Guidebook for Chūō-ku, Ōsaka-shi
Getting Around
Nipponbashi Station is two minutes from Namba on the Sennichimae Line of the Osaka subway. From Umeda take the Midosuji Line south and change at Namba Station. Nipponbashi Station is also on the Sakaisuji Line of the Osaka subway and the Kintetsu Line to Nara.
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Nippombashi Station
Nipponbashi-1-chōme-5 Chuo WardNipponbashi Station is two minutes from Namba on the Sennichimae Line of the Osaka subway. From Umeda take the Midosuji Line south and change at Namba Station. Nipponbashi Station is also on the Sakaisuji Line of the Osaka subway and the Kintetsu Line to Nara.
Food Scene
The 70-plus eateries across multiple buildings here are almost overwhelming. To target your browsing, Eki Marché on the southwest side has dozens of small, reasonably priced spots such as Kani Chahan-no-Mise for delectable crab fried rice, and a branch of Kaiten Sushi Ganko does kaiten-sushi (conveyor-belt sushi).
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Osaka Station City
3-chōme-1-3 UmedaThe 70-plus eateries across multiple buildings here are almost overwhelming. To target your browsing, Eki Marché on the southwest side has dozens of small, reasonably priced spots such as Kani Chahan-no-Mise for delectable crab fried rice, and a branch of Kaiten Sushi Ganko does kaiten-sushi (conveyor-belt sushi).
This spacious, funky 'freestyle' izakaya attracts a younger crowd for large serves of cheap yet decent food, cool design and good beats. In addition to standard izakaya fare are some unconventional choices such as camembert-potato mochi (dumplings), Jamaican-style jerk chicken and Indonesian nasi goreng (fried rice).
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ゆめ八プレミアム 難波店
This spacious, funky 'freestyle' izakaya attracts a younger crowd for large serves of cheap yet decent food, cool design and good beats. In addition to standard izakaya fare are some unconventional choices such as camembert-potato mochi (dumplings), Jamaican-style jerk chicken and Indonesian nasi goreng (fried rice).
At the main branch of this Osaka institution, a large dining hall serves a wide variety of set-course meals and sushi (à la carte or in sets), offering traditional, quality ingredients at a reasonable price. It's on the street along the west side of Hankyū Umeda Station. Look for the logo of the guy wearing a headband.
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Japanese food GANKO sushi Umeda Honten
At the main branch of this Osaka institution, a large dining hall serves a wide variety of set-course meals and sushi (à la carte or in sets), offering traditional, quality ingredients at a reasonable price. It's on the street along the west side of Hankyū Umeda Station. Look for the logo of the guy wearing a headband.
For a break from Japanese food, stop at this casual, foreigner-friendly joint. Pizza lunch sets are especially good value, but there are also calzones, wraps, bagels, desserts, bubble teas and brunch-time pancakes, plus poutine (a Montreal specialty of fries topped with gravy and more, courtesy of the Canadian owners), and cocktails.
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スライシーズ
For a break from Japanese food, stop at this casual, foreigner-friendly joint. Pizza lunch sets are especially good value, but there are also calzones, wraps, bagels, desserts, bubble teas and brunch-time pancakes, plus poutine (a Montreal specialty of fries topped with gravy and more, courtesy of the Canadian owners), and cocktails.
This lively local chain sets the standard for kushikatsu (¥100-250), alongside izakaya faves like sashimi, sushi and grilled dishes. Yokozuna couldn't be easier to find, behind giant placards painted with sumo wrestlers. If this location is full, two others with the same menu are steps away (2-4-11 Ebisu-higashi and 2-5-9 Ebisu-higashi).
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Yokozuna Tsutenkaku shop
3-chōme-6-1 EbisuhigashiThis lively local chain sets the standard for kushikatsu (¥100-250), alongside izakaya faves like sashimi, sushi and grilled dishes. Yokozuna couldn't be easier to find, behind giant placards painted with sumo wrestlers. If this location is full, two others with the same menu are steps away (2-4-11 Ebisu-higashi and 2-5-9 Ebisu-higashi).
