Osaka, Japan: 5 Reasons to Visit Osaka

I heart Osaka - where 100yen drinks from vending machines come with free gifts.

55 posts and 21 months after my Japan trip, I'm finally nearing the end of this chapter. My backlog would then stand at 4 trips (Taiwan in June 2013, Nepal and Korea in December 2013 and Europe in June 2014) which should provide me with enough material to last until 2020 or I lose interest in this endeavour, whichever comes first.

My full itinerary can be found here. But here'a a post raving about why and how much I enjoyed Osaka, and why you would too. If you are ever considering traveling in Osaka, or anywhere in Japan for that matter, trust me when I say that not knowing Japanese is a non-issue, don't let it stop you from having a whale of a time in the Land of the Rising Sun. I survived just fine with Arigatou (Thank you) and Sayonara (Goodbye). Knowing Mandarin doesn't hurt though, with the influx of immigrants who can increasingly be found manning convenience stores and retail stores. Trust me too when I say, don't even think of taking cabs in Japan (more on that later)!

My top 5 reasons why you should visit Osaka:

1) the quirks

Tokyo prides itself for being prim, proper and perfect. Meanwhile Osaka is the spunky younger sister (like myself!). Omiyage (souvenir snacks) made to taste and look like okonomiyaki (grilled savoury pancake) or takoyaki (octopus balls)? Only in Osaka!

Takoyaki, a variation:

Apart from popping into omiyage shops around the Dotonbori area, wandering the streets itself is yet another eye-popping experience.

Glico Man also comes in many edible variations.

This is my complete stash. From one day (and night).

.

2) the retro vibes around the city, in places such as the Tennoji Zoo

3) people on the street

The service in Tokyo is impeccable, a convenience store manager spent 30min helping me to book a bus trip. The service in Osaka... but while I've been turned away when asking for directions in Tokyo with an enormous backpack, I've encountered people on the Street in Osaka who helped me with the ticket machine at the train station (in English no less!), sheltered me from the rain, and gave up their seats, all without me asking.

4) my favourite touristy activity: engraving on coins aka "memorial medals"

I engraved my name and the date on my souvenir coin at the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, and I'm using it as a key chain even up till today. It makes a personalised memento. They can be found at tourist attractions, whether it's at Tsutenkaku Tower in Shinseikai,

Tennoji Zoo,

Osaka Castle,

or Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. Collect 'em all!

5) another favourite activity: soaking in Onsens

I love hotsprings, especially in winter and I will visit one almost everyday towards the end of my trip in Osaka. Spaworld is just a stone's throw from my hostel at Dobutsu-mae Station. And it has themes over several levels, I regret leaving it to the last day.

It was also in my quest for a good soak that I missed the last train (it was only 11!) and had to cab back. The higher the meter climbed, the lower my heart sank. I

can't

don't even want to remember how much it was. I pointed at the Dobutsuen-mae (meaning 'Zoo Entrance') Station on the subway map, and the cab driver stopped me at one of the Tennoji Zoo entrances, technically he wasn't wrong. I got very lost (in circles), cold (in winter) and wet (it was raining) with a bagful of omiyage and only reached back at 2am - either the streets are safe or I'm very lucky.

Dobutsuen-mae Shopping Arcade - how could I miss you so many times?

Other "onsens" I've visited included (no photos for obvious reasons):

- Oedo Onsen Monogatari in Tokyo

- Minoo Onsen in Osaka

- Natural Hot Spring Naniwa no Yu in Osaka

- Natural Open-air Hot Spring Spa Suminoe in Osaka

My two-cents worth? Just go Spaworld if it's your first time visiting an onsen, it'll do a good job of inducting and getting you hooked, allows for overnight stays (if you fancy it) and most importantly, it's in a convenient location like Dobutsuen-mae/Shinseikai so it can be part of a day trip.

With this, my series of posts on Japan has come to a close. Thank you, Japan, for an amazing adventure (I'm looking forward to my next trip already!), and thank you, for following me on them.

More pictures are available on my Flickr (simply click any photo).

Osaka Guide

Related Posts:

My Japan Itinerary (December 2012)

Japan Day 10 – Osaka, Day 2:

• Using Osaka 2-day Unlimited Pass
• Tennoji Zoo
• Shiseikai and Tsutenkaku Tower
• Shitennoji Temple
• Dotonbori / Namba
• Natural Open-air Hot Spring Spa Suminoe
• 5 Reasons I Love Osaka