Summary: On an easy day trip from Kyoto, we visited Osaka, Japan's culinary capital, renowned for its vibrant food scene and rich cultural heritage. We started our food adventure with a private Ramen and Gyoza cooking class. Next, we took part in a free walking tour that showcased Osaka's bustling markets, a true testament to the city's culinary prowess. Our knowledgeable guide led us through the vibrant streets, sharing fascinating stories and historical insights about the various districts. Afterwards, we indulged in shopping, exploring the many shops and markets that line the streets of Osaka. Having worked up an appetite again, we tried dotonbori (sushi on a conveyer belt), chicken fried sticks at a street vendor, and a sweet strawberry treat.
[This blog is part of a 15-days in Japan series].
Getting to Osaka. With close to 3 million residents, Osaka is a vibrant city famous for its cuisine and nightlife. Traveling there from Kyoto is very convenient. We took the Keihan Line express train to the heart of Osaka, a journey that lasts around an hour. A quicker but pricier alternative is the Shinkansen bullet train.
Private Cooking Class. Our first stop of the day was to take a private cooking class we found on AirBnB experiences. The class covers learning to make two types of Ramen, in our case, Chicken and Miso (Pork is an available option). This engaging experience was a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in the art of Japanese cuisine. Under the guidance of a skilled chef, we learned the intricacies of making Ramen, from preparing the rich, savory broth to crafting the perfect noodles. The chef shared tips about selecting the freshest ingredients and the importance of balancing flavors.
After mastering the Ramen, we moved on to Gyoza, the delicious pan-fried dumplings filled with a savory mixture of meat and vegetables.
Naturally, once we finished creating everything, we enjoyed a feast!
Walking Tour. Stuffed silly with Ramen and Gyoza, we headed out for a free walking tour of central Osaka. This 2.5 hour includes the bustling shopping and restaurant district of Doton-bori, and the Kuromon and Senicchi Markets.
After the tour, we did some shopping for gifts since our tour tip included a comment that many gifts are less expensive in Osaka as compared to Kyoto. Next, after working up an appetite again, we headed out to enjoy some more Osaka culinary delights. The first was a stop to enjoy Dotonbori (sushi conveyer belt).
Next we tried out a fried chicken booth (not pictured), and this yummy Strawberry flavored dessert.
We concluded the day by heading back to Doton-bori to witness the vibrant lights and feel the lively atmosphere of the crowds.
A final photo before catching the train back to Kyoto, with our shopping treasures in hand.
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