Day 6: Two Days in Kyoto, from Nishiki Market and Fushimi Inari at Night to Cycling Arashiyama
mata ne (またね, See you later) Tokyo (For Now)
Leaving Tokyo is always quite a sad thing for me. It’s the city in Japan that I first fell in love with and it will forever be my spiritual home in Japan and leaving (even if I was coming back in a few days!) always feels like closing the final chapter in a book you never want to end, equal parts nostalgic and heartfelt.
Image Credit: Photo: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
That said, making our way to Tokyo Station filled me with excitement. No matter how much wonder Tokyo surprises you with, there is a whole other world outside of it in Japan that is equally as amazing and beautiful.
So, with our camera rolls full, our power banks and devices charged, our hearts even fuller, and one suitcase too many, we set out for our Kansai adventure. Cue: Bounce, our travel MVP.
Storing Luggage with Bounce at Big Echo Yaesu Honten near Tokyo Station
We dropped our bulkiest bag, the one stuffed with souvenirs, gacha capsule toys, and an almost outrageous number of second-hand and designer clothes, at the Bounce partner location inside Big Echo Karaoke Yaesu Honten near Tokyo Station. Open until 5 a.m., this place gave us peace of mind and an extra spring in our step as we rolled toward the Shinkansen platforms.
With a good chunk of our travel stuff staying behind in Tokyo for the next few days at Big Echo, we were free to explore the rest of Japan lighter, and trust me, that makes all the difference. When you’re navigating station after station, weaving through escalators and staircases, hopping in and out of cabs or trains before even reaching your next hotel room, every kilo or should I say gram, counts. Bounce made it effortless.
Pro tip #1: Arrive at the station early. You’ll want time to browse any of the cafés or souvenir stores and even try your palate at a station ekiben, those beautifully boxed bento meals that put ALL airline food to shame.
We opted for pastries and sandwiches this time round, grabbed from a place that felt like a proper Parisian patisserie (love Japanese pastries). Buttery croissants, fluffy melon pan, and Japanese sausage rolls: it’s honestly rude how good Japan’s train station food is.
Pro tip #2: Sort out your Japan Rail Pass in advance, don’t leave it until the last minute. The 7 day ordinary pass costs 50,000 yen on the official Japan Rail Pass website (53,000 yen through overseas agents since 1 October 2026). Collecting it can take a while, and the lines at the JR EAST Travel Service Center are no joke. Very important: Don’t forget your passport if you pre-ordered your pass and want to exchange it for the physical pass. The name on your order needs to match the one on your passport, and if you don’t bring it with you, they won’t hand you your Japan Rail Pass.
Also, ALWAYS request reserved seats (if you can) when you’re making your bookings. The non-reserved cars (often just two or three in total) fill up fast, and you don’t want to be standing with your luggage in a packed carriage while flying across the country at up to 285km/h.
Then came the moment: boarding the Shinkansen bound for Kyoto. The train glided in like clockwork, arriving exactly 10 minutes before departure. With food in hand, and bags stashed neatly above our seats, we settled in, clicked our tray tables down, and watched Tokyo melt into the countryside. Mount Fuji made a cameo, misty and majestic.
Arriving at Kyoto Station and Dropping Our Bags with Bounce
As the Shinkansen pulled into Kyoto Station, the city greeted us like an old soul.
Our ryokan check-in wasn’t until 3 p.m., and after the smooth ride, we weren’t exactly keen to lug our bags around for hours. So we did the smart thing: grabbed a much-needed coffee from a nearby café (because caffeine always helps), and headed straight to a Bounce partner near Kyoto Station to drop off our luggage. It was a lifesaver.
Kyoto Station’s coin lockers are notoriously packed, sometimes literally 24/7, and having dealt with that chaos on a trip before COVID, I had zero interest in retracing those frustrating steps, wandering the station hoping to find a locker big enough for all our stuff. Bounce let us skip the stress entirely and we could instantly start exploring Kyoto with hands free and shoulders light.
