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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What to do and see in Phuket, Thailand

Located in the Andaman Sea, Phuket is one of Thailand’s top island getaways. Covered in lush rainforests and stunning beaches, Phuket is a relaxing haven for travelers. So, whether it’s lounging under palm trees or exploring cultural sites, Phuket has something for everyone.

Hit the beach

Thailand is legendary for its stunning beaches, and so a trip to Phuket isn’t complete without hitting up one of the island’s patches of sand. Whether it’s a nightclub with thumping bass, or a romantic drink with a sunset, the island’s many beaches have it covered. Patong is Phuket’s most popular party beach, and with beer bars, neon-lit nightclubs, and even discos, it’s easy to see why. For something more family friendly, check out Karon, the island’s third longest beach with access to night markets and snorkeling. On Phuket’s west coast lies Layan beach, an out-of-the-way option that is less developed and is ideal for travelers seeking relaxation and tranquility.

Get a Thai massage

After a long day of shopping and snorkeling, unwind with a classic Thai massage. Travelers can have their pick of massage parlors found all over the island, from high-end spas and hairdressing salons to shopping malls and simple on-the-beach setups. While Thai foot massages are common, adventurous travelers can opt for a traditional massage, which involves energetic masseuses contorting their patients into a variety of pretzel shapes. Though a Thai massage can make for a memorable experience, it can also result in positive health benefits, such as lowered stress levels and improved blood circulation.

Phuket Trickeye Museum

Art-lovers can check out the Phuket Trickeye Museum, which is known for being the first of its kind in Southern Thailand. The museum features a broad collection of modern 3D artwork. As they tour the museum, travelers can enjoy a variety of optical illusions, such as dinosaurs and tigers that seem ready to burst through the walls. Many of the art pieces are also interactive, so visitors can actually become part of the artwork.

Chalong Bay Rum Distillery

The Chalong Bay Rum Distillery is internationally renowned for its high-quality white rum, which is distilled from sugar-cane. Tucked away in a peaceful area of Southern Phuket, the company takes pride in its sustainable practices, as well as for using indigenous, pesticide-free sugar-cane. Interested travelers can take a 30-minute tour through the distillery and learn the step-by-step process that goes into making rum. As a bonus, guests are rewarded after the tour with a tasty mojito made with Chalong Bay Rum.

Visit Big Buddha

Towering nearly 150 feet over the island, Big Buddha is one of Phuket’s most admired landmarks. This enormous statue is perched atop the Nakkerd Hill overlooking southern Phuket and is easily visible from below. The statue is crafted from white marble, and its construction was mostly funded by donations. Visitors who make the trek to the statue can enjoy not only the cultural site, but also the stunning 360-degree view of the bays below. Positioned near Wat Chalong, Big Buddha can be reached by following the clearly-marked road signs leading the way.

Take a dive

The clear, blue waters of Phuket’s beaches are perfect for catching a glimpse of the island’s colorful marine life. Ocean-loving travelers can learn to scuba dive from one of the island’s many diving establishments. Most companies offer a variety of diving packages with day trips to a variety of sites near the island, including Anemone Reef, Phi Phi Island, and even an old ship wreck. More experienced divers can also earn their PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certificate while on Phuket. With its azure waters and accessibility to quality dive companies, Phuket is an excellent hot spot for beginners and experienced divers alike.

Watch a Thai boxing match

Muay Thai, also known as ‘The Art of Eight Limbs,’ is Thailand’s most famous and beloved sport. This boxing style dates back to the 16th century and is a form of hand-to-hand combat with various parts of the body mimicking different weapons. For instance, the hands are used like knives, and the shins are toughened to mimic armor. Muay Thai has gained international popularity in recent years, with travelers coming to Thailand to train in the sport. There are several Muay Thai training camps in Phuket where visitors can live on-site and attend rigorous training classes. Travelers who would rather sit back and watch the action can attend a match at the Patong Boxing Stadium instead.

See more: 7 amazing islands around Phuket, Thailand

Source: Internet

Top things to do in Guilin, China

Guilin has some of the most beautiful karst landscape in the world. From taking a relaxing cruise along the Li River to hiking or biking in Yangshuo's countryside, there are so many things to do and to see that cater for different travel styles. 

Catch a show

With over 100 performers, the Dreamlike Lijiang show features a large range of performances including ballet dancers, acrobats and contortionists. The show is accompanied by high-tech lighting and sound effects, which add to the drama of the storytelling.

Though the show is not as prominent as the more famous Impression Light Show in the nearby town of Yangshuo, viewers will not be disappointed in the quality of entertainment. For travelers wishing to watch an ethnic show, Fantastic Guilin features performances from four nationalities such as Yao, Dong, Zhuang, and Miao. The show tells love stories and legends through folk singing and dance.

Visit the Rice Terraces

Guilin's rice terraces look like great chains or ribbons as they wind around the contours in tiered bands. The ethnic minority villages are also worth exploring.

An authentic travel experience goes beyond visiting the must-see attractions, and includes genuinely connecting with the locals and their customs. When you visit the rice terraces, you should visit a local ethnic family and let them share with you their stories while cooking bamboo tube rice.

Eat rice noodles

Guilin’s rice noodles are well-known throughout China as a cheap and delicious dish fit for any time of day. Soft and flavorful, the noodles are served in broth and commonly topped with gravy, pickled vegetables, peanuts, and various types of meat. For a bit of spice, pepper oil or chili flakes can be added.

These popular noodles can easily be found at numerous eateries in and around Guilin. Do not be surprised if the noodles from different eateries do not taste the same, though, as there is no standard recipe. This means that each restaurant has its own unique take on the noodles, making each bowl a new experience, and giving you the perfect excuse to eat them every day.

Visit Tianxin Village

At 30 kilometers away from Guilin City, this quaint little countryside village definitely holds its own in terms of awesomeness and 100 percent deserves a spot on this list. If you are looking to get off the beaten path, experience rural farm life, see some beautiful scenery, and take absolutely epic photos, than Tianxian Village is the spot for you.

The best way to get here is to hire a driver as it is a bit hard to find on your own. China does not make it easy as there are 3 villages all named Tianxin Village around Guilin and you have to know the right one to go to. It is about an hour drive to get here, but it is oh so worth the drive. It is best to go early in the morning to catch the farmers heading out to the fields with their buffalo walking over ancient arched stone bridges over the rivers and through endless rice fields. It is an incredibly picturesque place that will make you feel like you have gone back in time.

Visit a Tea Plantation

Tea lovers should definitely visit the Guilin Tea Science and Research Institute located just north-east of Guilin. Covering over 100 acres, the institute was founded in 1965 and is home to 250 different tea plants. According to the institute’s website, the land used for the tea plantation was originally the tea garden for royalty during the Ming dynasty. Visitors can watch a demonstration showing how tea is picked, processed and brewed. The institute produces an impressive 42 tons of tea each year and is the largest of its kind in the Guangxi region.

Read more: Visit Guilin's top natural sceneries

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