Beneath the massive green dragon, this indoor-outdoor spot offers house-made noodles and a front-row seat to the Dōtombori scene. Purchase a ticket from a machine, sit at a low table on a tatami platform, top your noodle soup with kimchi , garlic or marinated green onion, and slurp away. Don't linger too long, as there always seems to be a queue.
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Kinryu Ramen Midosuji
1-chōme-7-13 NanbaBeneath the massive green dragon, this indoor-outdoor spot offers house-made noodles and a front-row seat to the Dōtombori scene. Purchase a ticket from a machine, sit at a low table on a tatami platform, top your noodle soup with kimchi , garlic or marinated green onion, and slurp away. Don't linger too long, as there always seems to be a queue.
The name means 'chicken nobility', but prices at this popular Osaka-based yakitori chain are decidedly for regular folk. Look for the yellow and red sign and the number 280 (the price of all the generously portioned grilled skewers, plus tax), then climb the narrow stairs to the dining room with booths separated by untreated wood slats, and streaming J-pop hits.
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Torikizoku America-mura
1-chōme-8-15 NishishinsaibashiThe name means 'chicken nobility', but prices at this popular Osaka-based yakitori chain are decidedly for regular folk. Look for the yellow and red sign and the number 280 (the price of all the generously portioned grilled skewers, plus tax), then climb the narrow stairs to the dining room with booths separated by untreated wood slats, and streaming J-pop hits.
At this adorable, all-vegan, mostly organic restaurant, lunch might be Indian curry or brown rice risotto, while dinner gets more Japanese-fusion with dishes like hijiki (sea green) samosas, shiitake mushroom cutlets, and pasta with dried tofu, shiitake , onion, shiso leaves and walnut and garlic sauce. From the cafe menu, try smoothies, coffees and tofu cheesecake
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レコッコレ
At this adorable, all-vegan, mostly organic restaurant, lunch might be Indian curry or brown rice risotto, while dinner gets more Japanese-fusion with dishes like hijiki (sea green) samosas, shiitake mushroom cutlets, and pasta with dried tofu, shiitake , onion, shiso leaves and walnut and garlic sauce. From the cafe menu, try smoothies, coffees and tofu cheesecake
This popular restaurant in the Ohatsutenjin-dōri arcade serves up that great Osaka favourite, okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), cooked on a griddle before you. There are lots to choose from the picture menu, including veg options, but the tokusen mikkusu yaki (mixed okonomiyaki with fried pork, shrimp and squid; ¥1080) is a classic. Look for red and white signage out front.
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Yukari Sonezaki honten
2-chōme-14-13 SonezakiThis popular restaurant in the Ohatsutenjin-dōri arcade serves up that great Osaka favourite, okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), cooked on a griddle before you. There are lots to choose from the picture menu, including veg options, but the tokusen mikkusu yaki (mixed okonomiyaki with fried pork, shrimp and squid; ¥1080) is a classic. Look for red and white signage out front.
Two storeys undergroud and three decades old, this shop is cramped and workmanlike, but locals queue for udon noodles made before your eyes. Cold noodles are the specialty; try refreshing namajoyu (with ground daikon radish and sudachi lime; ¥600) or tenzaru (with tempura; ¥1100). Order from the picture menu, and get hand-gesture eating instructions from the owner. Avoid weekdays between noon and 1pm, when the office-worker lunch crowd descends.
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Umeda Hagakure
Two storeys undergroud and three decades old, this shop is cramped and workmanlike, but locals queue for udon noodles made before your eyes. Cold noodles are the specialty; try refreshing namajoyu (with ground daikon radish and sudachi lime; ¥600) or tenzaru (with tempura; ¥1100). Order from the picture menu, and get hand-gesture eating instructions from the owner. Avoid weekdays between noon and 1pm, when the office-worker lunch crowd descends.
