Osaka: A paradise for eating, drinking and having fun

Osaka is one of the core cities in the Kansai region of Japan. It is famous for its enthusiastic market culture, delicious street food and rich shopping options. Different from the modern Tokyo and the classical Kyoto, Osaka gives people the impression of being friendly, fun and super energetic! ⸻ 📸 Must-visit attractions 1. Osaka Castle • One of the three famous cities in Japan, the cherry blossoms in spring are super dreamy. The castle tower overlooks the city and you can also learn about Toyotomi Hideyoshi's history. 2. Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi Shopping Street • The super popular landmark "Glico Runner" is here! • Full of takoyaki, skewers, ramen and shopping paradise, it is one of the most popular areas in Osaka. 3. Tsutenkaku & Shinsekai • Showa nostalgic street, recommended to eat skewers and drink beer, the lights are gorgeous at night and very tasteful 4. Tempozan Ferris Wheel & Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan • Suitable for family trips, Kaiyukan is one of the world's largest aquariums, where you can see whale sharks, penguins and other marine life. 5. Universal Studios Japan (USJ) • Harry Potter and Mario parks are very popular and you can't finish playing in a whole day. It is recommended to book tickets and Express Pass in advance. 6. Kuromon Ichiba Market • Known as the "Kitchen of Osaka", there are a lot of fresh seafood, wagyu beef, desserts and fruits, which is a paradise for foodies! ⸻ 🍽 Must-eat food recommendations • Takoyaki (たこ焼き): crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, it is recommended to eat freshly made at a street stall in Dotonbori. • Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き): Hot iron pancakes with pork, seafood, cheese and other ingredients. • Kushikatsu (串カツ): Fried food with special sauce, you can't stop eating. • Ippudo Ramen: Popular chain ramen, rich soup and full of flavor. • 551 Penglai Pork Bun: Osaka limited specialty, many people will bring it back as a souvenir. • Taiyaki, matcha desserts, Uji Kintoki shaved ice: can't miss it for those who love sweets! ⸻ 🛍 Shopping recommendations • Shinsaibashisuji Shopping Street: ZARA, UNIQLO, GU, Daikoku Drugstore, etc. • Namba Takashimaya & Osaka Takashimaya: high-end brands and Japanese department stores gather here. • Umeda area (HEP FIVE, Grand Front Osaka): a fashionable shopping area with a Ferris wheel and food court. • Don Quijote: a 24-hour grocery store, great for shopping! ⸻ 🚄 Transportation and ticket recommendations 🚇 Urban transportation • Osaka's subway system is well developed and easy to use. • Recommended purchases: Osaka One-Day Pass / Kansai Area Pass, depending on the length of the trip and the destination. • ICOCA card: Kansai version of Suica card, super convenient for taking the bus. 🚅 Airport to and from • To enter Osaka from **Kansai Airport (KIX)**, you can take: • Nankai Electric Railway (fastest) • JR Kansai-Airport Express "HARUKA" • Airport Limousine Bus (direct to major hotels) ⸻ 🏨 Recommended accommodation areas • Namba/Shinsaibashi: most convenient, you can go shopping and eat delicious food on foot. • Umeda (Osaka Station): a transportation hub, suitable for arranging a series of Kansai cities. • Tennoji: relatively quiet and cheap, suitable for families and budget travelers. ⸻ 💡 Tips 1. It is easy to queue during peak meal times: popular restaurants such as Ichiran and famous yakiniku restaurants are recommended to avoid peak hours. 2. Garbage classification is strict, and trash cans are not common on the roadside. It is recommended to bring your own plastic bags for garbage. 3. Convenience stores are super useful: supper, drinks, tickets and even home delivery can be done. 4. Please buy USJ tickets in advance! It is recommended to book online at least one week in advance to avoid queuing on site. 5. Some drugstores require a passport for tax refunds, so remember to bring your ID with you when you go shopping.