To sum up my visit to Japan in October 2015, I'm going to list down the sightseeing attractions, shopping areas and dining spots of each city that I've visited.
Osaka was my first stop and if you are getting here via air travel, you will be landing in Kansai International Airport (KIX). To get into central Osaka, which is where all the main attractions are located, you can opt to take the train or taxi. Train is the best option and you should take the discounted ICOCA and HARUKA package which costs 3,030 yen one way. For more information on this package, check out the West Japan Railway Company website.
Listed below are the top attractions around Osaka, the laid-back port city which has the second largest population after Tokyo, and is widely known as the 'Nation's Kitchen'.
Sightseeing
1) Osaka Castle
You wouldn't want to miss this! Choose to take the elevator or climb up the stairs (a note of warning!) to the 8th floor observatory to get a 360 degree view of Osaka city. It's pretty worth the 600 yen entrance fee!
2) Amerikamura
Located just adjacently towards the north of the Shinsaibashi shopping arcade, this area gives of the American vibe as soon as you walk along the streets of this little enclave. There is even a Statue of Liberty here! It was pretty hard to spot, so good luck in finding it! I was in the area around Halloween, so the decorations were pretty much in the Halloween spirit. Expect to see loads of American brands here, as well as inspired stuff. Great place for a change of scenery.
3)Ebisubashi Bridge
The greatest place to be at night is definitely the Ebisubashi Bridge. Not only do you get to catch a glimpse of the famous Glico Man signboard all lighted up, the area is lively and smells great with shoppers and diners walking about. The Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade and Ebisubashi Shopping Arcade are located at the two ends of this bridge. Shopping madness alright! Not to mention, Dotombori is parallel to this bridge. Glorious food here we come!
Shopping
1) Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade
Anytime of the day, the Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade draws in a huge amount of shoppers. A good mix of Japanese and international brands are located here, and so are the range of goods, from cheap to expensive. Shops are open from around 10am to 9pm, so plan your shopping trip well. I spent a few hours here and there during the 2 whole days I was in Osaka, and even then, I found it difficult to cover the entire length of Shinsaibashi. Definitely a shopper's paradise not to be missed!
2) Namba Parks Mall
A great mall with a great architecture, you'll be in awe with the mall's design before you step in. If the prices are a bit too high for you, come here for a stroll in the mall's Sky Garden, and look out to get a view of the city. Dining here is still affordable, unless you are on a really strict budget.
3) Bic Camera
The outlet located in Namba is very accessible as it is within walking distance from Dotombori. It is great to shop in Bic Camera, you'll never get bored! Floor after after floor of gadgets, toys, and house appliances, it's a great place for shoppers of all ages.
Dining
1) Dotombori
If you're in Osaka, Dotombori is the place to be if you want to see the food culture of this city. As much as I'd like to say that all the unique delicacies to Osaka can be found here (takoyaki, okonomiyaki, giant snow crab, etc.), do make sure to try the food here and compare with those located away from Dotombori. This was an advice shared by my local host, and I'm glad that I did not limit myself to only dining at the restaurants here. The okonomiyaki I had here was pretty great though!
2)Kuromon Market
For me, some of the best food I've tasted during my visit to Osaka were located in Kuromon Market. To get here, check out the Kuromon Ichiba Market's website for directions. It is best accessed via subway. Get off at Nippombashi Station, and it is right outside Exit 10. I tasted the most authentic ramen in the market here, in a store manned by a single chef. Good luck in your foodie adventures here!
3) Yoshinoya
As much I as I did not want to include this 'fast-food' chain from my list, it still made it here because the atmosphere and food served were at par with some of the more affluent restaurants I've been to in Osaka. The food is relatively cheap (great for your tight budget) and best part is, it is delicious and nutritious! Yoshinoya never disappoints for sure!
That is all for my list of attractions in Osaka, which are not to be missed. Check out my detailed blog posts to find out more of my travel experience in Osaka in the links below:
Day 1: Shinsaibashi, Kuromon Market, Namba Walk and Namba Parks Mall
Day 2: Osaka Castle, Shinsaibashi, Amerikamura and Dotombori