A popular place to sample Osaka's signature dish. Try the house special Dōtombori yaki, a toothsome treat with pork, beef, squid, shrimp and cheese. Another unique specialty: tonpei-yaki , an omelette wrapped around fried pork. Some tables look out over the Dōtombori canal.
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President CHIBO
6-30 SouemonchōA popular place to sample Osaka's signature dish. Try the house special Dōtombori yaki, a toothsome treat with pork, beef, squid, shrimp and cheese. Another unique specialty: tonpei-yaki , an omelette wrapped around fried pork. Some tables look out over the Dōtombori canal.
In this country where seafood is sometimes eaten so fresh it's still moving, Zauo has tables on long 'fishing boats' over tanks where patrons fish for their own dinner. If you're lucky enough to hook something, there's celebratory drumming and your fish is whisked away to be prepared how you like (priced according to the type of fish). Alternatively, try an eight-piece sushi omakase nigiri , or a very tasty shio-yaki (salt-grilled) fish set from the menu. ¥300-per-person table charge. Reserve for a 'boat' table.
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Zauo Fishing Restaurant
1-chōme-1-13 NipponbashiIn this country where seafood is sometimes eaten so fresh it's still moving, Zauo has tables on long 'fishing boats' over tanks where patrons fish for their own dinner. If you're lucky enough to hook something, there's celebratory drumming and your fish is whisked away to be prepared how you like (priced according to the type of fish). Alternatively, try an eight-piece sushi omakase nigiri , or a very tasty shio-yaki (salt-grilled) fish set from the menu. ¥300-per-person table charge. Reserve for a 'boat' table.
Step into an oasis of calm amid Dōtombori's chaos to be welcomed by kimono-clad staff at one of the area's oldest and most revered udon specialists. Try kitsune udon – noodles topped with soup-soaked slices of fried tofu. Look for the traditional exterior, and the willow tree outside.
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Dotombori Imai honten
1-chōme-7-22 DōtonboriStep into an oasis of calm amid Dōtombori's chaos to be welcomed by kimono-clad staff at one of the area's oldest and most revered udon specialists. Try kitsune udon – noodles topped with soup-soaked slices of fried tofu. Look for the traditional exterior, and the willow tree outside.
On Hōzen-ji Yokochō, the minimalist atmosphere of this graceful shop lets you feast your eyes on kappō-ryōri : a multi-course chef-driven extravaganza artfully presented in gorgeous pottery that might come topped with a colourful leaf or water-misted for just the right sheen. Since peak seasonal ingredients change virtually daily, you may never have the same dish twice here.
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正弁丹吾亭
1-chōme-7-12 DōtonboriOn Hōzen-ji Yokochō, the minimalist atmosphere of this graceful shop lets you feast your eyes on kappō-ryōri : a multi-course chef-driven extravaganza artfully presented in gorgeous pottery that might come topped with a colourful leaf or water-misted for just the right sheen. Since peak seasonal ingredients change virtually daily, you may never have the same dish twice here.
There's a cheery bustle inside this hard-working kaiten-sushi restaurant in a prime Dōtombori location. Over 50 seats zigzag around counters where plates rotate, colour-coded by price and thoughtfully labelled in multiple languages. Non-sushi-eaters can get cooked foods including tori no karaage (fried chicken) and fried tuna. English-speaking staff help make sense of it all.
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Daiki-suisan kaitenzushi Dotombori
There's a cheery bustle inside this hard-working kaiten-sushi restaurant in a prime Dōtombori location. Over 50 seats zigzag around counters where plates rotate, colour-coded by price and thoughtfully labelled in multiple languages. Non-sushi-eaters can get cooked foods including tori no karaage (fried chicken) and fried tuna. English-speaking staff help make sense of it all.
