summary
Our adventure begins in the bustling streets of Namba. The view from Ebisu Bridge is a perfect spot to catch a glimpse of Osaka’s vitality. From there, as you continue on, Namba’s famous tastes await you, such as takoyaki, kushikatsu (skewered pork cutlets), and crab dishes. Each restaurant’s unique character signage speaks colorfully of the city’s character.
Next, we visited Hozenji Yokocho, where time seems to have stood still. The narrow alleys of this place are filled with the atmosphere of old Japan, and cats and people wearing mysterious masks add to its charm and mystique. The camera crawls along old buildings and cobblestone streets, transporting visitors to an ancient world.
The adventure proceeds to new discoveries in souvenir shops. At a knife shop swarming with foreign tourists, expertly crafted Japanese knives attract attention for their beauty and practicality. At a food sample shop, fake foodstuffs, beautiful to look at, are so elaborately made that they could be mistaken for the real thing.
This story takes you on your next journey as you explore Namba, Osaka. We invite you to experience the world behind the screen in person and see for yourself what this city has to offer. And why not unravel Osaka’s hidden stories for yourself?
Information on related spots around this time
Ebisubashi Bridge
Ebisu Bridge is a historical bridge located in Chuo-ku, Osaka, spanning the Dotonbori River. The bridge is known as an important transportation hub connecting the Minami district of Osaka, especially Shinsaibashi and Namba, and is a very popular tourist destination.
The surrounding area is densely populated with theaters, restaurants, and shopping facilities, symbolizing the vitality of Osaka’s downtown area. In particular, the neon signs of Dotonbori and the Glico sign seen from Ebisu Bridge are famous as one of Osaka’s representative landscapes.
It is also known as a “sacred place for love” and is especially popular among young people. This bridge is a popular place for lovers to gather and spend romantic moments.
Visiting this bridge is a great opportunity to experience Osaka’s culture and history. The view from Ebisu Bridge is fascinating day and night and is an unforgettable sight for many visitors. If you are ever in Osaka, be sure to visit Ebisu Bridge.
Namba
Located in the heart of Osaka City, this vibrant district is known as a center of commerce, dining, and entertainment. The district extends around Osaka Metro’s Namba Station and is constantly bustling with locals and tourists alike.
One of Namba’s main attractions is its diverse shopping options. From large commercial facilities such as Takashimaya, Namba Marui, and Namba Parks to unique retailers, there are stores to meet a wide range of needs. The area is also close to famous landmarks such as Dotonbori and Ebisu Bridge, making it a great place to stroll after a meal or a day of shopping.
Food culture is another major attraction of Namba. Many restaurants offer Osaka specialties such as okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and kushikatsu, making it easy to enjoy these dishes. Furthermore, a diverse array of restaurants, from fine dining to casual cafes, line the streets of Namba.
Hozenji Yokocho
Hozenji Yokocho is a charming little alley in the Namba district of Osaka. Known for its history, culture, and unique atmosphere, this side street attracts many visitors. Hozenji Yokocho, in particular, has a special presence in Osaka as a place with a strong old-fashioned atmosphere.
At the center of this alley is Hozenji Temple, which is dedicated to Aizenmyoo. Aizen Myoo is known as the god of love fulfillment, and many people visit the temple to make their wishes. The temple is surrounded by stone pavement that evokes the atmosphere of the old days, and is lined with a variety of stores.
Hozenji Yokocho is home to many restaurants and souvenir stores that have been around since ancient times, offering visitors traditional Osaka flavors and products. Here, visitors can especially enjoy Osaka specialties such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Cafes and bars are also scattered throughout the area, making it a spot that can be enjoyed on various occasions throughout the day and night.
Doguya-suji
The Doguya-suji Shopping Street is located in Chuo-ku, Osaka City, and is known as “the town of kitchens. The street is densely populated with stores specializing in various tools and utensils used in the restaurant industry, and is loved by everyone from professional cooks to amateurs who love to cook.
High-quality products such as knives, tableware, cooking utensils, and professional equipment are available at affordable prices to meet all your cooking needs. More than just a place to shop, shopping streets play an important role in supporting Osaka’s food culture. The shopkeepers are knowledgeable about their products and are willing to offer advice and support after the purchase.
