Osaka Day & 1/2 Day Tours Osaka

Located in Osaka prefecture, Kansai International Airport (KIX) is one of Japan’s major travel gates.

A lot of people come through on their way to Kyoto or Tokyo, and stay in Osaka for only a short while. With such limited time, many are not sure what to do here.

Osaka Day & ½ Day Tours is a compilation of themed tours by foreigners for foreigners on tight time schedules. Let TX Dave, Keenz, D Man (residents in Japan for over 15 years) and their friend KZ, a local girl, show you around this often unknown place; the merchant capital, “the party city,” Japan’s kitchen, and the second most populous metropolis in the country: Osaka.

Osaka Day & ½ Day Tours Published: April 2017 Writers: David Astorga, Duncan Brotherton, Kina Jackson, Kazumi Toguchi Design: Duncan Brotherton If you have any feedback, we’d love to hear it: the.real.osaka@gmail.com

Published with support from the Osaka Tourism Convention Bureau

ABOUT OSAKA

Osaka is located roughly in the center of Japan, on the main island of Honshu. It’s Japan’s second most populous city: Osaka city is home to 2.5 million and Osaka prefecture has 8.7 million people (7% of the total population). It’s centrally located: many tourists come to Japan through Kansai International Airport (KIX), to get to Kyoto or jump on the Shinkansen bullet train to Tokyo. With many late-night establishments, it’s known as ‘the party city’ of Japan.

Others call it ‘Japan’s kitchen’ for its mix of food culture and variety on offer; you can eat till you drop in Osaka. Historically, it’s also the merchant capital, and is still full of thrifty business men even today, guaranteeing you’ll get reasonable prices. Even with only a day or a half day here, you can still do a lot and enjoy yourself. Join our local guides below!

OSAKA INFO is official website of the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau, and the most comprehensive source of up-todate information about what to see and do in Osaka. Follow the simple Discover, Enjoy and Plan menus to find the information you’re looking for.

www.osaka-info.jp/en/

David (TX Dave)

Kina (Keenz)

“I’m from the USA; been here over 15 years. I love a good beer and steak after a movie.

I’ll be taking you downtown, uptown, and a little out of the way for some fun even most locals don’t know about.”

“I’m from Philly, and still loving Osaka after 14 years.

My favorite things to do are exploring on my bike, relaxing with good coffee and local events. I know funky cafes and great food.”

SCHEDULER Exercise, Ante Meridiem............. 1

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Half-Day Morning

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Half-Day Morning

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Half-Day Afternoon

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Half-Day Afternoon

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Half-Day Evening

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Half-Day Evening

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Full Day

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Full Day

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Full Day

Early Bird Time Burner............... 3 An Arty Afternoon....................... 5 Crusin’ & Chillin’.......................... 7

Craft Beer & Vegetarian............... 9 An Elegant Evening.................... 11

Amusement by the Bay.............. 13

Shop Osaka Style......................... 15

History in Sakai........................... 17

10. Full Day

Something Sporty....................... 19

11. Full Day

Osaka on a Shoestring................ 21

12. DIY __________________ .............. 23

Duncan (D Man):

Kazumi (KZ)

“I’m from Australia, but I feel like I grew up in Osaka after living there for 12 years. I’m into creative stuff: join me for craft beers and contemporary art in Japan’s second largest city.”

“I was born and raised in Osaka, but I’m still discovering new places to go and new things to do, even now. Let me share these with you.”

Half-Day Morning:

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08:00 Central Hall, a classic Osaka building.

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1. To Nakanoshima Park: → From Subway Yodoyabashi or Keihan Yodoyabashi stations, take exit 1. Walk over the bridge and in a few yards you will see the entrance to the park on your right. (Also accessible from Keihan Oebashi station).

2. To Riverside Yoga (Nakanoshima Park Lawn): → Heading east from Central Public Hall, cross the street at the bridge and go down through the rose garden. Follow the markers towards Tenjinbashisuji (天神橋筋). You’ll come to a grassy area at the far end of the island. (Also accessible on the Subway or Keihan line: Tenmabashi station).

3. To Brooklyn Roasting Company: → Exit the park onto Sakaisuji Street (堺筋) via Naniwabashi, or the ‘Lion Bridge.’ Follow the openmouthed lion around the corner to Tosabori Street (土佐堀). Brooklyn Roasting is a short walk down the street. Look for it on your right. Also accessible

by Subway Kitahama, Subway Yodoyabashi, and Keihan Kitahama stations.

