"When night falls, the Shinsaibashi district is lit up in a rainbow's worth of neon lights, signalling shoppers and pedestrians to enter one of the eateries that line the street. Adjacent to the well-known Dōtonbori area, Shinsaibashi is a hotspot for locals and tourists alike, especially for its many restaurants and street food stalls. 

Must-visit restaurants include Kinryu Ramen (pictured above), Kaniyoshi for its crab and blowfish specialities, Danro for top-notch yakiniku, and Hokkyokusei Shinsaibashi, the original omurice store."

Shinsaibashi | Chūō-ku ward, Osaka, 542-0085 

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"When you walk down Dōtonbori, it's impossible to ignore the tempting aromas of fresh takoyaki sizzling away in the specially moulded pans at Takoyaki Kukuru. A treat for all ages, takoyaki is made out of a wheat flour-based batter and sprinkled with bits of octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onion. 

Unmissable thanks to the octopus sculpture on its facade, Takoyaki Kukuru is the epicentre of takoyaki in Japan. World-famous and revered by many, every box is made fresh to order."

Takoyaki Kukuru | 1 Chome−10−5, Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071 | +81 6 6212 7381 | Monday-Friday, 11am-9pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10:30am

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"Known for its intricate and artful plating, Hajime is a three Michelin-starred restaurant that turns your meal into a storytelling experience through its creations. Owner-chef Hajime Yoneda gets his inspiration from nature and the four seasons. 

Its signature dish chikyu (pictured above) is Yoneda's interpretation of the mountains and the ocean, presented with an intricacy not many can achieve in this world."

Hajime | 1-9-11-1F, Edobori, Nishi-ku, Osaka, 550-0002, Japan | +81 6 6447 6688 | Monday-Sunday, 5:30pm-8:30pm

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"Located in the upscale Intercontinental Osaka, Bar Adee provides patrons not only with top class tipples, but also unparalleled views of the Osaka skyline thanks to its 4.8m high windows. Known as a destination for gin lovers, Adee stocks a large assortment of the juniper berry liquor from around the world.

While there, you must not miss its signature cocktail, the GT+1, which you get to build yourself. You'll choose from one of the bar's 70 labels of gin to combine with your favourite tonic and a seasonal aromatic."

Bar Adee | 3-60 Ofuka-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, 530-0011 | +81 6 6374 5700 | Monday-Friday, 5pm-11pm; Saturday, Sunday & public holidays, 2pm-11pm

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"Japan is known for its world-class knives, frequently seen stacked on racks behind sushi counters at omakase restaurants and even in home kitchens. Tower Knives Osaka is the place to get one of these coveted kitchen tools, made for precise slicing and dicing. 

All the knives are crafted in Japan and if you need some guidance, the staff is well-equipped to assist you in choosing the best fit for your needs and budget."

Tower Knives Osaka | 1-4-7, Ebisuhigashi, Naniwaku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, 556-0002 | +81 6 4301 7860 | Monday-Sunday, 10am-6pm

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