Tribute to Anime - Visit to Tezuka Osamu Museum in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture

Generally, when one hear of Hyogo Prefecture, we will most likely think of Kobe, Himeji Castle and beef.  But there is another point of interest, especially if you are an anime fan.  While I do not consider myself an anime fan, people of my generation would identify with Astro Boy.  It is with this interest that we decided to visit Tezuka Osamu Museum during our recent stay in Osaka.  

Getting to the museum at Takarazuka.  As we are staying in the Shinsekai vicinity, we took a train to Osaka Station to change to JR Fukuchiyama Line (福知山線 Fukuchiyama-sen), otherwise known as the Takarazuka Line. Alternatively, you can take the Hankyu line which has a station nearer the museum.

Waiting for the train to Takarazuka at Osaka Station, a key exchange terminal

Hankyu Station, opposite JR Takarazuka Station

From Takarazuka Station, it was short walk to the museum.  As it was a holiday (1 Jan 15), we were unable to find a restaurant to have our lunch.  Fortunately, we came across a Lottoria burger joint where we could have a quick bit and at the same time, come in from the cold.

Next, we proceeded to the museum.  Along the way, we came across another famous institution at Takarazuka - the Takarazuka Revue (宝塚歌劇団, Takarazuka Kagekidan) - which is a Japanese all-female musical theater troupe. 

For opening hours and the museum rest days, you have to check the website.  Fortunately for us, it was opened on New Year's Day which was a blessing.

 

Holiday in Japan (Day 0 and 1) - 2015

Moving away from the usually year-end trip with the family, we decided to go to Japan over the New Year period.  

This arrangement also allowed us to save on air fares.  We found a good deal with Cathay Pacific but with a five-hour stopover/layover in Hong Kong.  

This would be the second trip to Japan for our family - the first nine years ago - was to Tokyo in 2006.  This time round, we had the paternal and maternal grandmoms along.  Given the renowned and efficient rail transport system, we opted to get the 14-day JR rail pass.


We arrived in Kansai International on 1 Jan 2015.  For our stay in Osaka and Tokyo, we opted to source for the accommodations through Airbnb.  Fortunately, we managed to get relatively good budget accommodation in both place.  Our accommodation in Osaka is located near the major rail hub at Tennoji.  In fact, it is one station away from Tennoji at Shin-imamiya, which is relatively close to Shinsekai and Dotonbori.

As it was early in the morning when we arrived at Kansai, we took our time to change into winter clothings and settle some administrative matters such as collecting the mobile broadband device as well as changing our JR exchange orders into JR Rail Passes at the JR Office at the rail terminal just across from the arrival building.  At the same time, we also acquired the JR ICOCA Card  which is stored value credit-size card for travelling on non-JR transportation.  Using this, you can avoid the hassle of figuring out and buying tickets.  ICOCA can also be used in Tokyo as well as making payment at stores which accept the card.

Rail complex across from Kansai Terminal

Although there are several train options into Osaka, we opted for the JR HARUKA which allowed us to change at Tennoji to JR Shin-imamiya. Prior to departure, we went to the JR office again to make a reservation which is provided under the JR rail pass.  If you do not speak Japanese, they have several at the upper level for foreigners.  If not, just write the destination and the JR staff will give you the earlier departure available. 

Platform below rail complex at Kansai

JR HARUKA

Comfortable seats available on JR HARUJA

The other advantage for using HARUKA is that the carriage has a compartment near the entrance/exit for travellers to store their luggages. 

Upon reaching JR Shin-imamiya, we made our way to the accommodation to put our luggages before proceeding to explore Osaka.  

Airbnb accommodation at Yoccola Islands

JR Shin-imamiya platform