How to reach the city?
We made our way to the city by metro, but getting there was an adventure in itself. With our luggage in tow, we had to climb what felt like hundreds of stairs while rushing to catch the correct train. It was a tiring but memorable introduction to Japan's fast-paced public transport system. One thing I highly recommend is getting an ICOCA card. It's incredibly convenient for using public transportation, and you can easily top it up at ticket machines or through the mobile app. It made traveling around the city much simpler and saved us the hassle of buying individual tickets for every journey. Maps.me and Google maps are necessary for every step.
The Beginning of the Adventure
After checking into our hotel, we headed straight out to find something to eat. We wandered through the nearby streets before making our very first stop in Japan—a 7-Eleven. To our surprise, it turned out to have some of the best convenience store food we had ever tasted. Everything was incredibly fresh, delicious, and beautifully prepared. And yes, the famous Japanese egg sandwich absolutely lived up to the hype—it was one of the best I've ever had. By then, it was time to call it a night. At least, that was the plan. The excitement of finally being in Japan, combined with the seven-hour time difference, made falling asleep much harder than expected. Jet lag had officially arrived.
Day 1: History, Hidden Corners & Neon Nights
We started our first day in Osaka with a visit to the iconic Osaka Castle, one of the city’s most famous landmarks and a symbol of its rich history. From there, we continued to the Museum of Housing and Living, where we stepped back in time and explored what Osaka looked like during the Edo period.
Right next to the museum is Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, the longest shopping street in Japan. Walking through its lively arcades, we discovered traditional foods, local shops, and everyday Japanese home goods that gave us a glimpse into the local lifestyle. Our next stop was Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade, one of Osaka’s most popular shopping areas, filled with fashion stores, cafés, and endless streets of energy.
From there, we headed to the Umeda neighborhood, where we visited the famous Umeda Sky Building and enjoyed panoramic views of the city.
As the day came to an end, we explored Dotonbori Street, the heart of Osaka’s nightlife and the city’s most famous destination for street food. Surrounded by bright neon lights and the sounds of the city, we tasted some of the most delicious local specialties — the perfect way to end our first day in Osaka.
Day 2 — A Journey Through the Future: Expo 2025 Osaka
Our second day in Osaka was dedicated to exploring Expo 2025, a global celebration of innovation, culture, and ideas shaping the future. Held on Yumeshima Island, the Expo brought together countries from around the world, each presenting its own vision of technology, sustainability, and human connection. Walking through the futuristic pavilions, we discovered unique designs, interactive experiences, and stories from different cultures. Every corner offered something new — from advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to ideas about how we can create a more sustainable and connected world. Beyond the exhibitions, the architecture itself was an experience. The massive wooden Grand Ring surrounding the site became one of the most impressive symbols of Expo 2025, offering incredible views and a feeling of walking through a city built for tomorrow. Spending a day at Expo 2025 was not only about seeing innovations; it was about imagining what the future could look like when creativity, technology, and people from different backgrounds come together.
