Day 12 – Kyoto to Osaka 🌟
After bidding farewell to our cozy apartment, we took advantage of the convenient luggage transfer service arranged by the apartment management, ensuring a hassle-free transition to our next destination.
Arriving at the train station, we eagerly boarded the Shinkansen bound for Osaka. The sleek bullet train whisked us away at exhilarating speeds, and before we knew it, we had arrived in Osaka in just under 30 minutes—an impressive feat that left us in awe of Japan’s efficient railway system.
From Osaka Station, we made a seamless transfer to the Mimaru Namba Station, where our accommodations awaited us. Our family had booked a total of four rooms to accommodate our group of nine adults and three children, and we were thrilled to discover the comfort and convenience that awaited us at Mimaru Namba.
The lobby of Mimaru Namba welcomed us like a cozy social lounge, where guests could gather to play games provided, read books, or enjoy complimentary drinks.
Our family room was a delightful haven, featuring a queen-size bed and traditional tatami beds that we could lay out on the floor at night. The spacious layout also included a dining area and a bathtub, providing ample space for boys to play.
But what truly captured the hearts of our boys were the toys in the room. From slides to train tracks and a treasure trove of toys, it’s basically so hard to get them out of the room.
Located in the vibrant Namba district, Mimaru Namba boasts a prime location that puts the best of Osaka within easy reach. Situated near multiple train stations, including the bustling Namba Station—where the train from Kansai Airport arrives—the hotel offers unparalleled convenience for travelers. Restaurants, convenience stores, and iconic attractions like Kuromon Market, Denden Town, Dotonbori, and Shinsaibashi were all within walking distance,
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After exploring the streets, we packed food and slowly enjoyed our dinner in the room while the boys played with the toys.
Day 13 – Exploring the Vibrant Streets of Osaka: Kuromon Market and Shinsaibashi-suji 🌟
Kuromon Ichiba Market, affectionately known as “Osaka’s Kitchen,” is a food lover’s paradise. Stretching over 580 meters, this bustling market is packed with over 150 shops offering a tantalizing array of fresh seafood, delectable street food, and local delicacies. Visit in the morning to experience the market at its freshest and avoid the larger crowds.
Some of the market’s must-try treats include:
- Takoyaki: Osaka’s iconic octopus balls, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Kushikatsu: Deep-fried skewers of meat, seafood, and vegetables, served with a savory dipping sauce.
- Oden: A comforting winter dish featuring various ingredients simmered in a flavorful broth.
- Grilled Seafood: Freshly grilled scallops, crab legs, and sea urchins are just a few of the seafood delights available.
Among the many stalls that we tried, one that stand out was Kurogin, a renowned tuna stall. Kurogin specializes in top-grade tuna, carefully sourced and expertly prepared to highlight the fish’s natural flavors. Visitors can choose from a variety of cuts, including the highly prized otoro (fatty tuna), chutoro (medium fatty tuna), and akami (lean tuna)
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We couldn’t resist the fresh meat from the market either! Luckily, our brother’s family cooked up a feast for us, resulting in a hearty dinner followed by a delicious supper after the kids went to bed.
In addition to its culinary offerings, Kuromon Ichiba also features stalls selling traditional Japanese sweets, kitchenware, and unique souvenirs.
📍 Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street
2 Chome-2-22 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0085, Japan
After the children woke up from their nap, we headed over to Shinsaibashi-suji, a bustling shopping arcade in Osaka. Stretching nearly 600 meters, this covered street is packed with a variety of shops, boutiques, cafes, and entertainment options.
We did a lot of shopping and snacking and one of our best finds was Onitsuka Tiger shoes (and more uniqlo clothes lol}! The area was beautifully illuminated by the time we were done shopping and we took a slow stroll back to our apartment.
