To make our single day count in Osaka, we agreed to focus on food. If you try to do too many things in one day, it becomes exhausting and unmemorable. Dotonbori in Osaka was recommended by my cousin, and he swears he'll return there to eat again. That sparked our curiosity, and so our food adventure began. Let’s go!
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Travel Tips
- For flights, Skyscanner is excellent for comparing the best airline deals.
- For accommodations, our family trusts Booking.com for reasonable prices.
- Organize your trips easily with a Travel Planner.
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Train Travel From Tokyo To Kyoto
Where to Stay in Kyoto
- Check-in: Seiki Kyoto Station Hotel
- Also called Hotel Seiki Kyoto Station
- Address: 24-5 Higashikujo Kitakarasumacho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8017, Japan
- 5 days 4 nights
- Price: 520 USD / 75,411 JPY (VAT included) for 1 unit with 2 bedrooms, accommodating 4 adults and 1 toddler.
- Take note: All guests staying in Kyoto City will be charged an accommodation tax of 200 JPY per person per night.
Pros
- Great for Budget Travelers
- Suitable for solo travelers, couples, and families
- Just a 6-minute walk from Kyoto Station
- Within walking distance of two major shopping malls
- Experience traditional Japanese-style rooms with Tatami mat flooring
- Bonus: Washer-dryer combo inside the room
- Close proximity to most Kyoto attractions
I absolutely love the traditional Japanese-style rooms at Seiki Kyoto Hotel. The use of tatami mat flooring in the bedrooms enhances the authentic Japanese experience even more.
Read more: Budget-Friendly Place to Stay in Kyoto for Families - In this post, I will highlight our accommodation in Kyoto, along with nearby dining options, shopping spots, attractions, and much more.
October 21: Osaka - Dotonbori Food Trip
Before boarding the train from Kyoto Station to Osaka Station, we had breakfast first. Nakau is an excellent choice if your accommodation doesn't provide breakfast and is within walking distance of Kyoto Station. It was also conveniently located near our stay at Seiki Kyoto Station Hotel.
Nakau: For Fast and Affordable Meals
Nakau provides quick and budget-friendly meals that we really enjoyed. Our breakfast was warm, delicious, and quite satisfying. There is plenty of seating available as well.
- Nakau - Kyoto Hachijo Entrance
- Address: 第一土木ビル ５３-1 Higashikujo Kamitonodacho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8002, Japan
- 12 USD for 2 adults and 1 toddler
- 4-minute walk from Seiki Kyoto Station Hotel
Nakau provides quick and budget-friendly meals that we really enjoyed. Our breakfast was warm, delicious, and quite satisfying. There is plenty of seating available as well.
- Use an IC card (Suica or PASMO) for convenience.
- Route: Take the JR Kyoto Special Rapid Line from Kyoto Station to Osaka Station.
- Cost: 580 JPY per person/ 3 USD
- Travel Time: 28 minutes
When choosing a train, remember there are three types: local, special rapid, and limited. We took the Special Rapid Service Train for convenience. Always check the train name carefully—double-check and even triple-check before boarding, as it can be quite confusing!
How to get to Dotonbori by train
The nearest and most convenient way to get to Dotonbori is by train, via Namba Station on the Midosuji Line.
Take Exit 14
See a Family Mart immediately after the exit
5-10-minute walk straight to the Dotonbori Canal and the famous Glico sign.
- Dotonbori: the heart of Osaka, featuring a canal and culinary delights)
- Osaka Castle (free entry, located near Dotonbori)
- Kuromon Ichiba Market: offering an authentic taste of Osaka's vibrant food culture
- Universal Studios Japan (35 minutes from Kuromon Ichiba Market)
- Adult ticket prices range from 50 USD to 71 USD
- Free admission for children under 4
From the impressive list created by Saul, the ultimate Master Researcher, we decided to visit only Dotonbori since we had just one day and wanted to take our time. I was pregnant and had a toddler in tow, so this was the best choice. Even if I wasn't pregnant, spending the whole day in one place was enjoyable. We got to try lots of food and didn't feel rushed to see everything.
Dotondori Street Food: Our Favorites!
Crispy Chicken Strips at Torikara Stick
- Chicken Strips for 780 JPY
This was definitely my favorite! My brother got a bag, and I may have eaten most of it—pregnancy cravings? What can I say? Ahahaa!
They’re bite-sized, deep-fried chicken breasts served on skewers. I like how they're crispy on the outside yet juicy on the inside. There’s a self-serve condiment bar, and the spicy chili was the winner! Other options include mayo, ponzu, and black pepper.
- Regular Gyoza: 350 JPY
- Secret Miso Gyoza: 750 JPY
Gyoza are Japanese dumplings filled with minced meat and vegetables, known for their crispy exterior and juicy interior. This was another favorite; its savory and crispy, just how I like it!
Favorite Desserts Worth Every Bite
Japanese Cheese Yen
Japanese Cheese Yen
- Cheese Yen: 500 JPY
Cheese Yen is a fun snack that's small and round like a coin. It's crispy and waffle-like, filled with mozzarella cheese. Expect a long line here as it's really popular in Dotonbori because it looks amazing, and who doesn't love cheese? I know I do!