How We Used the Bounce App
With our Japan travel eSIM active and data on, using the Bounce app couldn’t have been easier. We simply opened the app, shared our location, and instantly saw a list of nearby Bounce partners around Kyoto Station. You can also search based on where you’re heading, so whether it’s Gion, Arashiyama, or Nishiki Market, there’s likely a spot close by.
We selected the location, entered what we were leaving (one suitcase, one backpack), picked the number of hours, and paid, all within 30 seconds. No fiddling with change, no praying for coin lockers to be free. In Japan, where accessing cash can be surprisingly inconvenient (especially if you’re relying on international cards and need to find a Seven Bank ATM), the ability to pay with your card directly through the app is a real help when you’re navigating Japan and juggling a lot.
It felt like one of those rare travel tech wins, no stress, no queues, no wondering if we were about to get turned away. Just tap, drop, go.
Afternoon: Tako Tamago and Street Food at Nishiki Market
As expected, because this is Japan, after all: we arrived in Kyoto hungry and eager to dive into the local food scene. First stop: Nishiki Market, also known as Kyoto’s Kitchen. The scent of roasted chestnuts, sizzling skewers, and fresh yuba (tofu skin) drew us in like moths to a very delicious flame.
Image Credit: Japan National Tourism Organization
I sampled the tako tamago, a bright red baby octopus with a quail egg delicately stuffed inside its head. Yes, it looks a little intimidating at first glance, but don’t knock it till you try it. The texture was surprisingly tender, the glaze sweet and sticky, and the quail egg added a rich, creamy contrast.
Wandering through Nishiki Market was a sensory adventure of its own, trying not to bump shoulders with the steady stream of other visitors (yes, it’s touristy, but not overwhelming), we moved at a leisurely pace, taking it all in. I don’t recall having to queue for anything too long, and every few steps brought something new: more of Japan’s ongoing strawberry mania (I even had a strawberry whisky highball that was so good), juicy meat skewers sizzling on charcoal, and mouthwatering seafood street food served fresh and fast.
Pro tip: Make sure to get some cash out before heading to the market, card readers can be rare, and cash is definitely king here. Your best bet? Hit up a 7-Eleven or SEVEN BANK ATM: they almost always accept foreign cards and let you withdraw yen at the local exchange rate. You’ll get a far better deal than the ones you’ll find at the airport, which usually come with inflated rates and extra fees. Other convenience stores such as FamilyMart and Lawson usually have ATMs too, but sometimes you won’t be able to withdraw money with your international bank card.
After stuffing our bellies with mochi and daifuku, we eventually made our way to our ryokan and checked in. Tatami mats, sliding doors, and green tea on arrival: it was the kind of cultural reset I didn’t know I needed.
Next: Siesta time. No matter how much I’m trying to squeeze into a Kyoto itinerary, I always carve out time for a power nap. Trust me, recharging for an hour can make the difference between dragging your feet through the evening and fully soaking up the magic of Kyoto after dark.
Evening: Gion, Yasaka Shrine, Gion Karyo and Fushimi Inari After Dark
I woke just in time for dusk and made my way to Gion, Kyoto’s famed geisha district. The streets glowed with the soft, golden light of lanterns, and each step along the cobblestones felt like slipping back through time. Of course, Gion draws a crowd: it’s Kyoto, after all, so don’t be surprised to find plenty of other tourists around. But even amidst the bustle, the magic somehow holds.
I was lucky enough to spot a maiko (apprentice geisha) gliding past in her ornate kimono, her steps quiet and composed. It was one of those travel moments that stops you in your tracks. Thankfully, this time, no one was harassing her with intrusive cameras or shouting for her attention, something I’ve sadly witnessed before. Tourist behaviour can be a real issue here, and I’ll be honest, I’m conflicted. On one hand, it’s disappointing to see Kyoto’s serene beauty overshadowed by crowds and disrespect. On the other, it’s easy to understand why so many are drawn to this city. It’s a place of deep history and rare grace, a gem that, naturally, the world wants to see.
Image Credit: Photo: Moja, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
We stopped by Yasaka Shrine, where the vermilion West Gate stood proud against the night sky. Illuminated and serene, it felt like the city was whispering its secrets to those willing to listen.
