We split from Tokyo and took the train down to Osaka. The train ride itself was easy and comfortable, and the countryside was super interesting to watch. Osaka is still a major city, but it felt so much less dense than Tokyo. Our accommodations were much more comfortable as well. We had a blast walking through mixed residential and commercial neighborhoods, and the kids found a bunch of thrift stores that reminded them a lot of California culture with a Japanese twist. The coffee was excellent!
Osaka is known as a major foodie destination, and it did not disappoint. The Dotonbori district in particular was like a mixture of Times Square and a blissed out seafood heaven, blended together. While that sounds overwhelming and a tad bit tacky, it wasn't at all. The locals were running around having a blast in all sorts of costumes and out there (for an American) fashion. Tourists and locals seemed to interact very comfortably, and we found the food to be unpretentious and absolutely excellent.
