JPN: Osaka Downtown

Osaka City, Osaka, Japan

First of all, Happy New Year! Formerly known as Naniwa, Osaka stands as Japan's second largest metropolitan area after Tokyo. It's served by two airports: Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka International Airport that's also referred to as Itami Airport (ITM). This short post features two areas renowned for their pulsating nightlife and culinary delights.


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Dotonbori is the most famous entertainment district in the city. Many would argue that no trip to Osaka is complete without taking a photo with the Glico running man sign, an emblematic symbol that serves as a testament to the energy that defines this lively area.



Did you know that the district began to flourish as early as 1626?


One simply can't miss the sight of the crab-shaped beacon.
Why not try Kani Doraku's crab-infused ice cream?


Arguably, Osaka holds the title of the street food capital of Japan. One of its culinary gems, takoyaki (Japanese octopus balls), was first popularised in the region where a street vendor by the name of Tomekichi Endo is credited with its invention in 1935.



I have no doubt that Kinryu Ramen is the most iconic noodle soup chain in Dotonbori, but is it the most popular as well?


Buy a ticket for your ramen at a vending machine and pass it to one of the servers once you're seated.

Let's move on to Shinsekai, a neighbourhood established in 1912 that's modelled after Paris, France for its northern half and Coney Island of New York, the USA for its southern half. Due to minimal redevelopment after World War II, the area has a reputation as one of the more seedy neighbourhoods, but I still find the entertainment district charming nonetheless.

At the heart of it is Tsutenkaku (lit. Tower Reaching Heaven), which soars to a height of 103 m.
 


Kushikatsu (Japanese deep-fried skewers) is the main culinary forte of the neighbourhood.


It's sad that the iconic 100-year-old giant blowfish lantern has been taken down.
The restaurant, Zuboraya, has bit the dust due to COVID-19.		 





To be frank, I wasn't expecting Shinsekai to be so quiet that evening, certainly different from how it was during my first visit in 2012.


Would you go for the crabs or... the mushrooms?

To the east of the entertainment district is the expansive Tennoji Park, which houses a zoo.


For more information on the eateries that I went to during the trip:
- Kinryu Ramen (Japanese)
- Kura Sushi (Japanese)
- Takoyaki Juhachiban (Japanese)

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