This is the first of two travel guides developed after my experiences in Japan in 2020. I was fortunate enough to travel to Kobe city for business and spent some subsequent holiday time exploring both Osaka and Kyoto - two very different, but incredible experiences. This guide provides a short overview of the major Osaka districts, their history, and my opinions on some items not to miss off your itinerary. Enjoy!
Osaka City is a vibrant and bustling metropolis located in the Kansai region of Japan. As the third-largest city in the country, it is a major economic, cultural, and transportation hub. Osaka is renowned for its energetic atmosphere, delicious street food, and friendly locals. The city seamlessly blends modern attractions with a rich historical and cultural heritage, making it an enticing destination for tourists.
Osaka is known for its distinctive cultural traditions and lively festivals. One such tradition is "kuidaore," which translates to "eat till you drop." Osakans take pride in their local cuisine, including iconic dishes such as takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers). The city also hosts the Tenjin Matsuri, one of Japan's most celebrated festivals, held in July. It features colorful parades, traditional performances, and spectacular fireworks.
Osaka City captures the essence of modern Japan while retaining its historical charm. With its unique traditions, delectable cuisine, and numerous attractions, it offers a memorable experience for any visitor.
Umeda, Kita
Umeda makes up a large part of the Kita ward in the north-central part of Osaka and was originally agricultural land until it was reclaimed in the 1870's to enable the first railway connection between Kyoto and Osaka to be built. It is jam-packed with commercial buildings, which stretch in all directions, but with the building of the Umeda Sky Tower and modern Umeda station has become more tourist focused.
Umeda is a shopaholic's haven, offering a multitude of shopping options. The district is home to large department stores like Hankyu and Daimaru, where you can find a wide range of luxury brands, fashion boutiques, cosmetics, and electronics. Additionally, Umeda's underground shopping malls, such as the famous Osaka Station City and HEP Five, provide an extensive selection of shops catering to various tastes and budgets.
A trip up the Sky Tower is pretty much mandatory, and you'll get to experience the north of Osaka seemingly as a model, the busy life of the Japanese city passes by - trains departing, traffic crossing bridges, cranes shifting loads - without any sounds reaching the viewing deck. It gives a good sense of scale to the city (big!). This architectural marvel consists of two towers connected by a futuristic observatory known as the Floating Garden Observatory. The observatory offers stunning panoramic views of the cityscape, and its unique design creates an ethereal experience, especially during sunset and in the evening.
Amidst the urban buzz of Umeda, there are several serene temples and shrines worth exploring. One such example is the Umeda Hattori-tenjin Shrine, a tranquil shrine nestled amidst tall buildings. It's a peaceful retreat where visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience a moment of tranquility. Plan to explore the side streets of each precinct on foot, but you can save some time and energy travelling between precincts by subway or taxi. Umeda is a major transportation hub, with Osaka Station serving as one of the busiest railway stations in Japan. Its strategic location makes it convenient for travelers to access other parts of Osaka, neighboring cities like Kyoto and Nara, and even travel to other regions of Japan.
Nakazakinishi, Kita
A short walk from Umeda station is the area of Nakazakinishi, also accessible from Nakazakicho station. Nakazakinishi provides a refreshing contrast to the modernity of Osaka, offering a glimpse into the city's past and a creative haven for art lovers. Its historical charm, art scene, unique shops, and delightful cafés make it a fascinating destination for visitors seeking an offbeat experience.
Nakazakinishi is renowned for its well-preserved traditional houses and narrow streets. Walking through the district feels like stepping back in time, as many of the buildings date back to the early 20th century. The architectural style reflects a mix of Japanese and Western influences, creating a unique and nostalgic ambiance.
The district is dotted with charming cafés, stylish boutiques, and quirky shops. You'll find independent fashion boutiques, vintage stores, handmade craft shops, and specialty cafes serving delicious treats. Exploring these establishments adds to the district's bohemian and artsy appeal - my personal favourite spot is Utena Cafe, the city roast is a guaranteed hit, and there’s an eclectic jazz LP collection to browse while you’re decoding the subway map.
