10 THINGS TO DO IN OSAKA | A Guide Book

A Guide Book for Youngsters

10 THINGS

TO DO IN OSAKA

TOKYO MAY HAVE MORE MONEY AND KYOTO MORE CULTURE; NARA MAY HAVE MORE HISTORY AND KOBE MORE STYLE. BUT OSAKA HAS THE BIGGEST HEART.

Illustrations copyright Š 2018 by Gwynneth Wong.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy or any storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication data available upon request.

Manufactured in Osaka.

Design by Gwynneth Wong.

Yellow Pear Press, LLC. yellowpearpress.com Distributed by Osaka PublisherŠ

TABLE OF CONTENT 02 City Profile

06 How To Travel From Tokyo To Osaka

10 10 Things To Do In Osaka

34 Common Japanese Phrases You’ll Need To Know

OSAKA CITY PROFILE

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Region: Kansai Prefecture: Osaka Prefecture Area: 223.00 km2 Time zone: UTC +9 (Japan Standard Time)

Osaka is Japan’s second largest metropolitan area after Tokyo.

It has been the economic powerhouse of the Kansai Region for many centuries. Osaka was formerly known as Naniwa. Before the Nara Period, when the capital used to be moved with the reign of each new emperor, Naniwa was once Japan’s capital city, the first one ever known.

Now, Osaka is known for its food, in Japan and abroad. It is also home to its fine sake, which is made with fresh water from the prefecture’s mountains. Osaka’s culinary prevalence is the result of a location that has provided access to high quality ingredients, a high population of merchants, and proximity to the ocean and waterway trade. In recent years, Osaka has started to get more attention from tourists with the increased popularity of culinary in popular culture.

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HOW TO TRAVEL

FROM TOKYO TO OSAKA

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By shinkansen. Tokyo (Tokyo and Shinagawa Station) and Osaka (Shin-Osaka Station) are connected with each other by the JR Tokaido Shinkansen. A ride on the Nozomi Train takes up to 155 mins, Hikari Train takes up to 3 hours and Kodama Train takes up to 4 hours.

*A 7 day Japan Rail Pass costs about the same as regular round trip tickets and is valid on Hikari and Kodama trains not on Nozomi Trains.

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By highway bus. A one way trip from Tokyo to Osaka by highway bus takes about 8 hours. There are a wide variety of buses from Tokyo to Osaka. A typical one way fares for discount buses, such as Willer Express, start from around ¥3,500 while premium buses charge up to ¥10,000. *Online reservations: Willer and Japan Bus online.

By air. Multiple airlines operate between Tokyo and Osaka.

A ma jority of flights are available from Tokyo Haneda Airport to Osaka Itami Airport but smaller flights are also available from Tokyo Narita Airport to Osaka Kansai Airport. Regular one way fare is about ¥23,000 however, few travelers pay more than ¥15,000 thanks to various discount fares. *Recommended airlines: JAL, ANA, Starflyer, Jetstar By car. Driving from Tokyo to Osaka via the Tomei and Meishin expressways take six hours without breaks and traffic jams. The expressway toll costs about ¥10,000 one way.

By local trains. A one way trip from Tokyo to Osaka by local trains takes about 9-10 hours and it usually involves 4 transfers of trains.

The regular fare is relatively expensive ¥8,750.

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10 THINGS

TO DO IN OSAKA

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EXPLORE DOTONBORI BY FEET 11

Walk around Dotonbori Riverwalk which is one of the most famous waterways in Osaka. Along both sides of the river, promenade construction is progressing due to revitalizing the Aqua Metropolis Osaka. There are over 30 stores and restaurants along the Riverwalk. One of them is the famous Don Quijote Company, a chain of discount stores, whose building has a giant ferris wheel.

Hop on the Tombori River Cruise, a 20-minute cruise of the Dotonbori Canal. The boat departs from Tazaemonbashi Bridge Boat Dock.

Open: Weekdays 13:00 – 21:00, departs on the hour and half-hour Close: July 13, 24 and 25, and the first Saturday of August Price: General Admission (12 and up) ¥900, children (6-12) ¥400 *First children under 6 rides free with an adult; second child at children’s fare.

