My Solitaire Wedding

EAT:   Lunch  at Grenier Umeda Store  Japan, 〒530-0017 Osaka, Kita Ward, Kakudacho, 8 Hankyu Grand Building, 1F Located in the heart of Umeda, Osaka, Grenier Umeda Store is a pastry shop that draws long lines and glowing reviews — especially for its signature mille-feuille.  Tucked beneath the stairs of the Hankyu Grand Building, it’s a spot that many dessert lovers seek out.  There’s no dine-in space, just a small bench outside. Most customers opt for takeaway and enjoy their treats in the nearby plaza —  which makes enjoying the food on-site a bit awkward — especially in bad weather or peak hours. And we are also joined in by plump pigeons hoping for a crumb or two. We sampled two items from their menu, both beautifully crafted and visually festive: Mont Blanc Mille-Feuille (Halloween Edition): This baked pastry featured a rich purple sweet potato cream piped into a spooky Halloween design. It was fun to look at and had a nice bala...

  EAT:  LiLo Coffee Roasters, Osaka Japan, 〒542-0086 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Nishishinsaibashi, 1 Chome−10−28 Shinsaibashi M, １階 In the heart of Amerika-Mura, Osaka’s edgy and eclectic neighborhood, lies a tiny coffee haven that packs a serious punch:  LiLo Coffee Roasters . Known for its expertly brewed specialty coffee and vibrant energy, this café is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates a good cup — even if you have to squeeze in to enjoy it. The space is super crowded, especially on weekends, and seating is very tight — but that’s part of its charm. If you’re lucky enough to snag an indoor seat, especially on a cold rainy day like today, it’s the perfect spot to warm up with a comforting brew. We tried the espresso blend, and it was a standout. The flavor profile was: Chocolaty and nutty , with Hints of blueberry  that added a subtle fruitiness Each coffee comes with a  tasting card  that includes: The  flavor notes ...

  EAT:    Dinner  at Ginpe Osaka Shinsaibashi Japan, 〒542-0083 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Higashishinsaibashi, 1 Chome−15−15 いちご心斎橋ビル B1F If you're craving a traditional Japanese seafood experience in Osaka — one that blends elegance, freshness, and craftsmanship —  Ginpei Shinsaibashi  is a top-tier choice. Located just a short walk from Shinsaibashi Station, this refined restaurant specializes in seasonal fish dishes sourced directly from Wakayama and Kochi, served in a serene, beautifully designed space. The menu is written in kanji , reflecting the restaurant’s deeply traditional Japanese roots. For non-Japanese speakers, this can be a bit intimidating — but thankfully, our meal was expertly ordered by le hubs’ colleague's Japanese wife, who knew exactly what to choose. Her selections brought out the best of Ginpei’s offerings. We visited for dinner and were treated to a beautifully curated meal that showcased Ginpei’s commitme...

  EAT:    Lunch  at Maruyoshi Sushi at Osaka Kizu Market 2 Chome-2-8 Shikitsuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0012, Japan Located at  2-2-8 Shikitsu Higashi , Maruyoshi is just a short walk from  Daikokucho Station , making it easy to reach even on a tight itinerary. The restaurant is small — around 15 seats — with a tight but welcoming layout. Expect counter seating and a few window-side spots. It’s best to arrive early (before 9:30 AM) to avoid the growing queue. Despite its modest size, the vibe is warm and efficient. Staff are friendly, and service is lightning-fast. You’ll be handed a menu while waiting, and your order will be taken before you’re seated — ensuring your food arrives almost immediately. We visited Maruyoshi for a  sushi lunch , and it absolutely lived up to the hype. We started with a tasting of  all the different cuts of tuna  — the rich, melt-in-your-mouth  otoro , the perfectly balanced  chutoro , and the lean...

