With a late arrival to Osaka, an early departure to Koyasan, and a few morning hours before the flight back to the USA, Osaka was a city that was sacrificed on the itinerary for Kyoto and Tokyo.
With that said, I still wanted to see what the old ChatGPT had to say about Osaka. I asked it a few questions based on the twenty-four hour visit meme and the neighborhood I chose to stay in, Dotonbori. Here is what it said:
If you only have 24 hours to spend in Osaka, there are a few key things you should try to do in order to make the most of your time. Here are a few suggestions:
- Visit some of the city’s top attractions, such as Osaka Castle, Universal Studios Japan, or the Tsutenkaku Tower.
- Take a stroll through some of Osaka’s bustling neighborhoods, such as Dotonbori or Shinsaibashi.
- Try some of the local cuisine, such as takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), or kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers).
- Visit a local market, such as the Kuromon Ichiba Market or the Tennoji Market, to try some fresh seafood and other local delicacies.
- Take a day trip to nearby attractions, such as Kobe or Nara.
Dotonbori:
Dotonbori is a bustling neighborhood in the heart of Osaka, known for its vibrant atmosphere, bustling streets, and delicious food. Some of the top things to see and do in Dotonbori include:
- Visit Dotonbori Canal, which runs through the center of the neighborhood and is lined with colorful neon lights and iconic landmarks, such as the Glico Man sign and the Kani Doraku crab-shaped clock tower.
- Try some of the local cuisine, such as takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), or kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers). Dotonbori is home to many restaurants and street food vendors offering a wide variety of delicious dishes.
- Visit Dotonbori’s many shops and boutiques, which sell everything from souvenirs and snacks to clothing and electronics.
- See a show at the National Bunraku Theater, which hosts traditional Japanese puppet performances.
- Take a boat tour of the Dotonbori Canal, which offers a unique way to see the neighborhood and its attractions from the water.
In addition to these activities, there are many other things to see and do in Dotonbori, such as visiting museums, temples, and other cultural attractions. With so much to see and do, Dotonbori is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Osaka.
Phrase of the Day: Some Kansai dialect for you:
- なんば – “Nanba” – This is the Kansai-ben way of saying “nani” (what), and is used to ask questions.
- ばかやろう- “Baka yarou” – This is a common way of saying “stupid” or “idiot” in Kansai-ben.
- へっきだ – “Hekkida” – This is the Kansai-ben way of saying “ikimasu” (to go), and is used to indicate that someone is leaving.
- まじ – “Maji” – This is “really” and is used to emphasize a point or to express surprise.
