Making Each Day Count

Osaka holds a special place in my heart as the first city in Japan that D and I ever visited. That unforgettable trip sparked our love for Japan and kick-started what became an annual tradition of exploring the country. Over the years, we’ve made it a point to visit new places as often as we can. Looking back now, I realized it had been seven years since we last went to Osaka. Back in 2017 we only had a brief stopover though, as Kyoto was our main destination. This year, however, D and I had a chance to go back to Osaka and stay for a couple of nights.

The AirBnB we stayed at a short walk away from the Orange Street, a stylish shopping district within America-mura. Unlike most of our trips, we had no fixed itinerary this time—our plan was simply to wander Osaka’s streets. Though shopping was not a priority, we still had fun browsing the shops. D was drawn to the bicycle shops and sneaker shops in the area, admiring the unique and reare finds. I, on the other hand, spent my time browsing in vintage shops and indulging the cafes in our neighborhood.

Dotonbori, which was a few blocks away, was as lively as I remembered. It was bustling with crowds and neon lights. As usual, I waited in line for a taste of the takoyaki street food. As for taking a photo of the famous Glico Man, the only time we could get a proper shot was in the wee hours of the morning.

One of highlights of our visit to Osaka was our trip back to the Osaka Castle, a prominent landmark of Osaka that blends history and architectural beauty. It is a surrounded by a stone wall and a tranquil moat, and truly a sight to behold. We walked to the castle from our AirBnB, so we felt hot. The park surrounding the castle was a green oasis, and we rested at one of the park benches, cooling off with a bottle of cold green tea and a grilled squid snack before heading back, this time opting to take the train.

As we revisited the places we’ve been to the first time we went many years ago, I cannot help but feel nostalgic throughout the three days we were in Osaka. The city had not only aged well, it feels as vibrant and welcoming as ever, and we immediately felt at home. Each visit deepens my love for this city, and I already cannot wait to return.