Dinner was a feast for all senses at Gion Karyo, a kaiseki restaurant where each course was a mini art piece. Delicate sashimi, miso-grilled eggplant, and tofu that melted like custard: we barely spoke, except for “mmm!” between bites.
Just when we thought the night was winding down, we made a spontaneous decision: Fushimi Inari Taisha, after dark. With the crowds mostly gone, we began our quiet ascent beneath the endless rows of glowing vermilion torii gates, just the two of us and the soft rustle of trees overhead. As we climbed higher, Kyoto’s city lights began to glimmer through the trees, offering magical views of the illuminated skyline below.
Visiting at night is something I’d recommend to everyone. The peace, the cool air, the absence of crowds, especially as you approach the summit, make it a completely different experience than during the day. The climb itself is gentle at first, winding slowly through shrines and forest paths, but the final stretch does get steeper. That said, I’ve seen Japanese grandmothers take it on with steady determination, so really… What’s your excuse?
Image Credit: Francesco Ungaro
We ended the night at The ANSONIA CAFE, tucked just beside Inari Station, right where most visitors begin their ascent into Fushimi Inari Taisha. It was the perfect place to wind down after our nighttime hike. The bar had a warm, inviting ambiance, soft lighting, relaxed music, and that comforting hum of late-night conversations. Over drinks, we exchanged stories with the friendly owner, a couple of locals, and a few fellow travellers who, like us, were still riding the high of their shrine visit. It was one of those serendipitous moments that remind you how travel connects strangers in the most unexpected places.
Our Second Day in Kyoto: Cycling from Kinkaku-ji to Arashiyama and Pontocho
Woke up early, drank some matcha and swapped the train tracks for bike paths.
Morning: Cycling to Kinkaku-ji and the Ryoan-ji Rock Garden
Cycling is arguably the best way to unlock corners of Kyoto you’d never reach otherwise. In a place where your itinerary is often packed to the brim and you’re constantly checking must-see spots off a list (because let’s face it, Kyoto is overflowing with them), the humble bike becomes a secret weapon. Seriously, unless you’ve got endless time to wander on foot, or the budget to hire a personal driver, you’ll quickly realise that pedalling is your golden ticket to seeing more, without sacrificing the slow, intimate pace that Kyoto deserves. With neither unlimited time nor a wad of cash at my disposal, the bike quickly became my best friend.
Our first stop: the shimmering Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion. With its dazzling gold leaf facade mirrored perfectly in the still waters of the pond, it looked like something conjured straight from a fairytale. Even amidst the clusters of tourists, it held a kind of sacred calm. Next, we glided through quiet backstreets and tree-lined paths to Ryoan-ji, home to one of Japan’s most famous Zen rock gardens. Fifteen stones placed with deliberate mystery across a sea of raked white gravel, somehow, it spoke volumes without saying a word. I sat for a while, trying to decipher the ancient symbolism… then gave up and simply let the silence wash over me.
Image Credit: Photo: Nacaru, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Afternoon: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Iwatayama Monkey Park
After temple-hopping, we rolled into Arashiyama, where the city softened into something quieter, greener, almost enchanted. The bamboo grove rose up around us, towering stalks of emerald green stretching toward the sky like nature’s cathedral. The air grew hushed and cool. Every step felt like walking through a poem, wrapped in dappled light and the whisper of leaves.
But then, the vibe shifted, from serene to simian. We hiked up to Iwatayama Monkey Park, where panoramic views of Kyoto sprawled out below us. And then came the monkeys. Some lounged like furry sages. Others? Those absolute gremlins, darting around, eyeing up bags and snacks like professional pickpockets. It was wild, chaotic, and hands-down one of the most unexpectedly fun experiences of the day.
Back in central Kyoto, we also made time for a bit of tea shopping at Kyo-Chikiriya, a long-established Kyoto tea house whose shop sits on Sanjo-dori just west of Muromachi-dori (open 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, closed at weekends and on public holidays). We picked up a few bags of nutty Houjicha and toasty Genmaicha, each one fragrant, flavourful, and perfect for bringing a bit of Kyoto’s calm home with us.
