Our BIGGEST Japan Mistake? Not Giving Osaka More Time!

Osaka might just be our BIGGEST regret from our Japan trip. Not because we didn't enjoy it — but because we didn't give ourselves nearly enough time here! After exploring Tokyo, Kyoto and Nara, we arrived in Osaka without really knowing what to expect. What followed was a frantic two days in one of Japan's most entertaining cities. We raced to the Umeda Sky Building for sunset (and nearly missed it!), explored the neon-filled streets of Dotonbori, discovered Osaka Castle surrounded by cherry blossoms, and threw ourselves into the wonderfully chaotic world of Shinsekai. And then there was the FOOD! From okonomiyaki and kushikatsu to an incredible nine-course Kobe beef experience, Osaka delivered some of our favourite dining experiences in Japan. Although our first taste of takoyaki didn't go quite so well... We also ventured into a Japanese pachinko parlour, where we barely understood what was happening but somehow walked away with more money than we started with! By the time we left Osaka, we'd realised just how badly we'd underestimated this extraordinary city. Join us as we explore Osaka, Japan, and discover why two days simply weren't enough. If you're planning your own Japan trip, we'd love to hear how much time you're giving Osaka — and what you think we missed! Subscribe for more independent travel adventures, honest experiences and practical travel advice from SK Travel Guide. #Osaka #JapanTravel #dotonbori 00:00 Intro 00:26 Arriving in Osaka 01:20 Racing sunset at Umeda Sky Building 02:55 Dotonbori and our first Osaka meal 05:18 Osaka Castle and cherry blossoms 07:05 Osaka Loop Line Detour 08:00 Shinsekai and kushikatsu 09:55 Pachinko — what just happened? 12:00 Our Kobe beef experience 14:40 Rainy Dotonbori and takoyaki 16:00 Why we wish we'd stayed longer