Osaka calling

OSAKA, long seen as playing second fiddle to glitzy big sister Tokyo, now buzzes with an eclectic appeal that has earned it its own fan base.

After the frenetic energy of the capital city, Japan’s third-largest city (after Yokohama) is refreshingly laidback – its people are less in a hurry and friendlier, the mood is casual and, yes, the prices lower. Plus, where else can you get your fill of okonomiyaki and takoyaki than right where they were invented?

For history buffs, there’s the majestic 16th century Osaka Castle, its beautifully landscaped gardens and the tranquil sixth-century Shitennoji temple. For lovers of the not-so-distant past, the narrow lanes of Shinsekai reveal gritty, retro surprises at every turn. Thrill-seekers get their fix at the hugely entertaining Universal Studios Japan.