Osaka is a city that never sleeps. It is the second largest metropolis in Japan, and the economic and cultural center of the Kansai region. Osaka is known for its vibrant nightlife, delicious street food, and friendly locals. It is also a city of contrasts, where modern skyscrapers coexist with historical landmarks and traditional neighborhoods.

We visited Osaka for two days after spending 3 days in Kyoto, the former capital of Japan. The difference between the two cities is so amazing. Kyoto is serene and elegant, with its temples, gardens, and geisha districts. Osaka is lively and energetic, with its neon lights, shopping arcades, and entertainment districts. We so enjoyed both cities.

We stayed in a hotel near Osaka-Umeda Station, as we come by train from Kyoto, which is one of the main transportation hubs in the city. Umeda Station is not just a train station, but also a shopping place with many amazing shops^..

The first day in Osaka

Osaka Castle

On our first day, we visited Osaka Castle, one of the most famous landmarks in Japan. The castle was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 16th century, who intended it to be the center of a unified Japan. However, it was destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries, and the current structure is a modern reconstruction. We learned about the history of the castle and its role in the wars and politics of Japan in the castle interior museum. We also admired the architecture and design of the castle, which features a five-story main tower with a golden roof and ornate decorations. You can also enjoy the castle surrounding with moats, stone walls, and gates, as well as a large park with cherry trees and plum groves.

Dotombori

After visiting the castle, we headed to Dotonbori with the subway, the most popular tourist and nightlife area in Osaka. Dotonbori runs along the canal of the same name, and is filled with towering neon signs, restaurants, bars, clubs, and shops. We were dazzled by the colorful and eccentric atmosphere of Dotonbori, where we saw giant crabs, octopuses, dragons, and other creatures adorning the facades of the buildings. Then, we posed under the famous Glico Man sign, considered an icon of Osaka. We also enjoy the Don Quijote Dotonbori ferris wheel ( you can’t miss it ) and the shop.

We decided to try some of the local specialties that Osaka is famous for, such as okonomiyaki and takoyaki. Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake made with flour, eggs, cabbage, and various toppings such as pork, seafood, cheese, or noodles. We eat some takoyaki which is cooked batter balls stuffed with octopus pieces and served with sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. We enjoyed them very much, as they were delicious and filling.

In the evening, we spent time walking along the canal and exploring the different shops and attractions in Dotonbori. We also watched some street performers who entertained us with their music, dance, and comedy. We had a lot of fun in Dotonbori, as it was a place where we could experience the lively and vibrant side of Osaka.

The second day

On our second day, before going back to the airport, we went to visit Umeda Sky Building (梅田スカイビル), a 173-meter tall skyscraper that consists of two towers connected by a circular observatory on the top floors. The observatory offers panoramic views of the city and the bay.

We had a wonderful time in Osaka, as it was a city that offered us a lot of variety and excitement. We felt that two days were not enough to see everything that Osaka has to offer, and we would love to come back again someday. Osaka is a city that has something for everyone, whether you are interested in history, culture, food, shopping, or entertainment.

We took a train from Umeda Station to the airport, which took about an hour. As it is a very big train station, be careful not to be lost and take a sufficient time margin. Then, we flew back to Seoul via Kansai International Airport, which is one of Japan’s most important international airports. It is located on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, about 40 kilometers south of central Osaka.

We hope you enjoyed reading about our trip to Osaka. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.