Japan - Part 1 Osaka: Japan’s kitchen
- , by Tracey Emney
- 7 min reading time
Travelling to Japan was, first and foremost, a holiday - a chance to explore, slow down and experience a culture very different from our own. But for someone who works in food, travel is always an immense source of inspiration and helped us over the years to achieve global flavours across our menu. It's also impossible not to view the journey through a second lens and quietly observe how Japan approaches convenience food. I was delighted to experience the vast array of affordable, healthy, everyday, ready-to-eat options. Experiencing this firsthand - as a family navigating busy travel days, late nights and hungry teenagers - offered invaluable insight into how convenience and nourishment coexist. It set the tone for a trip that was equal parts pleasure, curiosity and inspiration.
We Feed You's Japanese inspired Chicken Curry
Eating in Japan can feel intimidating at first - especially when you hear about high-end, invitation-only restaurants and long booking lists. While those places certainly exist, the reality is that you can eat exceptionally well simply by walk-ins.
Some of our most memorable meals came from stepping into neighbourhood restaurants with no reservation, often on a whim, and eating alongside locals. Once you move even slightly away from the main tourist hubs, dining options seem to multiply - small family-run places, casual counters and quietly brilliant kitchens that don’t appear on any “must-visit” list.
It doesn’t take much to step off the main streets and let curiosity lead the way. In Japan, good food is everywhere - you just have to be willing to wander in and see what’s available.
Sights, Street Food and New Year Magic in Osaka
Our journey began in Osaka, a city often called Japan’s kitchen or the place to "eat yourself to ruin", and it proved to be the perfect place to start our Japanese adventure.
New Year’s Eve in Osaka: Where Food and Festivities Meet
We arrived in Osaka just in time for New Year’s Eve, stepping straight into the buzz of locals coming together in the city streets. One of our first stops was a bustling food market that led us down towards the famous Dōtonbori Bridge, where the atmosphere was electric. Neon signs reflected on the water, food stalls sizzled, and families, couples and groups of friends gathered to soak up the moment together.
Despite the huge crowds at this time of year, everything felt calm and orderly. People moved patiently, queues flowed without frustration, and there was a genuine sense of shared respect. It was our first real lesson in Japanese patience - one you quickly learn to embrace and carry with you everywhere you go.
Nearby, the shopping strip, markets and laneways were alive with the smells of takoyaki (octopus balls), grilled skewers, sweet treats on sticks and steaming bowls of noodles. It’s casual, affordable and perfect for teenagers who love choosing “just one more thing to try”.
A Step into History: Osaka Castle
While the teenagers enjoyed a well-earned sleep-in, my partner and I took the opportunity to visit Osaka Castle, which offered a calmer, more reflective experience. Surrounded by parklands and wide walking paths, it’s an easy place to explore while learning about Japan’s history. The contrast between ancient architecture and the modern city skyline is striking - a beautiful reminder of how seamlessly Japan blends the old with the new.
Shinsekai: Bright Lights, Big Flavours
One of our favourite stops was Shinsekai, easily accessible by train and full of bright lights and character. Wandering through its narrow streets felt like stepping into another era, with colourful signage, quirky shops and a distinctly local vibe.
Takoyaki (octopus balls) found all over Osaka.
Shinsekai is famous for kushikatsu - deep-fried skewers of meat, seafood and vegetables - and you’ll find them everywhere. The rule is simple and taken very seriously: no double-dipping in the communal sauce! It’s fun, informal dining that kids love and a great way to sample lots of flavours without committing to one large dish.
It's also a great place to take the opportunity to step behind a curtain and taste what's inside. This was our first taste of simple but delicious Udon Noodles with Tofu!
You’ll also quickly notice rows of gachapon (or gacha-gacha) machines lining the streets. These capsule toy dispensers are found all over Japan and work by inserting a coin, turning the handle (gacha), and waiting for a plastic capsule to drop out (pon) with a surprise inside. They're hard to get your head around but you'll quickly see they are loved by everyone - kids, teenagers and adults alike.
Shinsekai has its own twist on this classic pastime. Here we spotted adult gachapon, often sealed in black capsules to signal cheekier, novelty surprises inside. They’re part of the area’s playful personality rather than anything shocking.
Between the flashing lights, arcade games, eateries spilling onto the footpath and the towering Tsutenkaku Tower watching over it all, Shinsekai perfectly captures Osaka’s playful spirit.
Why Osaka Is the Perfect First Stop (and How Long You Really Need)
Looking back, Osaka was an ideal place to arrive in Japan, especially as a family. It’s energetic without being overwhelming, easy to navigate, and instantly immerses you in Japan’s food culture.
If you’re short on time, two days/two nights is plenty to experience the highlights:
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Day one spent exploring Dōtonbori, soaking up the atmosphere and eating locally - the perfect introduction to Japan’s street food and casual dining culture.
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Day two starting with Osaka Castle, followed by another wander through Dōtonbori during the day, before catching the train in the early evening to Shinsekai, when the lights come on and the area really comes alive.
We’d also recommend staying within walking distance of Dōtonbori, but not right in the middle of it. Being close made it easy to pop in and out, especially at night, while still having a quieter place to retreat to - a balance that worked perfectly when travelling with teenagers.
Next stop - Kyoto
IMPORTANT:
This is not a gluten-free travel blog, and it’s important to be upfront about that. Travelling in Japan with coeliac disease can come with real challenges as gluten is common in everyday ingredients such as soy sauce, broths and marinades.
That said, I've read that travelling gluten free in Japan is possible with preparation, patience and flexibility. Tools like translation apps, dedicated gluten free travel posts, clear explanation cards, and choosing carefully can make a big difference. Supermarkets can also be helpful for identifying safer options, though labels still need to be checked carefully.