Osaka has long been called Japan’s kitchen, and the best way to see it is one meal at a time. It is about two and a half hours from Tokyo by shinkansen, so even a single day works, though you will want to stay longer.
Morning: Kuromon Market
Start at Kuromon Market, where stalls sell fresh sashimi, grilled seafood and fruit you can eat on the spot. Go early: the narrow aisles get crowded by late morning.
Afternoon: Dotonbori street food
Head to Dotonbori for takoyaki, octopus dumplings cooked in round iron pans, and okonomiyaki, a savory pancake grilled in front of you. Every shop does them differently, so share small portions at several places. The canal-side walk with its giant neon signs is Osaka at its most famous.
Evening: kushikatsu in Shinsekai
End the day in Shinsekai, below Tsutenkaku Tower, with kushikatsu: skewers of meat, seafood and vegetables, battered and deep fried. The sauce on the counter is shared, so the one rule is no double dipping. Use a cabbage leaf to scoop extra sauce instead.
Before you go
- Use the subway: the main food areas are all on the subway, and your IC card works here too.
- Carry some cash: market stalls and small counters are often cash only.
- Pace yourself: order small and keep moving; the point is to try many things.