  EAT:   Lunch  at Steakhouse Kozai Japan, 〒542-0083 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Higashishinsaibashi, 1 Chome−17−15 丸清ビル 2F If you're a steak enthusiast with a taste for premium Japanese beef,  Steak House Kozai  in Osaka's Chuo district is a must-visit. Tucked away on the second floor of the Marukiyo Building in Shinsaibashi, this intimate steakhouse delivers a dining experience that’s both refined and deeply satisfying. We were fortunate to walk in without a reservation and ended up being the  last guests served for lunch —a spontaneous decision that turned into a memorable meal. Despite the late lunch hour at 2 pm, the service was impeccable and the food was prepared with care and precision. Before cooking, the chef presented the  waygu beef along with its official certification , proudly showcasing the authenticity and quality of the Kobe beef. We ordered two different sets, and both were outstanding: Premium Kobe Beef Dice Steak Course : This course wa...

  EAT:   Dinner  at Namba Okonomiyaki Ajinoya Hoten Japan, 〒542-0076 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Namba, 1 Chome−7−16 現代こいさんビル 2F When in Osaka,  okonomiyaki  is a must—and if you’re looking for one of the best,  Ajinoya Honten in Namba  is a name that comes up time and again. With decades of history and a Bib Gourmand nod under its belt, this spot has become a pilgrimage site for food lovers seeking the perfect savory pancake. I made my way to the  main shop in Namba , and as expected, there was already a queue forming. I waited for about  an hour  before it was our turn, but the staff kept things moving efficiently, and once seated, the food was served promptly. I went for the  mixed okonomiyaki and mixed yakisoba set. The mixed okonomiyaki , which came loaded with pork, squid, shrimp, and octopus. The texture was spot-on—crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, with a rich umami flavor that lingered beautifully. The combination of...

  EAT:  Rikuro Cheesecake Legendary  Rikuro Ojisan no Mise —home to the famously jiggly Japanese cheesecake had been sitting high on my  to-eat list  for a while, so when I found myself in Osaka, I made it a point to search for the nearest branch. With anticipation building, I arrived to find a long queues. Faced with two options—queue for the freshly baked version or grab a ready-made one—I opted for the latter. Even so, the line is a 30-45 mins queue and the payoff? Absolutely worth it. The cheesecake is  incredibly light and airy , almost cloud-like in texture. It’s subtly cheesy, not overpowering, which makes it easy on the palate and dangerously easy to eat more than one slice. What really surprised me was how well the  raisins at the bottom  complemented the cake—adding a gentle sweetness and a bit of texture that balanced the fluffiness beautifully. After grabbing our cheesecake, we headed off to  Nara , and honestly, it made for the p...

  EAT:    Lunch  at Tamagoya 68 Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo 670-0012, Japan After landing in Kansai and spending the morning exploring the stunning  Himeji Castle , I was ready for a comforting, local lunch. Just a short walk from the castle grounds, I shortlisted  Tamagoya —a cozy eatery known for its specialty in  tamago kake gohan  (raw egg over rice). It turned out to be one of the most interesting meals of the trip. The restaurant is open from  11:00 AM to 5:00 PM , making it ideal for a midday break. I ordered the  royal tamago kake gohan set , expecting a simple bowl of rice with one egg. To my surprise, the set came with  six raw eggs ! I was completely unprepared for that, and while the eggs were incredibly fresh and delicious, the  maximum I could manage was four . Each egg added a rich, creamy texture to the hot rice, and the optional toppings—soy sauce, dashi, seaweed—let you customize each bowl to your taste....

  EAT:   Dinner   at Bottle Bird Yakitori Japan, 〒530-0011 Osaka, Kita Ward, Ofukacho, 1−1 ヨドバシカメラLINKS UMEDA 地下1階 After landing at Kansai International Airport at 8:35 PM and arriving in Osaka city center just after 9 pm, I was looking for a quick, satisfying meal to kick off my trip. I found exactly that at Bottle Bird Yakitori & Sour, a sleek, modern izakaya tucked into the Umeda Links area. The space is warm and stylish, with the comforting aroma of charcoal-grilled skewers wafting through the air from the open kitchen. It’s the kind of place that feels both local and elevated—perfect for a late-night bite after a long journey. Quick, Delicious, and Just What I Needed Dinner was fast and flavorful. I was in and out in under an hour, but every bite was memorable. The  potato salad  was a surprising highlight—creamy, slightly tangy, and topped with crispy bits that added a perfect crunch.  I also had the  zucchini skewer with anchovy butter , whi...