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“A walk in the park followed by some java? No better way to start the day!” (Keenz)

Nakanoshima Park

www.osaka-info.jp/en/areas/nakanoshima.html

Nakanoshima is an island located between the Dojima and Tosabori Rivers. The park is beautifully lined with trees and historic buildings.

If you’re here between May and October you can see the park at it’s best, when over 300 varieties of roses bloom in the rose garden. You can walk or jog the roughly 2km lap from the Central Public Hall to the fountain at the end of the island and back before taking on the city.

Always open & free of charge

Park Area (Nakanoshima Park Lawn) In between laps, or at the end of your jog, enjoy the park area at the end of the island, which also has a rose garden. You might be able to catch a yoga class there in the morning (classes ¥500, the site is in Japanese only, but check seikatuyoga. com/schedule/) or just stretch out on the lawn and do some asanas. Breathe and strike a pose.

Park is always open, class 7:00 or 8:00 am.

Brooklyn Roasting Company (Kitahama) brooklynroasting.jp/location/kitahama/

One of Osaka’s top spots for third wave coffee.

This flagship store is the sister shop of Brooklyn Roasting Company (New York). The beans here are fair-trade, organic, and locally roasted. After your jog you’ve earned a coffee and a pastry (or two)! If you’re here early, the best spot is outside on the terrace; you can watch the occasional boat go by, and enjoy the serenity of the morning.

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Mon-Fri 8:00-20:00. Sat, Sun, Hol. 10:00-19:00

Half-Day Morning:

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14:00 Look for the red ‘yu’ sign 15:00

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Rinku Town Station (JR and Nankai lines) is located just one train stop away from Kansai International Airport (KIX), or an hour from Osaka station. It’s more convenient to kill time here because you’re so close to the airport.

1. To Rinku-no-Yu:

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→ There’s a direct connection with the bathhouse Rinku-no-yu; head out of the station (the ferris wheel side) and head towards SEACLE. Look for the red yu (ゆ) sign when there.

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2. To Pleasure Town SEACLE:

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→ If you’ve found the bathouse, you’re already in SEACLE. No problem.

3. To Rinku Premium Outlets:

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→ The outlets are a 5-min walk from SEACLE. Leave the building East, cross the road and then head South. There are many shops congregated in the area; you can’t miss it.

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“You wanna kill some time near the airport? Then go to Rinku town!” (KZ)

Rinku-no-Yu (Rinku Hotsprings)

rinkunoyu.jp (some English available)

If you’re arriving on an early flight or if you’ve got a morning to kill before you leave, pop over to Rinku Town. Rinku-no-yu is a hot bath facility on the second floor of Seacle. Reception will hold your luggage so you can come with your suitcase. A bath is only ¥620 but I recommend you get the Yuttari course for ¥930—relax in their recliners, read some manga, and use their internet booths. Also, here’s the skinny on the dip: tattoos not allowed. If you’re super shy, cover what you can with the hand towel (don’t put your towel in the water). And don’t worry; when everyone’s naked, no one cares!

Weekdays 9:00am-1:00am (last customers accepted 24:00) Sat, Sun & Hol. 7:00am-1:00am (last customers accepted 24:00)

Rinku Pleasure Town SEACLE www.seacle.jp (Japanese only)

Seacle is a casual shopping experience; you will find a supermarket, drug store and a 100yen shop here as well as a few food options. There’s also a ferris wheel with a great view of KIX! Open 10:00-20:00 (varies by shop). Restaurants (food court excluded) 11:00-22:00

Rinku Premium Outlets

www.premiumoutlets.co.jp/en/rinku/

Rinku Premium Outlets is a much more polished shopping center with a wide range of brand names. Enjoy shopping, window shopping, or just grab a snack from the food court and take in the nice view of the ocean either on premises or at the oceanside Rinku Park.

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10:00-20:00 all year. Closed once a year on the third Thursday in February.

Half-Day Afternoon:

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1. To NMAO: → You could walk to the NMAO from Osaka Station, but it will take you 30 or 40min. It’s best to start from Subway Higobashi (exit 4), or Keihan Watanabebashi Stations (exit 1). Walk West; you’ll find it.

2. To Utsubo Park: → Utsubo Park is a 20min walk directly South of NMAO. Just follow the bridge over the river and keep going. You’ll pass a lot of restaurants on the way. Can’t miss it.

