Our guide this week: Susumu Hamada is Osaka-born and raised. He leads walking tours in the downtown area and sells The Big Issue Japan on the pedestrian bridge in front of the Umeda (Osaka) station. “Come chat – I’ll let you know how to have some fun in Osaka,” he says.
My top tourist tip
Get advice from the locals
Osaka has so many rivers and bridges that it has long been called ‘Water City’ and ‘Happyaku-yabashi,’ meaning 808 bridges. If you’re in the city, try getting tips from people on the street rather than from a guidebook. Osakans are friendly, kind, and will be happy to help you out. I think the essence of Osaka is the warmth of its people.
My favourite spot
You just can’t beat Nakanoshima (20 minutes from Osaka station on foot). Both Osaka City Central Public Hall and Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library were built around 100 years ago and have grand and old-fashioned architecture. Back then, Osaka had a booming textile industry and was called the ‘Manchester of the Orient’. Looking at these buildings, you can imagine how the city was thriving. You can tell I’m a real Osakan because I like being reminded of the good old days, which we call the ‘Big Osaka’ era because this city was the largest in Japan, surpassing even Tokyo. Nakanoshima is where Osaka’s merchants got started; it’s like the spiritual birthplace of all Osakans.
Where to eat
Umeda Hanshin Hyakka-ten