Den Den Town: Osaka's Akihabara

Most people have heard of Akihabara -- Tokyo’s famous electronics district -- but did you know that Osaka has its own otaku-friendly part of the city, known as Den Den Town?

Den Den Town is centered around a kilometer-long stretch with electronics, computers, and anime-related shops packed on both sides of a busy street. Branching away from the road are numerous side alleys, where the most unique and specialized stores are located.

Often, great deals can be found in Den Den Town, especially at non-name brand stores. Being in Kansai, bartering for a lower price is an accepted way of doing business -- give it a shot!

Den Den Town is located in Nipponbashi (near Namba), and can be accessed via the popular Midosuji Subway Line.

Ride The Hep Five Ferris Wheel

The Hep Five Ferris Wheel has become a major landmark in Umeda, Osaka, and is located so close to Hotel Kinki, you almost have to include it on your list of things to do!

To access the Ferris wheel, you’ll need to enter the Hep Five building. The entrance of this shopping complex is located on the far side when approaching from Hotel Kinki. (The entrance directly faces Hankyu Umeda Station.) Take the elevator to the top floor to board the Ferris wheel.

Admission is 500 yen per person, and each pod can fit four people.

The ride takes around 15 minutes and will give you an excellent look at downtown Umeda. But if you’re scared of heights, you might want to sit this one out, as you’ll definitely feel a bit exposed (and vulnerable!) hanging some 100 meters above the city streets.

Visit Kobe Port Tower

Kobe Port Tower, residing in Kobe Harbor, offers spectacular views from its observation deck and cafeteria. This landmark has been a popular tourist destination for decades, but is not particularly over-crowed or busy inside.

The unique structure features prominent lattice piping that is illuminated at night. If possible, try to visit the tower during sunset for a most memorable occasion.

Inside the tower you’ll find a revolving cafeteria. This is an excellent spot to order a snack and rest your feet. Although there are higher observation decks above, the lower floors usually have less people and may actually offer a better vantage point for looking out over the harbor and back towards the city.

Kobe Port Tower charges 600 yen for admission and is opened every day of the week. The tower is within walking distance of Motomachi Station, which is serviced by JR, Hankyu and Hanshin train lines.

Speaking in Kansai Dilect: Bochi-Bochi

Learning standard Japanese, or the way Japanese is spoken formally, can be useful, but not terribly exciting. Here in the Kansai region, folks have their own way of talking. This dialect, referred to as Kansai-ben or Osaka-ben, is known for its humorous, unsophisticated, and sometimes “a bit rube by Tokyo’s standards” style of parlance.

Learning Kansai-ben will help you break the ice with the locals, and probably earn you some street cred in the process.

The phrase “bochi bochi” can be used to vaguely answer many casual types of questions. It’s sort of a neutral response that’s open to interpretation. It can be useful when you're making small talk and you don't really know what's being asked or how to respond.

Q: How’s business these days?
A: Maa, bochi bochi denna. (It’s going so-so.)

Q: Can you speak Japanese?
A: Maa, bochi bochi ya na. (I’m getting there...)

Q: How are you doing?
A: bochi bochi (OK / fine)