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Wine Bar in Osaka's Retro 1950s Food Alley: nighthawks at Shin-Umeda Shokudogai

On the 2nd floor of Shin-Umeda Shokudogai, a retro food alley near Osaka Station since 1950, a small wine bar draws night owls to its 15-seat counter. Meet nighthawks.

Osaka

Umeda

Gourmet

Izakaya & Bistro
Where to Buy Japanese Knives in Japan: Guide to Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto & Traditional Blade Towns

Your guide to buying Japanese knives in Japan. Top shops in Tokyo, Osaka & Kyoto, plus blade-making towns like Sakai and Seki.

Japanese history and culture
Japanese Knife Guide: How to Choose, Sharpen, and Care for Your Blade

Learn how to choose the right Japanese knife—Santoku, Gyuto, or Deba—and keep it sharp. This guide covers blade types, steel materials, whetstone sharpening, and daily care.

Japanese history and culture
Whole Octopus Takoyaki in Dotonbori: Odoridako's Must-Try Street Food

Odoridako in Dotonbori serves takoyaki with a whole baby octopus in each ball. A must-try Osaka street food with stunning visuals and fresh taste.

Osaka

Dotonbori

Gourmet

Osaka Takoyaki
How to Make Matcha at Home: A Beginner's Guide to Whisking Japanese Green Tea

Learn how to make matcha at home with this beginner-friendly guide. From choosing the right tools to whisking techniques, discover how to enjoy authentic Japanese green tea.

Japanese history and culture

Japanese Tea & Matcha
Umeda Shibachika Guide: Osaka's Popular Underground Food Hall with 13 Trending Restaurants

Umeda Shibachika: Osaka food hall 1 min from Hankyu Station. Trending Japanese, Western, Chinese, and Korean restaurants loved by locals.

Osaka

Umeda

Gourmet

Entertainment District
Kofu Castle Guide: Towering Stone Walls and Mt. Fuji Views in Yamanashi

Kofu Castle features stone walls over 14 meters high and panoramic Mt. Fuji views from the tower base. Your guide to highlights, walking routes, and seasonal attractions.

Yamanashi

Kofu City

Tourism

Japanese castle
100 famous castles in Japan
National Historic Site
Kofu Castle Stone Wall Exhibition: 400-Year-Old Ruins Preserved Underground in Yamanashi

See authentic 400-year-old stone walls from Kofu Castle, preserved in a government building basement. Free admission in Yamanashi.

Yamanashi

Kofu City

Tourism

Japanese castle
100 famous castles in Japan
What Is a Tetsudo Jinja? Japan's Unique Railway Shrines and Where to Find Them

Tetsudo Jinja, or railway shrines, are unique to Japan. Built to pray for safe travel or honor railway workers, these shrines dot the country. Learn their history and locations.

Japanese history and culture

Shrine
Hakata Tetsudo Shrine: Fukuoka's Rooftop Sanctuary 60 Meters Above Hakata Station

Perched 60 meters above Hakata Station, Hakata Tetsudo Shrine is a rooftop sanctuary in Fukuoka where travelers pray for safe journeys.

Fukuoka

Hakata

Tourism

Shrine

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