Two more spots in this district not to miss are the Nakazakicho Sunroad, a covered shopping street that runs through the heart of Nakazakinishi, and Nakazakino Chou Park, a peaceful green oasis offering an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic break.
If you happen to be visiting in August don’t miss the Nakazakicho Awa Odori, a traditional Japanese dance festival during which the streets come alive with energetic performances and participants dressed in colorful costumes.
Chuo & Osaka Castle
South of Umeda is the larger Chuo Ward, which includes Osaka Castle area, the financial district, and principal shopping and tourist areas. The area around Osaka Castle is particularly calm and my preferred area to stay in Osaka. Osaka Castle stands as a prominent symbol of Osaka's rich history and architectural heritage. Its grandeur, informative museum, stunning views, and surrounding gardens make it a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. During the day it is a pleasant walk from Osaka Castle to or from Umeda - don’t miss Mannen Curry, Tawanico, and Moto Coffee on the way through.
Osaka Castle played a significant role in Japan's history, particularly during the Azuchi-Momoyama period and the unification of the country under Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Originally constructed in the late 16th century, it served as a symbol of power and played a key role in shaping Japan's feudal era. The castle's architecture is a sight to behold. Its majestic five-tiered donjon (central tower) rises prominently against the skyline, showcasing traditional Japanese castle design. The current reconstruction, completed in 1931, faithfully captures the castle's original appearance, making it an impressive architectural masterpiece.
The castle's observation deck, located on the top floor, provides breathtaking panoramic views of Osaka City and its surroundings. Visitors can admire the cityscape, nearby gardens, and the moat that surrounds the castle. It's a fantastic spot for photography and appreciating the beauty of Osaka. The Nishinomaru Garden is a spacious park located around Osaka Castle. It features beautiful cherry blossom trees, picturesque walking paths, and expansive lawns. During the cherry blossom season (late March to early April), the park is particularly enchanting, attracting crowds of visitors who come to enjoy hanami (flower viewing) parties.
After dark the streets of Chuo come alive with late-night shopping, restaurant advertisements and beeping taxi ranks. The busiest area is around Dōtonbori, where the central Shinsaibashi-Suji shopping street, Ebisu Bridge, and traditional Hozenji Yokocho area can be found. If you are in an exploring mood you can again walk down from Umeda, work up an appetite for dinner, and catch some of the curious restaurant decorations in the side streets along the way.
Naniwa, Tsutenkaku & Shinsekai
If you want to take the neon experience to the extreme, or have a taste for classic arcades, then a little further south of Dōtonbori is the Shinsekai area. It’s not necessarily the place for fine dining, however Shinsekai is renowned for its delicious kushikatsu, a popular local dish consisting of deep-fried skewered meats, vegetables, and seafood. Many restaurants in the area specialize in kushikatsu, offering a wide variety of choices.
Tsutenkaku Tower is the symbol of Shinsekai and a must-visit attraction. This iconic tower stands at approximately 103 meters and offers an observation deck providing panoramic views of Osaka. The tower was originally built in 1912 and has become a beloved symbol of the district.
Shinsekai was designed to replicate the ambiance of Paris and Coney Island in the early 20th century. Although it has undergone modernization, the district still retains its nostalgic charm with its retro-style architecture and old-fashioned signage. Walking through the streets of Shinsekai feels like stepping back in time.
Jan-Jan Yokocho is a lively, narrow street filled with small eateries, bars, and izakayas. This bustling alley is the perfect place to sample local street food, sip on a refreshing drink, and experience the lively atmosphere of Shinsekai. It's particularly vibrant during the evenings. Shinsekai captures the nostalgic charm of old Osaka while offering a lively and unique atmosphere. With its iconic tower, retro architecture, delectable kushikatsu, and bustling streets, it's a neighborhood that provides a captivating glimpse into the city's history and culture.
Please note, these travel guides contain my own original photography, please do not reproduce without crediting and prior consent.
