Holiday in Osaka

About Osaka

Osaka, Japan's third-largest city and unofficial culinary capital, pulses with a down-to-earth energy that stands in stark contrast to the polite understatement of Tokyo and Kyoto. The people of Osaka are considered the warmest and most humorous in Japan, and their motto "kuidaore" (to ruin oneself by eating) is a way of life: Nowhere in Japan does one eat better, cheaper, and with more enthusiasm than here. Dotonbori, the neon-lit entertainment district along the eponymous canal, is the culinary epicenter: Huge mechanical crabs, bright signs, and the iconic Glico runner shape the scene, while stalls prepare Takoyaki (crispy octopus balls), Okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and Kushikatsu (fried skewers) fresh. The rule for Kushikatsu is legendary: Never dip the skewer in the communal sauce a second time. Osaka Castle, built in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and surrounded by an expansive park with over 600 cherry trees, is particularly unforgettable during cherry blossom season in April. The Shinsekai (New World) district, once modeled after New York and Paris, has retained its retro-futuristic charm and is home to the distinctive Tsutenkaku Tower as well as the best Kushikatsu restaurants in the city. Namba and Shinsaibashi form the shopping heart with endless shopping arcades, while the Amerikamura (American Village) district combines vintage fashion and youth culture. Universal Studios Japan, featuring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the new Super Nintendo World, attracts families and fans from all over Asia. Osaka is the perfect starting point for day trips to Kyoto (15 minutes by Shinkansen), Nara (45 minutes), and Kobe (20 minutes) — and still deserves at least three days of its own.