Osaka after dark is a different city. Neon, smoke, and the best street food in Japan.
Neighborhood
Dotonbori Street
Doutonbori St, 1-chōme Dōtonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
The neon canyon. Walk it at 10pm when every food stall is screaming for your attention.
Restaurant
Ajinoya Okonomiyaki
Japan, 〒542-0076 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Namba, 1-chōme−7−１６ 現代こいさんビル 2F
Get the pork and squid mix. The guy grills it right in front of you — the sizzle is half the meal.
Neighborhood
Hozenji Yokocho
1-chōme-1-17 Namba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0076, Japan
Cobblestone alley behind Dotonbori. Tiny bars, lanterns, a moss-covered shrine. Old Osaka in 200 meters.
Activity
Kuromon Ichiba Market
2 Chome-21 Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073, Japan
Skip the tourist trap stalls at the entrance. Walk to the back for the old guys selling uni for 500 yen.
Neighborhood
Shinsekai
2 Chome-5 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002, Japan
Retro Osaka vibes. Kushikatsu joints everywhere — the rule is no double dipping. They're serious about it.
Cafe
Rikuro Ojisan Cheesecake
3-chōme-2-28 Namba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0076, Japan
Jiggly cheesecake fresh out of the oven. They ring a bell when the next batch is ready. 900 yen. Unreal.
Activity
Tsutenkaku Tower
1-chōme-18-6 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002, Japan
Not the prettiest tower but the view of Shinsekai below is chaotic and perfect. Go at sunset.
More by Mika Tanaka
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