Osaka Travel Review: A City of Vibrance, Delicious Food, and Cherished Memories

Hello everyone! Today, Boom is taking you on a journey to Osaka, Japan's chic city. Osaka is an incredibly fun destination, offering delicious food, charming shops, abundant shopping spots, and stunning attractions you shouldn't miss! If you're ready, let's dive into this trip review! ⸻ Transportation and Accommodation For this trip, Boom flew into Kansai Airport. From the airport, it was a convenient 40-minute train ride into Osaka city. My accommodation was near Namba Station, which is considered the heart of Osaka. It's super easy to get around from here, and the area is surrounded by plenty of restaurants and adorable cafes. ⸻ Day 1: Dotonbori and the Best Takoyaki Ever After unpacking, we headed straight to Dotonbori, a famous district filled with vibrant neon signs. It was so exciting—it felt like stepping into an anime world. The first thing to try was "Takoyaki," those soft, round fried balls filled with tender octopus, topped with sweet sauce and creamy mayonnaise. Absolutely divine! We tried several shops, each with its own secret recipe, and some were so good we wanted seconds. We also sampled "Okonomiyaki," a Japanese pancake loaded with ingredients like cabbage, pork, and eggs, topped with a special sauce. The aroma was irresistible, and we couldn't pass by a shop without stopping for a taste. Of course, we didn't miss taking a photo with the iconic Glico Man sign, a symbol of Osaka. It's so charming and memorable that it became a highlight of the trip. ⸻ Day 2: Universal Studios Japan (USJ) – The Ultimate Fun Experience The next morning, I woke up early, excited to visit Universal Studios Japan (USJ), Osaka's must-visit theme park. The park has numerous themed zones. The Harry Potter World was the most impressive. Walking through Hogsmeade felt like stepping into the movie. I tried Butterbeer, a sweet drink that added a magical touch to the day. The Minion Zone was adorably fun, filled with yellow characters everywhere. The Super Nintendo Zone was like entering a favorite video game, with plenty of games and photo opportunities with beloved characters. The rides were thrilling, and the queues weren't too long. We played to our heart's content. I recommend getting an Express Pass to save time—it was totally worth it for maximum enjoyment. ⸻ Day 3: Osaka Castle and Shopping at Shinsaibashi On the third day, we started with a visit to Osaka Castle, a significant city landmark. The surrounding area is beautifully landscaped with green trees and gardens. We climbed to the top of the castle for a 360-degree view of Osaka, with its tall buildings and scenic rivers—a truly breathtaking sight. Afterward, we headed to Shinsaibashi, Osaka's popular shopping district. It's packed with famous brand stores and charming shops. I loved the small Japanese confectionery shops selling mochi and cream puffs—the desserts were so soft and delightful. While strolling, we found a cozy little cafe and took a break with hot green tea and Japanese sweets, instantly refreshing us. ⸻ Day 4: Kyoto – A City of Traditional Japanese Culture Though we were in Osaka, a trip to nearby Kyoto was a must. Kyoto is rich in beautiful temples and a nostalgic atmosphere. We visited Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates. Walking through them felt like being in a fairy tale. Next, we explored Gion, an old district where women in kimono strolled along the streets—a romantic and picturesque scene. We ended the Kyoto trip by watching the sunset at Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The view from here was stunning, offering a full panorama of Kyoto city. ⸻ Day 5: Cute Cat Cafe and Abeno Harukas View On the last day, we opted for relaxation at a cat cafe in the Tennoji area. Playing with adorable, fluffy cats was a heartwarming way to recharge after days of exploring. Then, we went to Abeno Harukas, Japan's tallest building, to enjoy the rooftop observation deck. The view of Osaka city was spectacular, especially during sunset—it was incredibly romantic. ⸻ Impressions and Tips Osaka is a warm and lively city with an abundance of delicious food, from Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki to sweet treats and street food. I loved it so much I could eat it every day. Getting around the city is super convenient, with an extensive and affordable train network. Staying in the Namba area is ideal for those who love exploring on foot, as it's close to attractions and restaurants. If you plan to visit Osaka, I recommend comfortable walking shoes because you'll be walking a lot. But rest assured, you'll leave with happiness and a big smile. ⸻ This trip ended with unforgettable memories. If you're looking for a Japanese adventure filled with fun, delicious food, and beautiful culture, Osaka is a must-visit. See you on the next trip! 💖