Osaka

Osaka Review: A Charming City That Makes Your Heart Want to Return Again and Again

If I were to talk about my favorite city in Japan,
Osaka would definitely be at the top of the list. This place has a unique charm—cute, vibrant, lively, yet warm at the same time.
Especially when you get to try delicious food, stroll around leisurely, and see the smiles of the people here, it feels like your heart is comforted in a strange way, making you want to keep Osaka in your travel bag forever.

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Start the trip with the aroma of hot takoyaki

Just stepping off the plane at Kansai Airport feels like entering a new world full of cuteness and authentic Japanese vibes. Here, we took the Nankai train to Namba Station, a district full of lights and laughter.

Walking into Dotonbori Street, where neon lights flash brightly and the Glico Man sign is a must for photos,
it’s truly a landmark of Osaka.

And what we were most looking forward to was the hot, round “takoyaki,”
with chewy octopus filling that makes anyone who tries it say wow. The first bite is pure happiness, fragrant with sweet sauce, mayonnaise, and dried fish flakes that dance teasingly, making you want to eat it again and again.

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Okonomiyaki so delicious you have to share

Next up to try is okonomiyaki, or the delicious Japanese pizza,
made with cabbage, pork, seafood, and cheese that melts in your mouth,
topped with a special sauce and mayonnaise that blend unbelievably well.

We sat down to eat at a small street-side shop with friendly staff
who even taught us how to enjoy it like a local. It felt like eating homemade food filled with care and love.

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Universal Studios Japan: A dream world that never gets boring

For those who love amusement parks, this is a paradise for all ages!
We entered the Harry Potter zone, decorated so realistically it felt like stepping into Hogwarts itself. We strolled through Hogsmeade Village and sipped cold Butterbeer,
which was sweet and smooth on the tongue.

The Minion Park zone was so cute it almost melted us,
with minions dancing for fun photo ops. The Super Nintendo World zone made us feel like we had entered the Mario game, with rides and fun activities all day long.

The rides here are thrilling and fun, making us laugh out loud without caring who hears!

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Enjoy shopping blissfully at Shinsaibashi and Tenjinbashi-suji

If you want to shop for cute items, stationery, trendy cafes, or authentic Japanese souvenirs, you must walk along Shinsaibashi, a bustling shopping street
with shops stretching all the way to Tenjinbashi-suji Station,
the longest shopping street in Japan at over 2.6 kilometers.

We stopped by a stationery shop selling stylish notebooks, colorful pens,
and adorable stickers that made our hands shake with excitement, buying plenty of souvenirs to bring back for friends and family.

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Cute cafes full of heartwarming vibes

While strolling in Osaka, we found cafes themed with cats, dogs,
and minions, decorated super cutely. The desserts and drinks served looked so delicious we almost didn’t dare to eat them.

Sipping hot latte coffee with soft bread, enjoying the warm atmosphere,
and soft background music made us feel at home, even though we were far away.

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Osaka Castle: Serenity amidst the hustle and bustle

After the city’s liveliness, we visited Osaka Castle,
which has a long history and is very beautiful. The castle stands tall amid a vast garden, offering a peaceful atmosphere perfect for a relaxing walk.

We loved the photo spots around the castle, with big trees and small bridges
as the backdrop, looking like a scene straight out of a Japanese fairy tale.

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Kuromon Market: A food lover’s paradise

This market is a fresh market with a wide variety of fresh foods.
We tried grilled scallops, Japanese sweet omelet, and large, juicy strawberries that were so sweet we had to buy some to take home.

The market atmosphere was lively but not too chaotic,
shops were clean, and the staff were very helpful, making shopping fun and memorable.

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Night view from Umeda Sky Building

The observation deck at Umeda Sky Building
is another impressive spot not to miss. The night view of Osaka is full of sparkling lights like a magical world.

Walking on the open Sky Walk made us feel like flying above the city,
with cool breezes and hearts pounding with excitement.
It was a quiet moment filled with happiness inside.

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Traveling is convenient and easy like playing a game

Using an ICOCA card or other prepaid cards
for transportation is super convenient—just tap the card and board the train.
Trains in Osaka are punctual and have clear English signs,
making us feel at ease and not lost while traveling.

Traveling here feels like playing a fun board game that never gets boring,
because each station has its own charm and interesting things to discover.

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Impressions from the people and culture

What impressed us the most was the friendliness of the people in Osaka,
whether it was restaurant staff with bright smiles, helpers on the train,
or even the elderly who warmly greeted us.

Even though their English wasn’t perfect, everyone tried to help,
and their cute gestures made us feel like we had many new friends abroad.

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Cute souvenirs that are easy to find

Before leaving, don’t forget to stop by to buy souvenirs like Japanese sweets,
KitKat chocolates with unique flavors, cartoon models, or cute stationery from Don Quijote or Loft, because there’s so much to choose from it’s dazzling.

We got a cat-patterned notebook and sweet-colored pens as gifts for friends, and everyone loved them!

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Ending with a heart full of joy

Osaka is a city that makes us want to come back again and again,
because it’s not just a big city, but a warm home with delicious cute food, kind people, and little corners that make your heart swell every day.

If you want to experience the genuine cuteness of Japan filled with smiles, Osaka is the ultimate answer.

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