Osaka: Kitchen of Japan
Posted by Grace on August 16, 2023
Osaka may not offer the prettiest buildings, but it's known as the 'Kitchen of Japan.' It's a place where you can enjoy all kinds of tasty food. From small food stalls selling yummy treats like takoyaki and okonomiyaki to fancy restaurants with delicious sushi and sashimi, Osaka has a lot to offer for food lovers.
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What to See in Osaka
Don Donodori
Don Donodori at night
Don Dotonbori is a vibrant area in Osaka that's full of excitement. As you stroll along the street, you'll be surrounded by tempting street food stalls on both sides. The street runs alongside a river, offering a pleasant spot for a leisurely walk, and you even have the option to take a boat ride on the water.
Don't forget to capture a picture with the famous Glico Running Man sign in the background. It's a cool souvenir to prove you've experienced the lively atmosphere of Don Dotonbori.
During our time in Osaka, we visited Don Dotonbori multiple times to relish in the street food. We explored the area during the day and night, and we savored unique dishes that are hard to come by elsewhere, including Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, Melon Pan, Kobe Beef, and Sushi. Don Dotonbori is a must-visit destination for both its exciting ambiance and delicious treats.
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle surrounded by a moat
Osaka Castle is a famous and historic place in Osaka, Japan. It's like a big, impressive castle that people from all over the world come to see. The castle was built a very long time ago, back in the 16th century. It's surrounded by beautiful gardens and a big moat, which is like a water-filled ditch to keep bad guys away.
During one of the days we stayed in Osaka, we decided to take a day off from hardcore sightseeing and just relax. We went to Osaka Castle Park for a stroll. It is the largest park in Osaka and admission is free.
Inside the park, it reminded me of Central Park in Manhattan, where people come to run, practice tai chi, play with kids, and take leisurely walks under the trees. It’s a beautiful place.
Osaka Castle is situated behind a moat and surrounded by water. You can climb the stairs to reach the castle
Shitenno-ji Temple
Shitenno-ji Temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan and holds significant historical and cultural importance. Located in Osaka, it was founded in the 6th century and is dedicated to the Four Heavenly Kings, known as Shitenno in Japanese. The temple complex features a classic Japanese architectural style with various buildings, pagodas, and a main hall.
One of the most memorable aspects of our visit was observing worshippers engaged in their spiritual practices. People of all ages were lighting incense, making offerings, and bowing in prayer. It was heartwarming to witness the continuation of traditions that had persisted for generations.
Shitenno-ji Temple isn't just a historical site; it's a living testament to Japan's cultural and spiritual heritage. Our visit there left us with a sense of connection to the past and a deep appreciation for the traditions that continue to shape Osaka's identity. It's a place where the stories of the past and the experiences of the present come together in a truly meaningful way.
Cup Noodles Museum
Cup Noodles Museum
Cup Noodles was one of the important inventions to come out of Osaka. It first showed to the world at the world expo in 1970. During our visit to the city, we took the kids to the unique Cup Noodles Museum, and they loved it. They learned about how the founder, Momofuku Ando, solved all the problems to create the Cup Noodles production line, for example, how to drop the noodles into the cup.
The most exciting part of the visit was when they got to create their own cup of noodles by choosing their own ingredients and sealing it up. The kids were thrilled with their creations and couldn’t wait to eat them the next morning.
Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is an incredibly popular theme park located in Osaka. It's part of the larger Universal Parks & Resorts family and offers a wide range of entertainment, attractions, and shows based on popular movies and characters. The park is known for its thrilling rides, immersive themed areas, and live performances that cater to visitors of all ages.
At Universal Studios Japan, you can step into the magical world of movies and experience attractions inspired by beloved franchises like Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Minions, and more. One of the standout areas is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where you can explore the enchanting streets of Hogsmeade, visit Hogwarts Castle, and even enjoy a butterbeer.
Tempozan Ferris Wheel
The Tempozan Ferris Wheel is a gigantic wheel in Osaka that's like a fun ride and a sightseeing adventure all rolled into one. It's one of the biggest Ferris wheels in the world! When you're up high in the wheel, you can see all around and get an amazing view of the city, the sea, and even the mountains if the weather is nice.
It's kind of like being in a big glass bubble that slowly goes around and gives you a chance to take lots of cool pictures. At night, the wheel lights up in different colors, which makes it look super cool.
You can ride the Ferris wheel during the day or at night – both times have their own special feelings. It's a really fun thing to do with your family or friends when you're in Osaka. Just remember to hold onto your hat if it's windy up there!
What to Eat In Osaka
Conveyor Belt Sushi
Conveyor Belt Sushi
Conveyor belt sushi was invented by Yoshiaki Shiraishi in Osaka, who struggled to manage his small sushi restaurant due to the lack of staff. He got the idea of using a conveyor belt to serve sushi after watching beer bottles on a conveyor belt in an Asahi brewery.
