Naruto Taiyaki Honpo Sonezaki
What is different about Japanese fish-shaped bun shops? In Japan, the home of the fish-shaped bun, its status appears slightly different from that in Korea. In Korea, street stalls selling fish-shaped buns briefly appear each winter, but in Japan, fish-shaped bun shops are established stores that seem responsible for providing snacks to citizens all year round. The fish-shaped bun, known as 'Taiyaki' in Japan, translates to a 'Sea Bream Bun' in Korea, where sea bream is familiar as sashimi. Not being a carp but a sea bream seems to elevate the food's status slightly, and indeed, Taiyaki, priced around 200 yen each, adopts a premiumization strategy among street foods. The hygienic environment as much as the high price, the quality of the batter, and the filling is quite good, and various variations can be found like at dessert cafes. The red bean paste of this place's Taiyaki was impressive from the first bite, and looking into it, there was a reason in the ingredients. Emphasizing 'natural Taiyaki,' the menu is divided into four major options: the red bean paste is made with high-quality beans sourced from Hokkaido, sweet potato paste also generously uses selected local ingredients, and custard cream uses Madagascar vanilla beans, making it popular as a dessert. All these fish-shaped buns are baked over direct fire for a short time, adding a crisp texture while preserving the aroma of the filling, fitting the taste of not only locals but also Koreans. While Taiyaki itself provides enough reason to visit, comparing it with Korean fish-shaped bun culture also adds enjoyment. If you plan to visit Japan, not just Osaka, we recommend stopping by a Taiyaki shop.
Tenma
If you want to enjoy the late night in Osaka, take a closer look at 'Tenma.' Located next to Tenjinbashisuji, known as the longest shopping arcade in Japan, Tenma Street offers the real night scene of Osaka that we have been looking forward to. Whether it's the cheers of young people or office workers having a drink after work, the delicious smells filling the streets and their conversations—though unintelligible—warm the heart just by walking through. Most stores operate until around midnight, and with the Umeda Sky Building nearby, it's a great place to end the day if you want to enjoy the night in Osaka.
Dotonbori
Restaurants and shopping streets lined along the canals. Large and unique signs and street performances. A great travel destination in downtown Osaka.
Kinryu Ramen honten
"Kinryu Ramen, representing Osaka's Golden Dragon signboard" If Fukuoka has Ichiran Ramen, Osaka has Kinryu Ramen. Of course, its taste and popularity may not compete with Ichiran, but the eye-catching golden dragon signboard at a corner of Dotonbori spontaneously generates word-of-mouth among tourists. The first ramen shop I visited when I went to Japan for the first time was this place, where I vividly remember the scene of boiling a pot with several whole pork backbones early in the morning. The broth is as rich as ever, but the saltiness has become somewhat excessive, so those visiting are advised to sufficiently accompany it with garlic and chive salad. Kinryu Ramen, with its main and branch stores spread across the Dotonbori area, embraces customers 24 hours a day, every day.
nichinichibake
A cozy bakery cafe near Nakazakicho Station, Nichinichi Bake, is a beloved spot that requires reservations due to its popularity. The waiting time was so long that I only got some baked goods to go, but they were delicious. Next time, I must definitely try them in the store!
Nakazakichō Station
A cafe street in Nakazakicho, filled with cozy cafes and restaurants. Cute edit shops and shopping streets are in plenty.
Amijima Chaya
The Amijima Chaya, a teahouse located in the lobby of the Fujita Art Museum in Osaka, serves up freshly grilled dango and whipped matcha. The Fujita Art Museum, renovated from the private residence of a prominent figure in the Osaka business community, the Fujita family, boasts a design with glass walls on all sides and a beautifully manicured garden inside. The garden, especially enchanting in the rain, can be enjoyed without even visiting the museum itself. Sipping warm matcha while gazing out at the garden washes away fatigue momentarily.
MOTO COFFEE
Motocoffee in Kitahama Riverview Cafe, still great after all this time🌿
OXYMORON Kitahama
Just like you must visit the Han River when in Seoul, you should consider visiting any river while in Osaka. Among the areas tourists often stay, like Namba, if you're looking for riverside cafes and restaurants, Kitahama, located between Yodoyabashi and Tenmabashi, is recommended. Not only are there tranquil cafes, but various restaurants along the Toshohori riverside, most boasting beautiful views of the river and parks. Nearby, there's the Nakano-shima Park, where the river splits into two around a central island. It's also conveniently close to Umeda and the Tenmangu Shrine. The restaurant Oxymoron is extremely popular among local young women rather than tourists. Their minced meat curry with onsen egg appears similar to other keema curries but is mild and easily approachable for first-timers. Their desserts, especially a towering custard pudding, are as popular as their curry and are all made in-house.