Friendly and trendy, near the western edge of Ame-Mura, Absinthe serves fantastic cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks and juices and a rare (for Japan) Mediterranean menu (falafel, hummus and babaganoush, plus pastas and pizzas). It's a tad pricey, but you're paying for quality ingredients, stylish surrounds and laid-back atmosphere; sliding doors create a sidewalk cafe vibe, weather permitting. And, yes, it does serve absinthe.
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Cafe ABSINTHE
1-chōme-2-27 KitahorieFriendly and trendy, near the western edge of Ame-Mura, Absinthe serves fantastic cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks and juices and a rare (for Japan) Mediterranean menu (falafel, hummus and babaganoush, plus pastas and pizzas). It's a tad pricey, but you're paying for quality ingredients, stylish surrounds and laid-back atmosphere; sliding doors create a sidewalk cafe vibe, weather permitting. And, yes, it does serve absinthe.
Head downstairs to this spirited, friendly izakaya for standards such as skewered meats, seafood, vegies fresh off the grill and giant pieces of tori no karaage (fried chicken). The best seats are at half-round counters, where your chef will serve you using a loooong paddle. Most dishes are ¥324. It's on the street along the west side of Hankyū Umeda Station, to the left of the signage featuring a guy wearing a headband.
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Isaribi
1-chōme-5-12 ShibataHead downstairs to this spirited, friendly izakaya for standards such as skewered meats, seafood, vegies fresh off the grill and giant pieces of tori no karaage (fried chicken). The best seats are at half-round counters, where your chef will serve you using a loooong paddle. Most dishes are ¥324. It's on the street along the west side of Hankyū Umeda Station, to the left of the signage featuring a guy wearing a headband.
Drinks & Nightlife
This is one of the oldest Irish-style pubs in Japan, and a good place to rub shoulders with expats and Japanese, enjoy free live music, catch sports matches, and, of course, have a pint. It's on the 6th floor of a futuristic building with what looks like a rocket on the front.
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Murphys Bar
Shinsaibashisuji-1-chōme-5 Chuo WardThis is one of the oldest Irish-style pubs in Japan, and a good place to rub shoulders with expats and Japanese, enjoy free live music, catch sports matches, and, of course, have a pint. It's on the 6th floor of a futuristic building with what looks like a rocket on the front.
In the shadow of the Umeda Sky Building, this bar/bottle shop specialises in local and worldwide craft beers. Order and enjoy around the counter, or climb the narrow stairs to a simple white-walled room. From Osaka or Umeda stations' north exits, take the underground passage toward Umeda Sky Building, and turn left.
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CRAFT BEER BASE BUD
1-chōme-3-1 UmedaIn the shadow of the Umeda Sky Building, this bar/bottle shop specialises in local and worldwide craft beers. Order and enjoy around the counter, or climb the narrow stairs to a simple white-walled room. From Osaka or Umeda stations' north exits, take the underground passage toward Umeda Sky Building, and turn left.
Imagine a storeroom crammed with old records, CDs, worn-out knick-knacks and random ornaments. Then imagine a bar in the middle of it. That's kind of what to expect at this tiny, quirky place, where you'll be heartily welcomed by the long-haired owner as he spins folk-rock tunes on the record player and serves drinks and snacks. There's an English sign out front.
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Folk Rock Bar "Phoe～be"
Nishishinsaibashi-2-chōme-7 Chuo WardImagine a storeroom crammed with old records, CDs, worn-out knick-knacks and random ornaments. Then imagine a bar in the middle of it. That's kind of what to expect at this tiny, quirky place, where you'll be heartily welcomed by the long-haired owner as he spins folk-rock tunes on the record player and serves drinks and snacks. There's an English sign out front.
Entertainment & Activities
Kaiyūkan is easily one of the world's best aquariums. An 800m-plus walkway winds past displays of sea life from around the Pacific 'ring of fire': Antarctic penguins, coral-reef butterflyfish, unreasonably cute Arctic otters, Monterey Bay seals and unearthly jellyfish. Most impressive is the ginormous central tank, housing a whale shark, manta and thousands of other fish and rays. There are good English descriptions, but the audioguide (¥500) gives more detail. Expect lots of families and school groups.