A visit to Doguya-suji will give you a taste of Osaka’s lifestyle and culture and allow you to enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese shopping street.
Neighborhood Gourmet this time
crab
Crab dishes are especially popular in Osaka, a city with a diverse food culture. Various types of crab, including snow crab, king crab, and hairy crab, are available, and each restaurant offers a wide variety of menus, including kani-sukiyaki nabe, kani-shabu, kani-empura, and kani-zushi.
Many specialty restaurants use their own recipes and cooking methods to bring out the rich flavor of crab. There are many choices, from simple preparations to creative fusion dishes. These dishes are devised to maximize the flavor of the crab and provide an in-depth experience of the local food culture!
Restaurants where you can eat crab around Osaka
Hareya Bettei
Matsuki Kosan Building 5F, 1-5-21 Sonezakishinchi, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Kaniyoshi Uesuto
2-4-5 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
San’In Gyokou Chokusou Uoharu
2-3-60, Matsuzaki-cho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Wa Demekin
3-3-30, Kamihonmachi Nishi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Kanisemmon Kaniyoshi Puremiamu
Casa Ponte 1F, 2-2-20 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Kanigen Kaniya
1-1-16 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Fugunoshiro
2-9-14 Sagisu, Fukushima-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Kushikatsu and kushi-age
Kushikatsu and kushi-age are two of the most beloved styles of Japanese cuisine, especially in Osaka. These are made by sticking various ingredients onto small sticks, wrapping them in bread crumbs, and deep frying them. The ingredients can be meat, fish, or vegetables, with a crunchy outside and a juicy inside.
Kushikatsu restaurants in Osaka serve their kushikatsu with a sauce that is uniquely prepared. When dipping the kushikatsu into this sauce, the rule of “no dipping twice” is observed. This rule is to maintain the cleanliness of the sauce and represents a unique aspect of kushikatsu culture.
Many restaurants have predominantly counter seating, creating a casual, easygoing atmosphere. This environment provides a rare glimpse into local daily life. In addition, kushikatsu goes extremely well with a cold beer or cool sake, making the meal even more enjoyable.
Kushikatsu and shish-kebabs around Osaka
Kushikatsuandowaimbarueshezou
2F No.3 Shinko Building, 2-2-5 Sonezakishinchi, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Kushiage Shunzu
B1, Yodoyabashi Mitsui Building odona, 4-1-1 Imabashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Kushidokoro Mogami
Shin Nihon Mitsudera Bldg. 1F, 2-2-10 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Kushiage Kicchin Dan
1F Daiichi Building, 2-9-14, Juso Higashi, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Rokukaku Tei
2F, 1-21-16 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Kushiage Kicchin Dan
1-6-2 Shibata, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Chayamachi Aruko
Shunnoagetemma
B1F Ritz Building, 1-15-25 Higashi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Crab & Kushikatsu Osaka MAP
Related recommended sites for this issue
Sennichimae Doguya-suji Shopping Street
Located in the Nihonbashi area of Osaka City, this 150 meter-long shopping street is lined with stores specializing in kitchenware and cooking utensils in particular. This shopping arcade is also known as the “department store of kitchens” and attracts a wide range of customers, from professional chefs to cooking enthusiasts.
West Japan Railway Company
It provides train schedules, route information, and reservation services in multiple languages, covering a wide area of western Japan, with a focus on the Kansai region. The site provides a wealth of information for foreign travelers and is convenient for accessing major cities such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. This site is an important resource for travelers in western Japan.
Osaka Metro
This site provides information on subway lines, timetables, and fares in multiple languages, mainly in Osaka City. With an extensive section for foreign visitors, this site is a useful tool for smooth travel in and around Osaka City. This site will help you get around Osaka efficiently.
Japan Transit Planner
It is possible to search nationwide train and air routes (operation times, fares, and travel times) as well as to grasp detailed information such as ticket prices, IC card fares, and express fares in English.
Related recommended apps for this issue
Japan Wi-Fi auto-connect
Automatic connection anytime!
Once registered, there is no need to log in, and no need to operate at Wi-Fi spots! This is a free Wi-Fi application that automatically connects throughout Japan.
Power saving & crisp, lightweight operation for a comfortable Internet environment.
Of course, it is free.
