The Kitchen of Japan is a melting pot of food, fanfare, friendly faces and fun!

 

The city of Osaka houses approximately 2.7 million inhabitants, with energy vibrating from every corner of this economic powerhouse in the Kansai region. Apart from the dazzling nightlife, the warm candour of the local people and a distinct Japanese dialect, Osaka is also known as the Kitchen of Japan. It’s a place where foodies will be able to indulge in almost every Japanese cuisine imaginable, from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants. It’s said that Osaka is the epitome of the Japanese term kuidaore, which means to eat until you drop!

 

Osaka is truly a delight to explore. Here are some recommendations for you to get the most out of visiting this wonder.

 

Head to the top of the Umeda Sky Building

 

 

Measuring 173 metres in height, the Umeda Sky Building consists of two towers connected by a floating garden observatory (Kuchu Teien Observatory) at its top, and an escalator between the towers that take guests to said observatory for 1500 yen. There is also a bar and a restaurant at the observatory should you want a drink or a meal to accompany the experience. All in all, you’re bound to be dazzled by the brilliant cityscape of Osaka, day or night.

 

Go down the Tsutenkaku Tower Slider

 

 

The Tsutenkaku Tower stands distinctly in the middle of Osaka’s Shinsekai district, rising tall among the ostentatious signages and bright lights that dazzle the streets. As one of the symbols of Osaka, Tsutentaku Tower stands 103 metres tall and offers a superb view of the Osaka skyline at its open-air observatory deck, the Tenbo Paradise. After that, take the Tsutekntaku Tower Slider down to ground level - it costs 1000 yen, and goes 60 meters downwards from the third floor. Enjoy the ride as your marvel at the cityscape on the way down!

 

Enjoy Osaka's flavors at Dotonbori sampling Osaka favorites such as takoyaki and kushikatsu

 

 

Listed as one of Japan’s top highlights in travel guidebooks, the Dotonbori district is easily distinguished by its colorful display of neon lights, specifically the image of the Glico Running Man that sits along the riverbanks. 

 

The Kitchen of Japan certainly doesn’t disappoint when it comes to gastronomical street food delights. Savor the delicious mess that is takoyaki, enjoy the delicious textures of freshly fried kushikatsu with an accompanying dipping sauce, or indulge in a piping hot okonomiyaki pancake.

 

Learn more about the history of Osaka’s street food scene by going on a night walking tour that takes you around the area and gives an explanation of each of the street food you’ll sample along the way!

 

Have the time of your life at Universal Studios Japan

 

Image courtesy of Universal Studios Japan  
© Nintendo™ & ©️ Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

 

As the first Universal Studio theme park opened in Asia, Universal Studios Japan has some of the best attractions seen at a Universal theme park. It’s hard to imagine where else in the world you can find ​​Minion Park, Jaws, Jurassic Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Super Nintendo World all in one place!

 

Besides the multitude of thrilling rollercoaster rides and performances, there are many options available to keep one entertained. Drink a Butterbeer at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, snap a picture with some of your favorite characters such as Hello Kitty and Minions, and shop for quaint souvenirs at the Mushroom Kingdom in Super Nintendo World!
 

Pick up some bargains while vintage shopping at Amerikamura

 

 

Amerikamura was established in the 1970s and is well-known as a hub of Japanese youth culture, comparable to Tokyo’s Shimokitazawa district. The area is filled with over 2000 shops, from stores selling imported American clothing and goods, to cafes, art galleries and even live music venues. Wander around the streets and feel the energy of the area as youths traverse the streets here sporting cool and unique fashion. Occasionally, there will be live performances and flea markets that draw a bigger crowd and bring vitality to an already lively community.

 

Create your cup noodles at CUPNOODLES MUSEUM

 

 

Who says you can’t have your cake (or in this instance, instant noodles) and eat it too? Step into the world of instant noodles at the CUPNOODLES MUSEUM in Osaka’s Ikeda city, where various attractions get you acquainted with the interesting history of how instant noodles came about. Learn about Momofuku Ando, known as the inventor of instant noodles, and his various achievements. For a visually arresting experience, venture into the Instant Noodles Tunnel, where approximately 800 types of instant noodles are displayed in various product packages. If you’re up for it, you can also try your hand at building your custom cup of instant noodles at the MYCUPNOODLES Factory!