Osaka

Review of traveling in Osaka: A city full of vibrancy, delicious food, and unforgettable happiness

Hello everyone! Today, I’m taking you to Osaka, a charming city that’s a popular destination for many people, known for its food, shopping, and authentic Japanese culture. I must say, every time you come to Osaka, you’ll fall in love with this city and want to come back many times! Osaka perfectly blends modernity with traditional Japanese charm. Most importantly, it’s very convenient to get around and offers a wide variety of delicious food to enjoy to your heart’s content.

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ICOCA Card: A must-have travel companion

After arriving at Kansai Airport, we bought an ICOCA card, a rechargeable card for trains and buses in Osaka and throughout Kansai. It’s super easy to use—no need to buy tickets for each ride, just tap the card to pass through. You can even use it to pay at some convenience stores. It really saves time for those who don’t want to waste time lining up to buy tickets repeatedly.

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Comfortable accommodation in the Namba area

We stayed at a small hotel in the lively Namba district, which is the busiest area in Osaka. It’s close to shopping spots and restaurants, with very convenient transportation. The room was cute and compact but fully equipped with amenities, and the bed was super soft and comfortable. After a full day of sightseeing, it truly felt like a real rest.

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Takoyaki… a must-try dish!

If you don’t eat takoyaki at Dotonbori, it’s like you haven’t been to Osaka! We strolled around tasting takoyaki from popular shops, the aroma of the sauce was so tempting.

The takoyaki here is crispy on the outside and soft inside, with big, fresh, bouncy octopus pieces, topped with a sweet and savory sauce and creamy mayonnaise. It’s incredibly delicious and impossible to stop eating!

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Okonomiyaki… delicious Japanese pancake

Another dish that impressed us a lot was okonomiyaki, a Japanese pancake mixed with vegetables, pork, and eggs, topped with a special sauce that’s rich and flavorful. It felt like a warm meal made by mom.

We ate at a small shop where the owner made it by hand. The taste was so good that we wanted to come back and eat it many times.

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Enjoy shopping at Shinsaibashi

The Shinsaibashi shopping district is a hub for fashion, cute souvenirs, and trendy cafes. You can stroll around leisurely all day.

We chose authentic Japanese souvenirs of good quality and sipped cold green tea, which was very enjoyable. The cute items and affordable prices were the best.

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Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine… a peaceful retreat for the soul

When we wanted to escape the hustle and bustle, we went to Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine. The atmosphere was very quiet and beautiful.

We wrote wishes on ema plaques, praying for health and good luck. Being surrounded by lush nature made us feel much refreshed.

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Universal Studios Japan… a dream amusement park not to be missed

Universal Studios Japan features the Harry Potter zone and Super Nintendo World, both beautiful and super fun.

We rode thrilling rides, laughed with friends, and took photos with adorable characters. It was a day full of laughter and true happiness.

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Nightlife at Dotonbori… neon lights and lively vibes

At night, Dotonbori is filled with colorful neon lights and bustling energy.

We walked along the canal, tasted snacks, and took photos with the Glico sign. The atmosphere was romantic and very fun.

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Tips for an amazing Osaka trip
• Comfortable shoes are very important because you walk a lot
• Use ICOCA card or Kansai Thru Pass for convenient and cost-effective travel
• Download Google Maps and Hyperdia apps for easy route planning
• Be open to trying food from small roadside shops
• Carry water and a handkerchief to stay cool

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Summary of impressions

Osaka is not just a city with delicious food and many tourist spots, but it’s also full of smiles, warmth, and vibrant life that makes you feel at home.

Every time we come to Osaka, we fill ourselves with happiness and inspiration, returning with wonderful memories that will stay with us forever.

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Thank you for reading this review.
Hope it inspires you to travel to Osaka! じゃね！🇯🇵💕

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