Top 5 markets in Osaka, Japan

Osaka is a city filled with marketplaces – from shopping arcades to flea markets. They are open all year round, giving you a chance to explore some good finds from local shops, fresh food and a range of quirky souvenirs. If you’re in Osaka, be sure to visit some of these markets on your journey.

Shintennoji Temple Market

Antique flea market in an idyllic setting The Shintenno-ji Temple is officially the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan and was built by Prince Shōtoku in 593 A.D. The temple hosts an antique market on the 21st and 22nd of every month. Around 100 sale tents are erected, offering goods from handbags, pottery and handicrafts all for incredibly low prices. Among the craft stores are food stalls serving delicious, warm local street food with authentic tastes. Admission to both the market and temple is free, so be sure to check out this beautiful sight.

Kuromon Ichiba

Fresh local food market The Kuromon Ichibamarket, previously known as the Emmeiji market, is named after the black gate, which is situated north-east of the Emmeiji temple. The market is close to 600 meters long with 170 shops. The vast majority of shops specialize in the most fresh and best quality meat, vegetables, eggs and other ingredients used around the country. Most of the sales are made to businesses and professional chefs, but Kuromon Ichiba also caters to the public. Established for over 170 years, everyone has been drawn in by the taste, freshness and range of products.

Shinsaibashi-suji

Shinsaibashi-suji is one of Osaka’s most popular shopping districts and like many places in Osaka, gets its name from the many bridges that are built around it. The street is home to hundreds of shops and restaurants, including well-known foreign brands such as Zara, H&M, Bershka and Forever 21. The shopping arcade ends at Dōtonbori Bridge and the famous neon lights of the Glico running man and the giant crab. Even if you aren’t in the mood for shopping, the area has a lot to offer on insight into the local fashion and food.

Sennichimae Doguya-Suji

Famous shopping area Sennichimae Doguya-Suji is a well-known shopping arcade in Osaka. Within it is the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, where you can dress in a kimono and experience a village in the Edo period. Many shops in the arcade sell famous Japanese snacks, from the huge variety of Kitkat flavors to the Glico brand. They sell souvenirs at a cheaper price than most tourist locations too. The arcade is also renowned for its sushi and you can get an assorted plate for just 500 yen, but there will be a queue.

Korea Town Osaka

Situated near Namba, Korea Town is the dwelling and working place for many Koreans. The town has been developed with local Korean shops selling food, daily goods and even Korean-style clothing. The restaurants are mainly of the Yakiniku style, which is a cuisine of grilled meat over charcoal. The town has only been around for about 15 years and welcomes visitors and newcomers to come along and try the incredibly tasty foods and Korean cuisine.

See more: Where to visit in Changwon, the city of art

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How to spend 3 days in Osaka, Japan

If you’ve got 3 days to tour the second largest city in Japan, what should you see first? You’ll likely arrive in the city at either Osaka Station or Shin-Osaka Station, especially if you are enjoying the ease and affordability of the Japan Rail Pass. Choose a hotel in a central location, with easy access to a train station – for example, one of the hotels in or around Osaka Station City. Once you are comfortably settled into your home away from home, your adventure is ready to begin.

Day 1: Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Fifteen tanks occupy eight floors, some stretching across multiple floors. As you descend, you will spiral around the large central tank, which is home to a full-grown whale shark – an impressive animal the size of a city bus.

The aquarium opens at 10 a.m., so you can sleep in a little (if you want) and still get a relatively early start. Admission is ¥2,300. Most visitors spend at least 3 hours in the aquarium.

How to get there: From Osaka Station, take the Osaka Loop Line to Bentencho Station. Then, take the Chuo line to Osakako Station. The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is about a 10-minute walk from the station.

Day 1: Dotonbori Area

Before heading back to your hotel for the night, you may wish to stop by Osaka’s famous entertainment district, the Dotonbori, where travellers can experience the local nightlife with restaurants, amusement facilities and shopping centers open 24 hours.

Here’s where you will be able to walk by the promenades on both sides of the Dotonbori-gawa Canal and see its amazing advertisements and neon signs, including the famous Glico Man. Last but not least, the Hozen-ji Temple on the first street to the south offers a gate out of the modern world and into the past of Osaka.

How to get there: From Osakako Station, take the Chuo Line to Kujo Station. Then, take the Hanshin-Namba Line to Namba Station. The Dotonbori is about a 5-minute walk from the station.

