I am dedicating this post to both Osaka and Kyoto because they are close to each other, about 30 mins by Japan’s high speed train, and most tourists usually visit both places (and Nara for the deers) together. The Japanese train system is too confusing so I shall not attempt to explain it. I briefly visited both places in Sep 2023 because I was back in Singapore for a bit and wanted to visit my good MBA friend, Hatsuo-san, who was based in Osaka.
Singaporeans visit Japan a lot, I went to Tokyo twice before this but never visited Osaka, so I decided to pop by. Also the Japanese yen value dropped a lot in 2023 (and even worse in 2025 as per the time I wrote this post), I believe the Japanese government is imposing tourist tax in 2025 to reduce over-tourism.
Are Osaka and Kyoto worth going?
These 2 places have very different vibes. Osaka is a big city (yet distinct from Tokyo), and Kyoto is much smaller and ‘traditional’. If you are looking for photogenic temples and forests, Kyoto is better, if you like big cities, Osaka. Personally I found Kyoto more unique but also because I did not spend too much time in Osaka. Nevertheless, the food alone is worth going for, and I gained 3kg from 1 week there.
Delicious Japanese food
Noodles – Ramen (so many types) and Soba
I thought there’s only Tonkushu and Miso ramen, little did I know there’s SO many types. There’s fish broth, chicken, and even the noodles can vary a lot. I love noodles, and ramen is very much a staple food there so prices are reasonable.
On the left is Fish broth Shio Ramen in Kyoto – A Shio ramen is a lighter, salt-based Japanese noodle dish. ‘Shio’ translates to ‘salt’ in Japanese, indicating the soup’s primary seasoning. This style of ramen is known for its clear broth and delicate flavours, allowing the freshness of the ingredients to shine through. I found it very unique, but I’d stick to the other types of broths.
On the right is a Chicken Ramen in Osaka: This is Hatsuo-san’s recommendation, from a 1-man neighbourhood ramen shop. It’s simple, delicious and affordable. I loved it. I usually do not order chicken ramen but this was GOOD.
The legendary 1-man operation ramen shop, menu in Japanese (which I would have never been able to order by myself). It is this kind of shops that I love to eat at, local, authentic, simple. Japanese cuisine has this unique elegance, like a work of art, and I think the best way to experience it is from shops like this.
Left is the classic Tonkotsu Ramen – A deeply flavourful ramen known for its rich pork bone broth. The name ‘tonkotsu’ literally translates to ‘pork bones’ in Japanese. No need any more introduction, it is common everywhere but Japan does it better.
Right is Zaru Udon – is a simple, chilled udon noodle dish served with a dipping sauce. ‘Zaru’ refers to the woven bamboo tray it’s served in, adding an aesthetic touch to this refreshing dish. Some days I want Udon, its more chewy, and more satisfying to eat.
Beef Yakiniku
I am a huge beef guy, red meat give me energy. Japan is famous for beef (and of course costs more), the only other country I visited with a bigger beef obsession is Argentina. But Japanese beef is… simpler, more focus on the BEEF than how it is cooked.
On the left is Yakiniku Donburi – A delectable Japanese rice bowl topped with yakiniku, which means ‘grilled meat’ in Japanese. This dish features tender, expertly grilled slices of beef served over a fluffy bed of steamed rice, drizzled with tare sauce. It’s a comforting, hearty meal that beautifully showcases the rich flavours of grilled meat. I can eat this everyday, with miso soup and Japanese beer.
On the right is Wagyu Yakiniku – A most premium Japanese grilled meat (yakiniku) dish, featuring thinly sliced wagyu beef, renowned for its intricate marbling and rich flavour. I decided to splurge a little because it is WAGYU from Japan! Well but also because this shop was running some promotion. I liked the wagyu beef no doubt about that.
Set meals and Sashimi
Japanese set meals are a work of art, you can find them anywhere, and I don’t even know if the dishes have any names. It is kind of like Korea’s banchan when you go to a kbbq shop, with lots of small side dishes. And of course, Sashimi/ Sushi needs no introduction.
On the left is just a free breakfast set from my Kyoto hotel – I cannot even name anything here, but simple, delicious, healthy, filling.
On the right is home made sashimi and a lotus dish by Hatsuo-san’s mum. I had dinner at their place, a cozy well-decorated Japanese home. What surprised me was this fish was bought from the wet market, and it was so fresh and delicious. I can eat it all day.
Attractions I visited
Osaka Castle – Japanese History in Modern Days
Osaka Castle (大阪城, Ōsaka-jō) is a historically significant and architecturally stunning landmark built in the 16th century by the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the castle played a pivotal role in the unification of Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. The current structure is a rebuilt version, completed in 1931, with a design that incorporates modern architectural techniques.
This is perhaps the Osaka tourist hotspot, I saw so many tourists here. There are museums in the castle and even food stores selling ice cream etc. I spent a good amount of time walking inside the castle and outside in the castle garden. Overall, I liked it, and I would probably spend more time there if I could.
Dōtonbori – The huge entertainment district
Dōtonbori (道頓堀) is a vibrant entertainment and culinary district situated along the Dōtonbori Canal in Osaka’s Chūō ward. I think this is the most lively area in Osaka, lots of shops, food and also bars/ clubs. The iconic Glico running man neon light is over here (sadly I did not come at night to take a photo of it). Glico is the company that makes pocky, the sweet biscuit that is shaped like a stick.
Overall, there’s so much to do here, eating, shopping (in the Don Quixoto store above with the ferries wheel).
Thoughts
Overall Osaka has a different vibe from Tokyo, although both are big cities. Osaka is more chill, arguably better shopping for me and just closer to the other attractions like Kyoto and Nara. Depending on your vibe I would recommend a 2-3 days in Osaka.