Osaka is one of Japan’s most vibrant and exciting cities. It has always been an important commercial and trading hub, but it’s also one of the best destinations in Japan for an exciting and fun holiday with the family. In this article we take a look at some of the things that make Osaka one of the top places to visit in Japan.
Street Food
Each region in Japan has their own special dishes and variations on traditional cuisine. Osaka is particularly renowned for its street food. Head to Dotonbori Street in the centre of town. This whole area surrounding the Dotonbori Canal is Osaka’s main entertainment district, and at night it really comes alive with heaps of people out and about enjoying themselves. Dotonbori Street is a food street – it is lined with restaurants and food stalls and at lunchtime you will see the locals queuing up at their favourite eateries. One of Osaka’s specialties is Okonomi-yaki – the fried cabbage pancake that can be flavoured with seafood or pork. This is a fun dish that kids will enjoy – it is generally cooked in front of you on a sizzling hot plate. The other dish that Okasa is particularly well known for is Takoyaki or Octopus Balls. These are surprisingly delicious – actually pieces of diced octopus cooked in a soft batter that is shaped into a ball during the cooking process. There are restaurants where they will show you how to cook your own – patiently turning the batter to cook it into shape in the special pan – but actually the ones that you buy from the street stall are generally nicer. One word of warning is that Takoyaki are always served piping hot and the soft batter inside the ball will burn your mouth instantly unless you are patient and let them cool a little. I have learnt this from bitter experience, but every time I still burn my mouth. Every time!
The Castle
Osaka is home to one of Japan’s most famous castles – it played a major role in the unification of Japan in the 16th Century. The castle is situated in a large park which is a great spot for a picnic – particularly during cherry blossom season or in Autumn when the colour of the leaves is spectacular. Like most castles in Japan, the Osaka castle has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times. In the early 1900s the castle was the site of one of the Japanese army’s arsenals and in the lead up to World War II the armoury at the castle was employing 60,000 workers. As a result it was heavily targeted by the bombing raids of the United States and the castle and the entire area was severely damaged. A full restoration has since been completed. Today, the castle building houses a military museum which is only okay, but the climb to the top of the tower is well worth doing for spectacular views across the city.
Day Trips
Osaka is well connected by Japan’s extensive train system. Kyoto is just a thirty minute train journey away and there are a huge amount of things to do and see there. One option you might want to consider is Nara. Only half an hour away by train Nara has a lot of history but it is also fun for the kids as Nara’s park and extensive temple grounds are home to hundreds of deer who will follow you around patiently hoping that you will feed them something.
There is a huge amount to see and do in Osaka and the surrounding region. Your family expedition will be an adventure that you will all treasure for years to come.
Photo Credit: Creative Commons, Luke Ma