Related Osaka Favorites Tips

Favorite thing: Osaka is basically a large business city and one of the largest in Japan. I am almost sure that if I have't had that special deal to fly to Osaka International Airport direct from Finland, I might not been visiting this city at all. However, after all I did enjoy this city and the two nights we spent here.

Favorite thing: Yes it is probably to many nights - we were there for 3 in total (our plane got in late first night) and we came back from Tokyo and spent a night before we flew out again. The only really good thing is you could do a day trip to Kyoto or hiroshoma etc and have the one base.
Dee

Favorite thing: Just in case anyone else needs to know, we found that the Hearton Hotel, 2 mins walk west of Osaka Station (and near the Hilton, Granvia and other hotels), has a coin laundry open to the public, on B1.

Favorite thing: Yes, if you are mailing a postcard or any mail from Osaka, it is very convenient that you post it at Osaka Post Office. It is very easy to find being located near the Osaka City Centre. It is open from 9:00AM to 5:00PM and closed on weekends and holidays.

If you do not have Japanese yen in your pocket, then you can also change your dollars to local currency. Find the counter windows on the left hand corner of the building.

The Post Office is situated across from the westside of JR Osaka Station within easy walking distance from the Sakurabashi exit. The address is:

3-2-4 Umeda, Kita-ku Osaka City 530-8799

For a detailed information, please check the following link:
http://www.ofix.or.jp/travel/tips/Mail.html

Fondest memory: Local people impressed me. Take for example the postal employees and subway staff. They are courteous and really have good manners. Very helpful.

Favorite thing: Rakugo is Japanese comic storytelling. It’s serious art rather than pop culture. It consists of one comic storyteller. He/she sits down on a center stage and talks comic story alone. Osaka is a center of Rakugo (usually called “Kamigata Rakugo”). It’s very hard for foreigners to understand it, but if you want to feel traditional Japanese mass culture, it’s worth watching. The most famous Rakugo family is Katsura Beicho family. Beicho is not only the chairman of the family but also a human national treasure of Japan. Some well-known comedians on TV belong to this family; Katsura Nanko, Katsura Zakoba etc… They have New Year’s recital every January at Sankei Hall, Osaka. It is always sold out, so you need to book tickets in advance (Office Beicho: 06-6365-8281). By the way, Beicho family has been making effort to popularize Rakugo. They made some Rakugo stories in English and they are now trying to make Chinese version. Unfortunately, the pioneer of English Rakugo, Katsura Shijaku, killed himself a few years ago. I hope his pupils will follow after him.

Fondest memory: After seeing the castle etc. I really just enjoyed walking around Osaka looking and people watching.

As the dusk began to settle in, that's when the city became alive for me. The lights were on and there was an excitment in the air, ranging from a peaceful bustle to different interactions of people.

Favorite thing: When you cross the street, the pedestrian crossings display the usual little green person, but they also play Christmas carols to tell you it is time to cross the street! What fun! Christmas in October.

Favorite thing: If you need to use the internet while in Osaka, go to Yodobashi Camera in Umeda. On the street level there is an internet cafe. I believe it is the cheapest in Umeda..about 300yen/hr I think. I haven`t been there but I`ve passed by it & there is always a line to use the computers. It`s a very convenient location though, & you can`t miss Yodobashi Camera.
It`s a HUGE white bldg right outside Hankyu/JR/Hanshin stations.