Round-trip flights starting from ¥5,000 – Easy Go to Osaka’s Scenic Beauty and Delicious Food

By MOOK Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin, compiled and reported

 

For those who love traveling in Japan, besides Tokyo in the Kanto region, Osaka in the Kansai area is another exciting and worthwhile destination. From April 16, Cathay Pacific and Dragonair will kick off a four-week series of weekly “Enjoy FUN” limited-time online flight deals. The third week runs from today until May 2, featuring surprise deals on Cathay Pacific Taipei–Osaka economy round-trip tickets starting from just NT$5,000, as well as Dragonair Taipei–Hong Kong economy round-trip tickets starting from NT$4,300, and Dragonair Taichung–Hong Kong economy round-trip tickets from just NT$3,500. All fares do not include taxes and surcharges. Tickets purchased under the “Enjoy FUN” promotion from today until the end of May 2 must be used for travel between May 6 and June 23.

Bought an exciting deal ticket to Osaka but not sure what sights and food to enjoy? Here are some must-visit attractions and delicacies in Osaka that we recommend to readers, including Osaka Castle, the fortress of Toyotomi Hideyoshi; the water bus for enjoying Osaka’s scenery from the river; Tsutenkaku Tower, which offers a panoramic view of southern Osaka; the self-proclaimed king of takoyaki; and the popular Western-style restaurant Polar Star, rumored to be the birthplace of omurice. Come take a look.

 

The snow-white, towering Osaka Castle is the city’s most iconic landmark and a must-visit for every traveler. This magnificent, gilded castle was once the residence of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Built in 1583 to rally the nation, it was originally five times the size of the current structure. The grand and resplendent architecture earned it the nicknames “Golden Castle” or “Brocade Castle,” with its imposing presence reflecting the extraordinary aura of the Warring States period warlord.

The Osaka water bus offers several sightseeing routes. The AQUA LINER departs from Osaka Castle, circles Nakanoshima Island, and passes landmarks such as the Imperial Hotel and the Mint Bureau, allowing passengers to take in the city’s top tourist spots. Due to Osaka’s many bridges, the AQUA LINER has a very flat hull and an upper section made of glass to extend cabin views and enable passage under bridges.

 

Completed during the Meiji period, the 103-meter-tall Tsutenkaku tower was modeled after the Eiffel Tower in Paris and incorporates elements of an Arc de Triomphe. Unfortunately, it was destroyed during the war, but the current structure was jointly rebuilt by local residents. Take the elevator up to the fifth-floor observation deck for a panoramic view of southern Osaka. The most eye-catching feature is the “Billiken” lucky statue. In fact, this seemingly smiling or scowling figure is the work of an American artist, and it is said that touching its feet and making a wish for exam success or romance greatly increases the chance of it coming true. Couples are often seen visiting together to pray.

Claiming to be Japan’s No. 1 takoyaki, the Honke Daitako (本家大たこ) is one of the must-try specialties in Dotonbori, with over 30 years of history. To ensure freshness, no frozen ingredients are used. The unique boat-shaped wooden plate has been used since the shop’s founding. The reason the store sees long lines daily is not only because of the chefs’ quick and skillful movements—pouring ingredients, flipping the takoyaki until they turn a golden, slightly charred hue, then arranging them on the boat-shaped plate and topping them generously with bonito flakes that flutter in the steam—but also because of the octopus pieces in the center. They proudly claim to be the largest in Japan, using sushi-grade octopus. One bite reveals an exquisite texture and delicious juices.