Osaka Cuisine and Hidden Gems: A Family Guide to Local Food & Secret Spots

Unlock the Secrets of the Cosmos at Japan's Premier Astronomical Science Museum! Are you a foreign traveler on the lookout for unique experiences and new discoveries? If so, the Astronomical Science Museum should be at the top of your travel list! Situated precisely on the 135th meridian of Japan Standard Time, this museum offers a fascinating journey through time and space, making it a perfect destination for anyone eager to explore the cosmos. Unveil the Marvels of Time and Space The Astronomical Science Museum is renowned for its captivating focus on the themes of time and space. The museum's most iconic feature is its grand clock, measuring about 6.2 meters in diameter. This impressive timepiece symbolizes the intersection of time and the universe, setting the stage for an unforgettable visit. Experience Japan’s Oldest Planetarium One of the highlights of the museum is Japan's oldest operational planetarium, located on the second floo...

A Unique Experience at Akashi Kaikyō Bridge: Breathtaking Views and Thrilling Tours Welcome! Today, we’re diving into a marvel of modern engineering that plays a crucial role in Japan's transportation network: the **Akashi Kaikyō Bridge**. This magnificent structure, which connects Kobe to Awaji Island, is one of the largest suspension bridges in the world, stretching a staggering 3,911 meters in length with main towers soaring about 300 meters high.   Sky-High Views on the Pedestrian Walkway One of the highlights of the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge is its pedestrian walkway. Elevated approximately 47 meters above the sea and about 150 meters above the land, this walkway extends about 317 meters beyond the bridge itself. Walking along it feels like a sky-high adventure, offering panoramic views of the stunning sea below. It’s a truly unforgettable experience that makes you feel like you’re floating in mid-air. Thr...

Where is Japan's "Center"?—The Secrets of Akashi City and Standard Time てぇ Japan's archipelago stretches long from north to south, and it's well-known that Tokyo is the center of the country's economy and politics. But where exactly is Japan's "center"? Let's delve into this intriguing question. Actually, the reference line for Japan's time standard, known as "Japan Standard Time" (JST), is located in Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture! Yes, Akashi City, famously known as "the town of the meridian." The eastern longitude 135-degree meridian, which serves as the official time reference for Japan, runs through this city, passing near the Akashi City Planetarium. In 1886, Japan established its standard time based on a position 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time in England. Therefore, the eastern longitude 135-degree meridian became the standard time reference for Japan. Akashi City was the first in Ja...

Akashiyaki: The Fluffy and Tender Delicacy Distinct from Takoyaki Many of you might look at this dish and think, "Takoyaki?" While it resembles takoyaki in appearance, this is actually "Akashiyaki," also known locally as "Tamago-yaki." The main characteristic of Akashiyaki is its fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture, thanks to the generous use of eggs. Unlike takoyaki, which is made with wheat flour, Akashiyaki uses "jin-ko" (refined starch) that has had the protein removed, leaving only the starch. This ensures a light and airy consistency that doesn't harden even when cooked. Another key difference is that Akashiyaki is eaten with dashi broth, whereas takoyaki is typically served with sauce. The cooking utensils used are different as well. While takoyaki is cooked in a cast iron pan, Akashiyaki is prepared in a copper pan, which has excellent heat conductivity to bring out the fluffiness of the batter. To avoid damaging the copper pan...