13 Things Every First-Timer Should Do When In Osaka

Osaka Things To Do

Osaka is the second largest city in Japan after Tokyo, and has made its way to almost every traveller’s bucket list. It is also affectionately known as the Kitchen of Japan.

You have seen many guides and lists on things to do when in Tokyo, but what about Osaka? If you have yet to visit Osaka or need a reason to, this will help you out and convince you to visit the wondrous Japanese city.

Here is your definitive guide to 13 Things Every First-Timer Should Do While In Osaka.

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Okonomiyaki – A Popular Street Food In Osaka And Where To Eat It

Okonomiyaki

Osaka is the birthplace of Okonomiyaki, an all-time favourite street snack in Japan. Okonomiyaki is a savoury pancake that is mostly made out of the pancake batter and cabbage as the base. Sometimes meats or seafood are also added to finish it off, such as slices of pork or octopus. Then, some sweet sauce will be brushed on top, together with mayonnaise.

This popular street snack is synonymous with Osaka’s cuisine and having a piping hot Okonomiyaki on a chilly night in Osaka is one of the best things to do if you ever visit the prefecture.

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20 Reasons to Love Osaka

Osaka Travel Guide

It is hard to describe Osaka in just one word. But this is not to say it is just another Tokyo. While there have always been comparisons between these two cities, and talks about how Osaka can never be like Tokyo, we beg to differ, for Osaka radiates its own charm and deserves to be loved for many reasons.

From the majestic Osaka Castle to Universal Studios Japan, shopping at Shinsaibashi to cafe-hopping at Orange Street, Instant Ramen Museum to Osaka Central Fish Market, the list goes on and we have picked out 20 things to covet when visiting Osaka.

Mark Osaka down in your travel bucket list. We promise it would be worth a visit.

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Osaka’s Top 3 Must-Eat Street Food

Osaka Must Eats

When visitors go to Japan, Tokyo is often the top of the list. In fact, majority of the most-visited destinations in the country are in the capital. Osaka, in comparison, is often neglected and it is a shame because there are so many things to see and do there.

For those of you who don’t know, Osaka is known as the food kitchen of Japan. From michelin starred restaurants, new dining concepts and delicious cheap eats, Osaka is a haven for food lovers. When visiting the city, you cannot leave without eating the top 3 street food that originated from Osaka – Kushikatsu, Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki.

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Daruma Kushikatsu Osaka

Daruma Kushikatsu

If we tell you there is a kind of fried food that you can eat a lot without feeling sick from the grease, will you jump in joy? And if we top that up with Japanese beer, will life be a bed of roses?

Now, please do yourselves that favour and go to Osaka for Kushikatsu. If the Japanese term is baffling, well – think skewers of all sorts, coated with light batter, then deep fried to something even lovelier than golden brown. And we swear it is not like your usual fried food that is always overly oily and sickeningly fatty. Okay, we cannot promise it is not fattening but if you want to do fried food, do it in an enjoyable way, yes?

Kushikatsu is famous in Osaka and is known to be one of the identities of that city’s food scene. A typical outlet is usually simple and fuss-free, and usually nothing else but skewers and drinks. You have your chicken and beef, vegetables like brinjal and capsicums, eggs and mushrooms… and the list goes on. Almost anything that can be skewed will taste awesome. Even better when downed with a glass of icy cold beer.

Daruma is a popular chain in Osaka and every branch is always packed with loyal patrons – locals and tourists alike. Nothing too fanciful about the place, just your regular fast food lookalike, with a team of exuberant youngsters, and a fuss-free ordering and serving system that is quite an eye-opener for first-timers. Well, actually, the technology in Japan is eye-opening to say the least, and the world should be inspired.

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