked" ourselves comfortably with drinks and wait for the sunset. Even though the lady from the information counter gave us very brief directions, we thought we still have our GPS to fall back on.
Unfortunately, we were proven wrong once again by Japan's complicated addressing system. The maps provided, directions from the locals and the GPS location on our mobile phone just couldn't add up! And it didn't help that the princess was too tired to walk (Even food can't bribe her to walk!). So we took turns carrying the princess and walking for at least 45 minutes in circles! The setting sun made us frustrated even further. How can we not find such a iconic building!?
But the typical Taurus character in me refused to give up - when the going gets tough, the tough gets going! I'm soooooooooo going to hunt this Umeda Sky Building down!
Just when we were on the verge of giving up, we saw a signboard that pointed to a underpass and it read "Umeda Sky Building". We were finally on the right track! So we hurried along and managed to make it for the sunset.
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Umeda Sky Building
Finally found you! |
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| It was 17.59 when we bought our entrance tickets |
As we were rushing to make it in time for the sunset, I didn't pay too much details on where and how we went up to the observatory. From my fuzzy memory, I remembered we took the lift directly up to the 39th Floor where we bought our entrance fees. Then we took a flight of steps to the 40th Floor (indoor deck) and managed to see the sun setting in the horizon. It was then I realised I didn't see or take the much-hyped about glass elevator or escalator. But I shrugged it off as we were too drained of energy from all the unnecessary walking earlier and so had to reward ourselves with ice cream and hotdogs.
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| Enjoying ice cream and hotdogs with a view |
After filling our tummy with fast food, I brought the princess up to the open deck. It was extremely windy and very cold! We took a few photos before scurrying back to the warm indoor setting.
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| Neon lights on the deck floor |
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| Sooooooooo coooooooold~~~~~ |
When we left the building, we took the famous escalator down to the other tower! From the other tower, we transferred to the glass elevator down to ground floor. From the glass elevator, you can have a good view of the city skyline but the ride was a tad too challenging for someone with acrophobia like me.
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| On the glass enclosed escalator |
We were supposed to visit the retro food street at the basement but were too full from ice cream and hotdogs earlier so we headed back to Namba.
The walk back to JR Osaka was so much easier and straight forward compared to our earlier expedition.
From JR Osaka-Umeda station, we took the Midosuji line to Namba subway and had dinner at one of the Chinese restaurant near our hotel.
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| The grouchy princess |
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Still unhappy.....
She just wants to go back to hotel room
to soak in the bathtub |
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| Strawberry trio |
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| Finally happy again! |
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LOL
My reaction when I saw the accumulated PJs
our housekeeper left for us everyday |
It was indeed a long day for us especially with all the walking to locate Umeda Sky Building. While we went to bed with aching legs muscles, we were glad we were able to conquer obstacles together as a family.
Sleep tight and more fun awaits us tomorrow!
<---
Japan Trip 2018 - Day 6 Japan Trip 2018 - Day 8 --->
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