The city where visitors are encouraged to ‘eat till they’re bankrupt’

Osaka, Japan CNN —

Let’s be honest. Osaka hasn’t got Tokyo’s mind-bending urban sprawl, where every turn opens up a world of adventure. Likewise, it lacks the historic temples, tree-covered hills and ancient history of Kyoto.

What it does have, though, are two of the biggest draws any visitor to Japan could ask for. The best food anywhere in the country. And the people, who are funky, fun and playful.

This is a place to come and eat, enjoy the odd local brew and take in a city where day-to-day pleasures come to the fore unlike anywhere else.

Food is practically a religion in Osaka, which is now anticipating the global spotlight as it gears up to host Expo 2025. It is known as the kitchen of Japan, and, for foodies, any tour of its myriad culinary delights must start in Dotonbori.

The streets along either side of the Dotonbori Canal, between the Dōtonboribashi Bridge and Nipponbashi Bridge, in the city’s Namba district, are the place to spend a gut-busting afternoon. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see restaurants adorned with huge, moving mechanical crabs and octopus models looming above, demanding you come inside and eat.

Octopus is, unquestionably, the main ingredient here, the essential part of Osaka’s great gift to Japan: takoyaki. Dough balls filled with diced octopus, fried until blisteringly hot, they can be picked up for on-the-go snacking wherever you turn.

Takoyaki — octopus balls — are considered a must-eat street food in Osaka.

However, as Tokyo-based CNN producer Junko Ogura says, these are not for eating in one go.

“It’s really hot,” she says. “Just be careful. Not the whole thing!”

Of course, few tourists can resist this approach, even if it does leave them with a scorched mouth.

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