Osaka Bucket List
The city is noisy, lively, and provides endless entertainment. It’s considered the kitchen of Japan, with a vast array of delicious street food and local specialties. The motto of the city is “eat until you drop”, and it does not disappoint in living up to that promise. Located in the Kansai region of Japan, this city is known for its hearty food, friendly locals, and incredible nightlife.
Why Osaka belongs on your bucket list
Tokyo may be Japan's head, but Osaka is its stomach. And it's not even remotely embarrassed about it. This is the place that gave the world takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes) and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), so you know it’s cooking isn't messing about. But here's what most people overlook. Osaka also happens to be the cradle of Japanese comedy, boasts a castle that makes Kyoto's look like a Premier Inn, and has a Dotonbori district that, come night time, is both the undisputed king of the country's neon extravaganzas and outright most-overwhelming-on-the-senses experience in all of Japan. Oh and the people here? Not at all like the shinier, happier, bowing-each-other-to-death lot in Tokyo. Osakans are warmer, louder, friendlier. They greet each other with “mokari makka?” (making money?) instead of a formal bow. It’s coarser. Less expensive. Less-hectic. And if you like food? There's nowhere better in all of Asia. Not one. Not even close.
When to go
From late March to mid-April, pink cherry blossoms fill Osaka Castle Park. Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties pop up all over, with people wining and dining beneath the trees well into the evenings. Ginkgo leaves turn golden in autumn (October to November) and it’s an ideal time to visit. May is warm and typically the city’s driest month. Summers (June to August) are hot and humid. The rainy season hits June and July, continuing to keep the city wet. Winters are mild and dreary. The one big draw in the sweltering heat of late July is the Tenjin Matsuri, one of Japan’s top three festivals.
Must-visit places in Osaka
Dotonbori
It's an assault on the senses. Massive flashing billboards with that giant Glico Man; the moving mechanical crab of Kani Doraku; open kitchens wafting sizzling smells over throngs of people; bridges packed with pedestrians. This is ground zero for eating your way through Osaka's greatest hits: takoyaki, gyoza, kushikatsu, okonomiyaki... street-level, convenience-store food stalls are open 24 hours a day, all lined up, one after the other. Then the sun goes down and the lights hit the river, and it becomes too much. Too good.
Osaka Castle
First constructed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1583 in order to unite Japan. The present-day rebuild includes a museum chronicling his remarkable climb to power, from peasant to captain. Which is... fine. But let's be real? It's all about the park that surrounds it. Come spring, 600 cherry blossom trees practically explode in pink blooms turning the park into the largest hanami celebration in town. It's one big party with everyone spread out picnicking, eating, drinking, and being merry. Also, the view from the top floor overlooks the entire city.
Kuromon Market
This market is located close to Nipponbashi, the shopping district famous for otaku culture (electronic and anime enthusiasts) and its vibrant night-life features. Founded in 1837, this traditional market is a maze of seafood, meat, and produce stalls, supplemented by mom-and-pop restaurants and food stands. Open from sunrise until early afternoon, the meat and produce sections are pretty much dead after 3 p.m. For the real action and energy by the vendors, try and be here by 9 a.m. The seafood is fresh and varied and there's lots of fine Kobe beef to sample.
Shinsekai
Constructed in 1912, this was meant to be a "new world" à la New York and Paris. The irony is palpable, especially when it seems more a time warp to mid-century Osaka! The kushikatsu joints have one golden rule - no double-dipping your stick in the communal sauce. And they will not hesitate to tell you. Signs abound. This is Osaka with its rough edges and we love it.
Takoyaki Doraku Wanaka
There are so many takoyaki stands in town. Yet, locals keep coming back to the Wanaka stand right in the heart of Namba. The piping hot, crispy outside, gooey octopus center balls are doused in sauce and mayonnaise, while the bonito flakes dance in the heat and seaweed flakes cling on. Half the enjoyment though is simply watching the cook flip the balls with the metal picks at such a furious pace. If you prefer a lighter version, go for the Pon-zu and ask for less or no sauce.
Chibo
This okonomiyaki restaurant has been at it since 1973 and there's a reason that there's usually a line outside. The food is phenomenal, made right there on the teppan griddle. Pork and shrimp are excellent, but to give your taste buds something new, try the Chibo-yaki with mochi and cheese. The batter is deliciously light and fluffy compared to other more touristy spots. The presentation of the meal being cooked right in front of you doesn't hurt. If you're at the Dotonbori location, diners can look over the edge of the balcony to see the canal several stories below, with neon light reflecting off the water as you eat your delectable pancake.
Kushikatsu Daruma
You'll recognize the angry face statue outside as the one you've seen on countless Osaka postcards, and be assured that you're in the right Shinsekai spot. Beyond some of the best takoyaki in the city, they also serve some of the best kushikatsu. Asparagus, lotus root, quail eggs, local wagyu beef; everything is fried a golden brown and coated in a crunchy layer of panko crumbs so light they practically disintegrate at first bite. They don't mess around with sharing either — one communal container of tangy Worcestershire sauce per person, one dip each.
Kani Doraku
It's the restaurant located behind the giant mechanical crab that has defined Dotonbori for years. Known for its crab in just about every iteration possible, it offers everything from crab sashimi and tempura bits to monster king crab legs that jut out from their eggy batter casing like the arm of a steampunk robot. Don't disregard the porridge or one of the restaurant's tasting menus, one of which is nearly the cost of a one-way ticket to Hokkaido if Hokkaido moved 6,000 miles south.
Shinsaibashi
Nearly 600 meters of roofed shopping space beginning at Dotonbori. Fancy pants next to Japanese street fashion next to vintage next to the kind of weirdly specialized that only Japan would have the balls to invent. Directly across the street is Amerikamura where the youth culture shopping continues in earnest. Plan extra time here. You won’t leave.
Universal Studios Japan
The main draw is Super Nintendo World. Put on your Power-Up Band and live Mario in a highly kinetic fashion. It’s the most inventive theme park experience in decades. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is superb as well. Fall’s Halloween and Christmas bashes are also huge draws. Purchase your express passes on the website long before you arrive unless you love two-hour waits for the marquee rides.
Osaka insider tips
- IC card: ICOCA card available at any station. Use it to tap in for trains, subway, buses, convenience store purchases, vending machines, everything in the Kansai area. Get one as soon as you arrive.
- Osaka Amazing Pass: one or two-day pass. Ride the subway and buses for free and get into over 40 attractions including the castle and Tsutenkaku Tower for free. Worth the price for lunch alone.
- Nightlife/Eating: Osaka does not sleep. There are many restaurants in Dotonbori and Namba that are open until 2 or 3 AM. The yatai (street stalls) that come out at midnight are some of the best places to eat in the city.
- Day trips: Kyoto - 15 minutes by shinkansen. Nara - 45 minutes - see the famous deer in Nara park and the giant Buddha. Kobe - 30 minutes - famous for its beef.
- Stay in Namba: Yes, it is loud. Yes, it is convenient. Direct subway lines everywhere. Food and nightlife on the doorstep. Umeda is quieter but you'll spend half your time traveling back to Namba anyway.
- Comedy culture: Osaka invented manzai - comedy duos performing stand-up comedy. See one at Namba Grand Kagetsu. You won't understand a word but the physical comedy is universal and you will laugh anyway.
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