Instead, if you're looking for the best restaurants and food shops in Japan, it might be in your best interest to travel southwest of Tokyo to the country's third-largest city, Osaka. Set to host World Expo 2025, Osaka is beloved for its many culinary offerings, earning it the nickname 'kitchen of Japan.' But there's a lot more than just food to captivate visitors. It is known as the " Kitchen of Japan," after all.
In fact, there's a saying in Osaka known as " kuidaore," which literally means to eat until you go broke. What to Eat in Osaka Osaka is sometimes referred to as the food capital of Japan, supported by its endearing nickname, Tenka no Daidokoro, meaning "the nation's kitchen." As a port city, Osaka was a crucial trade hub during the Edo period of Japan. CNN's Richard Quest explores Osaka's Dotonbori district, famous for its iconic billboards and renowned street food culture known as the 'kitchen of Japan.'.
The Japanese kitchen (Japanese: 台所, romanized: Daidokoro, lit. 'kitchen') is the place where food is prepared in a Japanese house. Until the Meiji era, a kitchen was also called kamado (かまど; lit.
stove) [1] and there are a number of sayings in the Japanese language that involve kamado as it was considered the symbol of a house. When it comes to the culinary scene, Japan is one of the top countries in the world for food-based vacations, and this is the city where you should start. And, dare I say, you've probably heard some version of this before: "Osaka is Japan's kitchen " or "Osaka is the food capital of Japan." These claims appear in countless travel guides, blog posts and social media recommendations.
They're repeated so often that they've become accepted wisdom among international travelers. Osaka is a city where food is more than just sustenance - it's a way of life. From the iconic takoyaki to savory okonomiyaki, the streets of Osaka are filled with mouthwatering treats that reflect its rich culinary history and vibrant food culture.
Discover Osaka, Japan's "Food Capital". From tasty takoyaki to exquisite sushi, it's a culinary paradise for food lovers. Plan your food adventure today!