First, thanks for all the advice so far. Amazing subreddit.
Looking for advice for my style of travel
I’ll be in Osaka April 22 – April 26, and Tokyo April 26 – May 3.
I have a few questions. I am NOT a fan of touristy stuff, unless it’s really worthwhile. Touristy stuff for me is shrines, castles, USJ, Disney, etc. If the area has lots of shops and food, I am more apt to check it out.
What I DO love is wandering around bizarre areas, shopping in odd shops, eating weird foods, technology, architecture.
In Osaka I’m looking for some suggestions for sushi and other fish to eat for dinner/lunch. either areas, or specific restaurants.. As well as somewhat non-main stream shopping. Any restaurants that people have LOVED would be great. I have a dairy allergy, but that’s about my only limitation.
I love Nintendo and Mario Kart, but have decided against USJ. Seems too busy , and a takes more time than I want to spend there. If there is something else Mario kart related, or Mario Kart VR, I’d be down to check it out. Definitely going to the Nintendo store.
In Osaka or Tokyo I’m looking for a small knife making shop that could engrave some knives for me. Something high quality, and preferably a smaller shop. I went to one in Kyoto many years ago, and love my knives, and want to bring some home for gifts.
I went to Robot Restaurant in Tokyo years ago, and it was fun. Anything else odd like this I should check out. Someone recommended a Ninja restaurant to me, worth it?
My itinerary is very open. I generally wander around, but don’t want to miss out on something I may need a reservation for.
oh last…I have saved my SUICA card from before, is it worth transfering to my iPhone or should I keep it just as a card?
Thanks so much for any advice. Looking forward to my trip!
4 comments
Have you thought about going to Sakai near Osaka for its knives?
This is exactly the kind of itinerary I’m after as well. Hopefully you get some good tips. I’m going the first week of June.
Maybe go walk around Shimokitazawa or go to Mandarake in Nakano. (Both areas in Tokyo)
Try [Kappabashi Dougu Street](https://www.kappabashi.or.jp/en/) for knives.
It’s a street lined with over 100 small stores selling kitchen tools.
There are many knife stores, but the most famous I think is Tsubaya.
Also, Aritsugu Tokyo in Tsukiji is one of the most famous in Tokyo.