3. To Calo:

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→ Leave the park East, then head North till you find Subway Exit 7. It’s directly East from there, in the Wakasa building on the corner just before the Hanshin expressway overpass. You’ll see Calo’s sign standing outside.

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“Art!? Like the contemporary stuff? I love it. Leave this selection to me.” (D Man)

The National Museum of Art, Osaka www.nmao.go.jp/en/

The National Museum of Art is a subterranean contemporary art museum on the island of Nakanoshima, located between the Dojima River (North) and the Tosabori River (South). They usually have two exhibitions on; anything on is really worth seeing. It’s nice and quiet too, a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

10:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30, open until 20:00 on Fri and Sat).

Closed Mon, Tues and Mon after holidays. Adults ¥430, Students ¥130 (admission varies for special exhibitions). Check ahead!

Utsubo Park Parks are few and far between in Osaka. Utsubo park is surrounded by lots of cool shops and cafes, and it also has plenty of benches and places to sit, and even a bit of lawn by the fountains for you to spread out on.

Calo Bookshop & Cafe

www.calobookshop.com (Japanese only)

Calo has a good rotating exhibition schedule of local illustrators and artists. There’s also good books, good coffee and chicken curry on the menu. The owner, Ishikawa-san always has a nice smile for visitors. There’s also other great galleries like Yoshimi Arts, Sai Gallery and The Third Gallery Aya in the same building.

12:00–19:00 (Sat until 18:00). Closed Sun and Mon. - Page 6 -

Half-Day Afternoon:

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To Maishima Sports Island: → It’s best to start from Osaka station. Take the JR Yumesaki Line (otherwise known as the train to USJ). You’ll be at the final stop, Sakurajima station in 16 minutes. Grab the bus across the street bound for Hotel Lodge Maishima (bring coins as the buses do not provide change for big bills).

They run about three times an hour; it’ll take you 15 minutes. The bus loops, so you can come to the same stop to get back to Sakurajima station.

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1. To the Go Carts:

Spare time? Check out Maishima Incineration Plant; the exterior was designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser. It looks like a theme park!

Head North from the lodge and you’ll see the track near where the road turns the corner.

2. To Maishima Ryokuchi Park: → Just across the street from Infinity Circuit! Maishima Ryokuchi is a further walk down the street past Hotel Lodge Maishima on the right hand side.

3. To Maido Cafe: → Cafe Maido is located at the base of New Sunset Hill Park, opposite the lodge.

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“Want a little fun outside the big city? Hop on a go-cart and have a quick picnic in the park.” (TX Dave) Family friendly! Grab a bento lunch box from a department store or supermarket before heading here!

Maishima Infinity Circuit

sportskart.com/maishima.html (Japanese only)

The Maishima Infinity Circuit is located on the sports island of Maishima. Find your inner speeddemon as you race against each other with the ocean as your backdrop.

10:00–22:00 (last entry 21:00). Closes at sunset on rainy days.

Maishima Ryokuchi Park & New Sunset Hill maishima.jp/sansaku/ryokuchi/index.html (Japanese only)

Once you’ve finished tearing up the track, head across the street to New Sunset Hill Park. Walk up to the top, grab a seat in the gazebo or just on the hill, and have yourself a quick picnic. If you prefer a longer walk, head down the street to Maishima Ryokuchi Park and enjoy the seaside promenade (for a great sunset too) and children’s playground.

Maido Cafe (Maishima Pottery Museum) maishima.com/cafe.php (Limited English)

If you didn’t have time to pick up some grub before heading out, Cafe Maido will help you out with a shrimp pilaf or grilled-beef rice burger. You can also step in for a coffee or ice cream if you have some time to wait for your next bus back to the station. If you happen to have the time, check out the shop. All pottery here is made in their workshop!

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10:00–18:00 Sat through Thur. Closed Fri and for the New Year Holiday.

Half-Day Evening:

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1. To Base Island Kitchen: → Easily accessible from Subway Yotsubashi station (exit 6) or Subway Nishi-Ohashi station (exit 4).

(Alternatively you can walk from Subway Shinsaibashi for about 10 minutes.)

