Osaka Cuisine and Hidden Gems: A Family Guide to Local Food & Secret Spots

**Enjoy History and Nature at Haniwa Park!** When we think of kofun (ancient burial mounds), most of the enormous keyhole-shaped ones are designated as imperial tombs, making them off-limits to the public. However, there's an exception in Osaka—a keyhole-shaped tomb that you can actually visit! This kofun is now a lush park spanning 9 hectares. The inner embankment surrounding the mound offers a 1 km loop, perfect for walking or running. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom beautifully, and on sunny weekends, you'll often see families enjoying picnics. One of the park's highlights is the reenactment of the "Great King's Haniwa Festival" on the inner embankment. This is the only place in Japan where a haniwa ritual site is recreated, featuring about 190 haniwa figures, including houses, people, and animals. The sight is truly spectacular! Some of these haniwa can even be touched, allowing visitors to feel a direct connection to history. Why not refresh yourself in

The Local Delight: The Charm of Shirasu Don Shirasu don, a beloved local dish, features a generous serving of fresh "kama-age shirasu" (boiled whitebait) atop a bowl of rice. This simple yet exquisite meal is typically enjoyed with soy sauce and condiments like egg yolk, green onions, perilla leaves, and shredded seaweed, which further enrich the flavor. Sometimes, tuna is mixed in for an added twist. There is also a variation called "nama shirasu don" made with fresh, raw shirasu. However, because raw shirasu spoils quickly and is difficult to manage in terms of quality, it is not widely available. To savor a bowl of nama shirasu don, one must visit regions near fishing ports where fresh shirasu can be obtained directly. Unfortunately, the catch of shirasu has been declining year by year. While frozen shirasu is commonly available in regions with high catches, its flavor and texture are inferior to those of kama-age shirasu. For the best experience, it&

Medetai Densha: The Pink Train That Brings Happiness – "Sachi-go" Hello everyone! Today, I have the pleasure of introducing you to a delightful train that will warm your heart. Meet the "Medetai Densha"! This charming pink train, named "Sachi-go," is inspired by the sea bream ("tai") and is designed to bring happiness to all who ride it. A Joyful Train Blending "Tai" and "Medetai" The "Medetai Densha" features a vibrant red exterior that instantly brings a smile to your face as it pulls into the station. This train beautifully combines the celebratory meanings of "tai" (sea bream) and "medetai" (joyful), making it an exciting sight to behold. Sachi-go: A Train That Glides Along the Rails Just stepping onto "Sachi-go" will put you in a celebratory mood. It feels like the train is gliding through the water, offering a unique and joyful ride. You'll want to stay

Matcha Curry: A Unique Culinary Experience Itohkyuemon is a long-established tea shop that was founded in the late Edo period. They continue to produce their unique teas in Uji City, following the traditions of the Ito family’s tea gardens. Beyond matcha, they offer a wide array of matcha-based sweets and traditional Japanese confections, making their products ideal Kyoto souvenirs! The Buzz Around "Uji Matcha Curry" One of Itohkyuemon's standout offerings is the "Uji Matcha Curry." You might wonder how a tea shop famous for matcha sweets ventured into curry, but this intriguing collaboration has become a sensation on social media. At one point, it was so popular that it sold out frequently. Nowadays, it’s readily available, even at their Kyoto Station store. What About the Taste? So, what does it taste like? The curry sauce's deep green hue might seem a bit unconventional at first glance. However, it's packed with surprisingly large chunks o

Amazake: The "Drinkable IV Drip" You Can Enjoy Year-Round Amazake, a traditional Japanese beverage made from fermented rice, has recently been gaining attention as a "drinkable IV drip." Known for its natural sweetness and low alcohol content, amazake is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here, we'll explore the charm of amazake and how to savor it throughout the year. Cool Amazake for Hot Summers Amazake isn't just for winter. In fact, it’s highly recommended to drink it chilled during the summer to prevent heat exhaustion and dehydration. Sake lees amazake is particularly effective in replenishing fluids and electrolytes lost due to the heat. On a scorching summer day, try refreshing yourself with a cold glass of amazake. Warm Amazake for Winter Comfort Amazake is especially popular during the winter months. Drinking warm amazake on a cold day can warm you up from the inside. Often, ginger juice is ad

Welcome to Lover's Cape, a breathtaking spot where love is celebrated! Lover's Cape has been a beloved destination since 1998, coinciding with the opening of the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge. With its stunning views of the expansive sea and the beautiful bridge, it’s no wonder this place became known as a gathering spot for lovers. Couples visiting Lover's Cape follow a charming tradition: they attach padlocks to the chain fence, symbolizing their wish for eternal love. The fence is adorned with countless "love locks," each representing a unique story of affection. But Lover's Cape isn't just for couples. It’s a highly recommended spot for everyone. Whether you're with friends, family, or even solo, you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery and a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. The stunning views are sure to bring a sense of tranquility and joy to anyone who visits. So, why not take a trip to Lover's Cape? Enjoy the magnific