Osaka

Review of traveling in Osaka, a vibrant city that my heart wants to return to again

Osaka… a city that anyone who visits falls in love with because of its warmth and vibrant colors. This is not just the third largest city in Japan but also a city of smiles, fun, and delicious food that melts your heart every time you try it.

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Explore the ultimate food paradise at Dotonbori

Start your trip at Dotonbori, a district full of lights, sounds, and the aroma of various Japanese foods. Honestly, this place is a heaven for food lovers!

Walk past the famous Glico Man sign, bustling with energy morning and night. The takoyaki stalls emit a mouthwatering aroma, with hot, round balls that are soft and bouncy inside with fresh octopus, drizzled with a secret sweet and savory sauce. Eating while standing here is pure joy.

Okonomiyaki, or Japanese pizza, here is soft and smooth, with a variety of fillings like pork, seafood, or melted cheese. If you don’t like spicy, you must try it. It’s so delicious you’ll want to order another plate!

Fresh sushi at a small shop in an alley, with cute fish patterns on the sushi that make you hesitate to eat, but once you take the first bite, you almost stop breathing. It tastes like experiencing love in the form of sashimi.

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Visit Universal Studios Japan, a theme park that never disappoints

If you love fun and rides, don’t miss Universal Studios Japan or USJ. This is a dreamland for people of all ages!

We started at the Harry Potter zone, which made us feel like we really entered a magical world—from Hogwarts Castle, Hogsmeade Village, to Butterbeer, which is sweet, creamy, and refreshingly cold.

Minion Park is super cute, with little minions running around for endless photo ops. The newly opened Super Nintendo World lets us experience real-life gaming with VR rides and fun activities throughout the zone.

We recommend buying tickets in advance and preparing well because popular rides have long lines, but the fun is definitely worth the wait!

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Shopping at Shinsaibashi and Tenjinbashi-suji

For shoppers, Osaka has bustling shopping streets like Shinsaibashi and Tenjinbashi-suji, which stretch for kilometers.

Stroll through small shops, beautiful cafes, cute souvenirs, Japanese cosmetics, and lots of fashion clothes. It feels like a fashion flea market mixed with a colorful gallery.

What I loved most was the cute stationery shops with notebooks, pens, and adorable Japanese-style stickers. I bought a full bag of souvenirs for my friends.

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Cute cafes in Osaka

While traveling, I found cat-themed cafes, dessert cafes, and traditional tea shops. Each cafe is decorated adorably, with cute photo corners and sweets as charming as their appearance.

I tried a matcha parfait made from real matcha with a rich flavor, perfectly sweetened, so beautiful I almost didn’t want to eat it, but once I did, it was pure bliss!

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Osaka Castle and beautiful gardens

On a day when I wanted a break from the city’s hustle, I visited Osaka Castle, a famous and stunning castle surrounded by lush green gardens and charming little paths, perfect for photos and relaxing.

If you come during cherry blossom season, the view is so beautiful it feels like a dream.

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Kuromon Market, a paradise for food lovers

Kuromon Market is a fresh market full of fresh seafood, Japanese sweets, and snacks.

I tried grilled scallops cooked right in front of me, with a fragrant aroma, fresh sashimi, and soft sweet tamago. It was a delicious and memorable lunch.

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City view from Umeda Sky Building

A must-visit viewpoint is the Umeda Sky Building, a tall building with a floating bridge in the air.

Go up at night to see the city lights sparkling across the sky, like a magical world full of lights and dreams.

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Convenient and easy transportation

Osaka has a convenient and punctual train system. Use ICOCA or Suica cards—just tap and board the train.

Stations have clear English signs, and the staff are friendly and helpful all the way.

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Warmth of the people

Osaka people are kind and friendly. Even if their English isn’t perfect, they try to help with smiles and kindness.

I received help from locals many times and felt like I made new friends throughout the trip.

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Cute souvenirs to take home

Before leaving, don’t forget to buy souvenirs like unique-flavored KitKats, Japanese sweets, cartoon models, and cute stationery at Don Quijote or Loft.

I loved the cute cartoon notebooks I bought to write about my Osaka trip and keep as wonderful memories.

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Summary of impressions

Osaka is not just a big, lively city but also a warm city with charming little spots, kind people, and delicious food that melts your heart.

This trip made me feel that Osaka is a second home I want to keep coming back to, to fill my heart with happiness and taste unforgettable deliciousness.

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Thank you, Osaka, for all the lovely moments, and I promise to visit again soon! 🍡🏯💕

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