2. To MARCA: → Turn left at the corner of base and head west for two blocks till you get to the big, Naniwa-suji road (なにわ筋). Turn left and continue. You’ll pass Kamikaze on your left, but we’re not going here yet because it dosen’t open till 5:00pm. Turn right at the next set of lights and head West again. You should pass a small park on your right. One block later at the set of lights, you’ll hit Amidaike-suji road (あみだ池筋). Head North and MARCA should soon be on your right.

3. To Kamikaze: → Turn left as you step out of MARCA, and then backtrack from the previous instructions. It’s pretty easy to find; just keep a look out for the brightly lit neon sign.

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“Prep your belly with veggies galore. Sample the best of Japan’s craft beer.” (D Man)

Base Island Kitchen & Sweets Factory Facebook: Base Island Kitchen

Heavily influenced by Ital or vegetarian/vegan Jamaican cuisine, Base Island Kitchen is a hidden gem in the Horie section of Osaka. They blend island spices with superfoods and healthy Japanese ingredients: this is a lunch plate you won’t find anywhere else! The jerk sauce and Jamaican yellow pepper hot sauce are homemade and the music is groovy. There’s even gluten-free vegan soya cake.

11:00-17:00. Closed Wed, public holidays and sometimes for events (check Facebook before you go, also in English).

MARCA Cafe & Beer Factory

beermarca.com (Japanese only, Facebook avail.)

MARCA brews its own beer on premises! There are eight taps and what’s on changes often. The decor is ultra-modern and you can see the brew tanks from the counter seats. There is often a campaign on of guest beers or collaboration beers, and sometimes the week has a theme.

Mon-Fri 15:00/18:00-23:00; Sat 15:00-23:00; Sun 15:00-21:00.

Opening times vary a little between 3 & 6pm. Check facebook.

Craft Beer Works Kamikaze

www.cbw-kamikaze.com (Japanese only)

Kamikaze has over 20 beers on tap. Sample regional craft brews from all over Japan in five sizes. With both U.S. & U.K. pints available, everyone’s happy.

Hungry again? Order something off their extensive menu, which even includes a few veggie friendly selections to choose from.

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17:00-1:00a.m

Half-Day Evening:

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Booked a hotel? If you’re looking for something nice right around this area, here’s a few classy places:

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The Ritz-Carlton: this peaceful hotel is furnished with 18th-century European-style antiques and arts to create a luxurious setting.

Hotel Montery: a magnificent hotel inspired by palaces of Europe.

Upper floors are built to surround an inner garden.

Hotel Granvia: located within the premises of JR Osaka Station, the transportation heart of Osaka City.

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1. To Kenzo Estate: → From Osaka Station, take the central exit and leave the building South (near Daimaru department store). From there, cross the road and follow it south between the Hilton Hotel and Herbis Plaza Ent. You’ll find Kenzo in a narrow road behind Herbis Ent. 2. To Cigar Club, Osaka: → Head left again after Kenzo Estate and look for an entrance to Herbis Plaza (a shopping center). The Cigar Club is located on the first floor of the building.

3. To XEX West: → You’ll need to get to Herbis ENT, which is right across the road from Herbis Plaza, on the way back to Osaka station. XEX West is on the 7th floor (West elevator).

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“Get out of that airplane and have a sip of civilization.”

(TX Dave)

Kenzo Estate

tr.kenzoestate.jp/osaka/en/

The Kenzo Estate tasting room provides you with the full range of wines from their Napa Estate.

Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant has a an excellent selection to match their wines.

Wine bar/shop 12:00-2:00am (Sun and hol. 12:00-23:00, last order 22:30). Lunch (Sun and hol. only) 12:00-15:00pm, last order 14:00.

Dinner 17:00-23:00 (last order 22:30).

Cigar Club, Osaka

www.cigarclub.co.jp/index.html (Japanese Only)

When you’re done with dinner, head down the block and into Herbis Osaka. You’ll find the Cigar Club, the first cigar specialty shop in Kansai. Ask the knowledgeable staff what they recommend to go with your favorite coffee or drink. If it’s your first time, light up right there in the shop. If you’re having a late dinner, head here first.

11:00-20:00, open all year

XEX West, Fusion Restaurant & Bar www.xexgroup.jp/en/west

Head right back across the street where you’ll find the Herbis Plaza Ent building in front of Kenzo Estate. XEX is on the seventh floor. Head out to the terrace for an excellent smoke and view, or stay inside and enjoy the live music. Note that after 6pm customers under 20 years old are not permitted. Dinner dress code for men: no sportswear, sleeveless tops, shorts, sandals, etc.

