It is Japan's 3rd largest city after Toyko and Yokohama.
Osaka is a vibrant metropolis (Japan's 2nd largest) inhabited by famously easy going citizens with a taste for the good things in life.
Although the city has been labelled as "ugly" and "chaotic", it makes up for its aesthetic shortcomings with friendly outgoing people who have a unequaled love of eating and drinking.
They say that the people of Osaka are happy and open-hearted because they eat good food.
It is said that the Osaka people are more relaxed compared to their Tokyo counterparts.
Many seasoned travellers and enthusiasts believe that Tokyo is not the best destination in Japan.
Osaka is a city that is perfect for those who want to get away from the Japanese modern capital.
Sounds like Melbourne versus Sydney doesn't it (*_0)
Currency: A$1 buys 95 Yen.
Time difference: Osaka (GMT +9) is one hour behind Sydney (GMT +10).
Weather: Here is the forecast for the dates we will be there.
Time difference: Osaka (GMT +9) is one hour behind Sydney (GMT +10).
Weather: Here is the forecast for the dates we will be there.
Transport: Being located in the center of the action, alot of places will be walkable.
The best way to get around is by train, there is an extensive subway and train network that is cheap and efficient.
Kyoto and Toyko are 1hr & 3 hrs away respectively by Shinkansen (high speed bullet train).
We won't be relying on Taxi's like I did in Singapore or Vietnam because they cost a BOMB *! Also the Taxis are old and lined with lace but they do have automatic opening kerbside passenger doors !!!!!
Buses seem to take about the same time to get to places but cost less than taxis.
Buses seem to take about the same time to get to places but cost less than taxis.
Orientation: Osaka is divided into various wards (Ku)
Kita-ku : is the north area around Osaka & Umeda stations where hotels, the city's tallest buildings ie. Umeda Sky building, restaurants and shopping complexes are located.
The city's two largest shopping districts are Umeda in the north and Namba in the south.
Chuo-ku : is the central ward which encompasses two areas. South; known as Minami, the heart of the city covers Dotonburi, Shinsaibashi and adjoining areas. East is a historic center where the Osaka Castle Park is located.
Tennoji-ku : is the south ward where there are various shines and temples, the zoo and Spa-world.
Nishi-ku : is the west ward, Osaka's bay area where the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan & Universal Studios Japan are located.
Streets that span horiztonally east to west are named dori.
Streets that span vertically north to south are named suji.
Streets that span horiztonally east to west are named dori.
Streets that span vertically north to south are named suji.
Osaka is reknown for its food.
Epicurism is strong in Osaka, the city boasts 100+ Michelin Star restaurants but I'll have to save that sort of endulgence for if I ever return with the wife.
Luckily the food culture can be experienced from Michelin starred luxury fine dining to budget restaurants and street vendors alike.
Food: The most iconic specialties of Osaka would be Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki (Think Singapore and Singapore Chilli Crab or Hainanese Chicken rice).
Takoyaki >> A wheat flour based batter is added with diced octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger and green onion. The mix is cooked in a special cast-iron pan to create ball shaped savoury snack. Once cooked, the takoyaki balls are brushed with takoyaki sauce and mayonnaise, then sprinkled with green laver and bonito flake shavings. These snacks are served piping hot.
Okonomiyaki >> Is a savoury pancake consisting of a wheat flour based batter mixed with an infinite combination of ingredients including pork, beef, chicken, seafood, veggies, cheese, eggs and more cooked on a flat-top griddle. Japanese mayonnaise and a Worcestershire-like sauce is generously drizzled onto the pancake along with Japanese seaweed seasoning and dried bonito shavings.
Yakiniku >> Japanese BBQ of bite sized meat grilled over charcoal griddle.
Kitsune-Udon >> Thin piece of tofu fried and added to udon noodles.
Ramen >> Wheat noodles served in meat or fish broth with toppings added.
kushi-katsu >> Chicken, pork, beef or vegies etc skewered, battered and deep fried, dipped in sauce or salt.
Yakatori >> Chicken meat or chicken offal skewered and grilled over charcoal.
Kaiten-zushi >> Known as conveyor belt sushi, this is Japanese sushi train albeit fresher and cheaper than anything available back home.
Shopping: Osaka has several world class shopping districts and miles of shopping arcades, malls and streets.
Osaka's shopping combines upscale, brand name and designer goods with inexpensive thrift shops and discount chains.
Epicurism is strong in Osaka, the city boasts 100+ Michelin Star restaurants but I'll have to save that sort of endulgence for if I ever return with the wife.
Luckily the food culture can be experienced from Michelin starred luxury fine dining to budget restaurants and street vendors alike.
Food: The most iconic specialties of Osaka would be Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki (Think Singapore and Singapore Chilli Crab or Hainanese Chicken rice).
Takoyaki >> A wheat flour based batter is added with diced octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger and green onion. The mix is cooked in a special cast-iron pan to create ball shaped savoury snack. Once cooked, the takoyaki balls are brushed with takoyaki sauce and mayonnaise, then sprinkled with green laver and bonito flake shavings. These snacks are served piping hot.
Okonomiyaki >> Is a savoury pancake consisting of a wheat flour based batter mixed with an infinite combination of ingredients including pork, beef, chicken, seafood, veggies, cheese, eggs and more cooked on a flat-top griddle. Japanese mayonnaise and a Worcestershire-like sauce is generously drizzled onto the pancake along with Japanese seaweed seasoning and dried bonito shavings.
Yakiniku >> Japanese BBQ of bite sized meat grilled over charcoal griddle.
Kitsune-Udon >> Thin piece of tofu fried and added to udon noodles.
Ramen >> Wheat noodles served in meat or fish broth with toppings added.
kushi-katsu >> Chicken, pork, beef or vegies etc skewered, battered and deep fried, dipped in sauce or salt.
Yakatori >> Chicken meat or chicken offal skewered and grilled over charcoal.
Kaiten-zushi >> Known as conveyor belt sushi, this is Japanese sushi train albeit fresher and cheaper than anything available back home.
Shopping: Osaka has several world class shopping districts and miles of shopping arcades, malls and streets.
Osaka's shopping combines upscale, brand name and designer goods with inexpensive thrift shops and discount chains.
Both areas have large concentration of department stores, shopping arcades and extensive underground shopping malls.
No comments:
Post a Comment