Evening: Pontocho Alley and Jazzy Sport Kyoto
Before calling it a night, we couldn’t resist a stop at Pontocho Alley, that impossibly photogenic riverside strip where tradition and nightlife blend into something straight out of a Ghibli frame. Lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, jazz spilled from behind wooden sliding doors, and the scent of grilled yakitori danced in the air. It was cinematic, romantic, and quietly electric.
Kyoto is also a living, breathing city full of creatives and culture. As fans of lo-fi beats and chill soundscapes, we made a detour to Jazzy Sport Kyoto, a stylish little sound bar and record store on the fifth floor of the y gion building in Gion, a short walk across the Kamo River from Pontocho (open 2pm to 8pm, closed on Tuesdays). It’s a haven for music heads, vinyl stacked neatly, ambient beats rolling through the air, and a laid-back vibe that makes you feel like you’ve slipped into a secret Tokyo-meets-Brooklyn hideout. Honestly, if you love lo-fi, hip hop, or jazz fusion, this place is an essential stop.
Yes, we adore the temple trails and ancient soul of Kyoto, but stepping into these more local, modern corners is just as important. It’s how you connect with the city beyond the guidebooks, chatting with baristas, browsing in boutique shops, sharing music, sipping tea. These are the moments that show you the real rhythm of Kyoto: the pulse of everyday life that sits alongside all that history and makes the city unforgettable.
Image Credit: Photo: Wolfiewolf, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Day 7: Nara Park Deer, Kasuga Taisha and the Great Buddha at Todai-ji
With our energy restored (and our nerves calmed), we boarded a train for Nara. It’s a quick trip from Kyoto, but feels like stepping into a fantasy novel.
After checking out of our ryokan in Kyoto, we boarded a rapid train bound for Nara, our next stop, and our first time exploring this former capital. The journey takes less than an hour, but Nara feels like a world apart. It’s calmer, greener, and carries a quiet, almost storybook-like charm. While Kyoto dazzles with its grandeur and pace, Nara invites you to slow down and take things in gently, a city with its own distinct rhythm and identity.
With our suitcases in tow, we made a quick but essential stop at a Bounce partner near Sarusawa-ike Pond to drop off our bags. Unburdened and ready to explore, we set off with light shoulders and open eyes, eager to see what Nara had in store.
Image Credit: Nara Travelers Guide
One thing you notice quickly is how much pride Nara takes in its identity, and rightly so. As you wander through the streets, especially near the shopping arcades and temple paths, you’ll 100% be tempted to pick up a deer-themed souvenir, whether it’s a keychain, postcard, plushie, or all of the above. The city’s love for its famous four-legged residents is everywhere, and to be fair, it’s kind of irresistible.
Morning: Feeding the Deer in Nara Park and the View from Nigatsu-dō
Naturally, we couldn’t wait to meet Nara’s most famous locals, the bowing deer of Nara Park. And we were not disappointed. The park was peppered with them, lounging under trees, strutting through temple gates, and occasionally blocking footpaths like little fuzzy emperors.
We bought a few stacks of deer senbei (crackers), about 200 yen each, sold by local vendors.
Pro tip: bring coins or small change, as cash is the only way to buy the treats, and make sure to ideally buy them early on since sometimes the crackers are sold out and it might be hard to find another vendor later on. That said, one of our favourite moments was totally unplanned, an elderly local man cycled past, smiled, and handed us a small handful of acorns, telling us they were the deer’s “natural favourite.” That small, warm gesture stayed with us the entire day.
From there, we made the short hike up to Nigatsu-dō Hall, a serene temple hall perched on a hill overlooking the city. The panoramic view of rooftops and rolling green hills was just breathtaking, one of those quiet moments where you exhale and realise just how far from home you really are.
Afternoon: Kasuga Taisha, Naramachi, Nakatanidou Mochi and Todai-ji
We wandered into the shady, mossy paths of Kasuga Taisha, where ancient stone lanterns lined the walkways like silent guardians. Nestled further into the woods, we found Meoto Daikokusha, a small shrine dedicated to love and marriage. Of course, we couldn’t resist making an offering, writing our wishes on ema (wooden plaques) and hanging them with hundreds of others under the trees. A quiet ritual of hope, surrounded by whispered prayers and the smell of cypress wood.
