Osaka - Japan

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Osaka is famous for its hearty cuisine as supported by the saying “Dress (in kimonos) ’til you drop in Kyoto, eat ’til you drop in Osaka” (京の着倒れ、大阪の食い倒れ). However, that is just the tip of the iceberg for this third largest and second most important city in Japan has many interesting facades that make it a spot to be experienced in its entirety.

Osaka is located at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay. Once the commercial capital of Japan, it has been the economic powerhouse of the Kansai region for many centuries with a population of 2.5 million.

Osaka literally means “large hill” or “large slope”. What you find in this large hill are the best restaurants in town, sensible citizens, urban life typically Japanese and a lot of other captivating attractions and scenes that guarantee your memorable trip in the archipelago.

The magic of Osaka

The best thing in Osaka which is said again and again in many travel guides and planners is the tip-top culinary which touches you from deep inside. It is repeated many times because there are just so many sayings and titles out there to pay tribute to the inexplicably tasty cuisine. Besides the saying in the very first sentence in this article, Osaka is traditionally well-known as the “nation’s kitchen” (天下の台所 tenka no daidokoro) or the gourmet food capital of Japan.

Other than that, Osaka is the blend of the past time reflected by a few historical and cultural attractions with the enchantment of a modern Japanese city. If Tokyo is the chapter one of Japanese urban life, it should be the chapter two as it as well presents the liveliness of a Japanese city.

However, modern will be modern. Kyoto was the lucky one removed from the list of the atomic bomb target cities and hence the existence of 808 (a large number that in Japan symbolizes the concept “uncountable”) culturally rich heritage. But Osaka wasn’t that lucky and all but bombed flat in World War II. Progressive development has since been carried on while 808 expanses of sky-high buildings and the kaleidoscope of pachinko (pinball) arcades and the systematic highways are all the testimonies to the endless development projects. Ironically, the city has somehow found its way to maintain its composure rising above this to turn 360 degrees into a mesmerizing city at night. The magic happens when all those monotonous streets and alleys packed with lifeless workers change their facades with flashing neon, ebullient night-lifers and travelers come to live in search for connoisseur food and happy hours.

As far as entertainment and attractions are considered, Osaka’s highlights include Osaka Aquarium with its mammoth whale shark, the fantastic Open Air Museum of Old Japanese Farmhouses, Osaka-jō and its surrounding park, the Blade Runner nightscapes of the Dotonbori area among others. But again, you would be naive to think that a wonderful collection of sightseeing tours is all that Osaka has to offer. Be it casual strolls or well-planned trips, the essence of this city could only be tasted with a hearty exploration to its core.

Travel To Osaka - Top 10 Best Places

This is an A-list of 10 most fabulous places to visit so you are able to tell your friends that you have really been to Osaka.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan - One of Japan’s most impressive aquariums.
Minami (Namba) - Southern downtown of Osaka.
Osaka-jō (Osaka Castle) - Reconstruction of the large castle.
Sumiyoshi Taisha - Head shrine of all Sumiyoshi Shrines.
Kita (Umeda) - Northern downtown of Osaka.
Amerika-Mura (American Village) - a compact enclave of trendy shops and restaurants.
Shitennō-ji (Shitennō Temple) - The oldest buddhist temple in Japan
Umeda Sky Building - Skyscraper with observation deck.
National Bunraku Theater - Venue for Japanese puppet theatre plays.
Peace Osaka - Museum about the horrors of World War II

Three Reasons Why I love Osaka

The first time I was exposed to Osaka was in Japanese anime Detective Conan. Since then, I always dream of going there. Looking for Conan I suppose?

First thing first, I am born to be an exploratory traveler because I am always spellbound by those wonders in the world. I have thrown a dart on the amazing Osaka Aquarium as it has the world’s second biggest aquarium tank, which is home to the mammoth whale shark and an astonishing array of smaller sharks, rays and other fish. I feel deeply for it may be because my big heart that contains all the happiness and problems altogether is similar to the function of that aquarium tank! Oh, special tribute to the description of this site at the sidebar too. “Only when you know how big the world is, you know how small your problems are.”
Minami! This southern downtown of Osaka is home to the Namba, Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori shopping districts. Shopping! That’s the word I was looking for! Even the Amerikamura a.k.a America Village (fashion for young people) is there too! I wonder if those colorful Japanese teens living out the fairy tale of America prefer their own Japanese clothing, the American SoCal lifestyle Hollister clothing or the Urban Behavior clothing that best reflects the American urban lifestyle.
Super gourmet! I would say last but not least, because this should be by far the most important reason to fall in love with Osaka. Up to this point my saliva already keeps flowing out. I can’t wait no more to taste the regional cuisine like my favorite takoyaki (octopus dumplings) and udon (a noodle dish), Okonomiyaki (pan-fried batter cake), and the most scrumptious traditional battera sushi. You can’t wait too right?