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Traveling to Osaka in 2023
Traveling the Entire Summer, A Mini-Series
We took a 3-hour Shinkansen ride from Tokyo to Osaka, which was our second main destination during our summer trip. Osaka has a completely different vibe compared to Tokyo. While in Osaka, we also took quick train rides to nearby cities including Kyoto, Hiroshima, Himeji, and Nara.
In this article, I will share my impressions of the city of Osaka, as well as the surrounding cities we visited. However, Kyoto itself is so noteworthy that it deserves its own post, which I have written separately.
Local tour
Once again, taking a local tour is the best way to quickly learn about the history of a city. During our stay in Osaka, we found a free walking tour that provided us with a great opportunity to learn about the city’s culture, history, and food.
People
We learned that different from Tokyo, people here love humor. In fact, comedy originated in Osaka. People here love a good joke in conversations. People are more relaxed than Toyko. They pride themselves find good deals rather than buying expensive brands.
Inventions
Osaka is the birthplace of many innovations. For instance, conveyor belt sushi was invented by Yoshiaki Shiraishi, who…