When visiting Dotonbori in Osaka, it’s hard not to notice the eye-catching Nakaza Cui-daore Building. The most iconic feature on its exterior is Kuidaore Taro, with his mouth open as he beats a drum. This figure was originally a symbol of the Nakaza theater, and after the theater closed, Kuidaore Taro became a classic Dotonbori landmark. Today, the building houses restaurants, shops, and other facilities. If you pass by, consider stopping to take a photo and experience Dotonbori’s lively streetscape filled with Osaka character.
Nakaza Cui-daore Bldg. | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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MIRAIZA OSAKA-JO
A complex of historical buildings located in the plaza in front of the Tower of Osaka Castle. Built in 1931, the former army office building has an eye-catching, stately exterior reminiscent of an old medieval castle in Europe. Inside, the upper walls are decorated with vivid ornaments, and the corner towers on the front and four corners still retain the atmosphere of the past.
MIRAIZA OSAKA-JO, located within Osaka Castle, is more than just a commercial facility—it is also a historic building worth noticing. Built in 1931 to commemorate Emperor Showa’s enthronement, it originally served as the headquarters of the Fourth Division. Its exterior was deliberately designed in the style of a medieval European castle, with distinctive corner towers and massive walls. After the war, it was used by the police and later became the Osaka City Museum. Today, it houses restaurants, shops, and exhibition spaces, and the rooftop offers a close-up view of Osaka Castle’s main tower.
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Gion Tsujiri "Tsujiri no Sato"
Founded in 1860 as a manufacturer and seller of Uji tea, Gion Tsujiri is the spot for plumes of rich aroma and the taste of tea in Kyoto, a historic tea-producing region, for over 160 years. Recent years at the tea house have seen an all new kind of buzz thanks to the launch of a widened range of matcha sweets. For sweet and tasty souvenirs, look no further than this go-to brand.
When visiting Gion Tsujiri in Kyoto, in addition to the matcha desserts, I highly recommend picking up a box of “Tsujiri no Sato”! Crispy thin wafers are rolled into small cylinders and filled with rich matcha cream. When you bite into one, you first get the crisp texture of the wafer, followed by a delicate tea aroma. The slight bitterness of the matcha perfectly balances the sweetness, making it very easy to enjoy. Pair it with the tea bags sold at the shop for an afternoon tea that really tastes like Kyoto.
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Kankakei (Ropeway)
Kankakei is a gorge in Kagawa Prefecture’s Shodo Island. It is located in the heart of Setonaikai National Park. The valley of Kankakei was formed over thousands of years as volcanic andesite and agglomerate were thrust upward via shifting of the earth’s mantle and eroded by rain and wind, creating a spectacular scene of sheer cliffs and rock formations.
As the Kankakei Ropeway slowly ascended, the scenery before me became more and more spectacular! From high above, you can admire layers of overlapping mountains, unusual rock formations, and the captivating scenery of the Seto Inland Sea. I couldn't help but take out my camera to snap some photos. I can imagine how magical it must look when the maple leaves turn red in the fall. Although the ride was short, the beautiful aerial views left a lasting impression.
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