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Lunch 11:30-15:30 (last customers accepted 14:00), Tea Time 14:00-18:00 (last order 17:00), Dinner 18:00-26:00 (last order 24:00, *Friday last order 25:00)

Full Day

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Take the Captain Line! It’s only 10 minutes to USJ.

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1. To Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan: → Start from Subway Osaka-ko station on the Chuo-line. Leave at Exit one or two and head North. Follow the signs and you will be there in about five minutes. Get the KAIYUKAN and Captain Line Economical Package Ticket (¥2,700), which will get your ferry ticket too.

2. To Universal Citywalk: → Take the Captain Line shuttle cruiser from the West Wharf, located behind the Kaiyukan. The trip to Universal City Port takes only 10 minutes, and USJ is a 5 minute walk from there. Easy.

3. To USJ: → It’s right at the end of Universal Citywalk.

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“Join me on the water; let’s take down two big Osaka birds with one stone.” (KZ)

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

www.kaiyukan.com/language/eng/

Kaiyukan is the largest aquarium in Kansai.

Head here for an education as well as some fun, and make sure to check out feeding times. I recommend coming here first, then getting the ticket set with ferry economy tickets (one way) to USJ port. It’s the same price as a train ticket to USJ and much less hassle.

10:00–20:00 (last admission 19:00, opening times vary by season).

Admission varies for special exhibitions. Adults ¥2,300, Students ¥1,200. Check the site for more information!

Universal Citywalk

ucw.jp (Japanese only)

Universal Citywalk is an entertainment shopping facility enroute to Universal Studios Japan.

Restaurants in the park close little early so you could head here for a wide variety of food on your way out as well.

3F 10:00-22:00. 4F Goods 11:00-21:00, Restaurant 11:00-23:00. 5F Restaurant 11:00–23:00 (varies with shops).

Universal Studios Japan www.usj.co.jp/e/

The best theme park in Kansai! Have fun with popular characters such as Harry Potter, Spider Man and Jaws. They have different events and attractions each season, several horror shows and even a zombie takeover at Halloween, so you’re guaranteed a different experience every time.

Minion Park is coming spring 2017.

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USJ’s hours of operation change depending on the day and season.

So make sure to check the website before you make plans.

Full Day

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1. To Kuromon Ichiba: 14:00

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→ From Subway Nipponbashi station exit 10, head South down Sakai-suji (堺筋) and look on your left for the undercover shopping arcade. This is the start of the sprawling market. Walk down the arcade and the first right branches off to the central street. You’ll see large red lanterns with the characters for kuromon (黒門).

2. To Doguyasuji: → When you’re finished, head back to the center of the market, exit West and cross to the other side of Sakai-suji road. Find the awning that says サウスロード (South Road) hanging over the road.

Walk along the shops for a few minutes. At the dead end the entrance to Doguyasuji will be on your left.

3. To Tokisushi:

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→ At the Southern end of Doguyasuji turn left. At the first small street, turn left again and head North.

On the 2nd corner make a right. Tokisushi Hanare will be on your right after a block or so. Look for the white noren curtain hanging out the front.

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“Downtown Osaka is a foodie’s shopping paradise!” (Keenz)

Kuromon Ichiba (Kuromon Market) kuromon.com/en.php

One of the main markets in downtown Osaka, Kuromon has been operating for 190 years. Fresh fish, poultry, meat, vegetables, housewares and flowers are just some of the things that you can find here. Snake your way through the crowd and stop for some goodies every now and again.

There are almost 200 shops to choose from, and plenty to grab and snack as you walk around.

11:00-17:00 (may vary with shops)

Doguyasuji

doguyasuji.or.jp (Japanese only)

Doguyasuji (which translates literally as ‘utensils street’) has everything you’ve ever wanted for your kitchen and things you’ve never even thought about. Stock up on pottery, pots and pans, and marvel at how realistic the plastic food samples are. You’ll go home ready to be a Japanese chef.

9:00-20:00, all year round

Tokisushi (Hanare store)

www.tokisushi.jp/hanare/ (Japanese only)

Venture out of conveyor belt sushi and into one of Namba’s best sushi places. Tokisushi serves very affordable nigiri (individual sushi) as well as lunch sets. Their signature sushi-yaki plate is aburi style (lightly torched). It’s a must-try!

