Osaka, Japan

Osaka was one of the places where I truly did not know what to expect, and maybe that is why it felt so welcoming from the moment I arrived. The city has an easy openness to it, and meeting a friend who knows the area added a layer of insight that made exploring even more enjoyable. With a bit of local guidance, Osaka quickly shifted from unfamiliar to inviting.

Walking through the centre was one of the highlights. The neon signs, the crowds, the constant movement, it all created an atmosphere that felt both energetic and strangely comforting. The alleys were impressive at any hour, full of small shops, lanterns, and unexpected corners that looked completely different by day and by night.

The castle area offered a quieter contrast. The open grounds and the view of the main keep made for great photo opportunities, especially with the mix of old architecture and modern skyline in the background. It was one of those places where you slow down without even trying.

Osaka’s temples added yet another layer to the experience. Hozenji Yokocho, with its narrow stone path and moss‑covered statue, felt almost hidden. Namba Yasaka Shrine, with its massive lion‑shaped stage, was unlike anything I had seen before. Aizendo Shoman offered a calmer, more traditional atmosphere. Each one showed a different side of the city and added its own perspective.

The absolute highlight came after sunset. Going up Tsutenkaku Tower gave me an incredible view over Osaka, a sea of lights stretching in every direction. It was the perfect way to take in the scale of the city and a moment that stayed with me long after I left.

Osaka may have started as an unknown, but it quickly became one of the most welcoming and memorable stops of the journey.