Japan Travel Guide: Osaka
The final destination of our unbelievable trip to Japan was the food capital itself, Osaka. The street food in Osaka is on another level, so make sure to grab anything and everything from street vendors.
What to See:
Nara Park - this large park is located just outside of Osaka in central Nara. The best part: it’s home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. They are so cute and walk right up to you expecting treats, so be sure to buy a pack off the street vendors. They even bow to you (you must go first)!! It truly was my happy place.
Osaka Castle - The castle tower is perched high in the sky, surrounded by citadels, gates, stone walls and moats. The Osaka Castle Park is quite large so bring your walking shoes. Honestly, don’t bring anything other than walking shoes to Japan.
Kuromon Market - Taking a stroll in this market feels never-ending. It’s a covered public market with about 150 shops that sell fish, meat, produce, traditional sweets, you name it!
LiLo Coffee Roasters - head here for a fantastic Chai latte. 10/10 would recommend.
Bar Nayuta - we had a girls night out one night in Osaka and ended up at this cozy cocktail bar. If you arrive at a super sketchy door that looks like it’s made for Dobby the House Elf, your’e at the right place. The drinks were so good and the vibes were chill.
Shopping - great news for my shopaholics aka me. Tax free shopping is typically available to foreign tourists when making purchases of over 5,000 yen. Make sure you have your passport so you can get it tax free. NOTE: Many shops and malls require you to first pay the full price (including the consumption tax) and cash in your refund after. I paid tax on the Air Max 720s that had been on my wishlist, and I just had to take it to the nearest tax refund agent. You can also do this at the airport.
Where to Eat:
Daiki Suisan - this kaiten-zushi restaurant, otherwise known as a revolving conveyor belt filled with the best sushi ever, was one of my favorite dining experiences. Once you’re seated, you’re free to grab any plate of sushi off the belt as they make their way through the restaurant and past every seat. You stack your plates and pay at the end. Genius.
Takoyaki - there are a few dishes that Osaka is known for, and Takoyaki is one of them. You’ll find kiosks selling these fried snacks all throughout Japan but wait to try them in Osaka; it’s a ball of octopus (tako), tempura scraps, pickled ginger and green onion covered in wheat flour batter. Usually, they’re served plain or brushed with takoyaki sauce and mayonnaise, then sprinkled with green laver and bonito shavings. And they’re amazing.
Tsurugyu - the Chanel Bag of beef. I had never tried Kobe Beef prior to this moment and I don’t think I’ll be able to eat it anywhere else unless it’s at this restaurant. We ate so much meat, I couldn’t begin to recall each kind. All I know is that we all were in heaven with each bite.
Our trip was two weeks of pure joy. I’m going to severely miss our music parties on the roof of our Aribnb, drunkenly scream singing Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis. Regardless of the excessive crowds, frustrating navigational issues and trust issues with Google, I really would recommend a trip to Japan whenever you get the chance. The country is full of the kindest people and so much great culture to learn from! Until next time.