Osaka

If there's one place in Japan where food is more than just a meal, it's Osaka. Known as "the city of kuidaore" (literally, "eat until you drop"), Osaka invites you to explore its vibrant culinary culture, starting with its most iconic street foods.

Try freshly grilled Takoyaki, piping hot balls of savoury batter containing a tender piece of octopus at the center. Watching skilled vendors flip them with precision is part of the fun! Then move on to okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake filled with pork, seafood, or vegetables.Of course, it is the sauce that truly elevates these dishes. Rich, tangy and slightly sweet, it brings all the flavours together with every mouthful.

And don't miss Kushikatsu, crispy skewers, deep-fried to golden perfection and best enjoyed with a cold beer. Just remember the golden rule: no double-dipping!

While Tokyo dazzles with its sleek precision and fast-paced efficiency, Osaka welcomes you with open arms and hearty laughter. This city's energy isn’t just found in the flashing lights or bustling streets; it’s in the people.

From the electric glow of Dotonbori to the chatter of market vendors and the warm welcome of Osaka’s famously spirited 'obachan' (aunties), the city pulses with personality. Locals will strike up conversations and share their favourite food stalls. Here, interactions are genuine, unfiltered and unforgettable.

In Osaka, you don't just visit. You become part of the city's daily rhythm. Whether you’re admiring the skyline from Abeno Harukas or exploring the vibrant streets of Namba, the city's charm lies in its ability to make every traveller feel like a local.

Travelling with kids? Osaka is a wonderland for families! It's full of fun activities, hands-on experiences and places where you can let loose and laugh together. Whether you're seeking thrills or creating magical memories, this city is perfect for adventure.

At Universal Studios Japan (USJ), you'll find high-octane rides and immersive worlds, and few are as thrilling as the Mario Kart attraction. Put on your AR headset, grab the steering wheel and race through life-sized versions of the courses you grew up playing. Look left, right and behind you as the scenery shifts around you in real time, you're not just playing the game anymore; you're inside it!
Dodge fireballs, hurl Koopa shells at Bowser and race against friends and rivals through the Mushroom Kingdom. This mix of nostalgia and adrenaline makes it a must-do for anyone who’s ever picked up a controller, not just kids.

If time permits, why not go on a further adventure in the great outdoors? Nijigen no mori in Awaji Island, where the world of anime unfolds in the midst of nature, can be accessed in about an hour from Osaka.

Osaka's modern energy belies its centuries of history. As a neighbour of Kyoto, it developed early on as a centre of commerce, earning it the nickname 'the merchant city'.

Visit Osaka Castle, which was built by the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Its majestic silhouette rises proudly from the heart of the modern city, providing a striking contrast to the glass towers and busy streets around it and serving as a powerful reminder of Japan’s feudal past. From the top of the keep, take in the view of Osaka’s skyline and experience the striking contrast between centuries of samurai history and the vibrant metropolis that surrounds it.

In the heart of the city, the Namba Yasaka Shrine surprises visitors with its enormous lion head, which is a striking fusion of spiritual power and bold design. While Japan is home to thousands of shrines, this is the unique place where you can actually step inside the mouth of a lion. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss.