Osaka

Osaka is the food city. Where Tokyo runs on understatement and Kyoto on tradition, Osaka runs on a particular kind of cheerful loud appetite — the local saying is kuidaore, “eat yourself ruined.” Dotonbori is the neon-lit canal where the giant moving crab sign looms over the takoyaki stalls; Kuromon Ichiba market is the daytime version. Osaka Castle is the obligatory historical stop, but the real itinerary here is a list of food (takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, kitsune udon) crossed off one stall at a time.

Dotonbori canal at night with neon signs and giant illuminated mascots reflecting in the water, the famous moving Glico runner sign, dense crowd on the bridge — Dotonbori canal at night.

Octopus dumplings sizzling in a cast-iron griddle with circular molds at a takoyaki street stall, steam rising, paper trays of finished takoyaki — Takoyaki street stall.

Kuromon Ichiba market in daytime, covered shopping arcade lined with seafood stalls and produce vendors, fresh tuna on ice, locals shopping — Kuromon Ichiba market.

The white and green tiered fortress of Osaka Castle rising from a stone moat with blooming sakura trees in the foreground, pastel spring sky — Osaka Castle in cherry blossom season.

Okonomiyaki savory cabbage pancake bubbling on a hot teppan iron plate, chef in a white shirt with a metal spatula, evening atmosphere — Okonomiyaki on the teppan.

Hozenji Yokocho narrow lantern-lit stone alley at dusk lined with traditional wooden restaurants, moss-covered Mizukake Fudo statue — Hozenji Yokocho stone alley.

← Back to Japan · All Destinations