Osaka guide

“Osaka’s kitchen”: about 170 stalls under one arcade — seafood, wagyu, fruit, street snacks to eat as you walk.

TipBusiest from late morning; many stalls close by early evening, so go early.

The old streets under Tsutenkaku, where Osaka eats deep-fried skewers dipped in a shared sauce.

TipOne dip only — never double-dip.

The Glico running man, the giant crab, neon on the canal; takoyaki and okonomiyaki everywhere.

TipBest after dark, when everything lights up. Ebisubashi bridge is the photo spot.

Osaka’s retro tower over a Showa-era neighbourhood; the observation deck looks across the south of the city.

TipRub the feet of Billiken on the deck — it is said to bring luck.

Electronics, anime, figures and gacha — Osaka’s answer to Akihabara, right around the corner.

TipMost shops open around 11:00.

Founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku, one of the oldest temples in Japan; a gentle uphill walk to the five-storey pagoda.

TipAn antiques flea market fills the grounds on the 21st and 22nd of each month.

A mall built like a canyon, with terraced gardens climbing eight floors; restaurants and a cinema inside.

TipThe rooftop garden is free — a quiet place to sit above the city.

The grand department store at Nankai Namba Station; the basement food hall is one of the best in the city.

TipThe basement is the place for gifts and boxed sweets to take home.

A fashion building for younger brands, cafés and character shops, right by the station.

TipTax-free counter inside for overseas visitors.

Osaka’s great covered shopping street: 600 metres of drugstores, boutiques and department stores, starting right across Ebisubashi bridge from Dotonbori.

TipFrom Namba Marui, keep walking north along the arcade — over the bridge and you are in it. Roofed the whole way, rain or shine.

The 24-hour discount store with a Ferris wheel on top — cosmetics, snacks and souvenirs in one go.

TipOpen all night; handy on the way back.