If you just started planning your trip and wondering how to prepare for Japan, then read this post first.
Osaka is a charming town in the Kansai region of Japan known as the Nation’s Kitchen. Famous for Takoyaki (fried octopus balls) and Okonomiyaki (Savoury pancake full of toppings). I will start with a few attractions worth visiting, some day trips from Osaka as well as food recommendations. If you are vegetarian, then the food mentioned in this guide may not be of any use to you as 90% are for meat eaters.
Osaka is a great place to start as it has the main international Kansai airport nearby, whereas all the other international airports are towards Tokyo making this the ideal place to start especially if you plan to see the south of Japan. From Osaka you can work your way down to places like Hiroshima, Fukuoka and Nagasaki. On the other hand, you can always work your way up towards Tokyo passing by places like Kyoto, Mt Fuji, Hakone and more.
Osaka Castle is a famous landmark within Japan and surrounded by a beautiful park. Within the castle are gift shops, historic artefacts as well as a chance to go to the top for a great view of the town. Entrance fee is ¥600.
The real beauty of this place lies within the park and around the castle, enjoy the scenery, relax as you will see many Japanese people doing.
Around the area you can find gift shops as well as shows and even some small snacky type places. In particular one that serves Takoyaki and some mini Okonomiyaki while allowing you to put whatever toppings you want on it. So, if you feel snacky then feel free to come here, price will be roughly ¥900 - ¥1500
My #1 recommendation for food in Osaka. This place became famous thanks to the Street food show on Netflix showcasing amazing Asian street food. Each one of them breath taking one after the other, this one being no exception. To enhance your experience, watch the Netflix special before coming here as it will make you love this place even more.
His speciality is cooking tuna with a blow torch whilst having his hands in and out of that fire which can be seen in the video above. There will be queues at all times of the day, so try to get there at least 30 mins before he opens for a chance to get a seat. Have a plan when you want to visit as he is closed on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays.
Amazing to watch and he will keep you entertained whilst having some mouth-watering food. Each dish costs around ¥1000 - ¥2000 and worth every penny. The dishes worth trying are his famous flamed tuna cheeks as well as the combos of lean/fatty tuna which just melt in your mouth.
Hours:
Monday: Closed Tuesday: 2:30PM – 8:00PM Wednesday: 2:30PM – 8:00PM Thursday: Closed Friday: 2:30PM – 8:00PM Saturday: 1:30PM – 7:30PM Sunday: Closed
Personal Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Average Cost: ¥2000 – ¥4000 (£15 – £30) per person
If you are interested in anime or retro video games, then you will want to go to this next area called Nipponbashi DENDEN town.
Stores around here sell retro games, electronics, manga, anime figurines and much more. Feel free to come here and browse for as long as you need.
The Animate store around this location will have all your manga and anime needs. Walk slightly further down for your retro game needs, you will know you have arrived once you see the big Gameboy from outside the store.
There are also many arcades across Japan, it’s worth watching people play or even having a go at it yourself as it is very impressive (a sneak peek in the video). You will also see a lot of gambling amongst the old people happening at places with Pachinko machines.
Next up is the touristy and entertainment area of Dotonbori where you can go for food and drinks.
Osaka’s entertainment area where you will find many restaurants and bars. One of the most popular being the Kani Douraku with a giant moving crab on top it’s storefront, very hard to miss.
You also can’t miss the giant advertisement sign for Glico Candy: the Glico Running Man also the most famous sign in Osaka.
Other things to do:
Go on a boat cruise along the canal (very busy with Chinese tourists),
Go on a huge Ferris Wheel in the Don Quijote (the Walmart of Japan), selling everything and anything at a cheap price. If nothing else, you can walk along the Dotonbori shopping street full of underground malls. Walk around the area as you will always find something interesting.
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