Day 2: Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is one of the most striking castle structures in Japan. The enormous white edifice is a 1930s reconstruction of a historic castle from 1583. The building houses a modern museum, an elevator for ease of access, and the Nishinomaru Garden. It is one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in the city.

How to get there: From Osaka Station, take the JR Loop Line to Osakajokoen Station. The castle is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is ¥600. Admission to the garden is ¥200.

Day 2: Shitennoji Temple

After a walk around the castle, consider a visit to Osaka’s numerous shrines and temples. Nearest the station are the Isshin-ji, a classic twelfth-century Buddhist temple, and Shitennoji, a Buddhist temple dating to the year 593 A.D.

A further walk will take you to the Sumiyoshi Taisha Grand Shrine is one of the oldest in Japan, built in the third century. You can view four main halls, as well as the picturesque Sorihashi Bridge.

How to get there: From Osakajokoen Station, take the Osaka Loop Line to Tennoji Station. The Shrines and temples are within walking distance of the station.

Day 3: Universal Studios Japan

After the educational nature of castles and temples, the young and young at heart may desire to delve into the fictional world of Universal Studios Japan.

This amusement park, the second largest in Japan, features eight theatrically themed sections – the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Wonderland, Amity Village, Waterworld, Jurassic Park, San Francisco, New York, and Hollywood. If any in your travel group isn’t into rollercoaster thrills, they may enjoy the Universal Citywalk Osaka, a movie-themed shopping mall located just outside the park.

Universal Studios Japan is typically open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admissions range in price from ¥5,100 to ¥7,600.

How to get there: From Osaka Station, take the JR Sakurajima Line, also called the JR Yumesaki Line, to Universal City Station. The park is less than a five-minute walk from the station.

Day 3: HEP Five Ferris Wheel

If you have always wanted to ride a massive red Ferris wheel on the top of a skyscraper in Japan – this is the place for you.

Apart from an adventurous experience, Hep Five is a 10-story high shopping mall and entertainment center. You will find restaurants, European and Japanese fashion stores, including game centers (7th floor) where many of the local visitors love to gather and play.

To top it all after a long and tiring walk, go to the last floor and take a ride on the big red Ferris wheel – a romantic experience, preferred by many couples after sundown.

See more: The best places to enjoy Osaka foods

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Top onsen houses to try in Osaka, Japan

Onsen is a hot spring in Japan. This country’s hot spring supply is so abundant that even the big cities are full of these spa-like retreats. Here are the best hot springs in and around urban Osaka.

Nobeha No Yu Tsuruhashi

This lavish spa, situated right in the middle of Osaka’s Koreatown, is the perfect escape from the city without actually leaving it. Nobeha no Yu is a massive complex that includes multiple floors of spas, saunas, and baths, as well as dining and relaxation areas. There are both public and private baths for rent, all of which are opulent and indulgent without breaking the bank.

Taihei no Yu

This sento (bathhouse) is conveniently located near Namba, one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations. It’s actually a ‘super sento,’ a public bathing facility designed to function as an entertainment center. Taihei no Yu features the requisite baths (many different types, including outdoor, electric, and cold water tubs) as well as a food court, spa area, game center, and more. It’s also located right next to an early morning fish market, perfect for those who love seafood.

Spa World

If combining the relaxation of taking an onsen bath with the heart-stopping excitement of a water park sounds like your idea of a great time, then pay a visit to Spa World – the place that does both. Inside you’ll find a variety of themed baths, a lazy floating river, and a mega waterslide. Equal parts rejuvenating, bizarre and adorably kitsch, it’s definitely worth a visit for those wanting a more unique bathing experience.

Minoo Onsen Spa Garden

This is the largest onsen complex in Western Japan. Located in tranquil Minoo Park, renowned for its natural beauty and gorgeous fall foliage, Minoo Onsen has numerous decadent baths, with waters said to have healing and beautifying properties. On the top floor is an open-air bath offering breathtaking views of Osaka City by day and night. Hotel guests can use the spa for free, otherwise it’s ¥,3500 ($32) for two hours.

Kamigata Onsen Ikkyu

This onsen boasts the largest rotenburo (outdoor bath) in the Kansai region. The pure, mineral hot spring water that services this rustic bathhouse draws visitors from all around the region. The onsen is split into two areas, the Wood Bath and the Stone Bath, each with their own aesthetic and with many different baths and saunas to enjoy. It’s conveniently located near Universal Studios Japan, perfect for anyone in need of a rest after waiting in line all day.

