It’s day 4 of our anniversary trip, and we visited the Namba and Nipponbashi areas! Here’s a recap of everything we did, from visiting Namba Yasaka Shrine to checking a few things off our foodie bucket list and even saying hi to some wildlife.

Namba Yasaka Shrine

Tucked away in the heart of the lively Namba district, Namba Yasaka Shrine offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. Founded in 1880, the shrine was built to commemorate Sasayama Jubei Kageyoshi, who worked tirelessly to officially recognize the Naniwa vegetable market and contributed to the development of Naniwa. I didn’t understand why there were so many signs featuring green onions and vegetables, but now it all makes sense.

The shrine is adorned with a majestic lion head, vibrantly colored and said to protect the area from evil spirits while bringing good fortune to visitors. Throughout the grounds, visitors can pray at various shrines or offer tamagushi—a piece of paper attached to a sakaki leaf with a hemp string.

Rikuro’s Cheesecake

If you’re a fan of cheesecake (who isn’t?), make sure to stop by Rikuro’s Cheesecake in Namba. This little slice of heaven is famous for its fluffy, wobbly cheesecake, which is as soft and light as a cloud. Whether you’re having it fresh out of the oven or picking up a whole cake to share, the taste is always incredible. You can eat upstairs or pay a little extra for utensils and find a place nearby. We chose the second option and enjoyed it near Starbucks.

Kuromon Ichiba Market

No visit to Namba is complete without checking out the iconic Kuromon Ichiba Market. Here, you’ll find everything from oysters, lobster, octopus, and scallops to various desserts and the classic tempura. We indulged in a crab and beef stick, fugu (blowfish), unagi (grilled eel), grilled oysters, matcha mochi, calamari, shrimp tempura, and even a sake flight—all for under 6,000 yen! Given that it was just the two of us, we thought that was pretty reasonable.

Denden Town

Denden Town is known for its anime and manga culture. But did you know they also sell all sorts of gizmos and gadgets? As we roamed the streets, we found shops selling tools, washing machines, camera gear, and other electronics. It’s a fun and lively place to get lost in for a few hours, whether you’re hunting for the perfect souvenir or just browsing the quirky, colorful stores.

My husband found a bunch of tools at a store we stumbled upon. His find would have easily cost $500 if he’d bought it in Hawaii. Sometimes the best finds are the most random ones!

Tempozan Ferris Wheel and Osaka Aquarium

Located near the Osaka Aquarium, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel offers a spectacular view of the city, especially when you reach the top. They offer both regular and glass-bottomed cabins, so you can enjoy the ride in comfort while taking in the panoramic views. It’s a lovely way to pause, relax, and appreciate the beauty of Osaka.

We went right after we visited the aquarium and absolutely loved it!

Nikuyakiya

Another unexpected find near our hotel! Specializing in grilled meats, Nikuyakiya offers a menu full of mouthwatering options for meat lovers. From sizzling yakiniku (grilled meat) to juicy skewers of tender chicken and pork, Nikuyakiya knows how to satisfy your cravings.

The charcoal grill is brought to your table, ready for you to cook your favorite meats. They also offer an all-you-can-drink option (if you’re into that). We tried all the wagyu and grilled meats for just 12,000 yen (under $80), which was a great deal!