Image Credit: WaYuSoAn
For lunch, we tucked into a cosy Teishoku meal, a classic Japanese set with grilled fish, pickles, miso soup, and rice, before strolling through Naramachi, the old merchant district full of narrow lanes, wooden houses, and inviting little souvenir shops.
As we turned a corner, we found ourselves in front of Nakatanidou, just in time to witness the famous mochi pounding performance. It was a spectacle, lightning-fast, rhythmic, and dramatic, as two men pounded sticky rice with giant mallets while another turned and flipped the mochi in perfect timing (and somehow didn’t lose a finger). Of course, we had to try some, fresh, stretchy yomogi mochi filled with sweet red bean paste. It tasted like spring.
We then headed towards one of Nara’s most iconic sites: Todai-ji Temple. Towering over the landscape, it houses the Daibutsu, or Great Buddha, a colossal bronze statue seated in quiet majesty. Walking into the temple, with its massive wooden beams and the faint scent of incense, felt like entering the very soul of ancient Japan. Entry to the Great Buddha Hall costs 800 yen for adults.
Evening: Hana Hana Small Animal Café and the Train to Osaka
With the sun beginning to dip low, we realised just how quickly the day had flown by. But we had room for one final stop. On a whim, we made our way to Hana Hana Small Animals Pet Café, a charming little hideaway where we ended our Nara adventure cuddling chihuahuas, chinchillas, rabbits, and a particularly photogenic ferret. It was the perfect, fuzzy wind-down to an already magical day.
We retrieved our bags from Bounce, hearts full and arms lighter, and made our way to the station for the next leg of the journey: Osaka. As the train pulled out of Nara, I looked back at the city that had surprised me more than I ever expected, with its warmth, wonder, and quiet charm, and I found myself already planning a return.
One thought really stuck with me: while Kyoto rightly gets the spotlight as the destination to experience Japan’s ancient and historical soul, Nara offers an alternative, one that’s softer, more relaxed, and just as rich in cultural depth. Nara has a stillness that draws you in gently.
Day 8: Umeda Sky Building, Osaka Castle and Dotonbori
Time to trade Nara’s stillness for Osaka’s sizzle. We rolled into town with coffee in hand and a game plan. I’ve always had a soft spot for Osaka: it’s grittier than Tokyo, a little rougher around the edges, and far more compact, which makes it easier to navigate. But more than anything, it wears its title as Japan’s culinary capital with pride, and for very good reason.
In Tokyo, I tend to bounce between sushi counters, cosy izakayas, and the eclectic world of yōshoku, Japan’s spin on Western comfort food, from fluffy omelette rice and creamy gratins to Japanese-style Italian and French café fare. But Osaka? Osaka is where I go full throttle into the world of street food.
This is the city where I unapologetically scarf down okonomiyaki (those glorious savoury pancakes), takoyaki (gooey octopus balls fresh off the griddle), and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers of just about anything). There’s something deeply satisfying, almost primal, about biting into something hot, slightly greasy, and perfectly crispy after a long day of exploring. And in Osaka, that “yaki-something” moment just hits differently.
Image Credit: Photo: Aoi, via Unsplash
The evening we arrived, we checked into the very modern, sleek and elegant Grand Prince Hotel Osaka Bay. It’s located a bit further out from the city centre, but honestly, it worked out perfectly. The hotel runs free shuttle buses for guests to Shin-Osaka Station every day and to JR Osaka Station at weekends and on public holidays, making it easy to dip into the heart of the city, then retreat back to a quieter space to unwind. A solid combo of comfort and convenience.
Morning: The Floating Garden Observatory at Umeda Sky Building
Our first big stop of the day? The iconic Umeda Sky Building, a futuristic architectural marvel that looks like it was pulled straight from a sci-fi film set. Its twin towers, linked at the top by a “floating garden observatory,” hover 173 metres above the ground, giving you jaw-dropping views of the entire cityscape.
