OSAKA || The Food Capital of Japan with Scrumptious Eats and a Multitude of Experiences to Explore
What makes Osaka so special?
It’s hard to summarize it in one sentence or even one story. Is it the people? Is it the food? Is it the variety of experiences you could enjoy in the prefecture? It’s all of these things and more.
With food, you could walk into a convenience store, a train station restaurant, or head to a fine dining restaurant and know that you will enjoy great hospitality and a tasty meal. I even prefer the mom-and-pop restaurants where you are served a homemade meal. You might need to head to a quieter, residential neighbourhood to find these shops, but it’s well worth the trek. As Japan is still slowly re-opening to welcome more visitors, it’s important to note that such an influx could be overwhelming for the locals as well. Be respectful with your phones and cameras, and always ask politely before you take a photo.
As for the people, Osakans are known for their Kansaiben dialect and friendliness. I lived in Osaka for a year during university, and I still recall how I got lost in the side streets trying to find the train station, and a helpful old man on his bike stopped to walk me all the way to the station. You’ll find that even when you’re shopping, the staff are more open to conversing with you, instead of just asking if the sizing is okay. During my most recent visit, a salesperson and I talked about my travels in Japan, and our language barrier just added more laughs to the conversation.
As with other prefectures across Japan, Osaka presents many experiences to explore. From the gaming, anime, electronics, cameras, and collectible toys you could find in Den Den Town to the network of department stores in Umeda and a quiet moment at the zoo in Tennoji, there’s something for everyone.
Photography by Florence Leung
Vending machines are everywhere to ensure you enjoy a hot or cold drink whenever you need. You could even get hot meals from select machines!
I still can’t get over how even the cars are cute in Japan with their rounded corners and headlights.
Osaka is quite different from Tokyo when it comes to how people commute. Be prepared to share the sidewalk with bikes zipping past you every few seconds.
You could also find quiet pockets away from all the action, at cafes like Sakimoto Coffee.
In comparison to fashion you would see in Tokyo with a more refined, minimalistic look for the office, Osakans give me the feeling of being more hip and carefree in their styles. Bulky sweaters, wide-leg pants, flowing and comfortable cardigans with boots.
Head to Kuromon Market for fresh seafood. From crab legs to fresh fish, seafood skewers, and grilled crabs made to order, you get to try everything as you wander through the market. Read our full story on Kuromon Market here.
Osaka is the food capital of Japan, so there’s plenty of delicious food to go around. A small restaurant we found off the side streets of Kuromon Market offered grilled fish on a stick for 1200 yen.
