If you are one of those dauntless wanderers who wish to travel Osaka amid a novel coronavirus outbreak, props to you. Despite the temporary closure of some major attractions and facilities in Osaka, a lot of local merchants and tour operators are still opening, enticing travelers to take advantage of the situation to enjoy the city for themselves.
In this blog post, we are giving you the least crowded tourist attractions in Osaka to visit amid coronavirus situation.
1. Dotonbori
Though it’s the center of Osaka for entertainment and food adventure, Dotonbori in Minami right now is free of crowds. Whether you want to go here at night or at daytime, Dotonbori still exudes the same charm, big flashy billboards and 3D signs all over it. If you want to see the iconic neon lights, you can still experience that at night.
If you are looking for the best things to do in Dotonbori, you better What to Do in Dotonbori blog post here.
2. Hozenji Yokocho
If you are already in Dotonbori, don’t go too far. Just a minute walk away is Hozenji Yokocho. This narrow alleyway is packed to rafters with traditional restos and pubs that you can check out at night. Though Hozenji Yokocho looks like a backstreet meant for budget travelers, it actually caters to all kinds of tourists.
Are you looking for some must-try foods in Osaka? Check out our Osaka Food Guide here.
3. Shinsekai
Shinsekai, a pre-war district in downtown Osaka, is an interesting place to explore, especially if this is your first time in Osaka. Shinsekai was developed in the image of Paris (north part) and New York (south part). It’s one of the few larger areas in Osaka Prefecture where you can still feel old Japan. At this time, Shinsekai is even more relaxed with few tourists roaming around. Don’t forget to visit Tsutenkaku Tower, a tower constructed in 1912 to replicate Paris’s Eiffel Tower.
4. Kuromon Market
Kuromon Market in Minami is the go-to wet market of locals and chefs in Osaka to buy fresh produce, seafood, meat, and kitchenware. This public market is one of the best food places in Osaka that both local and foreign tourists can go to. It has food stalls selling a wide variety of local delicacies for you to consume. Kuromon Market covers 600 meters, so there’s plenty of stores you can find for whatever traditional foods you are craving. The market is still open from 8 am to 6 pm.
5. Amerika-mura
Amerika-mura, known as Amemura, is the center of Western-oriented youth culture in Osaka, forming a village on its own around the famous hangout hub Sankakukoen Triangle Park. Literally translated to America Village, Amemura is where you can find a distinctive combo of street art and street food where indie galleries, cafes, and boutiques populate the opposite sides of the lane. It also has retro stores, thrift shops, and secondhand book and record stores. At night, bars and clubs play American hip-hop and rock music.
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