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Kaiyukan Hall
1-chōme-1-10 KaigandōriKaiyūkan is easily one of the world's best aquariums. An 800m-plus walkway winds past displays of sea life from around the Pacific 'ring of fire': Antarctic penguins, coral-reef butterflyfish, unreasonably cute Arctic otters, Monterey Bay seals and unearthly jellyfish. Most impressive is the ginormous central tank, housing a whale shark, manta and thousands of other fish and rays. There are good English descriptions, but the audioguide (¥500) gives more detail. Expect lots of families and school groups.
Japan's best venue for the mesmerising art of bunraku , puppet theatre closely associated with Osaka. Performances can last all day, with two multiple-act parts up to 4½ hours each (acts are often unrelated). Too long? Nonreserved, same-day single-act tickets are sold at the venue from 9.45am, priced accordingly. Rent the English-language audio guide (full program/single act ¥700/300) for detailed explanations. Shows sell out quickly.
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Shin Kabuki-za
6-chōme-5-13 UehonmachiJapan's best venue for the mesmerising art of bunraku , puppet theatre closely associated with Osaka. Performances can last all day, with two multiple-act parts up to 4½ hours each (acts are often unrelated). Too long? Nonreserved, same-day single-act tickets are sold at the venue from 9.45am, priced accordingly. Rent the English-language audio guide (full program/single act ¥700/300) for detailed explanations. Shows sell out quickly.
Among the biggest in the world, this 112m-high Ferris wheel offers unbeatable views of Osaka Bay and the seemingly endless Osaka/Kōbe conurbation. Give it a whirl at night to enjoy the vast carpet of lights.
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Tempozan Ferris Wheel
1-chōme-1-10 KaigandōriAmong the biggest in the world, this 112m-high Ferris wheel offers unbeatable views of Osaka Bay and the seemingly endless Osaka/Kōbe conurbation. Give it a whirl at night to enjoy the vast carpet of lights.
Modeled after sister parks in the USA, 'USJ' bursts with Hollywood movie-related rides, shows, shops and restaurants. Top billing goes to the new, ¥45 billion (!) Wizarding World of Harry Potter , a painstakingly recreated Hogsmeade Village (shop for magic wands, Gryffindor capes and butterbeer) plus the 'Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey' thrill ride through Hogwart's School. Wizarding World admission is by timed ticket. Other popular rides include Spider-Man . Leaflet maps and signage are in English, though narrations and entertainment are in Japanese. Long queues are common at the park's major venues (90 minutes is not unusual on the Harry Potter ride).
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Universal Studios Japan
SakurajimaModeled after sister parks in the USA, 'USJ' bursts with Hollywood movie-related rides, shows, shops and restaurants. Top billing goes to the new, ¥45 billion (!) Wizarding World of Harry Potter , a painstakingly recreated Hogsmeade Village (shop for magic wands, Gryffindor capes and butterbeer) plus the 'Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey' thrill ride through Hogwart's School. Wizarding World admission is by timed ticket. Other popular rides include Spider-Man . Leaflet maps and signage are in English, though narrations and entertainment are in Japanese. Long queues are common at the park's major venues (90 minutes is not unusual on the Harry Potter ride).
Sightseeing
A landmark market in a covered arcade is where the locals shop for fresh fish, meat, vegetables, pickles and more. In addition to fresh and prepared foods, some shops sell bentō and have lunch counters. It's one block east of Sakai-suji, about 10 minutes' walk from central Namba.
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Kuromon Market
Nipponbashi-1-chōme-16 Chuo WardA landmark market in a covered arcade is where the locals shop for fresh fish, meat, vegetables, pickles and more. In addition to fresh and prepared foods, some shops sell bentō and have lunch counters. It's one block east of Sakai-suji, about 10 minutes' walk from central Namba.
