Minato Machi Boardwalk
by OsakaHatter
Come see local kids putting on special displays of falling off BMXs with style! Potentially tricky, well, tricks are played out badly to music by teenagers who can't dance at OCAT.
This is a pretty cool spot to hang out in during the warmer months, the water seeming to freshen the air a little (remarkably, given that it's the Dotonbori river).
We often go for a few quiet cans to relax after work and watch the world go by. You can also now take cruises on the river from here. Although it's debatable whether you would want to!
In September, Minato Machi places host to "September Sky" - a small, free open air festival with live music and stalls.
Minato Machi is the area around FM Osaka (the big silver mushroom opposite OCAT) and the boardwalk is on the north side of the tower by the river.
Train around Osaka.
by A2002
If you have the JR railpass, you can take a tour around Osaka City on the JR train. Circle route.
There's a station called "Shin-Osaka" where the Shinkansen trains will stop. Change to another train to "JR Osaka" station.
Cheapest in Japan.....but among the best!!
by Hewer about Nambaya
This is a "standing bar" located in Nishinari, which is a working class neighbourhood in southern Osaka. They serve basically every kind of Japanese food imaginable, as well as beer, sake and Japanese whiskey. There are no seats (and indeed no ashtrays or bins) and the place has a very informal atmosphere. The locals are very welcoming and are usually keen to strike up a chat. It's an older crowd and there are some interesting characters among the clientele.
The shop has a bit of history and has been operating as a family business for the last thirty years. The owner, Wataru, has a lot of respect and is referred to as 'Master' by all customers. Old Japan!
The prices are very low, and not only for Japan. Dishes are priced between 100 yen and 300 yen. On average I pay about 1300 yen for 700ml of beer and five assorted dishes. If you aren't a drinker, you'll get away for well under 1000 yen and be satisfied.
Best of all, you can experience a bit of "real Osaka" as the locals say. Worth a look. I quite like tororo, which is grated potato, raw egg, seaweed and soy sauce. It probably doesn't sound good to the western ear but this is great. I always just eat what I'm given and whatever it is, it's always good.
Osaka Castle
by aukahkay
Osaka Castle is Osaka's iconic landmark. Built in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, it was intended to be the center of a new unified Japan under the Toyotomi rule. The present structure is a 1931 concrete reconstruction of the original which was refurbished in 1997 with an elevator added. The elevator takes you up to the 5th floor from where you will walk up to the 8th floor where you can have a panoramic view of Osaka.
Inside the castle is a museum of the life of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's life and the history of the castle. An exhibition of samurai armous and weapons is also on display.
Universal Studios (Osaka) Japan
by rmiya84778
I was curious to see what it was like so I asked my friend to take me there. As soon as I arrived, I started smilling. Why? Because it very similar to one in Burbank, California. (same rides and attractions) with Japanese animation and way. Universal Studio in Osaka is very easy to get to from Umeda.Take the Loop line to Nishikujo, and look for one of the Universal Studios trains. In between the JR Ajikawaguchi station and the JR Sakurajima station.When you exit the station you immediately enter the Universal Citywalk.
Shops at Universal Citywalk include Starbucks, Cinnabun, American Pharmacy, Popcorn Papa, Wolfgang Pucks, LaCoste, Kihachi soft cream, a Hawaiian burger shop, Lawsons conveince store and Hard Rock Cafe. When you go inside, your not in Japan anymore. What I mean by this is I felt like I was in USA! Everywhere you go it has atmosphere of Universal Studio in California. Very fun way to spend a day in Osaka!
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The fleamarket is great for flowers and plants
Preparation of Takoyaki, Osaka
Osaka
entrance to the castle ground