One of our favorite places to eat in Japan is Daiki-suisan kaitenzushi (大起水産回転寿司), a chain conveyor belt sushi restaurant that offers high-quality sushi at an affordable price. In the US, a similar sushi restaurant would start at $3.50 per plate, but at Daiki-suisan, you can enjoy a plate of good sushi like Tuna for as little as 100 yen.
My personal favorites are the Sweet Shrimp and Spear Squid, but we also tried other delicacies like Fish Roe with Caviar and Sea Urchin, which would be much more expensive in the US. Overall, Daiki-suisan kaitenzushi offers great value for the quality of sushi you receive.
Okonomiyaki: Osaka's Signature Savory Pancake
Okonomiyaki is a mouthwatering treat that you absolutely have to taste when you're in Osaka. It's like a delicious pancake, but with a twist! You can think of it as a mix of lots of yummy things cooked together. Imagine if a pancake and a pizza had a tasty fusion – that's kind of what Okonomiyaki is like.
And guess what? Okonomiyaki is such a big deal in Osaka that the locals might ask you which type you like more: the Osaka style or the Hiroshima style! It's all in good fun, of course. By the way, you should totally try both styles if you can, especially when you're in Hiroshima too.
To get your Okonomiyaki fix in Osaka, head to a restaurant in Don Donobori. Once you're there, you'll get a cozy seat and a grill right at your table. It's like having a little kitchen right in front of you! Then, as the grill heats up, you'll see and hear the sizzle of the noodles and other delicious ingredients coming together. It's not just a meal – it's a whole experience of flavors and fun!
Fugu: A Delicacy in Osaka
Fugu, aka puffer fish, is poisonous, so not every restaurant can carry this kind of fish. Since fugu can only be found in specific restaurants in Japan, we decided to give it a try. We went to a restaurant called Gempin in Shin-Osaka that offered a fixed-price menu with different ways of cooking fugu: sashimi, salad, fried, grilled, hot pot, and porridge.
Let me describe what fugu sashimi tastes like: it is similar to squid sashimi but chewy. The fried, deboned fugu tasted similar to the texture of frog meat, with flesh in sections.
Melon Pan (メロンパン)
Melon Pan we got in Don Donobori
Melon pan is a sweet, cookie-like bread that is popular in Japan.
Finally, after searching for melon pans since our arrival in Tokyo, we were thrilled to find them at a small stand in Donodori, Osaka.
As we approached the stand, we could smell the freshly baked bread in the air. The lady running the stand took a melon pan out of the oven and sliced it open. She added two generous scoops of ream inside the warm bread to our delight. The combination of the warm bread and cold ice cream was absolutely delicious!
Osaka is A Great Hub to Visit the Nearby Cities
In Summer 2023 when we visited Japan, we took a 3-hour Shinkansen ride from Tokyo to Osaka. While we stayed at our Airbnb in Osaka, we took quick train rides to nearby cities including Kyoto, Hiroshima, Himeji, and Nara.
I will be featuring articles about these cities since they have so much to offer. Here, I'll provide a brief overview of each.
Kyoto
Distance from Osaka: Around 30-45 minutes by train.
Kyoto is a city filled with traditional charm. It's famous for its stunning temples, beautiful gardens, and historic sites. Kyoto was once the capital of Japan and is known for preserving its rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore iconic spots like Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vibrant torii gates.
Hiroshima
Distance from Osaka: Approximately 2 hours by Shinkansen (bullet train).
Hiroshima holds a profound place in history due to the tragic events of World War II. The city's Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome stand as powerful reminders of the past. Despite its history, Hiroshima has rebuilt itself into a vibrant city. Visitors can also explore the beautiful Hiroshima Castle and the tranquil Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island.
Himeji
Himeiji
Distance from Osaka: About 1 hour by train.
Himeji is known for its magnificent Himeji Castle, often called the "White Heron Castle" due to its stunning white exterior. It's one of the most well-preserved castles in Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle's architecture and intricate defense features make it a must-visit historical attraction.
Nara
Nara
Distance from Osaka: Around 30-45 minutes by train.
Nara is famous for its friendly and sacred deer that roam freely in Nara Park. It was also a former capital of Japan and is home to some of Japan's oldest temples and shrines. The Great Buddha Hall at Todai-ji Temple houses one of the world's largest bronze statues of Buddha. Nara is a serene city with a deep connection to Japan's ancient past.
FAQ
How much does Japan trip cost?
The cost of a trip to Japan can vary widely depending on factors like the duration of your stay, your travel style, and your choice of accommodations.
On average, budget travelers might spend around $100 to $200 per day in Japan, while mid-range travelers may spend between $200 to $400 per day. High-end travelers can expect to spend more.
I also wrote about the expense breakdown for our trip to Japan in 2023. Hope it is helpful!
