As the second largest city in Japan, Osaka is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia. It has a rich history, vibrant culture and a huge variety of fun activities available, including sports, theatre, food and shopping, and dozens of museums. All of this combine to make Osaka a great place to visit.
Historically, this city is also known as the “nation’s kitchen” and serves as a centre for trade during the Edo period. The city is the largest component of the Keihanshin Metropolitan Area. Enough said it’s time to set off from home for one day in Osaka!
Don’t just eat, make delicious food at ‘Eat Osaka’
Osaka is often called the nation’s kitchen and is filled with food you might have seldom tasted. Take a delicious ride across the streets where the chefs can guide you through the journey of your culinary process. The instructors speak good English and you will not have much trouble in grasping the instructions.
The food is focused on Japanese home style and street food. You can learn to make iconic Japanese foods such as miso soup, takoyaki, and okonomiyaki, or homely dishes such as ginger and pork on rice. They also advise on making stuff back home. Eat Osaka is the perfect way to take the taste of Japan’s kitchen home with you.
Admire art and culture at the National Bunraku Theatre
Always wanted to watch a puppet show but felt out of place? Well, Bunraku is a form of puppet theatre created in Osaka in the 17th century, which offers you creative toy movements taking you back to your childhood days. The story is recited by a chanter who voices all the characters while traditional music instruments are used for music.
Each puppet is controlled by three skilled puppeteers, who are artistically trained for decades. The place holds several plays every year so don’t miss out on your chance to witness the most enticing shows of Japan.
Get Hands-On Experience in Drumming at Taiko Lab
Get hands-on experience with Taiko, one of the finest forms of Japanese drumming, at Taiko Lab, Osaka. It’s a 4-hour long session in which you will be introduced to the instrument and its cultural significance. You will be able to pick up and follow a beat pattern along with your instructor without much hassle.
Trust me, you will be shocked at the ease of the drumming. At the end of the class, you will be able to do a short performance from what you’ve learned that day. Children as young as three can take part in the class, and as it is held in a group, it’s a great opportunity to meet travellers from all over the world.
Walk around the Instant Ramen Museum
Ever wondered about the birthplace of instant noodles? Here’s the place that made it all possible. Osaka was where instant noodles were born and the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum offers exhibits about the history of instant noodles. Quite a fascinating proposition isn’t it?
The museum doesn’t limit itself to noodles but expands to fun activities and workshops, which are perfect for children and also enjoyable for adults. Visitors get a chance to experiment with their own mixture of flavors and get a customized experience of making noodles under one roof.
Be it eateries to witnessing the most fascinating sights in Japan, even one day in Osaka will not disappoint you. Grab your essentials, zip your bag, and fly down to one of the most creative cities in the world. From shopping in markets to beautiful museums that portray the culture and tradition, a visit to Osaka is like no other. I see you’re ready with your suitcase already! Bon voyage for now.
With a touch of warmth city swells,
Lace tied tighter I walk through morning rays.
Many faces I meet. Some talks I flicked away.
A sip from the bottle; a pause and a stare.
Special indulgence in food; A life full of meal.
No wonder, nature’s most gracious piece lives here.
I sit by ‘Yodo,’ I ponder on the flow,
A sip from the bottle; a pause and a stare.