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11:30-23:00, open all year

Full Day

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To Mozu Station (Sakai City): → Sakai city is located about 45min South of Osaka City. Take the JR express bound for Wakayama/ Kansai (from Osaka or Tenoji Sta.). Change at Sakaishi Station to the local train, headed the same way. You’ll be at Mozu station in two stops.

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1. To Daisen Kofun: → 6 minutes on foot from Mozu station (on the JR Hanwa line) to the kofun prayer gate. If you want to walk beside the kofun, get off at Mikunigaoka station and walk South.

2. To Daisen Park:

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Rent a tablet at the info center for more detailed English information about the tombs!

→ It’s right across the road. Piece of cake.

3. To the Sakai City Traditional Crafts Museum: → Take JR to Mozu-Mikunigaoka, then switch to the Nankai Koya line. Sakai-higashi station is one stop West. Before you go to the crafts museum, you can go to the observation lobby (21F) in Sakai City Office (4min on foot). Great views of the tombs!

The museum is a bit far, so grab a taxi in front of Sakai-higashi station. It’ll take under 10 minutes.

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“Osaka isn’t only for shopping and eating.

We have history too.” (KZ)

Daisen Kofun (Burial Mounds: Mausoleum of Emperor Nintoku)

www.city.sakai.lg.jp/english/visitors/enjoying/ sightseeing/kofunkombs.html (Sakai City offic. website)

Nintoku-tenno-ryo-kofun is said to be one of the world’s three largest tombs, and the largest keyholeshaped tomb in Japan. It’s big enough to contain the Vatican! Please note you cannot enter the kofun nor can you see its shape from ground level (if you’d like to see how big it really is, visit the Observation Lobby on the 21st floor of Sakai city hall). Bring a bit of bread and you might get a chance to see the tanuki (raccoon dogs) who live in the Itasuke tomb near Daisen park.

No admission fee

Daisen Park You’ll find the Sakai City museum, Japanese garden, Bicycle Museum, and the Shinan and Obai-an tea houses in Daisen park. Learn about the kofun at the city museum. I recommend the video about the the Burial Mounds. Don’t worry; they have English subtitles. Everything is conveniently located in the park!

Entry to the park is free, other admission prices range from ¥100¥300. Closed on Mon (except park)

Sakai City Traditional Crafts Museum www.sakaidensan.jp/en/

Sakai is an industrial city with a long history of traditional crafts, some of which still continue.

Traditional dyeing techniques, knifes and incense making are all on display here. It’s also a good spot to get some souvenirs for yourself or your friends.

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Open 10:00-17:00, no admission fee, closed new year holidays

Full Day

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1. To Kyocera Dome (Official stadium of the Buffaloes): → Kyocera Dome (also know to the locals by it’s former name, Osaka Dome) is right in front of Subway Dome-mae Chiyozaki station on the Tsurumiryoukuchi line, or Hanshin Dome-mae station.

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Get the best beenthere-done-that Osaka photos right here.

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2. To Shinsaibashisuji Shoutengai:

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→ Head back to Shinsaibashi station and take exit 4.

The arcade is quite long, so take your time. Head South through the arcade and you’re going in the right direction.

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3. To Zauo: → Zauo is located in the Hotel Sunroute on the basement floor. Once you got your pics of the Glico Man near Dotonbori river, head west with the giant crab on your left and Starbucks on your right.It’s about a six-minute walk. Cross the road at Sakai-suji.

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“Feel the Osakan energy.

Catch a game, move with the crowds downtown, then catch your own dinner.” (TX Dave)

Kyocera Dome, home of the Orix Buffaloes

www.kyoceradome-osaka.jp/schedule/ (Japanese only) www.buffaloes.co.jp/ (official site, Japanese only)

The Orix Buffaloes are Osaka’s team, and you can catch a game at the dome pretty easily. Witness the constant cheering and unique crowd involvement in the game. Fast food joints such as KFC can be found on the 3rd floor along with an assortment of drinks including whiskey and craft beer. Technically, outside food is not allowed but staff turn a blind eye since they tend to sell out before the end of the game. The Aeon Mall next door provides a cheap alternative to stadium food, but please try to be discreet. A tall can is openly permitted though. Staff will give you a paper cup to fill on the way in.

Game times vary, but the schedule is understandable, even in Japanese. Check ahead!