Inanozi
The legendary revival, the popular udon shop in Osaka returns after 5 years. From commuters to tourists, in an alley of Nipponbashi bustling with people throughout the day, there was a store known publicly among the locals. Shinanosoba, a modest shop run by an old lady, became nationally known for its 'legendary taste' with just Niku Udon and Curry Udon. This beloved shop, having received love at the same location for a long time, had closed down 5 years ago due to the retirement of the owner, leaving many disappointed. With the closing of Shinanosoba, those who were the most disappointed were likely the office workers who stopped by on their way to and from work or the local regulars. However, this fall, as their disappointment fades, a successor to the shop opened nearby with a new start as 'Inanozi' with young staff. Upon hearing the news of Shinanosoba's revival, locals flocked to the store, forming a queue for a while. The reviews from customers who missed the previous shop mostly included the word 'revival'. The Niku Udon with sweet soy sauce broth and full of beef creates a flavor with a rich aroma of green onions, and the udon noodles absorbing this broth make a deep impression as you continue to eat. While not as chewy as Sanuki Udon, the broth that makes you keep reaching for your spoon gave the citizens who missed Shinanosoba an indirect experience of their yearning. Despite being busy, the consistent kindness of the staff made the future of the shop seem even brighter than the reputation of the old store. The legendary revival, returning after 5 years. Here's to the future of this place, writing a longer history beyond the popularity of the old establishment. 📍 Inanozi (いなの路) 🏷 1 Chome-8-2, Sennichimae, Chuo Ward, Osaka 🕰 Daily 11:00 - 23:00 (Closed on Thursdays)
YumeTori
A yakitori house run by a Korean owner. Izakaya Mongjo, which you can find about a 7-minute walk from Namba station. It's already famous among those who know it, so I had to make a run for it at opening time because I couldn't eat due to the wait once. The menus and explanations are available in Korean, making it convenient to use. Especially, the chicken skewers were so delicious that I ate five. The space is small, but if you time it well, you can enjoy it at Namba station. If you're looking for a yakitori place, I highly recommend it. In my opinion, it was the best yakitori I had in Osaka and Kyoto!
Osaka City Central Public Hall
An exotic convention hall where various events and concerts take place. It's also famous as a photo zone for Osaka wedding snapshots :)
Osaka Castle
One of my favourite spots in Japan! 🇯🇵 Have loved sharing my little travel throwback to Japan with you on my Stories over the last couple of days. This one in particular has a really special place in my heart 🌸 Loved witnessing this family having a picnic under the Sakura trees at Osaka Castle on my last day in the country. The tradition of Hanami celebrates the transient beauty of flowers and sees people gather together under the trees to celebrate the arrival of spring. I think we should bring the tradition to London too! Who will join me for a picnic under a blossom tree? 🌸🌸🌸
Glico Sign Dotonbori
Taking a proof shot at the Glico sign is a must when you visit Dotonbori🙌🏻
Salon de AManTo
A vintage-style restaurant and cafe located in Nakazakicho Cafe Street, Salon de AmanTo. It was nicer and more charming to eat outside, but the cozy interior is also good :)
Tennoji Park
The view of the sunset and Tsutenkaku from the vast Osaka Park. As autumn nears its end in Seoul, it appears that I'm witnessing the foliage alone, but in Osaka, where the leaves change color late, many places are still at their peak of fall foliage. Tennoji Park, in full bloom with autumn leaves, is situated near the famous Shinsekai district and the Tsutenkaku Tower. This large park includes a zoo, a municipal art gallery, a performance hall, gardens, and more, drawing an endless stream of visitors. Despite the bustling crowd in Shinsekai, the park itself is a haven of tranquility. Moreover, the pond and fountain in the center of the park, overlooking Tsutenkaku Tower, absolutely captivate visitors with their serene beauty. 📍 Tennoji Park (天王寺公園) 🏷 1-108 Chausuyamacho, Tennoji Ward, Osaka 🕰 Open daily 07:00 - 22:00 💴 Free admission (charges apply for some facilities)