Atmospheric alley dotted with traditional restaurants and bars
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Hozenji Yokocho street
2 Chome-7-21 HigashishinsaibashiAtmospheric alley dotted with traditional restaurants and bars
Built 1911, this Neo-Renaissance building is an important cultural property
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Osaka City Central Hall
Nakanoshima-1-chōme-1 Kita WardBuilt 1911, this Neo-Renaissance building is an important cultural property
Home of the most famous Kuidaore Tarō statue, at the heart of Dōtombori
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Nakaza Cuidaore Building
1-chōme-7-21 DōtonboriHome of the most famous Kuidaore Tarō statue, at the heart of Dōtombori
The crusty, trusty, 103m-high steel-frame tower Tsūten-kaku - built 1912, rebuilt 1956 - is the central landmark of Shin-Sekai
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ちょいのみ処 通天閣
436-40 KamichōThe crusty, trusty, 103m-high steel-frame tower Tsūten-kaku - built 1912, rebuilt 1956 - is the central landmark of Shin-Sekai
Founded in the 10th century, this shrine is dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, the Shintō god of scholarship. The honden (main hall) and main gate were most recently rebuilt in 1845
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Osaka Temmangu
2-chōme-1-8 TenjinbashiFounded in the 10th century, this shrine is dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, the Shintō god of scholarship. The honden (main hall) and main gate were most recently rebuilt in 1845
Just south and parallel to the canal is this pedestrianised street, where dozens of restaurants and theatres vie for attention with the flashiest of signage: giant 3-D crab, puffer fish, dragon and more.
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Dotonbori
Dotonbori-9-1 Chome Chuo WardJust south and parallel to the canal is this pedestrianised street, where dozens of restaurants and theatres vie for attention with the flashiest of signage: giant 3-D crab, puffer fish, dragon and more.
Founded 593, Shitennō-ji is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, although only the big stone torii (Shintō shrine gate) is original, the oldest of its kind in the country (1294). Shitennō-ji's best visited for the lovely strolling garden, Honbō Teien , just northeast of the main precincts. Otherwise, the grounds are a somewhat desolate expanse of raked gravel, but there's a five-storey pagoda, which (unusually) you can climb up. On the 21st and 22nd of each month is a very good flea market outside the temple, with antiques and secondhand goods, including old kimono.
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Shitennoji
1-chōme-1-11-18 ShitennōjiFounded 593, Shitennō-ji is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, although only the big stone torii (Shintō shrine gate) is original, the oldest of its kind in the country (1294). Shitennō-ji's best visited for the lovely strolling garden, Honbō Teien , just northeast of the main precincts. Otherwise, the grounds are a somewhat desolate expanse of raked gravel, but there's a five-storey pagoda, which (unusually) you can climb up. On the 21st and 22nd of each month is a very good flea market outside the temple, with antiques and secondhand goods, including old kimono.
After unifying Japan in the late 16th century, General Toyotomi Hideyoshi built this castle (1583) as a display of power, using, it's said, the labour of 100,000 workers. Although the present structure is a 1931 concrete reconstruction (refurbished 1997), it's nonetheless quite a sight, looming dramatically over the surrounding park and moat. Inside is an excellent collection of art, armour, and day-to-day implements related to the castle, Hideyoshi and Osaka. An 8th-floor observation deck has 360-degree views.
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Osakajo
Osakajo Chuo WardAfter unifying Japan in the late 16th century, General Toyotomi Hideyoshi built this castle (1583) as a display of power, using, it's said, the labour of 100,000 workers. Although the present structure is a 1931 concrete reconstruction (refurbished 1997), it's nonetheless quite a sight, looming dramatically over the surrounding park and moat. Inside is an excellent collection of art, armour, and day-to-day implements related to the castle, Hideyoshi and Osaka. An 8th-floor observation deck has 360-degree views.
