Vibrant and energetic, Osaka has bags of charm, an incredible dining scene, and bustling entertainment districts. Old meets new everywhere you look, with busy streets drenched in neon, pretty parks, and quirky cultural attractions aplenty. Pop culture, youth culture and ancient cultures collide in this colourful, fun-loving, food mad city.
FOOD & DRINK
Often called ‘Japan’s kitchen’, Osaka provides unnumbered options for eating and drinking, from high-end restaurants to hectic street-food markets to standing-room only Tachinomi. Jump in feet first in Ura Namba, a maze of alleys and backstreets where you can grab a draft beer in a tiny Izakaya. Seek out Kuromon Ichiba Market for fresh seafood, sushi and snacks, and don’t miss the Dotonbori area – the heart of Osaka’s food scene.
LANDMARKS
This ancient city has an abundance of towering temples and Shinto shrines, and simply wandering the busy streets will take you past many of these architectural wonders. But one must-see sight is Osaka Castle. This multi-layered, sixteenth century castle is surrounded by a stunning park, and feels like something straight out of Japanese legend. Visit in spring to see a dazzling display of cherry blossom.
CULTURE
From traditional tea ceremonies to food tours, Osaka is packed with cultural experiences that will surprise and delight. Spend an afternoon watching the action at Hanshin Koshien, Japan’s oldest baseball field, or for something more traditional, head to the Edion Arena for an authentic Sumo wrestling showdown. Visit the Osaka Museum of History for a tour through the city’s rich history, or simply head to a sento – a traditional Japanese bath house – for an authentic taste of daily life.
For a moment of zen amid the urban rush, make your way to Keitakuen garden, a small but perfectly-formed formal garden with colourful maple trees and placid waters.
