Dotonbori is a must go-to-place when you visit Osaka and there are hundreds of stands for authentic Japanese street food like Takoyaki, gyoza and fried skewers...etc. The ambiance was lively and energetic but it is always crowded and has lines in front of each restaurant. Food wasn’t bad but you need to make sure to check the reviews before you try. Tourists love to imitate the post of the famous signature runner of Glico (グリコさん) on a signboard by the entrance. Ezaki Glico Co Ltd. is one of the largest Japanese food & sweet companies in Japan.

Drop the lads off at a bar (recommend the Australian bar) and set off on a shopping venture checking out the many second hand high quality designer and luxury goods bargains. Lots of licensed second hand shops and the savings can be huge if you don't mind buying second hand. A lot come with original certificate of authenticity and this keeps the price a little higher than no certificated goods. My wife got a bargain on a nice vintage cartier watch. By the way, the Aussie pub serves great pint of Guinness.

Must of us probably have the perception of the Japanese of being very polite, introverted and not necessarily much outgoing or to life-embracing. While many of tose traits may be true for a majority of the country it is definitely not for Osaka! The city is Japan's capital of fun and food and Dotombori is the epicenter of it all. Picture flash lights, crowds, crazy food, noise and Manga dressed people packed into a few main streets and voila - you're in Dotombori!