Amami Onsen Nantenen

This incredible hot spring resort is located only 40 minutes from Osaka City by train. Designed by the same architect responsible for famous Tokyo Station, the traditional and lush green environment allows guests to indulge in the experience of bathing in another time and place while actually near a major, modern city.

See more: Natural onsens you should visit in Tokyo, Japan

Shopping Guide: What to buy in Osaka, Japan

Here are the souvenirs that people from Osaka will definitely recommend to visitors that come to Osaka, be it for pleasure or for business, who will then certainly purchase them to share with their family and friends.

Happy Turn's Snack

Happy Turn snack is regarded as the premium version of the regular Happy Turn rice cracker that one might be familiar with. The regular Happy Turn is a snack made of rice crackers and have a sweet and savoury powder dusted on top. The premium version of Happy Turn comes in a variety of flavours. During the spring and summer seasons, the light-textured, crispy cracker is put on sale. During fall and winter, one gets the chance to buy the variety which melts in the mouth.

Takoyaki Calbee Jagariko

Calbee Jagariko is a popular snack across Japan, but Osaka decided to give it a twist. They added octopus ball flavouring called takoyaki to the crunchy corn sticks. Actually, the well-known delicacy takoyaki was created in Osaka, and you will find many restaurants serving them with beer.

Uncle Rikuro’s Cheesecake

If there is one cheesecake that you must try, then it has to be from Uncle Rikuro’s. This is one of the most famous cheesecakes, you would find in Japan and is only available in Osaka. In fact, people who love this item go an extra mile to try out this delicious cheesecake. Soft and fluffy, these cakes are made from cheese imported from Denmark. High-quality milk and butter are used from Hokkaido. Such top quality ingredients add to the creamy texture of the cake.

Kuidaore Taro Pudding

If you are visiting Osaka and intend to shop for something uniquely Japanese, then you should definitely buy a souvenir which is related to Osaka’s most iconic Kuidaore Taro. The Kuidaore Taro Pudding comes in a cute packaging wrapped in a small box. Each comes with three puddings in it. The pudding has a soft and gooey texture and is filled with a rich caramel Brulee sauce.

Dojima Roll

This is no ordinary rollcake. This delicious rollcake is made with a lot of care from one of Japan's famous patissiers. You will love the subtle taste and sweetness of the soft rollcake that is filled with fresh cream. This is probably the most popular souvenir among the locals and visitors. They have matcha flavored rollcake as well.

Osaka's Half-baked Soft Castelo

With no reservations, fresh eggs are used and these half-baked castelos are made into bite-size shapes. Castelos are originally from Portugal but they have a long history in Japan too. These castelos are half-baked, giving them a unique taste and texture.

Bâton D’or

Bâton d’or is a unique Japanese snack found in Osaka, which is part of the Pocky series. Although Pocky is a snack which is found all over the world, Bâton d’or is only found in Osaka and people often have to wait in long queues to buy this. There is also the Bâton d’or pretzel which is thicker than the normal Pocky. This is made by first kneading butter into a dough and then adding more butter in it. So, if you are a Pocky fan, then this is something you may want to buy for yourself. These Bâton d’or sticks also make good gifts to present to people.

Matcha Snacks

It is no surprise for Japan, the land of matcha to come up with a wide variety of matcha sweets. The top popular ones are probably Kit Kat, Pocky and Chocolate Kaki no Tane's matcha versions. You can get them right before you board your plane at Kansai Airport or Itami Airport that also sells other souvenirs too. Don't be surprised to find some of these matcha sweets sold out in less than an hour because there are many foreign visitors buying these matcha sweets in bulk.

Read more: Top onsen houses to try in Osaka, Japan

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Explore 4 amazing airports in Asia

Airports are often the first place you arrive at when you visit any new destination, and as we all know, first impressions count. As well as being incredibly utilitarian structures, airports are also some of the most beautiful examples of industrial design.

Kansai International Airport, Osaka, Japan

Over a mile from end to end, Kansai International Airport’s Terminal 1 is the longest in the world. Enclosed on all sides by glass, travellers have an unimpeded view of planes as they take off and land, while an aeroplane wing-shaped roof helps air to circulate. Even more impressive is that this sleek airport sits on an artificially created island three miles off the coast of Osaka. Being out to sea allows Kansai airport to operate a round-the-clock flight schedule. Three mountains were excavated for 21,000,000m³ (741,608,000 ft.³) of landfill, and the island is protected from the elements by an enormous sea wall and served by an elegant suspension bridge which connects it to the mainland.

Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, Shenzhen, China

The elongated, curved design of Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport gives it the impression of a creature in motion. According to architect Massimiliano Fuksas the building is inspired by the manta ray, a fish often seen off the coast of China. Inside, a cavernous 79.8m (262 ft.) high ceiling gives travellers the feeling they are inside the bowels of a giant sea creature. Its intricate honeycomb design offers tantalising glimpses of the world outside. Further extensions are planned for 2025 and it will be interesting to see how this magnificent building evolves in the coming years.

Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai, India

Mumbai has an airport to match its size as one of the most populous cities in the world. With its curved white roof, Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport resembles a palace from the days of the Mogul empire. Undeniably impressive, the building is supported by dozens of pillars covered in traditional Indian patterns and textures. Architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill built windows into the coffered ceiling to allow natural light to enter, while the building’s glass frontage lends an air of modernity and reflects the city’s optimism for the future. As passengers approach, the contrast between the airport and the surrounding slums is a stark reminder of India’s wealth disparity.

Daocheng Yading Airport, Tibet

Perched among the mountains of Tibet, Daocheng Yading is the world’s highest civilian airport and anyone landing there should be prepared. At 4,411m (14,472 ft.) above sea level, the airport is so high that altitude sickness is a real threat for visitors, but worth it for the incredible views of the rugged landscape beyond. Architects GUD Group were inspired by Tibetan culture and Daocheng Yading’s discus-shaped terminal resembles the knot of a khata scarf, popular among the province’s Buddhists. The airport will lose its place as the world’s highest airport in 2020, when China opens its Nagqu Dagring Airport, 4,436m (14,554 ft.) above sea level.

Read more: 9 reasons why Changi Airport is the best airport in the world

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Food guide for first-time travelers to Osaka

Osaka is the largest city in West Japan. Here there are lots of dishes that few Japanese people living outside of Osaka know exist. But even in the food-loving country of Japan, Osaka is still known as one of the ultimate food destinations – a city with passionate food lovers and an abundance of things to eat.

Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is a pancake-like dish popular in various styles across Japan. In Osaka, shredded cabbage and a whole range of other ingredients such as squid, prawn, octopus or meat are mixed into a flour-based batter and cooked before eaten with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, green laver (aonori) and dried bonito (katsuobushi). In some restaurants, okonomiyaki is prepared by the customers on a hot plate at their table.

Negiyaki

Similar to okonomiyaki, negiyaki is a savory pancake-style food. Negi, or Japanese leek, is a popular ingredient in Japan both raw and cooked. Negiyaki features tons of sliced green onion cooked into it, and is often also topped with freshly diced onion, as well as soy sauce or okonomiyaki sauce. While okonomiyaki is a popular food all over Kansai, negiyaki is a style of mixed pancake native to Osaka.

Takoyaki

Takoyaki is the main street food associated with Osaka. This tasty treat is a fried round mixture of batter, octopus, ginger, and usually some vegetables and spices. The best place to sample takoyaki is at one of the food stalls along the Dotonbori, but this dish can be found all over the city. Many locals even have special takoyaki-making grills at home.

Ramen 

Osaka is a ramen kind of town. The hearty, meaty and plebian nature of the dish is a natural fit for rough and ready Osaka. You’ll find ramen restaurants in every Osaka urban hub, but they’re most numerous in Minami and the Tennoji Area.

Read more: What is the difference between Ramen, Tsukemen and Soba?

Kushi-Katsu

The fried food to beat all fried foods, kushi-katsu is another classic Osaka dish. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” is derived from “cutlet,” and the name means all kinds of goodies stuck on a stick, dipped in batter and deep fried. As you might imagine, this is drinking food (only someone half drunk would eat this stuff without feeling guilty), so you’ll find kushi-katsu restaurants primarily in drinking areas and entertainment districts.

Taiko-Manju

Taiko-manju is a type of Japanese baked sweet. It's made from a batter of flour, eggs, and sugar baked in a drum shaped steel or copper mold with steamed bean paste in the middle. Taiko means drum, and as you can imagine, the name comes from the drum-like shape. In other regions of Japan, they’re called “Ohban-yaki” or “Kaiten-yaki” or ”Imagawa-yaki”. One of the Osaka's most famous Taiko-manju shops is the "Gozasouro".

Butaman

These soft buns are made by fermenting a flour and water-based batter that is then stuffed with fillings and steamed.  Fillings normally include pork and onion, with some shops also adding finely chopped vegetables such as takenoko (bamboo shoots) or dried shiitake mushrooms.

