After visiting Hiroshima and Miyajima, it was time to move on to the next stop: Osaka! The atmosphere and the number of tourists were definitely different compared to the calm and serenity of the town in the southeast of Japan's main island—quite a contrast to what we found in the city that will host Expo 2025. Because of this, we decided to visit Osaka just for the day and focused mainly on exploring Dotonbori and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Dotonbori: the giant mascots' paradise!
Dotonbori is the beating heart of Osaka—a neighborhood that overwhelms you with neon lights, sounds, smells, and an endless array of things to do. As you stroll along the Dotonbori River, you're surrounded by giant signs, including the famous Glico sign, with its runner seemingly urging you to run. The area is an explosive mix of restaurants, street food, and shops, perfect for those who love to eat well and go shopping. And at night, with the lights reflecting on the water, Dotonbori becomes even more magical. It's a place that never sleeps, just like the city itself.
In Japan, mascots are a true form of art and have a place even in the world of food. In Osaka, and other cities as well, it’s easy to come across cute characters representing local dishes like takoyaki or okonomiyaki. These mascots aren’t just fun—they also help make food more recognizable and engage both tourists and locals. Mascots are often used to draw attention in restaurant windows, as well as in promotional events or on packaging. Take, for example, the famous Glico Man in Dotonbori, who, besides being a city symbol, also has a mascot version that appears on products and advertisements. In Japan, food and mascots are practically inseparable—a perfect mix of marketing and pop culture!
Dotonbori: street food at its highest peak!
In Dotonbori, street food is a true experience that immerses you in the heart of Osaka’s cuisine. The streets are lined with stalls and small kiosks offering local specialties you can enjoy while walking around.
Rikuro’s cheesecake, from a famous Osaka bakery, has become an icon of Japanese desserts. Light as air, soft like a cloud, and known for its signature “bounce” when shaken, this cheesecake stands out for its fluffy texture. At the base, sweet raisins add a surprising touch. Tasting it fresh out of the oven—warm and jiggly—is a must for anyone visiting Osaka. The only downside of the cheesecake experience might be the flavor: since it's mostly made from egg whites, it has a strong taste that resembles an omelet.
Takoyaki, the famous fried octopus balls, are a must-try: crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a flavorful octopus center that bursts in your mouth. One word of caution: the filling of freshly cooked takoyaki is about as hot as the surface of the sun. You've been warned—consider yourself half saved from a legendary burn!
Osaka’s gyoza are delicious Japanese dumplings, often filled with pork and vegetables like cabbage and green onion. In this city known for its street food, gyoza are typically served with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of karashi mustard, offering an authentic and irresistible experience.
Osaka’s edible 10 yen coin is a unique street food that has won over both locals and tourists. Known as the 10 Yen Cheese Coin or Juu-en Pan, this treat is a sweet, crispy pancake carefully shaped to resemble the iconic Japanese 10 yen coin. Inside, it hides a gooey, melted cheese filling, creating an irresistible contrast between the golden crust and the creamy center.
Melon pan with ice cream is a delicious twist on the traditional Japanese snack that has become popular in Osaka. Melon pan, a soft sweet bun covered with a sugary, cookie-like crust, is sliced in half and filled with a generous scoop of ice cream—often vanilla, matcha, or strawberry.
Dotonbori: from vintage shopping to luxury brand's skyscrapers!
Shopping in Osaka is a vibrant and diverse experience, ranging from the latest trends to the most authentic vintage gems. For fans of alternative fashion and streetwear, the Triangle Park (Sankaku Kōen) area in the Amerikamura district is a cultural hotspot. This small triangular park is more than just a public space—it’s the beating heart of youth fashion. Surrounding it are independent boutiques, vintage shops, and local brands offering unique and original pieces. Also in the area, Amemura’s vintage stores (as the neighborhood is nicknamed) feature ‘80s and ‘90s clothing, varsity jackets, used Levi’s jeans, and rare sneakers, making it a paradise for collectors. Not far away, Shinsaibashi and Namba round out the shopping scene with their long arcades, international chains, and small artisan shops. Osaka blends modern spirit with retro charm, offering an immersive shopping experience that bridges past and present.
A bustling city, a symbol of pop culture and the pursuit of globalization, yet still incredibly livable and full of unexpected pockets of tradition—especially when it comes to food.
With our day trips behind us, the next stop on our journey through Japan is finally the city of Nara, with its deers and the giant Buddha!
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