Osaka, Japan

Usually visitors will use Osaka as a hub and visit other more interesting places near the city. One of which is of-course Kyoto. I wouldn’t recommend spending too much time in Osaka, 3 days are plenty with Universal Studio included. 

Notable tourist spots are:

[ Shinsaibashi ]

• Shinsaibashi – full of many shops and restaurants. It’s the heart of Osaka. Nearby shopping & dining areas include Dontonbori and Amerika-mura (American ‘village’ – even though it’s not really a village but full of shops targeting teenagers). The whole area is very busy at night as most shops and restaurants close late here. One of the most popular restaurant is Douraku蟹道樂 specialized in king crabs.

[ Douraku ]

• The ‘New’ World (Shinsekai) – This old neighbourhood is nothing but old. It’s more like an Edo film set and is my favourite area in Osaka. Don’t be put off by the hawkers selling fake handbags near the exit of the metro station. This is a cool area to see how the oldies ‘enjoy’ their retirement. There is a very old coffee shop (千成屋) in the neighbourhood does wicked Japanese ‘charcoal roasted’ coffee and snacks – great atmosphere too.

  

  [ Shisekai ]

  
  

  
  

  

  [ Retirees playing chess ]

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

[ Old Coffee Shop ]

• Osaka Castle – one of the famous castles in Japan.
• Kuromon Market (黑門市場) – although it’s a small market, it’s worth a quick visit. Best buys are Japanese fruit which is always perfectly ripe and sweet. Strawberries are the best.