hello i am going to japan in a few months and i would like to know what is the best stuff to see in osaka? that is where i will be going

thanks
shawn

Hi,

Sorry that Im not familiar with Osaka, but I think Doton-bori is one of the places where many foreigners come to vist in Osaka.
There you can have Osaka-originated foods just like Takoyaki, and you can enjoy local atmosphere which is totally different from the one in Tokyo.
Hope it could help you.

brgds,

i just recently went to japan last summer.. and in fact stayed in osaka. piece of advice.. DO MOST OF YOUR SHOPPING IN OSAKA if you're going to other cities in Japan. in my personal opinion, they have the best fashion, best food, nicest people, best everything.

some places i suggest to you would be:

1. Universal Studios Japan
>>if you don't know any Japanese and you're going with a translator I'd probably NOT recommend this place. I myself don't know really any Japanese and the rides (which have dialog) are well... all in Japanese and you won't know what's going on. XD but if you DO happen to know the language it'll be a lot of fun for you! oh, and prepare to stand in long lines.

2. Osaka Castle
>>if you're interested in the history of Osaka, you should go. well heck.. you should go anyway. you can't say you've been to osaka and NOT seen osaka castle. it's a must. but prepare to walk a ways up to the thing. but there will be vendors on the way to grab a snack. be sure to get ice cream in front of the castle as well!

3. Amemura - "American Town"
>>by far the best thing about Osaka. me and my girlfriend walked around for hours enjoying this place. it's west-southwest of Shinsaibashi Station and has a lot of restaurants, bars and places to shop. BE AWARE OF THE 300 YEN SHOPS. you can get some really great stuff for just 300 yen. you'll also see some interesting people there.. i.e. big hair and cowboy boots. yeah, i was surprised. but although it's called "American Town" i found it to be very Japanese-y.

4. Big Step
>> I guess you could say it's a shopping mall. It has the famous Gloomy Bear store in it too. (apparently Osaka was where it originated). the prices are outrageous though. 7000yen for a tshirt. no thanks. when you're there try and find the restaurant with the Tomato ramen soup, near the cheesecake factory. it was delicious.

hope this helped!

>> I guess you could say it's a shopping mall. It has the famous Gloomy Bear store in it too. (apparently Osaka was where it originated). the prices are outrageous though. 7000yen for a tshirt. no thanks.

Hmm Gloomy Bear ...Makes sense I suppose. Mr Gloomy Bear is the guy whose girlfriend shops there right...? 7k yen for a tshirt ... forget daylight robbery. That's murder!