Nelson Char's Reviews Page 1/2

Osaka Kizu Wholesale Market

One of the largest privately-operated regional wholesale markets in Japan, Osaka Kizu Wholesale Market draws droves of professional chefs seeking top-quality ingredients. With a history spanning nearly 300 years, the market originated in the Edo period as a “nodachi-uri” (open-air trade market) where people brought their goods to sell.

Shinsaibashi, Namba, Nipponbashi (Minami)
Shopping Streets

6 Feb 2026 See More

Coming early in the morning really makes a difference. The seafood all looked super fresh, and the sashimi colors were insanely beautiful.

Tsutenkaku Tower

A steel tower which looks like the Eiffel Tower and 75 meters high was built In 1912, on top of a building which was the motif of the Arc de Triomphe, and named “Tsutenkaku” meaning “A building reaching the heaven'' by Nangaku Fujisawa, a Confucian in the early Meiji period. After being broken down due to a fire, citizens lobbied for rebuilding and the current 2nd Tsutenkaku was built in 1956.

Tennoji, Shinsekai
Observatories

6 Feb 2026 See More

As soon as you get to Shinsekai, you’ll spot Tsutenkaku right away—it’s so easy to recognize. Going up to the observation deck was decent, but honestly the main thing is shopping and wandering around down below.

Kuromon Market

Kuromon Market in Minami, the heart of Osaka, is said to have started around 1822 and was approved as an official market by Osaka Prefecture in 1902. The market got the name “Kuromon Market (Black gate market)” because the gate to Enmyoji Temple near the market was black. Since then, it has been loved as Osaka’s favorite kitchen, and it has become a popular tourist attraction these days.

Shinsaibashi, Namba, Nipponbashi (Minami)
Shopping Streets

3 Feb 2026 See More

Prices are kind of tourist-area pricing—not cheap. But I still end up buying sometimes. The wagyu, uni, and grilled scallops are seriously irresistible, and my self-control goes out the window fast.

Tower of Osaka Castle

Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who unified the country during the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568-1600), began construction of the tower of Osaka Castle in 1583 and completed it in 1585. The castle was later destroyed during the Osaka Natsu no Jin（summer campaign of Osaka） in 1615, but was rebuilt by the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1626. However, the castle keep was destroyed by lightning in 1665. In 1931, the castle tower of the Toyotomi period was reconstructed with donations from Osaka citizens.

Osaka Castle, Kyobashi
Tourist Attractions

3 Feb 2026 See More

The castle keep really stands out—you can spot it from far away. It totally has that “yep, I’ve been to Osaka” vibe.

Otaru Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street

Located just one street away from the main thoroughfare facing the Otaru Canal, Sakaimachi-dori flourished during the Meiji and early Showa periods, becoming Otaru's main street.

Otaru and Niseko
Shopping Streets

3 Feb 2026 See More

The architecture has so much character. No matter where you point your camera, it feels very retro-Japanese. There are quite a few tourists, but the atmosphere still feels pretty laid-back.

Toyosu Ramen

This ramen shop sits on the corner of the intersection just outside Toyosu Station, under a red, easy-to-spot signboard. The menu packs every kind of noodle variety from the popular Tantanmen to soy sauce, miso, tonkotsu, tsukemen and more. Bowls starts at 800yen, and Tantanmen at 1050 yen, a bang for your buck that ramen-enthusiasts love.

Tsukiji, Odaiba, Toyosu
Ramen

15 Aug 2022 See More

The minced meat is fragrant with a little bit of spice. I recommend trying the Tantanmen.

Araya Yama Jinja

Araya Yama Shrine has been revered as god of the mountains and industry, which was built in 1534. At the foot of Mt. Fuji, the main hall and the rear hall stand. People tell business owners and entrepreneurs, ”If you don’t want to have trouble with money, visit this shrine.” It is a popular power spot as one of the three shrines for blessings of wealth.

Yamanashi
Shrines & Temples

15 Aug 2022 See More

Mount Fuji has always been considered a sacred mountain by the Japanese. And if there's a shrine here that's said to bring good fortune with money, you definitely have to check it out.

Mt. Omuro

Omuro Mountain, an independent peak with an altitude of 580m, is located in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture. This volcano, which looks like an overturned bowl, is a beloved symbol of the Izu Plateau. Formed by volcanic activity about 4000 years ago, Omuro Mountain is a nationally designated natural monument and the largest scoria cone in the eastern Izu Volcanic Group.

Shizuoka
Nature Spots

15 Aug 2022 See More

The view from the top is super wide and open. The distant coastline looks beautiful. The trail around the summit is about 1,000 meters and not steep at all, so it's really easy to walk.

Saikyo Abura Soba Kasugatei Akihabara Showa-Dori Branch

This is a famous specialty restaurant that serves "abura soba" which is eaten by mixing noodles with a small amount of soup broth at the bottom of the bowl. This is a popular chain restaurant with locations in various areas and the Akihabara Showa-Dori location is close to Akihabara station and has both second-floor seats as well as first floor counter seats.

Akihabara, Kanda, Ochanomizu
Ramen

13 Aug 2022 See More

Totally different from the usual soba. It looks simple, but it's actually really tasty.

Village Vanguard Diner TOYOSU FORESIA

This is a hamburger place run by Village Vanguard, a popular place to buy books and toys. With its interior designed to recall the American countryside, it boasts a playful ambience.

Tsukiji, Odaiba, Toyosu
Western Restaurants

13 Aug 2022 See More

The classic wagyu burger patty is super tender and juicy. Plus, you can bring your beloved pet to the outdoor terrace area.