We arrived in Osaka on a cold rainy afternoon. The wet weather conditions drenched our clothes and even our spirits that day, but for other tourists? Not so! Even gloomy grey skies couldn’t chase the dozen or so tour busses away.

Luckily Simon and I were able to stroll the popular Dotonbori Street the next morning when the weather cleared and hoards of tour groups hadn’t arrived yet. We could definitely see what the buzz was all about. There are tons of restaurants and food stalls to choose from, with amusement park worthy grandiose signboards that appropriately match Osaka’s big reputation as the food capital of Japan.

After a heavy dinner of okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and yakisoba one night, I had a romantic stroll along the Dotonbori Canal by myself while Simon retired early to the hostel.
Only a few steps away from the busy street, I was surprised to find how quiet and calm it was. Asides from a couple of other people, there was relatively little foot traffic on this side. I passed by couples on benches admiring the view and intimate restaurants and bars where friends gathered to enjoy a couple of drinks, fried snacks, and each other’s company. Flashy neon billboards provided an interesting juxtaposition to the relatively undisturbed character of the canal.

Even if you don’t eat a single thing at Dotonbori, the visuals are enough to fill anyone’s appetite for a taste of Japanese culture. Osaka is definitely the place to be if your eyes are bigger than your stomach. See it for yourself!