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Osaka is Japan’s second largest city and a great alternative to the more frequently visited Tokyo. No less enigmatic, it sits at the mouth of the Yodo River, in the Kansai Prefecture, in the southwest of Honshu. Although last minute flights can often be a gamble, some great offers are available, and if you can get one to Kansai International Airport you will find yourself touching down on an artificial island just off of Osaka Bay.
Tokyo has always stigmatized Osaka as being part-removed from Japanese tradition, and too fraught in Western ideals of self-interest and greed. To some degree this is true, but what has developed from this pre-occupation is a thriving, industrious, cosmopolitan city, full of culture, arts and fantastic food.
Osaka’s main hub is split into two districts. The north (Kita) area is full of high-rise business buildings, and some of the best department stores and retail experiences. The south (Minami) thrives on its entertainment and magical nightlife.
Like Tokyo, there is a lot to see and do in Osaka. Some of the best excursions can be had by simply wandering around, hopping on and off the efficient bus system that dissects the city. The D?tonbori by night is a kaleidoscope of neon lights and fashionable, young, Japanese adults on their way to, or from, restaurants or aIzakaya (Japanese style pub). These narrow streets are exactly what you would expect to find in a large Japanese city, though there is always something unexpected waiting just round the next corner.
From the hustle and bustle of the street, to peace and tranquillity above, try taking a fresh perspective with an ascent of the Umeda Sky Building. In the Kita area of Osaka, this grand tower looks south over the city and out over towards Kansai International Airport. Spot the planes as they come in to land – they pass you at eye level before completing their descent.
Osaka is also a great base for extended day trips around the Kansai region. Not far away is Kobe, made famous for the marbled beef of the same name. Himeiji-jo, Japan’s greatest surviving example of an early 17th century castle, is protected by UNESCO, and is just a short journey west from Kobe. Also within striking distance is Kyoto, the old capital city of Japan. Here, there remains some traditional architecture from the Heian era, as well as beautiful parks and the indescribable Arashiyama bamboo forest.
Osaka’s other great attraction is its cuisine, and especially its street food. Wander the D?tonbori and be stuck for choice thanks to the overwhelming amount of cheap, quality sushi you are ever likely to find. Pick up some tako-yaki (octopus dumplings), yaki-tori (grilled chicken skewers) or okonomi-yaki (Japanese style omelette), all delicacies of Osaka. Alternatively, head to one of the finer dining restaurants, many of which are beginning to assert a reputation for themselves amid the global scene, or try one of the many excellent food courts in the basements of all department stores. On your visit you’ll find, as with the rest of what Osaka offers the tourist, food and the overall experience is far from second choice.
