OSAKA
C I T Y O F F U N AND F O O D
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saka is a multifaceted city full of delicious food, boisterous locals and a friendly atmosphere. The third-largest city in Japan is also a major financial and industrial centre. With easy, central access to Kyoto, Kobe and Nara, it also serves as a convenient and popular tourist hub. At night, the bustling streets transform into a glistening sea of neon. Wander the alleys and you’re sure to find people talking and laughing at any one of the izakaya along the street, enjoying Osaka’s world-famous soul food. EXPERIENCE GLOBAL ATTRACTIONS & CULTURE Families should head to the Universal Studios Japan (USJ) theme park which houses a wide range of Hollywood- and Japanese anime-themed attractions and events. It is located in Osaka’s bay area, a convenient 10-minute train ride from Osaka Station. USJ has many exciting attractions. Famous movie and video game characters are brought to life right before your eyes through the use of cutting-edge VR technology in theatre shows and rides. Your senses will be so stimulated, and you may have difficulty distinguishing between the imagery and reality. Other must-see USJ events include various parades. Park guests can join in these parades with cast members, boosting the party atmosphere. The nighttime parade uses projection mapping to magically transform the moving floats’ appearance. This enchanting show will surely cast its spell on you, drawing you into its stories.
ORDER OCTOPUS BALLS Takoyaki (octopus balls) is one of the Osaka-ites’ favourite foods, and you will find many roadside stalls. Be mesmerised watching the stall operators – master takoyaki makers – dexterously flip and swivel the batter, shaping it into balls with a metal pick. The sizzling sound and tantalizing aroma are as memorable as the taste. Takoyaki is typically made by mixing together flour, broth, chopped octopus (tako), sliced leeks, and red pickled ginger and then grilling the batter in hemispherical molds on a special cast iron griddle. Osaka-ites began eating takoyaki in the 1950s as a means of ensuring that none of Osaka Bay’s large octopus haul went to waste. With its crisp skin and tender filling, takoyaki’s greatest appeal lies in its texture. However, its immense popularity is also thanks to the customary style of serving
FROM TOP: Neon nights in Osaka; Osaka’s cityscape; Takoyaki
the delicious balls in a boatshaped bamboo-peel dish with toothpicks for easy eating. You can enjoy a wide range of takoyaki seasonings and toppings, but the conventional combination of brown sauce, mayonnaise, dried seaweed, and bonito flakes reflect the influence of okonomiyaki seasonings. Okonomiyaki is a type of savory pancake topped with chopped cabbage and your preferred ingredients. Osakaites favor foods made with flour – especially takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and noodles – and proudly refer to their unique food culture. 17
