Osaka Pocket Precincts: A Pocket Guide to the City's Best Cultural Hangouts, Shops, Bars and Eateries

Description

Osakais Japan's third largest city, often thought ofas Tokyo's brash, messy and always hungry cousin. Known for its street food, friendly locals and a thriving band scene, Osaka also knows how to go large. At night, neon signs guide you to tiny bars, live music, and unique places to drink and dance. Osaka Pocket Precincts is crammed with all the tips you'll need to shop, eat, drink and explore this frenetic city, from the world-class Osaka Aquarium, Osaka Castle, Harry Potter World and Spa World (a super sento bathing complex), to the giant effigies of puffer fish, crabs and gyoza dumplings that line the colourful streets around Dotonbori. Head to old town Shinsekai for Japan's favourite street foods, okonomiyaki, takoyaki and kushikatsu. Shop with Osaka's design crowd on hip Orange Street, stopping for the perfect cup of syphoned coffee or craft beer. This curated guide covers all the major areas, the best ramen hotspots, vintage shops, backstreet bars and coffee joints sprinkled throughout the city. Maps are included to help you navigate the city streets and attractions. And you'll find recommended field trips outside the city to Nara, Wakayama, the spiritual retreat of Mount Koya and Arima Onsen. Slip this guide into your pocket and head off to experience the very best of Osaka.

Steve Wide and Michelle Mackintosh are Japan obsessives. It's their home away from home 3+ months of the year. This is their third Japan book in the Pocket Precinct series (Tokyo Pocket Precincts and Kyoto Pocket Precincts have been translated into Korean and German). They have also authored a guide to hot springs bathing, Onsen of Japan (translated into three languages), and a larger volume on Tokyo. At home in Melbourne, Michelle is an award-winning book designer and illustrator and Steve is an indie radio DJ.