Shinsaibashisuji Shoutengai (Shinsaibashi Arcade)

www.shinsaibashi.or.jp/lang/en/

When you’ve had enough, just a few stops over on the subway is Shinsaibashi street’s lengthy arcade. There’s lots to see and do here, from video game arcades and cafes to department stores and restaurants. It’s a crowded, downtown part of Osaka. Don’t forget to get your picture with the famous Glico Man at Dotonbori Bridge.

Fishing Restaurant Zauo www.zauo.com/en/

Honestly, there are many places to chow down in Namba, but head on over to Zauo for a bit of sport; catch your own seafood from boat-shaped seats and have it served up any way you wish.

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17:00-24:00 (11:30-24:00 on weekends). Closed for new year holidays.

Full Day

DAY

MONTH 07:00

1. To Cycle Osaka:

08:00

→ Cycle Osaka is near Fukushima Station (JR loop line, 1 stop from Osaka station). After you book, you’ll receive a message with details on how to get there.

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2. To Utsubo Park: → Utsubo Park is a 20min walk directly South of NMAO. Just follow the bridge over the river and keep going. You’ll pass a lot of restaurants on the way. Can’t miss it.

3. To Calo: → Leave the park East, then head North till you find Subway Exit 7. It’s directly East, in the Wakasa building on the corner just before the Hanshin expressway overpass. You’ll see Calo’s sign standing outside.

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2. To Rotabayaki Kakurechaya: → When you’re done cycling, head to Shinsaibashi station; take exit 6. Turn right (South) and walk down the arcade. Go left at the first crossing, Kakurechaya will be on your left after two blocks.

Look for the white lantern.

3. To Shell Nell: → Take a left leaving Kakurechaya and walk to Sakai-suji Street. You can head right (South) and walk for 20min, or make a left and catch the Subway from Nagahoribashi station to Nipponbashi station (take exit 10) which is 5 minutes from Shell Nell. It’ll be on your left.

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“Who says everything is expensive here?” (Keenz)

Cycle Osaka

cycleosaka.com

The best way to see Osaka is on two wheels. Cycle Osaka has taken all the guesswork out of where to go and what to see. Book online or call for your reservation. Their full day tour is 5-6 hours long with lunch included, and you’ll get to see Osaka as the locals do—old temples, shrines and new modern buildings—from a bicycle seat. It’s an experience you wouldn’t be able to do on your own. ¥10,000 for the full day tour (¥5,000 for a half-day).

Full day tour usually starts at 10:00.

Robatayaki Kakurechaya

www.rikimaru-group.com/shop/kakurechaya.html (Japanese only)

You should be hungry after all of that cycling.

Make your way down to Shinsaibashi for some robatayaki. What’s robatayaki? Skewered veggies, seafood, and meat grilled slowly over a charcoal flame; simple and yet amazingly delicious. Most things on the menu are only ¥300! Try to get a seat by the counter to be close to the action.

Mon-Fri 17:00-23:30, Sat, Sun, Hol. 16:30-23:30

Shell Nell, Capsule Hotel

www.hotelwbf.com/shell-nell/en/

Shell Nell takes the capsule hotel to the next level of cool. The facilities here are stylish and they use the newest style of capsule. For a traveling duo, there are twin capsule rooms on the women’s floors. Deluxe rooms with mini desk space are available on men’s floors. The open cafe space has a sandwich bar in the morning, and drinks at night.

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Check-in 17:00, Check-out 10:00

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DIY Osaka Da y & ½ Day To ur!?

We’d seriously love to hear ho w it went. Send us your plan and review of the to ur to: the.real.osaka@g mail.com

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Located in Osaka prefecture, Kansai International Airport (KIX) is one of Japan’s major travel gates.

A lot of people come through on their way to Kyoto or Tokyo, and stay in Osaka for only a short while. With such limited time, many are not sure what to do here.

Osaka Day & ½ Day Tours is a compilation of themed tours by foreigners for foreigners on tight time schedules. Let TX Dave, Keenz, D Man (residents in Japan for over 15 years) and their friend KZ, a local girl, show you around this often unknown place; the merchant capital, “the party city,” Japan’s kitchen, and the second most populous metropolis in the country: Osaka.

Osaka Day & ½ Day Tours Published: April 2017 Writers: David Astorga, Duncan Brotherton, Kina Jackson, Kazumi Toguchi Design: Duncan Brotherton If you have any feedback, we’d love to hear it: the.real.osaka@gmail.com

Published with support from the Osaka Tourism Convention Bureau