Experience the hustle and bustle of Dotonbori. Dotonbori is a bustling commercial street that is representative of the Minami area of Osaka. Dozens of restaurants line the Dotomborigawa River and large famous billboards draw diner’s attention. One of the most significant billboards is the Glico sign which is the symbol of Glico candy. Not only that, on the north side of the river, small bars and restaurants squeezed togethet in rows while on the south side lies the heart of Dotonbori area which was once known as the theater district.

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VISIT SHINSEKAI 13

Shinsekai is a retro downtown area of Southern Osaka.

It is famous for its Janjian Yokocho Alley and a giant blowfish lantern sign. In the heart of this area stands Tsutenkaku Tower, the nostalgia-evoking symbol of Shinsekai.

On the other hand, it is highly recommended to visit Shinsekai at night to fully experience the small lively district.

Visit Tsutenkaku Tower Open: 09:00 – 21:00 (Entry until 20:30) *Open air deck available from 10:00 – 18:00 (Until 20:00 on weekends & holidays) Admission: ¥700 (additional ¥500 for the open air deck) How to get there? Shinsekai is a short walk from Shin-Imamiya Station on the JR Loop Line, Dobutsuen-mae Station on the Midosuji and Sakaisuji Subway Lines, and Ebisucho Station on the Sakaisuji Subway Line.

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STROLL AROUND OSAKA PARK 15

The Osaka Castle Park includes Osaka’s main historical landmark which is The Osaka Castle. Aside from that, the park also includes the Nishinomaru Garden, the Osaka-Jo hall and a Japanese archery ground. The Nishinomaru Garden is one of Osaka’s most popular hanami spot during the cherry blossom season which usually takes place in early April. However, during other seasons, seasonal flowers such as ume and azaleas can be observed.

How to get there? The Osaka Castle Park only requires a short walk from Temmabashi or Tanimachi 4-chome Stations on the Subway Tanimachi Line, Morinomiya or Tanimachi 4-chome Stations on the Subway Chuo Line and Morinomiya or Osaka jokoen Stations on the JR Loop Line.

The recommended approach to Osaka Castle is though Otemon Gate at the Park’s Southwestern Corner and the closest station to Osaka Castle is Osaka jokoen Station on the JR Loop Line (A 10-minute, ¥160 ride from JR Osaka Station).

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SHOP AT SHINSAIBASHI SUJI 17

Shinsaibashi-suji is a commercial avenue stretching north and south for about 580 meters from the south of Nagahori-dori to Soemoncho-dori. Visitors to this street could reach up to 60,000 on weekdays and about 120,000 on weekends and holidays. It is one of the best-known shopping area in Osaka and an enduring symbol of the city.

What’s there? Along the 600 meters roofed arcade, you could find variety of shops. From clothing store to food stalls. Here are some of the brands that we have listed for you: WEGO, GU, Lush, Zara and H&M. We also highly recommend you to try Luke’s Lobster (Japan’s second branch of the popular New York lobster roll) and Pablo’s freshly baked cheese tarts.

How to get there? 1-minute walk from Shinsaibashi Station on the Subway Midosuji and Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi lines.

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VISIT INSTANT NOODLE MUSEUM 19

Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum is located in Ikeda City, Osaka. As a matter of fact, Ikeda City is the birthplace of instant noodles. In 1958, the world’s first instant noodle product, “Chicken Ramen”, famous for its TV commercial, originated in a “Research Shed” in Ikeda City, in the yard of the house of Momofuku Ando, the inventor of instant noodles and the founder of Nissin Food Products Co., Ltd. Aside from that, the museum itself was established in 1999.

Here, you will not only learn about the history of instant noodles but you can create your own cup noodle with soup and ingredients of your choice.

Open: 09:30 – 16:30 (last admission 15:30) Admission: Free *Fees are charge at some facilities at the museum: (i) Chicken Ramen Factory: Children ¥300 / Adult ¥500 (ii) My CUPNOODLES Factory: ¥300 for each CUPNOODLES How to get there? The museum is approximately a 5-minute walk from Ikeda Station (Masumi-cho Homen Exit) and a 20-minute ride from Hankyu Umeda Station on the Hankyu Takarazuka line via express train.

