1. Running Man, Dotonbori
The Gilco Running man is probably the most popular landmark in Osaka. The lit-up sign is one of many that runs along the Dotonbori canal. At night the canal has a lively vibe with the neon lights reflecting off the water. Dotonbori is well known for is shopping and entertainment district. The place has an amusement park vibe. The Gilco running man symbolises the shopping center. We spent our night here on the canal with some alcohol from the convenience store. We sat under the bright lights with music playing in the background chatting and people watching. This was a memorable moment from my time in Osaka.
2. Umeda Sky Building
The Umeda Sky Building is not the tallest building in Osaka but offers incredible views over the city. The building has two 40 story towers that connect at the top with a circle top deck. It has glass escalators crossing the two towers which makes you feel like you're floating through the air. If you're scared of heights this will be a difficult escalator journey for you. One thing to note if you're scared of heights the Umeda Sky Building is probably not for you as it stands 173m/568ft tall. The Building has a rooftop observatory deck which offers 360-degree views of Osaka’s cityscape. I do enjoy being up high and looking at a great view, if you do as well, you should go here for sure.
Not my own image
3. Osaka Castle
The Osaka castle is one of Japans most iconic landmarks. The castle is symbolic to the city. It played a bit role in the unification of Japan in the 16th century. Construction of the castle started in 1583. After a being demolished and rebuilt a couple of times, the castle was finally rebuilt and finished in 1997. The surrounding ground area is great for picnics and chilling out. The castle is surrounded by a moat and green gardens. You can also explore inside the castle for an admission of 600 yen.
4. Shinsekai
The Shinsekai neighborhood was created in 1912 with New York the model for the southern half and Paris for the northern half. A Luna amusement park operated until 1923, which explains the weird and wacky attractions you'll see here. The Tsutenkaku Tower is a symbol of the Eiffel tower in the northern half of the neighborhood. This place is great to walk around and take in all the colorful and eye-catching surroundings. This area is also home to spa world which we did not go into but has a large bath complex.
5. Eat, Eat and Eat
Last, but not least, probably my favorite thing I did in Osaka as there is no shortage of food options. If you're wondering in Osaka what to eat, let me recommend some dishes that I tried and fell in love with. The first two are significant to Osaka and the other two are Japanese classics:
a) Takoyaki
Takoyaki is a traditional snack in Osaka. The dumplings are filled with octopus, ginger, spring onions and tempura crumbs. After they are cooked, they are covered in a sweet brown sauce and mayonnaise and topped with powdered nori seaweed and dried bonito flakes. Personally, I didn’t think I would be a fan of these, but they are incredible. If you're unsure just go for it, you’ve got nothing to lose and you might enjoy them like myself. You will not have any trouble finding somewhere that sells Takoyaki, just look for the big octopus statues.
b) Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki is another incredible dish that’s a must try in Osaka. The word Okonomiyaki basically means “grilled stuff you like”. It is a savory pancake made from basic ingredients such as egg, flour, grated yam and shredded cabbage. Depending on what you're into you can add pork, tomato, shrimp, cheese etc. Just like the Takoyaki, it is covered in a sweet brown sauce and mayonnaise and topped with powdered nori seaweed and dried bonito flakes. I was a big fan of these and ate quite a few variations when I was in Osaka. The closest thing I would describe them as is a glorified omelet, but that doesn’t do it justice.
c) Wagyu & Kobe Beef
If you're are a meat eater this is something you have try whilst you're here. Osaka has some of the best steak restaurants with incredible quality beef. The best way to enjoy your beef is with Yakiniku style (Japanese BBQ). The idea is you order your platter of meat and cook it yourself on a mini grill. Me and my friend got a little exited and ordered a 3-person platter costing us £130 (which we only found out after finishing our meal). There was a real satisfaction to cooking the beef to your standard. The veriaty of different cuts of meat and the marble-like quality was unreal. The beef melted in your mouth. Here is the one we visited: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g14134988-d3270759-Reviews-Matsusakagyu_Yakiniku_M_Hozenji_Yokocho-Namba_Chuo_Osaka_Osaka_Prefecture_Kinki.html
d) Sushi
I know this might sound a bit standard, but I couldn’t make this list without including sushi. We only went into a sushi restaurant for a little snack. The sushi conveyer belt brings endless dishes of sushi prepared by the chef in front of you. This ensures the food is so fresh and of the highest quality. My favourite sushi was the tuna, but I'd advise try as many as possible. The sushi in Japan tastes so much better than anywhere else in the world, same concept as Guinness in Ireland.
Comments