Dedicated to Shintō deities of the sea and sea travel, this graceful shrine was founded in the early 3rd century and is considered the headquarters for all Sumiyoshi shrines in Japan. The buildings are faithful replicas of the ancient originals, with a couple that date back to 1810, and grounds are crisscrossed by a tree- and lantern-lined waterway spanned by a bright orange drum bridge. It's a rare Shintō shrine that predates the influence of Chinese Buddhist architectural styles
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Sumiyoshi Taisha, Kisshōden
Sumiyoshi-2-chōme-9 Sumiyoshi WardDedicated to Shintō deities of the sea and sea travel, this graceful shrine was founded in the early 3rd century and is considered the headquarters for all Sumiyoshi shrines in Japan. The buildings are faithful replicas of the ancient originals, with a couple that date back to 1810, and grounds are crisscrossed by a tree- and lantern-lined waterway spanned by a bright orange drum bridge. It's a rare Shintō shrine that predates the influence of Chinese Buddhist architectural styles
A century ago, Shin-Sekai ('new world') was home to an amusement park that defined cutting edge. Now this entertainment district mixes down-on-its-heels with retro cool. It's centred around the crusty, trusty, 103m-high steel-frame tower Tsūten-kaku – built 1912, rebuilt 1956 – surrounded by ancient pachinko parlours, rundown theatres and a few homeless folks and suspicious-looking characters. Shin-Sekai still attracts plenty of visitors for nostalgia and cheap eateries behind over-the-top signage, especially for kushikatsu (deep-fried meat and vegetables on skewers).
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Shinsekai
Ebisuhigashi-8-2 Chome Naniwa WardA century ago, Shin-Sekai ('new world') was home to an amusement park that defined cutting edge. Now this entertainment district mixes down-on-its-heels with retro cool. It's centred around the crusty, trusty, 103m-high steel-frame tower Tsūten-kaku – built 1912, rebuilt 1956 – surrounded by ancient pachinko parlours, rundown theatres and a few homeless folks and suspicious-looking characters. Shin-Sekai still attracts plenty of visitors for nostalgia and cheap eateries behind over-the-top signage, especially for kushikatsu (deep-fried meat and vegetables on skewers).
Shopping
Japan's tallest building (300m, 60 storeys), this Cesar Pelli–designed tower opened in March 2014 and dominates Osaka's southern skyline, offering sweeping city views. It houses Japan's largest department store (Kintetsu, floors B2-14), other shops, a hotel, offices, restaurants and observation decks. Admission is free except for the top-level Harukas 300 observation deck and the Abeno Harukas Art Museum , where temporary shows so far have encompassed Renaissance painting to tantric Buddhist artifacts.
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Abeno Harukas
1-chōme-1-43 AbenosujiJapan's tallest building (300m, 60 storeys), this Cesar Pelli–designed tower opened in March 2014 and dominates Osaka's southern skyline, offering sweeping city views. It houses Japan's largest department store (Kintetsu, floors B2-14), other shops, a hotel, offices, restaurants and observation decks. Admission is free except for the top-level Harukas 300 observation deck and the Abeno Harukas Art Museum , where temporary shows so far have encompassed Renaissance painting to tantric Buddhist artifacts.
Youth-oriented, fashion-forward shopping and entertainment centre, topped with a bright red Ferris wheel
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Hep Five
5-15 KakudachōYouth-oriented, fashion-forward shopping and entertainment centre, topped with a bright red Ferris wheel
In addition to men's and women's fashions, look for musical instruments and a large Tower Records store
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NU Chayamachi
10-12 ChayamachiIn addition to men's and women's fashions, look for musical instruments and a large Tower Records store
Anchor of the namesake train line, this 13-storey department store also has two excellent food floors below ground.
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Hankyu Umeda Honten
8-7 KakudachōAnchor of the namesake train line, this 13-storey department store also has two excellent food floors below ground.