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TRY LOCAL SEAFOOD AT KUROMON MARKET 21

Kuromon Ichiba is a lively covered market which stretches for 580 meters in Osaka’s Chuo Ward. Nicknamed “Osaka’s kitchen” because both local homeowners and restaurant chefs get their supplies here, the market is famous for its fresh seafood and has recently become a popular tourist location. One reason for the market’s popularity is that many stalls will prepare, cook and serve their food to you right on the spot. This makes it an excellent venue for strolling, sampling, and snacking on a delicious variety of fresh market foods.

How to get there? Take the subway to Nippombashi Station on the Subway Sennichimae Line. This market is right outside of the station.

Worry less! There is a foreign currency exchange machine in the market and free wifi too! Prepare small changes to the market just in case. It is recommended to bring ¥10, ¥50, ¥100 and ¥500.

Also, the staffs here speak limited English.

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TAKE INSTAWORTHY PHOTOS 23

Hirakata T Site is home to thousands of books stacked to the rafters – this place has everything! With more books, comics and magazines than you can read in a lifetime, as well as lifestyle and stationary goods – you’ll spend more of your time taking photos than with your nose in a book!

1 2-2 Okahigashicho, Hirakata, Osaka Prefecture 573-0032, Japan How to get there? 3-minute walk from Hirakatasi Station on the Keihan Electric Railway Dotonbori Glico Sign is one of the mainstream spot in Osaka but it’s worth the crowd! Take a picture at day or even night – you’ll find the lights pretty mesmerizing. Oh and it’s comprised of 140,000 LEDs! Dotonbori, Osaka Prefecture 542-0071, Japan How to get there? Short walk from Namba Station of Subway Midosuji Line (exit No.14) Sennichimae Line, Nankai railway.

Hoshi no Buranko is a 280 meter long wooden suspension bridge which is about 50 meters above ground. This is the largest wooden suspension bridge in all of Japan. It’s free and the view from the bridge is stunning which you can enjoy with friends and family.

5019-1 大字星田 Katano, Osaka Prefecture 576-0011, Japan How to get there? About 40-minutwe walk from Keihan Kisaichi Station or 1 hr 10 minute walk from JR Hoshida Station.

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HANGOUT AT AN IZAKAYA 25

Izakaya is a Japanese-style pub. This means you’ll have alcohol as well as food, but instead of everyone receiving their own main dish, the standard procedure is for everyone to order lots of small, typically inexpensive dishes that are shared by everyone around the table, ordering subsequent rounds along with accompanying drinks.

How to “Izakaya”? When you enter an izakaya, you’ll first be asked how many people are in your party. If you don’t speak Japanese, just showing the number with your fingers is fine. Depending on the style of izakaya—or simply where you’re placed—you may be seated at a regular table,at a bar, or on straw tatami mats. If you’ve got tatami, you’ll have to take off your shoes before stepping on the mats.

What to order? Typical izakaya dishes will include a selection of yakitori (grilled meat on sticks), kara-age (fried chicken pieces), tamagoyaki (sushi-style omelette blocks), sashimi, grilled fish, small meat dishes, tofu and salads—and you’ll pretty often find French fries as well (just as for “potato” or “potato fry”)! The standard appetizer is, of course, edamame.

Where to eat?

Tayutayu Nambasennichimaeten: 2-6-10, Sennichimae, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Shimotaya: 14-5 Nanbasennichimae, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 542-0075, Japan 26

EXPERIENCE THE 360 DEGREES PANORAMIC VIEW AT UMEDA BUILDING 27

Umeda Building is one of the landmarks of Umeda, Osaka. The 173 meter tall building consists of two towers that are connected with each other by the “Floating Garden Observatory” on the 39th floor.

From this observatory you can not only see all of Osaka but as far away as Awa ji Island. The observatory offers great views of the city through its windows and from its open-air deck. In the basement, there is a restaurant floor that replicates a town of the early Showa Period, while offices occupy most other floors.

