Osaka

Osaka…🇯🇵 Just hearing the name makes my heart race. It feels like I’m about to meet an old friend I’ve missed for so long, even though we’ve never met before. Osaka has a charm that truly makes me feel this way. The moment the plane touched down at Kansai Airport, I couldn’t stop smiling. The atmosphere here is uniquely vibrant—the stylishly dressed people, the melodious language I couldn’t understand, and the cool, refreshing air that made me want to take deep breaths and keep it in my heart forever. Getting into Osaka city is incredibly easy. Japan’s trains are the best in the world—punctual, clean, and so quiet that you feel like you’re resting your soul. I sat on the train, gazing at the scenery outside, passing small towns that looked like paintings, with trees, skies, and people walking their dogs along the streets. It was simple yet inexplicably charming. Once I arrived in the city, I unpacked and headed straight to the must-visit spot… Yes, Dotonbori! The liveliest area in Osaka, filled with bright lights, giant billboards, and the aroma of fried food wafting through the air. I took a photo with the iconic Glico sign, striking its famous pose, smiling at the camera just as I had dreamed, and then hurried to the busiest takoyaki stall. Hot takoyaki drizzled with rich sauce and topped with bonito flakes dancing in the breeze—it was both appetizing and adorable at the same time. The first bite made me internally exclaim, "Wow!" The batter was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with chewy octopus pieces that were so satisfying. Just the takoyaki alone made me fall in love with Osaka tenfold. After that, I wandered around, discovering cute souvenir shops, Japanese sweet stores with pastel-colored mochi, and Korean-style cafes decorated with small plants and warm lights—perfect for resting my feet and sipping a latte. Another highlight for me was Kuromon Market, often called "Osaka’s Kitchen." It has everything from sashimi, grilled meat, bubble tea, to giant strawberries the size of your palm. The vendors were incredibly friendly. I couldn’t resist buying a large oyster grilled fresh on the spot. Oh, the aroma, sweetness, and natural salty flavor were simply divine. The next day, I was determined to visit Universal Studios Japan (USJ)—a must-go destination! Fans of Harry Potter, Minions, Pirates, or Disney cartoons will absolutely love it here. Walking into the Harry Potter zone almost brought me to tears. Hogwarts Castle stood majestically before me, and the Three Broomsticks shop had smoke wafting from its entrance. It felt like stepping into a magical world. Let me tell you, the rides here are insanely fun (with a million exclamation marks). Especially the Minion zone, where everything is designed to be super adorable—the colors, the music, and the cheerful vibe. I took hundreds of photos with Minion dolls and enjoyed mango-flavored ice cream served in a Minion-themed cup. It was so cute I wanted to keep the cup forever! After all the excitement, I sought a quieter spot and decided to stroll around Osaka Castle. Let me tell you, it’s as beautiful as a scene from a Japanese movie, surrounded by a park and a moat. Even though it wasn’t cherry blossom season, the trees still exuded a romantic charm. Walking around, I could feel the history and beauty of the city slowly telling its story through the breeze. In the evening, I went to Umeda Sky Building to enjoy a 360-degree view of the city. At the top, there’s an open-air deck where you can see all of Osaka. The sky gradually changed from bright blue to shades of orange, pink, and purple before turning dark. Sitting there, gazing at the view, felt like time had stopped. Osaka at night is stunning—the lights from the tall buildings weave together like a Japanese fabric pattern, possessing a charm that photos can’t fully capture. You have to see it with your own eyes. Before heading back, I couldn’t miss Shinsaibashi, a shopping district that truly has everything—cosmetics, clothes, bags, knick-knacks, and plenty of Japanese and Korean-style cafes. I chose to sit at a famous cat-themed cafe, ordered a cute pancake, and jotted down my trip’s memorable moments in a small notebook I had brought along. Osaka isn’t just a city in Japan; it’s a city with a heart. It’s warm, friendly, and filled with little charms in every smile, every word, and every treat I tried. It’s a city that made me realize that traveling isn’t just about reaching a destination—it’s about collecting happiness piece by piece, smile by smile, story by story. Thank you, Osaka, for making my heart bloom like a child receiving a gift. Thank you for teaching me that "happiness" is easier to find than I thought—just walk into a sweet shop, enjoy delicious takoyaki, and smile at yourself in the mirror. One day… I’ll come back to you, Osaka 🌸💖🍡