OSAKA DIARY VI - ERIC KIM

Osaka: probably the most under-rated place to travel to in Japan (and in the world):

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Super cheap sushi/sashimi (if you visit the fish market at around 6pm, for the “time sale”). For example, a bowl of Otoro (fatty tuna belly), for only $12 USD (1,200 yen), and a sizable sashimi platter for only $1.50 USD (150 yen).
Motsunabe hot pot (beef innards) is probably my new favorite dish — affordable, rich, filling, and delicious.
Easy to walk around, clean, quiet.
Good flavor of the people in the city- Osaka folks are more warm, cordial, and expressive than folks in Tokyo. Also, Osaka has pretty cool street style (thus, interesting people).
Osaka is a pretty massive city, almost as big as Tokyo (I didn’t realize this). The shopping area of Osaka is uber-developed. Frankly speaking, even if I never went to Tokyo (and only stayed here in Osaka) I would be happy.
Living costs in Osaka is cheaper than Kyoto/Tokyo.
Kobe beef here is amazing, especially when you just buy it at the stalls (we got delicious pieces for only $20 USD)
Great for street photography; tons of crowded pedestrian areas, and good geometry/colors/angles in the city.
Very cheap discount grocery stores everywhere (Super Tamade Osaka is my favorite chain).
Cool hipster neighborhood/good place to get coffee/do work (fast free wifi + outlets) at STREAMER COFFEE COMPANY / Osaka.

If you’ve never been to Japan before, HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend Osaka!