The way this building was constructed is as impressive as the views, a real feat of engineering. Built from two separate towers that were constructed independently on either side, the upper deck that links them, the part that creates that iconic “floating” shape, was assembled at ground level and lifted into place using a method known as the “raising-in method.” Watching how this came together in the building’s small museum display was mind-blowing in its own right. Up there, you’re standing on top of one of Japan’s boldest architectural accomplishments (bold claim I know).
Riding the glass-walled escalator suspended between the towers was both thrilling and mildly terrifying (especially if you’re not great with heights like I am), but reaching the top was worth every heartbeat. From the observatory, you’re treated to a 360° view of Osaka, from its rivers and high-rises to distant mountain silhouettes. Entry to the observatory costs 2,000 yen for adults.
If you’re even remotely into architecture or works by Japanese architects, this should be a priority stop. I found myself wishing more cities offered deep-dive walking tours just for structures like this, Japan especially, where innovation and design are always hiding in plain sight.
Image Credit: SEKISUI HOUSE
Afternoon: Osaka Castle Park and the Castle Museum
With stomachs full and spirits high, we made our way to Osaka Castle Park. The castle itself is one of Japan’s most famous landmarks, and stepping inside feels like walking into a live-action epic.
The museum inside Osaka Castle is genuinely fantastic: it walks you through centuries of Japanese history, from samurai armour and folding fans to strategic battle maps and secret passageways. If you’re a history lover or Sengoku period nerd, this is your playground. Learning about Hideyoshi Toyotomi, the castle’s original builder, and his role in the unification of Japan during the warring states era was astonishing. It’s one thing to read about the Sengoku period in books, but standing on the observation deck, looking out over the city he once ruled? That hits differently.
Pro Tip: Book your Osaka Castle ticket in advance. We used the Klook app, it took less than a minute, and we completely skipped the queue, walking straight in while others waited in line. Total win. Admission to the main tower is 1,200 yen for adults.
Evening: Dotonbori, Hozenji Yokocho and a Tombori River Cruise
As night fell, we headed straight to Dotonbori, Osaka’s pulsing, neon-soaked heart. Under the glowing gaze of the Glico Man, we dove headfirst into the city’s signature chaos: flaming-hot takoyaki, cheesy okonomiyaki, crispy kushikatsu, and ice-cold street-side beers. Every bite was indulgent and unforgettable. Dotonbori is a full-on experience, too.
Image Credit: Photo: Schellack, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
We ducked into Hozenji Yokocho, a narrow, lantern-lit alley tucked just behind the madness. The sound of sizzling grills gave way to laughter drifting from tucked-away izakayas. This is where Osaka’s soul lives, in the little places most people walk past.
To take a breather, we hopped on the 20-minute Tombori River Cruise along the Dotonbori canal. Floating past glowing signs and curious onlookers, we got a deeper look into the area’s history. Dotonbori, we learned, dates back to 1612, when local entrepreneur Nariyasu Doton (often called Yasui Doton) and his partners began digging the canal to boost trade in the area. Doton died fighting in the Siege of Osaka, and the canal was finished by his partners in 1615 (hence the name: Doton’s Canal). Onboard, we were introduced to a few Osaka delicacies and even picked up a new Kansai word: instead of saying arigatou, locals often say “ōkini” to say thanks. Little details like that made the ride feel like a window into the city’s personality.
By the end of the cruise, our legs were jelly (too many okonomiyaki stops? Possibly), so we wound down with our go-to comfort ritual: coffee and cake at Hoshino Coffee, right on the Dotonbori strip. Cosy lighting, fluffy soufflé pancakes, and rich hand-drip coffee, this place always hits the spot, and it gave us a moment to sit back, savour the chaos we’d just witnessed, and let Osaka settle into our bones.
Day 9: Kuromon Market, Amerikamura, HEP Five and Shinsekai
Morning: Kobe Beef Skewers and Uni Bowls at Kuromon Ichiba Market
Kuromon Ichiba Market, affectionately known as Osaka’s kitchen, was buzzing the moment we arrived. The smells alone were enough to make your stomach growl, charred beef, sizzling seafood, and sweet matcha floating through the covered arcade. It didn’t take long before we went full glutton.
