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Osaka Hotel Review: Hotel Hokke Club Osaka and OMO7 Osaka by Hoshino Resorts

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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 ...
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Shop, eat and stay : Rinku Premium Outlet as a final pit stop before your flight out

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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...
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Exploring Osaka: Kuchu Teien Observatory, Namba Yasaka Jinja, and the Iconic Glico Man

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Osaka is a city that seamlessly blends modernity with tradition, offering visitors a unique experience at every turn. Here are three must-visit spots that showcase the diverse charm of this vibrant city. DO:  Namba Yasaka Jinja  2-9-19 Motomachi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0016, Jap an Tucked away just a short walk from Namba Station, Namba Yasaka Jinja is a hidden gem in the heart of Osaka. The shrine is best known for its massive lion head-shaped stage, which stands 12 meters tall and 11 meters wide. Said to swallow evil spirits and bring good fortune, the lion head is both striking and symbolic. For us, it was a quick photo stop—but a memorable one. The unique architecture and peaceful atmosphere made it a worthwhile detour on a rainy day, even if just for a few minutes. DO:  Kuchu Teien Observatory Umeda Sky Building, 1-1-88 Ōyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka, 531-6023, Japan Perched atop the Umeda Sky Building, the Kuchu Teien Observatory is one of Osaka’s most popular obser...
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Arima walkabout - scenes and food

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Nestled in the mountains just north of Kobe, Arima Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest and most charming hot spring towns. Arima is famous for its two types of spring water: - Kinsen (Gold Spring) : Rich in iron and salt, this reddish-brown water is believed to improve circulation, skin health and fertility. - Ginsen (Silver Spring) : A clear, carbonated spring with radium (low radioactive), known for its soothing and rejuvenating effects. The town’s narrow streets, lined with Edo-period buildings, are perfect for slow strolls particularly Arimagawa water park.  The gentle stream, shaded paths, and occasional koi sightings make it a peaceful retreat within the town. Beyond the baths, Arima is a hidden gem for food lovers. The town's culinary scene is a delightful mix of traditional japanese flavours and local specities.  And we are here on a food tasting trail: Arima 18-ban 明石焼  有馬十八番– Worth the Queue This was the only place where I had to queue—and it was absolutely worth...
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Studio Caratt Photography session: A fun and elegant kimono experience

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  Studio Caratt Photography session If you're looking for a photo studio that blends professional quality , family-friendly service , and a touch of fairy tale magic , Studio Caratt’s might just for you.  From the moment you step into a Studio Caratt location at Level 5, the atmosphere feels warm and inviting. The staff are attentive and well-trained, and for international guests, a translator is available, making communication smooth and stress-free. One of the standout features is the extensive costume selection. For the standard package i choose, there are a less than 10 choices of kimono and was fortunate to be able to pick one with beautiful orchid patterns. Hair and makeup services is included in my package and this made the experience more special. Guys have a slightly more variety of costume. For both the male and female, there is a lady who will help us dress in the traditional kimono while a lady specialising in make up will do the  make up.  The PG Session...
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Our most expensive stay - Nakanobo Zuien at Arima onsen

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  If you're looking for a luxurious and serene escape in Japan, Nakanobo Zuien in Arima Onsen is a destination that truly delivers. Our stay here was the most indulgent of our trip, and every detail—from the service to the onsen—was thoughtfully curated to create a deeply relaxing experience. From the moment we arrived, the hospitality was impeccable. The staff greeted us warmly and made us feel at home instantly. One charming detail: while we were always offered the escalator, the staff would take the stairs—an understated but touching gesture of service. All guests are also offered the traditional matcha tea upon arrival.  Our room aptly named AKATA was huge, spotlessly clean, and incredibly comfortable. It had a modern Japanese aesthetic with a private open-air bath and a stunning view of the surrounding mountains. There were so many complimentary drinks provided that we couldn’t even finish them all! The onsen facilities were a highlight. There are both indoor and outdoor...
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