La Vy In Japan

So you’ve made it to Osaka but between Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, etc, you’re tired of visiting temples and shrines. Of course, Osaka offers its beautiful castle and some local shrines as well but if you’re in this city, you should shop around but most importantly, eat. After all, it is known to be Japan’s kitchen.

Here are some of my favourite places to go to shop and eat because that is what this city does best. In this guide, I will tell you about the neighbohoods where locals come to enjoy.

Most guides will tell you to visit Dotomburi and Shinsaibashi shopping street but stepping out of those 2 areas, you’ll find much more.

• Nakazakichou
• Fukushima
• Tenma
• Nakanoshima
• Horie

1. Nakazakichou

Outskirt of Umeda, this neighborhood is crawling with the most charming coffee shops and vintage stores.

I studies Japanese there for a year and a half and there was always a new restaurant to visit or a new coffee shop to study. Most cafes found in Nakazakichou pays a close attention to details.

Here are some of my favourite places to check out:

1.Salon de AManTo (Cafe)

Tucked deep in Nakazakichou in a 120 year old house, this charming cafe gives “speak easy” vibes and makes you feel right at home with their homemade desserts and coffee.

Address: 1 Chome-7-26 Nakazakinishi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0015　

2.Zipangu Curry Cafe (Restaurant/Cafe)

I’m not a big curry person but when I tell you this curry was good, boy was it gooood. The curry was light but satisfying and all of the spices would fill up my nostrils. I would come here after class (around 1pm) and the place would usually be packed because they only open from 11am to 3pm (Mon-Friday). Worth the checkout!

Address: 〒530-0015 Osaka, Kita Ward, Nakazakinishi, 3 Chome−3−4 セブンイレブンの奥オレンジのビル1F

3. AURA梅田本店 (Vintage Stores)

If you ever wondered where Japanese girls get their luxury accessories and good at an affordable price, then look no further. Aura vintage stores sells pre-loved bags and accessories that look brand new. I literally have to hold my self back from buying everything every time I visit. Shop at your own risk!

Address: 2 Chome-6-3 Nakazakinishi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0015

2. Fukushima

Moving a little more south of Umeda’s main area, you’ll step into a great local area known as Fukushima. This neighborhood is mainly for some good food , it offers some of the best restaurants! You can get luxurious meals at a very decent price. I was introduced to this area by friend lived near by and she shared me to a few restaurants that has become part of of my boyfriend and I’d date night spots.

Here are my top 3 of the area:

1.LUCE

I. Love. This. Place. I take all my friends here when we want good Italian food. They make their pizza in a wood fire oven and you can really taste the freshness of their ingredients. Now I’ve been to Italy and I must say… Japanese know a little something about making Italian food.

Address: 7 Chome-1 Fukushima, Fukushima Ward, Osaka, 553-000

2. Mazemen Mahoroba

If you want a hearty bowl of Mazemen (mixed noodles), this place is a must. It is fairly new to the area, thus it hasn’t been exposed much yet. This place is a branch from the popular flagship store in Okinawa. When I was living there, there were always long queues.

The menu is simple and they serve only Mazemen with 3 variations of it. My favourite is the original one and with the sauces and toppings on the table, you can customize it to how you like it.

Address: 2 Chome-2-2 Fukushima, Fukushima Ward, Osaka, 553-0003

3. IZUMO Unagi

If you come to Japan, you have to try Japanese BBQ Eel! Although “Unagi” is “a state of total awareness” according to Ross from friends, you should also be aware of how delicious it is by checking this restaurant out.

Address: 5 Chome-12-20 Fukushima, Fukushima Ward, Osaka, 553-0003

3. Temma

Aaah~ Temma. I spent countless days in Temma drinking with friends and enjoying.. you guessed it, more food! This neighborhood is loved by locals in Osaka because of how cheap and delicious everything here is. (It’s also walkable distance from Nakazakichou). Temma iss basically a long shopping strip that will take you down to the next neighborhood!

Any restaurants is fantastic but here are some of my favourites when I visit the area:

1.Taiwan Tanpao Tengo

With steaming baskets of soup dumpling displayed at the front of the street, it’s hard to resist the delicious smells that takes over the shopping street. Not to mention, they have a selection of Taiwanese Shaved ice that are just perfect for the summer time.

