Kyoto and Osaka are only separated by 30 mins on a New Rapid Line but couldn’t be more different. Osaka also seems to have a ‘Pepsi to Coke’ relationship with Tokyo. There are the usual jokes made at Tokyo’s expense, but even where people stand on an escalator is different! (Tokyo – left, Osaka – right, probably something to do with samurais and scabbards in Tokyo, as per one guide) We spent only a day but on hindsight, should have spent another day. Despite the rain that bothered us a bit in the evening, we had a smashing time! (read as ‘we got smashed’)
Stay
Since it was only a day, we thought it was a good time to check out capsule hotels. We stayed at First Cabin and it was a unique experience. Tiny rooms, common bathrooms and quite minimalist. Most communication had to be done using Google Translate, since only one person seemed to understand and speak English, but they did give us a pocket wi-fi for use for the day.
See/Do
Osaka Castle is the main attraction, and is well worth the few hours you spend there. You can save some time by buying the tickets online, and spend more time enjoying the long walk to the castle and the multiple floors of historical artefacts. Shot this before we realised photography wasn’t allowed. A lot of effort has been spent and it’s showing. Beautiful storytelling, and careful preservation of history. The first photo is the view from the top of the castle, and after you’re done, take a walk through the very peaceful gardens on your way out. The Osaka Free Walking Tour is a great way to get a quick view of a lot of what the city has to offer. Starts in Dotonbori and ends in Shinsekai. From manga to maid cafes to markets, this 2.5 hour tour is well worth the time even if you’re only spending a day. The running man has been there for decades now and is a mascot of Glico, whose other claim to fame is Pocky. You need to taste it! On the top is Billiken is a mythical good-luck figure, a mascot/charm created by an American, but is now a ubiquitous God of wealth and money in Osaka. Kuromon Market is where you can eat puffer fish. The loudness of Osaka is most evident in the signages of food joints. We made a quick visit to Osaka Bay after the walking tour. Has the Ferris wheel, Legoland, and an Aquarium. Great if you have kids with you. Turned out to be a very peaceful place! Maybe it was the timing. Dotonbori at night is a different animal, and in full flow. Crazy good experience despite the overwhelming crowds.
Eat
Breakfast at First Cabin is also a minimal affair, but filling. Lunch was at Chinchikurin Namba, convenient thanks to the set menu.Lord Stow is apparently the creator of the egg tart that’s famous across Asia. A lil pricey, but tasty. I found kindred (beef) souls at the Kuromon Market. The beef is very expensive here though. We tried the Puffer fish, which is only sold by licensed folks, because if not prepared correctly, it will kill in a few minutes. Strawberry Mochi that D had for dessert.Takoyaki Kukuru Dotonbori for well, Octopus Takoyaki. Long line, but worth it. Kushikatsu, though we didn’t understand the fuss. Gyoza Ninon, where we had Shaoxing rice wine, sake, and almost finished a makgeolli. Drunk as f*** and pleased as punch. 😀
Osaka is loud, in-your-face, and yet endearing in its own way. It is also most definitely a foodie’s paradise. Kyoto is nice, but if you want some spice, skip Kyoto’s temples for the streets of Osaka.
Next: The side tracks to Arashiyama, Nara and Hakone.
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