where we stayed
Midi Hotel – for my first time in Osaka with Miguel, we stayed in this super duper cute boutique hotel. It’s clean, it’s minimal luxe, it’s an aesthetic dreamland. I recommend this for solo/couples since the rooms aren’t that big. It’s quite a walk to the nearest station, but you’re in Japan and honestly leisurely walks on the streets are always a treat to your senses.
Airbnb – the second time I visited with Japan, I was with my family. I was tasked to look for a nice but affordable place to stay that could fit us all six. Dude, I could not be any more happy with this gem of a discovery. It’s like a dorm style space with spacious and cute bunk beds. It’s like we each had our little home inside our bunks. There’s a little kitchen, one tiny bathroom, everything was super nice to the eyes and clean. Most of all, the morning view is absolutely breathtaking. It’s literally a minute walk to the food dreamland, Dōtonbori, so you better believe we were enjoying all that Japanese food every. single. night.
where to go
Kema Sakuranomiya Park – this was in our itinerary but we weren’t able to go due to lack of time. Looking at the photos though, the place looks absolutely stunning. Perhaps it’s best to go where during the cherry blossom season?
Osaka Castle and Castle park – have you really been to Osaka if you didn’t go to see the iconic castle? Definitely visit to feel more of Osaka’s culture.
Osaka Museum of Housing and Living – specifically asked Miguel if we could go check this out even though it kind of sounds field-tripy, but history really interests me and I definitely would want to know more about how the people in Osaka used to live long ago. What’s unique about this museum is that instead of photos and relics incased in glass, they have actual replicas of the houses. You can go inside them, touch their ancient utensils and tools, sit on the benches they sat in. It’s cool.
Shinsekai – this place has lots of cute cafes, cute little stores with authentic Japanese things, and lots of places to eat. This is also where you can get a nice view of the iconic Tsutenkaku tower.
Abeno Harukas – how to get all those bird view photos/videos of Osaka. I was honestly stunned when I walked out of that elevator and saw the beautiful city from way up.
Shitennō-ji – another place we weren’t able to go to but was part of the list of places we wanted to go to. Temples are always worth the visit.
Amerikamura – an eccentric neighbourhood full of American style stuff which is of course, sprinkled with some of that contemporary Japanese vibe. Lots of interesting shops to check out from streetwear faves like Stussy, to local homegrown brands you can only find here. Be on the look out for cafes. Japanese people just do their coffee just. freakin’. right.
Shinsaibashi – just across Dōtonbori where you can get your shopping fix after you’ve had your tummy fix. Don’t expect homegrown indie Japanese brands though, these are definitely your typical Nike, Adidas, Zara spot.
Universal Studios Japan – been in Osaka twice and been here twice. No regrets.
where we ate
Dōtonbori – need I say more? The legendary Dōtonbori of Osaka. Eat in one side and then walk a little further to the other side to do some shopping.
Shinsekai – when we explored this area I noticed that a very specific kind of food was very popular here: breaded anything on sticks. Try it out!
um ok ok you can literally eat anywhere in Japan and never be disappointed. No, I swear. This part is pointless. I really just had to mention some special spots.
the view from Abeno Harukas
coffee
Amerikamura
Granknot Coffee
Streamer Coffee Company
Namba / Shinsaibashi
Brooklyn Roasting Company
Mill Pour
Mondial Kaffee 328
Kitahama
Elmer's Green Cafe
stores to check out
Acne Studios Midosuji
1-9-8, Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-Ku
Osaka 542-0085
11747391
Amerikamura
2-9-34, Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, 542-0086, Japan
JAM Horie Branch
8 minutes from Amerikamura
2-4-6, Nishi-ku, Osaka-shi, 550-0015, Japan
Magnets Osaka
Amerikamura Branch
5 minutes away from Triangle Park
RAIN used clothing
7 minutes from Shinsaibashi Station
1−8−22, Higashishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, 542-0083, Japan
NEXT51
4-4-4, Koryonakamachi, Sakai-ku, Sakai-shi, Osaka, 590-0024, Japan
Apologies if this list isn’t very extensive – I just literally copied this off my rough itinerary from my last two trips from Japan in my phone’s notes. I do hope this helps out someone who’s looking to go to Osaka soon or someone coming back and missed some spots. Osaka has so much more to offer though and there are always new things popping everywhere so best do some more research! If you do discover more cool stuff to visit, do share them in the comments below. Japan is super safe and getting lost is always more of an adventure than a hassle. Have fun and I wish you a safe trip!
PS – all photos in this post were shot in film, hashtag film is not dead.
PPS – if you want some more visual content, watch my Osaka vlog below ♥