About Osaka
Osaka is Japan's second largest metropolitan area after Tokyo. It has been the economic powerhouse of the Kansai Region for many centuries. It is also easily accessible to Kyoto and Nara so that many travelers visit such spots while staying in Osaka.
In addition, Osaka is well-known as a foodies' paradise, and the city of shopping. Enjoy gourmet and shopping at reasonable price!
Sightseeing Spots
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is one of the land mark of Osaka. Hideyoshi Toyotomi started to construct the castle in 1583. He was fascinated with gold. Accordingly, he ordered that gold be applied to furniture, weapons, armor, and furthermore, to the exterior of the Main Tower of Osaka Castle. In 1615, it was destroyed by Ieyasu but the Main Tower of the Castle was reconstructed in the center of Osaka Castle, which was used as a military base, with funds raised by the citizens.
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Umeda Sky Buliding Floating Garden Observatory
The Umeda Sky Building is a spectacular high rise building near Osaka and Umeda Stations. The 173 meter tall building consists of two towers that are connected with each other by the "Floating Garden Observatory" on the 39th floor. The observatory offers great views of the city through its windows and from its open-air deck.
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Shinsekai - New Word
Shinsekai is a district in Osaka where the district's center stands Tsutenkaku Tower, the nostalgia-evoking symbol of Shinsekai. The current tower is 103 meters high, with the main observatory at a height of 91 meters. A new open-air deck on top of the main observatory was opened in late 2015. TAnother noted attraction that should not be missed is kushikatsu, one of Osaka's best gourmet. It is a dish, composed of various skewered, battered and deep fried foods. Varieties on offer range from chicken and beef, to vegetables such as pumpkin and asparagus, to the banana and ice cream dessert varieties. Surprisingly, Many of Shinsekai's kushikatsu restaurants are open 24 hours.
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Shinsaibashi/Namba area
Shinsaibashi and Namba are one of the most popular areas in Osaka, with countless stores from high-end retailers to the familiar high street shops. This neighborhood is more than just for shopping though, with some of the most exciting attractions, delicious foods, and fun bars and nightclubs. The most famous photo spot in this area must be Dotonbori Glico. You will see many people from all over the world taking photo with the signboard.
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Expo'70 Commemorative Park
The Expo'70 Commemorative Park is a very large, public park in Suita city of Osaka. The Japan World Exposition was held in 1970, the first of its kind in Asia, which exhibited over 75 pavilions to show off the wonders of the world's countries and cutting edge corporations. Today, the grounds have become a popular destination for enjoying nature, sports, museums and seasonal flowers. Here is also well known as the cherry blossom spot so that many of people visit here in spring. Also, the big shopping mall "Lalaport Expocity" is next to the park. You can enjoy nature and shopping at once.
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Cupnoodles Museum
Ikeda City where the museum is located is the birthplace of instant noodles. In 1958, the world's first instant noodle product, In this museum, you can learn not only the history of instant noodles but also how to make it. In addition, you can actually make your original cup noodle! If you walk around Osaka city, you may see travelers carrying a cup noodle in the plastic bag. They are very the ones who experienced the cup noodle making at the museum. Do not forget to make a reservation if you are interested in it!
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Gourmet
Takoyaki
Takoyaki is diced octopus inside a round ball of dough. The dough is wheat flour mixed with eggs and flavored with dashi soup. These days takoyaki is eaten all over Japan. but authentic Osaka takoyaki tastes even better than the takoyaki found in other cities. Takoyaki is a soul food in Osaka. Takoyaki pans are a common item that can be found in most Osakan households. You can ask anyone who grew up in Osaka if they have a Takoyaki pan. They must say "Yes" if they are really Osaka people.
Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki is a Japanese-style pancake made from egg, flour and water with lots of toppings. It is very famous and popular as Osaka soul food like Takoyaki. Okonomiyaki is a popular pan fried food consisting of batter and cabbage. Selected toppings and ingredients are added which can vary greatly . This variability is reflected in the dish's name; "okonomi" literally means "to one's liking". Although the dish is available all over Japan, Okonomiyaki is most popular surely in Osaka.
Kushi-Katsu
Kushi-katasu is a dish of meat or vegetables that has been cut in mouthful portions, skewered, battered and deep fried. It is said that Kushi-katsu have originated from Shinsekai in Osaka. Once you enter Shinsekai area, many of Kushi-katsu restaurant are lined up. Before eating Kushi-katsu, firstly dip it in a sauce on each table. Do not dip it twice since the sauce is usually shared between the customers!
Nikuman/Butaman
Nikuman are a Chinese-style steamed bun filled with pork and other ingredients such as spice. The bun is light and fluffy and typically sits atop a piece of wax paper. The famous shop of Nikuman in Osaka is 551 Horai. 551 Nikuman is loved by not only Osaka people but also anyone living in outside of Osaka. Japanese usually buy some as souvenirs when visiting Osaka. You will see many of people bringing a red bag with 551 logo.
Omelette Rice
Omelette Rice is a dish consisting of an omelette made with fried rice and usually topped with ketchup. There is the oldest restaurant of Omu-Rice (Omelette Rice) in Osaka, called Hokkyokusei. This restaurant is located in the Shinsaibashi area of Osaka near Dotonbori. Soft and creamy Japanese Omlette is very popular! You should not miss it when you visit Osaka.
Japanese Crab -Kani Doraku -
The big crab on the wall is one of symbolic items in Dotonbori area. It is a signboard of the seafood restaurant "Kani Doraku" which offers Japanese seafood mainly crabs. You can savor tasty crab dishes at reasonable price in Osaka!
Bus Route
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