We started with a Kobe city classic: buttery Kobe beef skewers, seared right in front of us, the fat melting away like silk on the tongue. Then came the uni rice bowls, briny, rich, and ocean-fresh, and just when we thought we couldn’t eat another bite, a stall lured us in with towering matcha parfaits layered with jelly, cream, and mochi. And yes, we said yes.
Every stand had something new to try, octopus skewers, torched scallops, fried eel, juicy strawberries, tamagoyaki, and freshly steamed pork buns. It’s the kind of place that forces you to slow down and savour, even as the crowd hums around you.
Image Credit: Photo: Cody Chan, via Unsplash
Afternoon: Street Fashion in Amerikamura and Vintage Shops in Nakazakicho
We decided to explore two of Osaka’s most creative, style-forward neighbourhoods: Amerikamura and Nakazakicho.
Amerikamura (or “Amemura” as the locals call it) had that raw, electric energy, think Tokyo’s Harajuku with a grittier, funkier twist. Graffiti walls, indie fashion stores, local designers, vinyl record shops: it’s a playground for street style lovers. We wandered from boutique to boutique, admiring Osaka’s unique fashion edge, which felt rougher and more experimental than anything we’d seen in Tokyo, and that’s exactly what made it so refreshing.
From there, we headed to Nakazakicho, a totally different vibe but equally magnetic. With its narrow alleys, vintage cafés, and second-hand shops tucked into old wooden buildings, it felt like stumbling into a time capsule curated by artists. We scored some of the best vintage finds of the whole trip here (sorry Tokyo), everything from retro jackets to rare baseball team merch, and the prices? Way better than we expected. Honestly, we found pieces here that we didn’t even see in Tokyo, which made the hunt feel all the more rewarding.
Image Credit: VOYAPON
With shopping bags multiplying and arms starting to ache, we dropped everything off at a Bounce partner right by Umeda Station, giving ourselves a much-needed breather before our next stop.
The Red HEP Five Ferris Wheel on Top of an Umeda Shopping Centre
Our final urban thrill of the afternoon? The HEP Five Ferris Wheel, perched dramatically on top of the HEP Five shopping complex in Umeda.
The bright red wheel towers above the city and offers stunning panoramic views of Osaka’s skyline. But let me tell you, this thing is not for the faint-hearted. Because it sits on top of a building, the highest point of the ride is 106 metres above the street. One turn takes about 15 minutes and costs 800 yen, and it moves slowly, which gives you plenty of time to take in the view or, in my case, question your life choices.
As someone who’s not great with heights, I had to focus on my breathing while clutching the seat. But yes, the view was incredible, Osaka stretched out in all directions, glittering in the late afternoon sun. Would I do it again? Maybe. Probably. But I’ll need moral support and a soft pancake as a reward.
Heads up: If you’re buying your ticket at the counter, make sure to bring cash. Most places at attractions like this still don’t accept international cards, so it’s best to have yen on hand to avoid any awkward surprises.
When we finally touched down, I was so grateful to be back on solid ground. I nearly kissed the pavement (almost, this is Japan, and the streets are clean, but let’s not push it).
Image Credit: Rakuten Travel Experiences
Evening: Tsutenkaku Tower, Smart Ball New Star and Kushikatsu in Shinsekai
After picking up our bags from Bounce, we made a final dash into the neon-soaked streets of Shinsekai, Osaka’s retro gem that feels like stepping into the Shōwa era. The streets were lit by the glowing Tsutenkaku Tower, and old-school arcades like Smart Ball New Star buzzed with clicking sounds and the laughter of families and locals reliving their childhoods.
Dinner? You already know: kushikatsu, the deep-fried soul food of Osaka. Skewers of pork, prawns, quail eggs, even lotus root, dipped, fried, and devoured with zero regrets. It was the perfect end to a jam-packed day, blending the old, the bold, and the delightfully unexpected.