Open: 9:30 to 22:30 (entrance until 22:00) Admission: Adults ¥1,500, Age 4-12 ¥700 How to get there? 9-minute walk from JR Osaka Station, Umeda Station on the Hankyu Railway and Subway Midosuji Line, Higashi Umeda Station on the Subway Tanimachi Line,and Nishi-Umeda Station on the Subway Yotsubashi Line.

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EAT ' TILL YOU DROP! 29

Takoyaki is the synonym of Osaka. These little golf ball sized batter balls stuffed with a piece of octopus are perhaps the most famous thing to eat in the city, and they are a big hit and food craze around the world as well.

Where to eat?

Otakoya: Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka Prefecture Takoyaki Wanaka: Kuromon Ichiba Market, 2 Chome-4-番 1 号 Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka Prefecture Okonomiyaki is a popular pan fried food that consists of batter and cabbage. Selected toppings and ingredients are added which can vary greatly. This variability is reflected in the dish’s name; “okonomi” literally means “to one’s liking”. The dish is available all over Japan, but is most popular in the west, particularly the cities of Hiroshima and Osaka.

Where to eat?

Okonomiyaki Kiji: 1-1-90 Oyodonaka, Kita-ku B1F Umeda Sky Building, Osaka Ajinoya Okonomiyaki: Namba, Osaka Prefecture (along Hozenji Koisan Dori) 30

Melon pan, also known as melon bread or melon bun, is simply a sweet bread. It is not melon flavored (although you can find ones that are). It’s named such because of the cookie crust topping that resembles the melon rind. Melon pan is quite similar to pineapple bun, pan dulce and conchas. They all share some sort of cookie crust topping.

Where to eat?

The best one is at the street food square in Dotonbori. Melonpan Ice Food Truck: 1 Chome-4-19 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka Oden is a Japanese one-pot dish consisting of several ingredients such as boiled eggs, daikon, konjac, and processed fishcakes stewed in a light, soy-flavored dashi broth.

Known as a winter food throughout Japan, oden includes an assortment of ingredients simmered in a broth prepared with a hint of both dashi and soy sauce, giving it a light and soothing flavor.

Where to eat?

Try Oden at Kuromon Ichiba Market or you can even get oden at 7 Eleven and Lawson!

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Kushikatsu, born in Osaka, is yet another homegrown Japanese food that’s wildly popular in Osaka. Kushi in Japanese means skewers, and katsu means breaded and deep fried things.

The result of this popular street food is a bunch of vegetables and even meats, all skewered, coated in a light batter, and deep fried until golden brown.

Where to eat?

Kushikatsu Daruma: Shinsekai, 3-4-4 Ebisu-higashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka Prefecture Yaekatsu: 3丁目-4-13 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka Prefecture Tendon Tempura Rice Bowl is a present-day classic Japanese dish. It is a type of donburi (a one-bowl meal of rice topped with any meat or vegetable dish). Usually crispy tempuras are laid over freshly steamed rice and topped with a delicious light soy dressing. Don’t be surprised, the size of one bowl is pretty big!

You can order one for two.

Where to eat?

Tempura Daikichi: 2丁目-10-25 Nanbanaka, Naniwa Ward, Osaka Prefecture Tentei: Namba Walk, 2 Chome-1-15 Sennichimae, Chuo Ward, Osaka Prefecture

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COMMON JAPANESE PHRASES YOU'LL NEED TO KNOW

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“Hello” - Kon’nichiwa

“Thank you” - Arigatou gozaimasu

“You’re Welcome” - Dou Itashimashite

“Sorry” - Gomen nasai

“How are you?” - Ogenki desuka

“Excuse me” - Sumimasen 35

“Good morning” - Ohayou gozaimasu

“Good night” - Oyasumi nasai

“Let’s eat!” - Itadakimasu

“Yes” - Hai

“No” - Ie

“Goodbye” - Sayonara 36

OFFICIAL CHECKLIST

10 THINGS TO DO IN OSAKA

Explore Dotonbori

By Feet

Try Local Seafood at Kuromon Market

Visit Shinsekai

Take Instaworthy Photos

Stroll Around Osaka Park

Hangout at an Izakaya

Shop at Shinsaibashi Suji

Experience the View at Umeda Building

Visit Instant Noodle Museum

Eat ‘Till You Drop

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