Osaka is best known for its great food, nightlife, and fun, with a notable historical highlight the Osaka Castle.
Japan’s third-biggest city, what Osaka lacks in iconic sightseeing spots, it more than makes up for with its flamboyance, fun-loving people, and fantastic food. Indeed, the city’s motto is “eat until you drop.”
MORE FOOD, MORE FUN!
Explore Kuromon Ichiba – A traditional marketplace oozing with tantalizing scents, foods, and pure Osaka energy. The pungent smell of kimchee and the colorful arrangements of fish, meats, and products provide a powerful sensory experience. Inspired Travel Designs through Virtuoso offers a 4-hour foodie tour that will satisfy your curiosity and cravings.
Cutting a giant tuna in Kuromon Market, Osaka, Japan
Don’t miss the Shinsaibashi arcade stretch. Shinsaibashi station to Dotonbori is one of Japan’s busiest and oldest shopping streets. You will be in awe of a limitless selection of cafes and restaurants.
Osaka is a gourmet’s delight. Indeed, the city’s exuberant inhabitants’ motto is kuidaore – “to eat oneself bankrupt.” Experience Kuidaore (eat until you drop): dining Osaka-style. The stretch of Dotonbori gives you many options with izakaya, restaurants, and bars. The crab restaurants here are famous. Or try Osaka-style sushi.
Dotonbori, Osaka
By the riverside promenade, indulge in stalls serving takoyaki, steaming bowls of ramen, okonomiyaki joints, and an abundance of drinking spots.
LOCAL FOOD SPECIALTIES
- Takoyaki
Pieces of octopus mixed with pickled ginger and green onions are combined in a batter and grilled through a particular mold resulting in rounds of soft and crispy combination that is pure heaven in your mouth.
- Iwa Okoshi
Iwa okoshi is a candy puff-like cereal bar with eight centuries of history behind them.
- Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake composed of shredded cabbage, flour, egg, and dashi, and either cooked at your table for you or left for you to cook yourself. Several toppings are available such as pork, shrimp, octopus, and cheese.
- Menchi katsu
Menchi katsu is a patty that is breaded and deep-fried to perfection. Golden and crisp. Truly a local favorite!
- Wagyu Beef
The most expensive beef globally. Savor wagyu’s melt-in-the-mouth textures with a refreshing cocktail.
- Tempura
Sample a new style of tempura. Try the traditional shrimp tempura and more experimental combinations such as asparagus tempura and cheese.
THE OSAKA CASTLE – A GLIMPSE OF HISTORY
Osaka Castle is Osaka’s best-known sight and the symbol of the city. The construction started in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s order; however, the castle suffered several destructions throughout its history. Secondary citadels, gates, turrets, impressive stone walls, and moats encircle the castle tower.
Some ancillary buildings survive the Tokugawa period, including the Tamon tower and the impressive Otemon gate. Memorabilia and armor from the Hideyoshi are on display on the lower floors of the main keep. An elevator travels to the eighth floor for great views of the city.
Osaka Castle – Virtuoso
UMEDA – HOME TO THE MOST OF THE CITY’S MODERN BUILDINGS
See HEP (Hankyu Entertainment Park), where you can see the giant Ferris wheel and maybe do some shopping. Do not miss the Umeda Sky Building, a pair of 137-meter skyscrapers connected on the 39th floor.
Enjoy 360-degree views from the Floating Garden Observatory. You’ll be happy to see aircrafts landing and taking off at Kansai International Airport in the distance.
WHERE TO STAY IN OSAKA?
Conrad Osaka – this sleek luxury hotel offers incredible views of the water and Osaka. An infusion of modern and traditional Japanese elements make up this hotel. Relax in a bath and admire the Osaka skyline at the pampering spa.
Reach out to us and avail of Virtuoso 2022 amenities when you book this hotel.
- Upgrade on arrival
- Daily Buffet Breakfast
- $100 equivalent Food & Beverage credit, valid on food, beverage, and spa treatment
- Early check-in/late check-out
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Writing this article made me want to return. I love a place that offers history, culture, arts, culinary scene, health and wellness, and modern flair. Osaka is an epitome of a great city.
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