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.
As we are all prepping to close the year, there are many things to be thankful for, and it has indeed been a wonderful 2014. One of the best things to always practice and cherish is to travel, and for the past year, we had been to many countries and cities, learned about cultures and expressions that we were never exposed to, shopped a lot, and ate cuisines of all kinds.
And among them is one trip that we took in November, where our readers joined us on a tour around Japan’s coastal area and Osaka city. We saw the bests of Wakayama, Mie and Osaka, and experienced the ultimate Japanese hospitality. It was a fun-filled week, and we all had a ball of a time picking fruits, visiting shoyu factory and soaking in cave onsens.
Once again, we would like to thank all our readers who joined us on this tour, and it was our pleasure to meet each and every one of you! Not forgetting the people behind the planning and coordinating – Apple Vacations Singapore. Here are some of the highlights of our 8D6N tour to Osaka, Mie & Wakayama:
Osaka is affectionately known as the “Kitchen of Japan”, and with this title, it only means that every meal at the Japanese city will be a good meal. There are no lack of options when dining at Osaka – from street snacks to fast meals at local eateries to a gastronomical display of kappo – and it is impossible to run out of ideas on what to eat because whether you are craving for an okonomiyaki or you need a bowl of piping hot ramen on a cold winter night, Osaka will feed you well.
Prior to our trip, we heard so much about how no one comes back from Osaka skinny, and while that thought did sound a little threatening, we knew we were going to love it. And indeed, we did! Friends and locals shared their favourites and go-to places with us, and we have compiled this Osaka food guide for your easy reference so that you will never have a bad meal at Osaka.
Cafes, local eateries, ramen parlours, sushi bars, exquisite dining in aristocratic ryoteis… you name it, Osaka has it. Enjoy feasting your way through the Kitchen of Japan!
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.