Read more: Explore various dumplings around Asia

Kitsune Udon

Kitsune udon is a simple dish of udon (thick wheat noodles) served in a hot soup with a piece of deep fried tofu (aburaage). Kitsune means "fox" in Japanese, and the dish is thus named because fried tofu is believed to be a fox's favorite.

Doteyaki

Kansai is historically the “cattle country” of Japan, as evidenced by the number of top beef brands in close proximity, including Kobe beef from Hyogo prefecture, Omi beef from Shiga prefecture, and Matsutaka beef from Mie prefecture in the nearby Chubu region. As a result, beef is an important ingredient in Kansai cuisine and especially in Osaka. One famous beef dish from Osaka is doteyaki, or beef tendon simmered in miso and mirin rice wine. It’s a popular side dish to enjoy in kushikatsu restaurants.

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Top cities should be on list of food lovers

Asia is a dream destination for foodies, as each country provides its own unique dishes, culinary traditions and fresh ingredients that are hard to resist. From sushi perfection in Japan and spicy dishes Thailand to the diverse flavors in Malaysia, you’re spoiled for choice in creating the ultimate food adventure.

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo not only has some of the best food in Asia, but also in the entire world with over 200 Michelin-starred restaurants. Ramen is a staple in Japanese cuisine and sampling the different varieties is all a part of the fun, where you can sit in cozy restaurants with just eight or 10 seats. Wander down alleyways to discover noodle shops, dine on fresh sushi and sample okonomiyaki savory pancakes and yakitori grilled chicken skewers.

Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand is known for its delicious street food, where every plate is bursting with flavor and a combination of spices and sauces such as ginger, lemongrass and fish sauce. Cuisines here blend sweet and spicy with ingredients such as coconut milk and kaffir lime leaves. While pad Thai is the most popular dish, you can’t go wrong with tom yum goong (a spicy hot and sour soup) and a dessert of mango sticky rice.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Food is at the very heart of the Vietnamese culture. Markets are on every corner and almost every aspect of life in Vietnam revolves around the preparation and shared experience of eating. Indulge in a banh mi sandwich, fresh spring roll or a steaming bowl of pho at any time of day, while Hanoians typically wash it down with a strong Vietnamese-style coffee that is thick and topped with condensed milk.

Seoul, South Korea

Kimchi, bibimbap and Korean barbecue are some of most iconic cuisines to sample in Seoul and definitely a must-try when there, but the city also has more to offer. Visit one of the famous markets like Gwangjang, Namdaemun and Myeong-dong and sample teokbokki rice cake rolls in chili sauce, kimbap seaweed rice rolls and dakkochi grilled chicken skewers. Korea is known for its banchan side dishes, while gogigui is all things grilled meat.

Taipei, Taiwan

Foodie heaven with delicious dishes being served around the clock, Taipei boasts a booming night market scene. Check out the trendy Ximending in search of succulent pork sandwiches and chunks of fried chicken, while milk tea and cheesy baked potatoes are just as enticing. Sample lu rou fan (minced pork rice), niu rou mian (beef noodle soup), hujiao bing pepper buns and Taiwanese-style hot pot.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

The biggest city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a foodie destination that is famous for its spicy Khao soi, which is a noodle dish that contains boiled then deep-fried egg noodles that are drenched in a thick chicken or beef coconut curry broth and then garnished with lime, roasted chili and shallots. It’s a favorite with both locals and visitors alike, while the city’s grilled chicken, papaya salad and sai oua grilled herb sausage are also worthy of sampling.

Bali, Indonesia

The only Hindu island in Indonesia, Bali has a unique cultural and food landscape that lures you in. Start with a classic Indonesian staple mie goreng, which is fried noodles served with chicken, shrimp or pork, then wash it down with pisang goreng, a dessert with fried bananas, honey and can include coconut flakes or ice cream. Nasi goreng is another favorite with fried rice, while sate is chicken with spices on a stick.

Osaka, Japan

A food lover’s paradise, Osaka has been dubbed “the country’s kitchen” due to its delicious street food an abundance of highly-rated restaurants. Born and bred, you can’t leave the city without trying the famous okonomiyaki cabbage pancakes and the takoyaki octopus balls, which are found both on the street and in restaurants. Other highlights include kitsune udon, a broth with thick noodles and deep-fried tofu, and kushi-katsu, which is meat or vegetables that are deep-fried and skewered.

Read more: Top dishes you must relish on a trip to Osaka


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