Address: 5 Chome-8-27 Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0041

2. Ogimachi Park (扇町公園）

Right in the middle of this busy city, it is a great place to relax and take a step back from the overstimulating landscape. I love going to the nearby supermarket to get some bentos and picnic in the area.

Address: 1 Chome-1 Ogimachi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0025

3.Tenjinbashi-suji 

Being the longest shopping street (2.6km) in Japan with a plethora of boutiques and restaurant to choose from. If you’re on a budget and you want to shop, they have clothing shops with items that start as little as ￥100. The shopping street starts from Temma station (JR) or Ogimachi station (Sakaisuji-line) and takes you all the way down to Sakuragawa (Minamimomachi station).

Address: Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0041

4. Nakanoshima

Nakanoshima is a park on the Sakura River. Best known for holding the Christmas market in December, the park holds events for each season. Regardless taking a stroll on the man-built island is another great way to see Osaka.

Here are a few activity I enjoy there:

1. R RIVERSIDE GRILL AND BEER GARDEN

Here, you can enjoy the city sky line and bbq year-round. There are 2 types of courses to choose from and it’s a great way to spend some time with friends. The course meal cost from 4,400 to 5,500 with 120 minutes of all-you-can-drink plan for included.

Address: 〒530-0005 Osaka, Kita Ward, Nakanoshima, 1 Chome−1, 中之島公園バラ園内

For reservations: https://tabelog.com/en/osaka/A2701/A270102/27051529/

2. Nakanoshima Museum of Art

Nestled in the heart of Osaka, Japan, is a cultural gem that celebrates the fusion of art and architecture. It is renowned for its impressive collection of both Japanese and international art, spanning various genres and periods. You can immerse in a diverse array of exhibitions, featuring works by renowned artists as well as emerging talents. From traditional Japanese art to modern masterpieces, the museum offers a rich tapestry of artistic expressions.

3. GARB Weeks (Italian Restaurant)

Garb Weeks located in heart of Nakanoshima Park, offers wood-fired pizzas, pasta and array of gastronomic experiences, featuring local and international cuisines. With its waterfront location, it combines exquisite dining with the artistic ambiance of the festival, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

Address: 〒530-0005 Osaka, Kita Ward, Nakanoshima, 1 Chome−1−29 公園内

For Reservation: https://www.tablecheck.com/shops/garbweeks/reserve

5. Horie

Last but not least, Horie. Located behind the infamous America Mura area, Horie is home to the most fashionable boutiques and brand name street wear in Osaka. It’s a dynamic blend of modernity and culture, offering visitors a unique urban experience with a distinct blend of shopping, entertainment, and culinary delights. It’s a great place to see what streetwear culture is like in Osaka.

1. Orange Street (Tachibana-dori)

Bustling street known for its lively atmosphere and diverse offerings. It’s lined with a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike seeking a vibrant taste of urban life in Osaka.

2. Yaoya-to-Gohan Ookura (Teishoku restaurant)

This restaurant specializes in using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create delicious Japanese dishes. With a commitment to seasonality and sustainability, it offers a delightful dining experience, showcasing the essence of Japanese cuisine in a warm and inviting setting. You are sure to get a delicious Teishoku every time.

Address: 〒550-0014 Osaka, Nishi Ward, Kitahorie, 1 Chome−4−14 1F

3. Light and Flaky Pizza (Italian Fusion restaurant)

Pizza with a twist and it is oh so delicious. Instead of the traditional dough, this place makes their unique pies with flaky pie dough! This variation of pizza makes the it lighter and adds a butter-y deliciousness. The restaurant it spacious and its beach theme gives the feeling of being in somewhere in California or Hawaii.

Address: 1 Chome-15-21 Kitahorie, Nishi Ward, Osaka, 550-0014

One blog posts won’t do these neighbourhoods justice. Of course, Umeda, Shinsaibashi, Namba and Tennoji are great areas but these areas listed above really showcase Osaka’s unique characters. One of the reason why I stayed in this city for so long is because you never seem to get enough of the warmth that this city offers.

So get out there and get to know Osaka like a local.

Until next time,

Todaloo!