Everybody needs some guidance every now and then. When you’re in Japan with a language barrier, you’ll need all the help you can get. It can get pretty difficult to decide what to do and where to eat in Osaka. That’s why I came up with this five-day traveling and eating guide to make life easier for all of us.
Day 1: Lunch at Tendon Tenya
Start off your trip with a good ol’ bowl of tempura and rice, or tendon, which is a play on the words tempura and donburi. At Tendon Tenya, you can get a decent set for less than ¥1000. Don’t forget to complete the meal with a cup of green tea! With a full stomach, you’re set to explore the city of Namba.
Day 2: Dinner at Acchichi Honpo
After a full day of shopping in Shinsaibashi, take a stroll along Dotonbori river at night and stop by Acchichi Honpo, one of the best places that sell takoyaki, for dinner. A ball-shaped snack that’s made with a wheat-based batter and diced octopus, takoyaki is savoury, filling, and absolutely amazing.
Day 3: Dessert at Osaka Castle
Spending time in the city is fun, but as a tourist, you’re obligated to visit the main attraction: the Osaka Castle. It’s a bit of a walk, but it’s all worth it because near the castle — there are food vendors selling everything from takoyaki to ice cream. Most people usually get the matcha ice cream here and the reasons are simple: it’s delicious and it makes a good Instagram shot.
Day 4: Drinks at Universal Studios Japan
Osaka is a beautiful city that comes alive at night, but the best thing about it (to me, at least) is that it’s home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. A short train ride from Namba Station, you’ll get to spend your whole day here and ride all the amusement rides. While you’re having the time of your life, don’t forget to get a cup of the famous wizarding beverage called butterbeer.
Day 5: Lunch at Genroku Sushi
Your last days are meant to be laid back, so take a short walk to Sennichimae and head on over to one of the best conveyor belt sushi restaurants: Genroku Sushi. The restaurant offers a wide range of assorted sushi that you can simply hand pick from the conveyor belt (hence, its name). It’s not difficult to find; just look for a huge hand holding a piece of sushi just above the restaurant sign.
What are you waiting for? Book your next trip to Osaka, Japan and start experiencing these amazing tourist spots and eateries for real. This guide does lack some of Osaka’s best dishes (e.g. okonomiyaki), so I’ll leave it to you to explore what else the city has to offer. Who knows, maybe you’ll find hidden gems in the Land of the Rising Sun.