I agree that the game isn't perfect, Ian, but there is one bit of game logic that makes you essentially invincible in this game. When you have full health, almost nothing will kill you in one hit. Instead, it will knock you down to half a heart, giving you time to eat something to bring you back to full health. Have a lot of food on hand and you just need to watch out for things like elemental attacks. I have a lot more hearts now and most bigger enemies still knock me down to half a heart, so it was actually easier with 3. I guess I need to hunt some things to upgrade my favorite costume.
Speaking of that, I am so glad that costumes don't take damage or wear out. I think I'd be okay with the weapons, shields, and bows wearing out if there was an indestructible main quest item for each, similar to the rental system in Link Between Worlds.
Khushrenada, you can glide to the entrance, which you can see from the tower. That's how I got in.