Osaka is a city that knows how to eat — from sizzling street food to refined seafood, cozy coffee shops to indulgent desserts. During our recent trip, we explored a variety of local favorites and hidden gems. Here’s a roundup of 9 food spots in Osaka that left an impression — some unforgettable, some overhyped, but all worth talking about. 🔥 1. Bottle Bird Yakitori (Umeda) A lively yakitori joint tucked in Umeda, Bottle Bird serves up perfectly grilled skewers with bold flavors and a casual vibe. The chicken thigh and tsukune (meatball) were standouts, and the smoky aroma alone is worth the visit. Great for late-night bites and drinks. 📍 Location : Umeda 💡 Vibe : Izakaya-style, energetic ⭐ Try : Chicken thigh, tsukune, grilled veggies 🍳 2. Tamagoya This spot celebrates the beauty of the Japanese egg, and the highlight here is the classic Tamago Kake Gohan — raw egg over hot rice. At T amagoya, the eggs are incredibly fresh, making it safe and delicious to enjoy them raw....

Sometimes, the best travel experiences are the ones you didn’t plan for—and that’s exactly how I stumbled upon Café Dior Osaka . A Sister’s Recommendation Turned Hidden Gem This wasn’t on my itinerary at all. My sister had recommended it, and since I arrived at Kansai International Airport earlier than expected, I decided to hunt it down. After some searching, I was told the café is located after the customs area, which makes it a hidden treasure for departing travelers. If you’re flying internationally, make sure to plan a visit after you clear immigration! First Impressions: Elegance in Every Detail As soon as I entered, I was struck by how fanciful and luxurious everything was. The space is a visual homage to Dior’s iconic design language— Toile de Jouy , cannage , and couture sketches adorn the interiors and even the desserts. It’s like stepping into a Parisian fashion dream. Service That Matches the Style The service staff were exceptional. They patiently ushered us to ...

STAY: Osaka : Hotel Hokke Club Osaka 12-19 Toganocho, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0056, Japan Location: Umeda area, near Osaka and Umeda Stations ✅ Highlights: Spacious and clean rooms : Our room was large for a Japanese hotel, with a double bed and plenty of space to move around. Everything was spotless and well-maintained. Excellent breakfast : A generous buffet with a good mix of Japanese and Western dishes . We especially enjoyed the Japanese options—fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. Great value : Affordable rates with high standards of cleanliness and service. ⚠️ Things to Note: Location near adult entertainment area : While the hotel is close to a nightlife district, we didn’t feel unsafe or uncomfortable. The area was surprisingly quiet and orderly. No onsen experience : Although the hotel offers a public bath, we didn’t use it during our stay. 👤 Best for: Travelers who want a clean, spacious, and ...

SHOP:  Rinku Premium outlet Just a 6-minute walk from Rinku Town Station ,this outlet is perfect for travelers with layovers or those heading to/from Kansai Airport. Plus, duty-free shopping and free coupons for foreign visitors (passport required) make it even more attractive. Nestled in the scenic Rinku Town,  Rinku Premium Outlets is more than just a shopping destination—it's a vibrant experience that blends retail therapy with seaside relaxation. With over 250 stores, Rinku Premium Outlets is the largest outlet mall in western Japan. From global fashion giants like Michael Kors, Coach, Nike, and Adidas to beloved Japanese brands such as BEAMS and Onitsuka Tiger. One of our favorite stops was the Polo Ralph Lauren Outlet Store, which was running a change-of-season sale with as much as 70% off. We spent a lot of time browsing through timeless classics and stylish summer pieces at fantastic prices. The store was well-organized, and the staff were friendly and helpful—de...