Explore Our Japan Travel Network All Japan Guides
Kuidaore City

Neon
Soul.

Tokyo has style. Osaka has heart. And takoyaki. Dive into the loudest, tastiest, and friendliest city in Japan.

The Kitchen

Eat 'til
You Drop. 🦀

"Kuidaore" is the Osaka motto: To ruin oneself by extravagance in food. It is a noble pursuit.

Unlike the refined kaiseki of Kyoto or the sushi counters of Ginza, Osaka is about street food. It is about sizzling takoyaki balls, savory okonomiyaki pancakes, and deep-fried kushikatsu skewers. It is cheap, fast, and incredibly good.

🏃
The Canal

Dotonbori Nights. 🌃

The heart of Osaka's nightlife. A canal lined with massive, mechanical neon signs—a giant crab with moving legs, a fire-breathing dragon, and the legendary Glico Running Man.

The Glico Man

The most famous meeting spot in Osaka. Stand on the Ebisu Bridge and mimic his pose for the obligatory photo.

Street Food Stalls

Buy a tray of 8 piping hot takoyaki (octopus balls) from a street vendor, add extra mayo, and eat them while watching the tour boats pass by.

🏯

Hideyoshi's Legacy

The Golden Keep

Samurai Stronghold

Osaka Castle. ⚔️

Rising above a massive stone wall and moat, this castle is a symbol of power. It was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi to unify Japan. The current structure is a 1931 concrete reconstruction, but it is visually stunning.

The Park:

The surrounding park is enormous. It's famous for plum blossoms in February and cherry blossoms in April. It's where modern Osaka goes to run and picnic.

Deep Osaka

Shinsekai Retro. 🗼

"New World." Built in 1912 to look like Paris and New York, it was forgotten for decades. Now, it is a colorful, nostalgic district frozen in time.

Tsutenkaku Tower:

The "Eiffel Tower of Osaka." It isn't tall by modern standards, but it lights up the night with weather forecasts.

🕹️

Smartball & Kushikatsu

Nostalgia Trip

Start The Grid

Select Zone. 🚀

Osaka is divided into "Kita" (North/Business) and "Minami" (South/Party). Where will you go?