Japanese ADVENTURE

The buzzing city of Osaka is a real foodie paradise, as well as a gateway to some of the country's top sights

- ELLA DOVE

Ask any Japanese person and they'll tell you the same: Tokyo might be Japan's capital, but when it comes to food, second city Osaka rules. Set further south on the main island of Honshu, next to historic cultural hub Kyoto, the city is ideal for hungry travellers who also want to combine it with day trips to see ancient temples, teahouses and gardens.

Old and new

On your arrival, get to grips with the character of this Japanese metropolis by exploring its diverse main districts. Osaka Castle is a great place to start: originally built in 1583, it played an important role in unification of Japan. Head to the observation deck on the 8th floor for 360-degree views of the grounds and surrounding city; meanwhile, lower floors tell the story of the castle's history. The surrounding park is also worth exploring, with beautiful shrines and temples, plus there's a handy mini train.