En route from Kyoto to Tokyo, I spent three incredible days in Osaka exploring this interesting city and its delicious food. Here are some of my favourite neighbourhoods and things to do in Osaka.
Three Neighbourhoods to Explore in Osaka
1. Dotombori
I spent the first (and nearly every) night exploring the lights, nightlife and culture of Dotombori, a modern area built up around the Dotombori river.
In just one night, I tried Octopus balls, ate amazing ramen and even caught a surprise J-pop competition by the river!
If you don't mind navigating crowds of tourists, Dotombori is "that one place not to miss" as you pass through Osaka.
2. Shinsaibashi & Shinsekai
If you want to get some shopping done, head over to Shinsaibashi which is one of the city's main shopping districts. It's covered from the elements and filled with tons of shops. The only thing I needed to get was more green tea ice cream :)
Shinsekai is the equivalent of "old town" Osaka, filled with retro arcades, tons of food shops and this very popular blowfish. Definitely a great spot to spend your afternoon, and noticeably different from the modern Dotombori!
3. Nakazakicho: Offbeat Osaka
I spent one lovely afternoon touring around Nakazakicho, a more unknown "hipster" part of Osaka that is filled with unique boutiques, bookshops and cafes.
Like many residential streets in Osaka, the streets are lined with bits of greenery, and everyone's front porch contains potted plants and a bike.
If you are ever lucky enough to live in Osaka, this quaint and quiet part of town is definitely very liveable.
Three Things to Do in Osaka, Japan
1. Visit Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is a beautiful cultural hub right in the heart of the city. The large grounds can give you plenty to walk around - it's definitely a sight not to miss.
Even on a cloudy day, the castle was an absolute marvel to look at from every angle.
2. Go to an Arcade in Osaka
Osaka is known to be a lot more "contemporary" than Kyoto - and we definitely noticed a visible difference in its culture! A night out in Osaka can easily be spent playing super fun (and competitive) games at a nearby arcade, testing your luck at one of those 'claws', or seeing which toy you'll spin out of the endless machines.
Don't forget to take home a souvenir from the airbrush photobooth!
I fell in love with an adorable drummer game and actually knew one of the songs on their soundtrack...
3. Embrace Osaka Food
Last but not least, you can't leave Osaka before you've tried the following three main dishes!
Delicious sushi - there are so many options to choose from
Octopus balls - otherwise known as Takoyaki
Tonkotsu Ramen - one of the best places to get ramen in Osaka is at Ichiran
A Sakura donut (with actual edible Sakura petals on it) - because why not?
I can't wait to come back to Osaka one day and try all of these dishes again... and more!
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