The bustling port city of Osaka is believed to have been the site of one of Japan’s earliest human settlements. The city (then called Naniwa) can even claim to have been the Japanese capital on more than one occasion as it vied for influence with Nara during the 7th and 8th centuries.
Modern Osaka is not on the usual tourist circuit that most Jewish American visitors opt for when they combine a trip to Japan with a Jewish heritage tour. This is a pity because Osaka has a lot to offer, including impressive castles and ancient temples, fun entertainment districts and theme parks, and some of Japan’s best food.
Osaka is only a quarter of an hour from Kyoto on the high speed shinkansen (bullet train) and anybody visiting Kyoto should allocate at least a day – and preferably a couple of days to explore Osaka. Gil Travel can arrange a luxury trip to Osaka, with guided tours of its top attractions and delicious kosher food!
Top Places to Visit in Osaka
Although Osaka didn’t make a major contribution to Jewish history in Japan, the thriving trading port was certainly known to the first Jewish merchants and traders who explored the country when it opened to Westerners in the 19th century. When European Jewish refugees began landing in the adjacent port of Kobe in World War Two, Osaka attracted more Jews. Today there is a Chabad presence and a small Jewish expat community.
Osaka Castle (Osaka-jō)
The towering white pagoda style design of Osaka Castle is a powerful symbol of Japan’s feudal past and a reminder of the anarchy and mayhem of the Samurai era. If you’re a history buff, or just want to see some amazing architecture, the castle is a must see site in Osaka. Inside the Osaka-jō is a fascinating museum that details the unification of Japan under the warlord Hideyoshi Toyotomi. As with most things in Japan, the castle design combines practical functionality with beauty and elegance. If you tour Japan during the sakura or cherry blossom season, you’ll find the park surrounding the castle a real delight.
Shitenno-ji Temple
The spectacular Shitenno-ji temple is arguably the oldest temple in Japan – and certainly one of the oldest. It was founded in 593 on the orders of Prince Shotoku, an early advocate of Buddhism. Although the five story pagoda building burned down on more than one occasion, it was faithfully reconstructed in the original sixth century design.
At first glance, there is something stark and imposing about the Shitenno-ji. This impression is quickly offset by the peaceful atmosphere of its Gokuraku-jodo Garden (based on one of the Buddhist heavens), the smell of sandalwood incense and the periodic chanting of monks. Visitors to the Shitenno-ji can also visit the Treasure House which contains a wealth of historical art and other important cultural artifacts.
Dotonbori District
Just when you think you’re beginning to understand Japan, you’ll encounter something completely different and will realise that there is always something fascinating and new around the next corner. The Dotonbori entertainment district is an amazing place to wander around at night and soak up the atmosphere. Dotonbori is famous for its neon lights, vibrant street life, and canal walks. It’s a fun place to explore and is generally safe for all the family to stroll around at any time.
What Dotonbori is really famous for is food. The district has a national reputation for the quality of its street food and the smells from the stalls and small fast food joints will make your mouth water. Local delicacies are Takoyaki (pancake balls filled with diced octopus) that were described by one Israeli tourist as “seafood falafel”. Another speciality is kushikatsu Daruma Dotonbori (skewered and deep-fried vegetables or meat covered in a panko breadcrumb coating and served with various tasty sauces. There are plenty of excellent restaurants in Osaka, but the street food is truly memorable.
Two Restaurants in Osaka You Shouldn’t Miss
Mizuno (Dotonbori)
Mizuno is one of Osaka’s most famous okonomiyaki spots (Japanese savory pancakes). It’s a small, casual, and welcoming place that is always busy. If you want to eat local food with local people, Mizuno is a great place to visit.
Harukoma Sushi (Tenjinbashisuji)
Osaka is a port and there is fresh fish every day. Harukoma is a popular local sushi restaurant offering fresh, high-quality seafood at reasonable prices. It’s a great place to get away from other tourists and enjoy a casual and authentic sushi or sashimi meal.
Dotonbori’s most iconic, not to miss landmark is the Glico Running Man sign. A private guided tour of the district will take in the Shinsaibashi shopping street which is packed with stores, boutiques and souvenir shops – including shops with high end brands. Overall, Dotonbori is best enjoyed on a warm night when the locals are out and about. Watch where they queue for street food and you’ll find the best stalls.
Umeda Sky Building
Modern Japanese architecture is every bit as impressive as its medieval predecessors. The Umeda Sky Building is actually twin 40 story skyscrapers connected by the Kuchu Teien or Floating Garden Observatory. The aerial glass atrium offers panoramic views of the city and is one of the most enjoyable places for kids to visit in Osaka. The best time to go is on a weekend or holiday when there is less traffic smog and you have a clearer view. The sunsets can be particularly magical.
Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
If you’re ready to take a break from the fast pace of big-city life, one place in Osaka not to miss is the Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine. The shrine was originally founded in 211 and grew to prominence centuries later.The Sumiyoshi Taisha is known for its arched Sorihashi bridge and ancient straight-roof architecture. It’s a beautiful and restful place where you can take a few minutes to sit quietly and contemplate. One time of the year when it’s definitely not a restful and meditative spot is the Japanese New Year. Thousands of worshipers visit the shrine to celebrate the annual hatsumōde ritual. It’s a must see event if you’re in Osaka for New Year.
Explore Osaka as a Family
There’s usually a limit to how much highbrow culture and history kids can soak up before they get restless. Fortunately Osaka is full of more appealing attractions for children and grandchildren. A great place to start is Universal Studios Japan (USJ). It’s actually a theme mark modelled on Universal Studios in Florida and attracts millions of visitors every year. Some of the highlights include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World (Mario-themed rides), and Hollywood and Jurassic Park areas.
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) definitely doesn’t offer a traditional Japanese cultural experience, but that’s the whole point. It’s a superb insight into the modern Japanese take on American pop-culture and a chance to see a very different side of Japanese life. The Japanese sometimes come across as very serious and reserved, at least in public and in formal situations, but they love to have fun and their kids really enjoy the USJ theme park.
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
The Kaiyukan is one of the world’s best aquariums, and if you want a close up look at a real life whale shark, it’s one of the must see attractions in Osaka. The Kaiyukan also has interactive underwater tunnels and a collection of marine species from across the Pacific Rim. The aquarium is a top quality educational experience and a fun day out for all age groups, but the younger ones will really love it. When you plan an itinerary for Osaka, the Kaiyukan is a great standby for a rainy day.
Plan a Luxury Trip to Osaka Now
When you plan a luxury tour to discover hidden Jewish traditions in Japan, a side trip to Osaka is an excellent add on that will give you some fascinating insights into modern and ancient Japanese culture. Gil Travel will help to arrange an itinerary that can incorporate private guided tours of local museums and galleries, including the Osaka Museum of History and the National Museum of Art.
Gil Travel can also organize delicious kosher Japanese food through the local Chabad, as well as a home-cooked Shabbat meal and a visit to the Ohel Shelomo synagogue in nearby Kobe. Osaka is a vibrant, energetic and confident city where the people know how to have a good time and like to meet foreigners. If you want to meet local Osakans, talk to Gil Travel. It’s possible to arrange cultural and social gatherings. Japan is one of the few countries in the world that never developed a tradition of anti-Semitism and American Jews usually receive a warm welcome.