Warm Dango
- Dango: 400 JPY
Strawberry Tanghulu
We purchased a skewer of candied strawberries. Strawberry Tanghulu is a well-known snack; the strawberries are juicy, while the sugar coating adds a delightful crunch. This treat is a popular street food in Dotonbori.
- Famous street food: Strawberry Tanghulu for 500 JPY
We purchased a skewer of candied strawberries. Strawberry Tanghulu is a well-known snack; the strawberries are juicy, while the sugar coating adds a delightful crunch. This treat is a popular street food in Dotonbori.
Okonomiyaki, also known as "Japanese Pizza"!
Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake with flour, eggs, cabbage, and ingredients like pork, seafood, or cheese. Cooked on a griddle, it’s topped with sauce, mayonnaise, and seaweed or bonito flakes.
Unagi (Eel)
Other Popular Osaka Street Food
Be sure to try Takoyaki and Asahi beer!
Be sure to try Takoyaki and Asahi beer!
Takoyaki is made from a batter filled with octopus, green onions, and pickled ginger, cooked into crispy balls. They’re topped with sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes.
Asahi Beer
Also, pair your meal with Asahi beer, the top-selling beer in Japan!
Uncover Osaka's Vibrant Culture with Klook
Explore Kyoto's rich culture with tours, activities, and must-see attractions. Check out Klook for a wide range of affordable and reliable options.
Explore Kyoto's rich culture with tours, activities, and must-see attractions. Check out Klook for a wide range of affordable and reliable options.
Fortune-telling Machine
This was fascinating: when you put a coin in, a short tune plays, and the doll dances before giving you a fortune slip.
We saw his huge TV, and there we are! It was a cute moment, and sometimes it's just fun to join in on the crowd's crazy excitement!
Look, you can't miss the giant moving mechanical crab! This restaurant is known for its grilled crab legs.
Dotondori at Night
At Shin-Osaka Station: Explore Umeda Underground Shopping
After Dotondori, we returned to Osaka Station, took a stroll, and enjoyed a delicious dinner with tender beef steak strips.
After Dotondori, we returned to Osaka Station, took a stroll, and enjoyed a delicious dinner with tender beef steak strips.
Unwind at Cookhouse Coffee
- Cookhouse coffee and pastry: 11 JPY
- 1 drink per person to have a seat
This is just steps from JR Osaka Station on Basement 1 of the Umeda Underground Shopping area. Cookhouse Coffee is a café that serves freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, and coffee. I needed a break from all the crowds, and this was a nice break from walking around the Umeda Underground Shopping area.
Discover EKI MARCHÉ Osaka for Shopping and Dining
EKI MARCHÉ Osaka is a slice of the colossal Umeda Underground Shopping maze.
It is located inside JR Osaka Station by the Sakurabashi Gate, just within the ticket gates and offers shopping and dining options.
- Located in: EKI MARCHÉ Osaka
- Beef Bento Box with Dashi (Japanese soup stock): 20 USD
The beef steak served on top of warm rice, complemented by their signature sauce, was absolutely delicious.
This is my ultimate secret to making travel hassle-free: I use a Travel Packing Checklist. This ensures I don’t forget essential items and prevents those frantic last-minute shopping trips for things I already own but left behind. I didn’t realize how much I needed this notebook; it truly keeps my journeys organized and stress-free. Check out Flying Starfish Studios for unique journals, notebooks, and planners.
Here's another special Packing checklist designed for families. It includes packing lists for babies and kids to ensure nothing is overlooked!
Take it Easy: Eat with Your Eyes
There are lots of things to try and eat in Dotonbori, and whatever you choose will be great. Don't just follow what the media suggests; instead, wander around, let your eyes guide you, and enjoy the different flavors of Japanese food.
The following day, we went to the Pokémon Center, followed by a visit to Yasaka Shrine.
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Do you want more adventure in Japan?
Explore Tokyo
Travel Visa for Filipinos
Do you want more adventure in Japan?
Tokyo Travel Tips
- Where to Stay in Tokyo: Budget-Friendly
- Which One To Get: Commuter Pass, IC Card or Welcome Suica Card For Tourist?
- How to Reach Narita Airport from Tokyo Station
- Narita Airport: What To Do while Waiting for Flight/Bus
- Pokémon Center Tokyo DX: Largest Pokémon store, with a Pokémon Café.
- Tokyo Station: Must-visit for Amazing Ramen, Anime, & Manga Stores
- Shibuya: Easy Itinerary, World's Busiest Pedestrian Crossing & Pokémon Centre
- Ueno: Simple Itinerary, Things To-Do and Delicious Eats at Ameyoko Market
Explore Kawaguchiko "Best Mt. Fuji Views"
Explore Kyoto
- Tokyo to Kyoto: The Fastest Way to Travel
- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest: How to Avoid the Crowds
Explore Osaka
Where am I going next?
- For our next adventure, we're looking forward to Discovering the Beautiful Island of Hokkaido in Japan. I can't wait for this trip!
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