At 15 storeys above ground and two below, this massive department store anchors Osaka Station's southern side
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Daimaru Museum Umeda
3-chōme-1-1 UmedaAt 15 storeys above ground and two below, this massive department store anchors Osaka Station's southern side
At 16,000 sq m over six storeys, this is Japan's largest men's fashion retailer. Two upper floors house cinemas and restaurants
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Hankyu Men's Osaka
7-10 KakudachōAt 16,000 sq m over six storeys, this is Japan's largest men's fashion retailer. Two upper floors house cinemas and restaurants
Six floors of tech, gadgets and gizmos, three floors of fashion and a restaurant floor make this a prime destination east of Osaka Station.
671 preporuka/e lokalaca
Yodobashi Camera Multimedia Umeda
1-1 ŌfukachōSix floors of tech, gadgets and gizmos, three floors of fashion and a restaurant floor make this a prime destination east of Osaka Station.
This new behemoth bookshop, the largest in Osaka, is the result of two book specialists joining forces. There's a big range of English-language books on the 6th floor, with travel guides on the 3rd floor. It's in the new Andō Tadao–designed Chaska Chayamachi building.
114 preporuka/e lokalaca
MARUZEN & JUNKUDO Umeda
7-20 ChayamachiThis new behemoth bookshop, the largest in Osaka, is the result of two book specialists joining forces. There's a big range of English-language books on the 6th floor, with travel guides on the 3rd floor. It's in the new Andō Tadao–designed Chaska Chayamachi building.
This large bookshop has a great selection of foreign- and Japanese-language books. It's inside the Dōjima Avanza Building, about 10 minutes' walk from Osaka Station. Most English-language books are on the 3rd floor along with a cafe. English travel guides are on the 2nd floor.
70 preporuka/e lokalaca
JUNKUDO Osaka
1-chōme-6-20 DōjimaThis large bookshop has a great selection of foreign- and Japanese-language books. It's inside the Dōjima Avanza Building, about 10 minutes' walk from Osaka Station. Most English-language books are on the 3rd floor along with a cafe. English travel guides are on the 2nd floor.
Nominally a DIY and houseware chain, Tokyu Hands is Japan's favourite place to browse for items you probably didn't need but will end up loving. It's stacked floor upon floor with everything from obscure tools to design-forward lighting, clocks, curios and craft supplies, just for starters. There's a smaller branch in Umeda.
406 preporuka/e lokalaca
東急ハンズ Tokyu Hands
1-chōme-8-3 ShinsaibashisujiNominally a DIY and houseware chain, Tokyu Hands is Japan's favourite place to browse for items you probably didn't need but will end up loving. It's stacked floor upon floor with everything from obscure tools to design-forward lighting, clocks, curios and craft supplies, just for starters. There's a smaller branch in Umeda.
A great starting point for fun, nontraditional, pop- and street-inspired mementos of your time in Japan. Village Vanguard bills itself as an 'exciting' bookstore, but there's much more to the story: between the cluttered book and magazine racks are offbeat gifts, from animal-shaped coat hooks to design-led T-shirts, mobile-phone cases, kitchen devices, hip-hop hats, shoulder bags, homewares and more.
130 preporuka/e lokalaca
Village Vanguard America Mura
1-chōme-10-28 NishishinsaibashiA great starting point for fun, nontraditional, pop- and street-inspired mementos of your time in Japan. Village Vanguard bills itself as an 'exciting' bookstore, but there's much more to the story: between the cluttered book and magazine racks are offbeat gifts, from animal-shaped coat hooks to design-led T-shirts, mobile-phone cases, kitchen devices, hip-hop hats, shoulder bags, homewares and more.
Parks & Nature
On the eastern end of the Naka-no-shima island, this is a good place for an afternoon stroll or picnic lunch
8 preporuka/e lokalaca
中之島公園グラウンド
On the eastern end of the Naka-no-shima island, this is a good place for an afternoon stroll or picnic lunch