Treasure hunting in local Kansai markets, stepping into the ultimate world of deliciousness

Since ancient times, Osaka people have been famous across Japan for their love of food. Many delicious dishes originated in Osaka, and there are also countless restaurants and street snacks. Namba and the nearby Dotonbori are the liveliest areas in southern Osaka, home to many eateries. Due to its proximity to the approach of Imamiya Ebisu Shrine and to meet the needs of restaurant professionals, a street called Senba Nichome Doguya-gai gradually formed near Namba.

This shopping street mainly sells all kinds of kitchenware. Here you can go treasure hunting for cute chopstick stands, adorable maneki-neko (lucky cats), or delicate lacquerware tableware. Of course, there’s also a wide variety of pots, pans, and utensils specially for Japanese cuisine, as well as curtains and tools for opening shops. Whether you’re looking for Western, Japanese, or Chinese restaurant supplies, everything imaginable is available. If you’re interested in making takoyaki or okonomiyaki at home, or cooking a small Japanese hot pot, you’ll definitely find high-quality, affordable tools here. In addition, many Japanese-style bowls and plates are also very reasonably priced.

Adjacent to Osaka, Kobe is also a fascinating city that visitors to the Kansai region must explore. Kobe’s Nankinmachi, along with Yokohama and Nagasaki, is known as one of Japan’s three major Chinatowns. The area is said to be the most authentically Chinese place in the region. The charm of Nankinmachi lies in its vibrant atmosphere and the strong sense of Chinese culture that greets visitors as they enter. The roughly 100-meter east-west and north-south street is mostly named after streets in Hong Kong.

The buildings in Nankinmachi, with their red and gold color schemes, leave a deep visual impression on visitors. The area is surrounded by eye-catching archways, including Chang’an Gate, Xi’an Gate, and South Gate, which was funded by Taiwanese investors. The streetlights along the way are distinctly Chinese in style, the ground is paved with stone slabs, and there are red lanterns hanging overhead and a central pavilion in the square. The entire Nankinmachi feels like a miniature version of Hong Kong—bustling and familiar to visitors from Chinese-speaking regions. Just the crowded array of street food stalls along the road is lively enough. The most popular item is the buns from the long-established Lau Cheung Kee next to the square, which always has a long queue. You can also try various types of hot and cold Chinese ramen unique to this area, as well as shumai, chicken feet, sesame balls, and zongzi—all available to eat on the go, offering a truly satisfying experience.

Coming to the Kansai region, known for its "delight in food," you should definitely immerse yourself in local life, see the delicious markets of the Kansai people firsthand, and step into an affordable, ultimate world of flavor.

Read more: Tottori Fish Market (provided by Tripass Scenic Spots)