Osaka is best known for its amazing casual food and outgoing locals . It's arguably Japan's street food capital, and among food lovers is famous for snacks including takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Osaka is also renowned for its lively, extroverted locals who make eating and drinking in Osaka an unforgettable experience.
What is cool about Osaka?
Osaka is known for lively nightlife and endless street food , but there's more hiding beneath this city's neon-lit facade. ... And honestly, we didn't really expect to like Osaka (aka Japan's third largest city!) all that much. Osaka lacks the old world charm you'll find in Kyoto, and it's not as flashy as Tokyo.
Why is Osaka so popular?
Osaka's nickname — Tenka no Daidokoro (the nation's kitchen) — originally referred to its Edo Period status as Japan's rice-trade hub. Nowadays, it refers to its reputation as a gourmand's paradise. And okonomiyaki is arguably Osaka's most famous dish.
What food is Osaka famous for?
- Okonomiyaki. Okonomiyaki, a thick savory pancake of mixed ingredients, literally means “whatever you like, cooked”. ...
- Negiyaki. Similar to okonomiyaki, negiyaki is a savory pancake-style food. ...
- Takoyaki. ...
- Tecchiri. ...
- Kitsune Udon. ...
- Taiko Manju. ...
- Oshizushi. ...
- Kushikatsu.
How would you describe Osaka Japan?
Osaka is a charming, relaxed city best known for its food, fun and nightlife —with some history and culture peeking through. Osaka is only a short shinkansen ride from Tokyo, but has a very different personality to Japan's capital city.
Is Osaka better than Tokyo?
While Tokyo is certainly a little more expensive than Osaka , don't forget that the cost of living and worker's wages are higher in Tokyo too. Osaka has slightly less, but is a little cheaper on the whole. There's also a big bargaining culture in Osaka, which is perfect for tourists.
What is famous Osaka?
- Dotonbori: Everyone's Favorite Spot in Osaka.
- Amerikamura: Shop Vintage Clothes and Eat Takoyaki.
- Universal Studios Japan (USJ): Have Fun All Day Long!
- Osaka Castle: A Towering Icon of the City.
- Tsutenkaku and Shinsekai: Where Osaka's Past and Present Coexist.
How many days should I spend in Osaka?
How many days do I need to set aside in Osaka? I recommend at least 5 days to see the must-see of the Kansai region, namely Osaka and Kyoto. The best is if you can stay at least 8 days, which will allow you to visit all the best highlights of Kansai: Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Himeji and Hiroshima.
Is Osaka Japan worth visiting?
Osaka is the third largest city in Japan (population 2.7 million) behind Tokyo and Yokohama. It has a rich history dating back some 1,500 years. Popular for its nightlife, food and shopping , Osaka should definitely be on your list when planning your Japan itinerary.
Where can I sleep in Osaka?
The best places to stay in Osaka are Namba and Umeda . Other good places to stay in Osaka are hotels near the Midosuji subway line, Osaka Castle or Universal Studios. Namba and Umeda are major transport hubs with lots of shops and restaurants. Stay in Namba if you love food and nightlife.
Is food expensive in Osaka?
While meal prices in Osaka can vary, the average cost of food in Osaka is ¥3,001 per day . Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Osaka should cost around ¥1,201 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner.
Is it rude to walk and eat in Japan?
Walking and eating in Japan
Japanese tend not to eat while walking along or standing around on the street . However, it is acceptable to drink while standing aside a vending machine. Eating and drinking on local trains, but not long distance express trains, is also frowned upon.
What should I buy in Osaka?
- All things Takoyaki flavored. As you stroll along the streets of Dotonbori in Osaka, you'll probably see a Takoyaki store every few steps! ...
- Mochi. ...
- Kit Kats. ...
- Pablo Cheese snacks. ...
- Okonomiyaki flavored snacks. ...
- Osaka Petit Banana. ...
- Matcha madness. ...
- Peach flavored everything.
Is Osaka Japan expensive?
Is Osaka expensive? ... In general, you can expect Osaka to cost you less per day than Tokyo or Kyoto, but more expensive than most other cities in Japan .
What is the culture of Osaka?
Osaka, along with Japan, considers itself a stand-alone society with a culture unlike that of any other. Even after the centuries-long infiltration of China's societal mores, affirmation of uniquely Japanese culture was reclaimed in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Does it snow in Osaka?
While most of Japan's major cities, including Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, receive only small amounts of snow , locations offering snow experiences are readily accessible from them. The snow season in Japan is long and in some places begins as early as November and lasts into May, with the peak being in February.
