Dotonbori is the heart of Osaka's "kuidaore" (eat until you drop) culture, offering iconic street foods like molten Takoyaki (octopus balls) at Takoyaki Juhachiban, savory Okonomiyaki (pancakes), and crispy Kushikatsu (fried skewers) from Kushikatsu Daruma. Other must-tries include ramen from Kinryu, giant crab dishes at Kani Doraku, and sweet treats like melon pan.
Osaka's hotspot for tourists and revelers alike, Dotonbori is filled with towering neon signs, clubs, bars, and restaurants serving up local specialties. Come here for a stimulating and essential slice of Osaka nightlife.
Osaka's Best Street Food: Must-Try Budget-Friendly Eats
What is the must-try food in Osaka?
Osaka specialties include tako-yaki, okonomiyaki, ramen and kushi-katsu. Of course, every Japanese specialty and regional cuisine is available in Osaka. In addition to Japanese food, you'll find plenty of French, Italian, Chinese and Korean food in Osaka.
Don't miss Osaka's vibrant food scene in Dotonbori and Kuromon Market, the historic Osaka Castle, the futuristic views from Umeda Sky Building, the retro vibes of Shinsekai, and the iconic Glico Running Man sign, plus major attractions like Universal Studios Japan, the Kaiyukan Aquarium, and ancient Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine.
While holding hands is generally fine in Japan, kissing in public is strongly frowned upon and considered awkward or inappropriate, making it best to save passionate displays for private settings like hotels or homes, as it goes against traditional Japanese modesty and personal space norms, even if younger people are slightly more tolerant.
Osaka's culinary scene is famous for its street food and local specialties, including Takoyaki, delicious octopus-filled dough balls, and Okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake made with cabbage, meat, and seafood.
Number one, takoyaki. This famous food stall opened in 1953 and their recipe hasn't changed since. The pancake bowls are made to order in a similar preparation to Danish appleskiever. They're filled with chewy pieces of octopus and glazed with takoyaki sauce.
What is the number one most popular food in Japan? Sushi! Without a doubt, sushi is the most popular food in Japan. Sushi is probably also the most famous Japanese food.
Washi paper, known for its durability and flexibility, is ideal for creating a variety of ornaments. These decorative items represent the skill and elegance of Japanese paper art. From intricate paper dolls and detailed cut-outs to sophisticated origami creations and paper lanterns, there's so much to bring home.
They are very picky about what is in your carry-on luggage be sure that you follow these rules: Liquids, gels and aerosols packed in carry-on must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule:3.4 ounces or less per container 1 quart size, clear, plastic, zip top bag (all liquids must fit in bag) 1 bag per passenger ( I put most ...
Not finishing one's meal is not considered impolite in Japan, but rather is taken as a signal to the host that one wishes to be served another helping. Conversely, finishing one's meal completely, especially the rice, indicates that one is satisfied and therefore does not wish to be served any more.
Passengers leaving Japan either by ship or aircraft are required to pay an international tourist tax worth 1,000 yen per departure, although there are some exceptions to the rule.
You should avoid Osaka during late June to early July (rainy season/tsuyu), August (peak heat, humidity, typhoons), and major Japanese holidays like Golden Week (late April/early May) and New Year's (late Dec/early Jan) due to extreme weather, oppressive humidity, or massive crowds and high prices, respectively.
It is recommended to wear a thin short-sleeved shirt, a sundress or any clothing made with a breathable fabric, especially from July to August. Shorts are acceptable, except at some shrines or temples.
